Week 1

The site that has been selected for this semester projects is one that I am somewhat familiar with as I did a previous assignment for ‘Placemaking in architecture’, in the same area. To my knowledge the Howard smith wharves has factors associated in its history in WW2, the development of Brisbane and the story bridge. It will require more research into the area to understand the sites complexities. These factors will help to develop a more effective design. 

In the reading “Paris/ La Villette” the author talks about the development of a parkland in La Villette north of paris. It is identified that as part of the competition which this architecture was design for, there was a need for the promotion of French culture. This is similar to our design for the Howard smith wharves in that we want to promote the culture of the area in particular Brisbane culture which isn’t particularily obvious in many parts of Brisbane. This is comparison to other major cities in Australia such as Sydney and Melbourne that have strong cultural identity. Tschumi used pedestrian circulation paths and basic layers of shapes and lines to come to his final design. So in analysing how the site would be used by people will help us to come up with a more effective design. This is somewhat difficult due to its current condition. It is currently an empty worksite in desolate condition after the 2011 floods.

As the article explains “readability, Rigor and simplicity of expression, combined with complexity of reasoning and multiple possibilities…” is what made this design win the competition and because of this is still successful today. These are things we need to look into in our development in order for the public to be drawn into and utilise the space.