ANALYTICAL MAPS OF THE SITE - DETERMINING WHAT IS NEEDED

Conceptual Map

This map shows some of the main elements in the site's vicinity. Mainly the River and some key buildings, as well as the grid formation of the city design. The school, as highlighted in red to the left of the bridge, is in close proximity to the site, so the building may function as something that may be used by the school. This approach would activate the site through the building program.

City Pattern

This diagram shows the pattern of the city and shapes created in a more general sense. From this diagram you can see the large number of main roads, surrounding the site with traffic and activity. However it can also be seen that the site is disjointed from it's surroundings and lacks ease of access and visual connection due to the topography.

Figure Ground Map

The figure ground map gives a detailed analysis of the surrounding areas; the All Hallows school to the upper left, high density residential to the left, commercial to the upper right, and residential area to the right. It would be ideal to make the function of this building something that could be used by all surrounding building typologies.

Functional Analysis

By looking at the city at a large scale through a functional analysis, it can be seen that the site is surrounded by residential, commercial and multi-use zones. The All Hallows school is in close proximity. The site is lacking recreation and cultural areas as well as green spaces and public parks.

IDEAS:

I plan to build a hybrid building to add to the buildings sustainability and efficiency. By making the building multi-functional this may cover more of the needs of the site. I looked into building a library as part of my hybrid building as the area is lacking in these:

The presence of the nearby school would activate this site, as well as the surrounding residents. A multi-functional/flexible space would also provide a space for events, exhibitions, functions and lectures to occur on site, which also links back to my concept - catering for uniqueness. This however may be too broad and I may have to narrow the function of this space to something more specific although still flexible.

Greenspace also seems to be lacking in the surrounding areas where this will offer a relaxing retreat in the sites unique surroundings, and if coupled with a library, would provide an ideal place to read and learn.