Project 3 - Torquay Senior College Final Submission

The image below is the final submission poster for the Art and Technology Department for Torquay Senior College. We were reviewed by Jeremy. At first he didn't understand where my section was coming from, unfortunately the printer didn't print out my section line properly
:(, but i explained it to him and then he critised the fact that i didn't label the room names in my sections. Despite that i think he liked the sections and the fact that i put in a lot of people. He also liked the images of my digital model. Overall i think it went well!!:)

The images below are of the 1:200 model of the art and technology department. The model was created by using the laser cutter in the workshop.

The two images below are of the 1:200 model that we constructed as a group. We did not use the laser cutter to make it, although it still turned out really well. On the right of the image directly below is Emma's model of the Fitness Centre she designed, on the left is Melanie's model of the Administration and Auditorium and at the bottom of the image is my Art and Technology Deaprtment model.






The image below illustrates my model under construction!!

Project 3 - Detail Development

The sketches below were my attempt to work out the reinforcement and sizing of the underground cooling chambers.


In the final presentation i thought it would be worth showing a detail of the sliding doors because they play a big role in the idea of adaptability and openess. Below are my quick sketches of trying to work out the steel components and rails for the doors.

The stud walls located internally are connected to the polished concrete flooring which is used throughout my building. The stud framing will be connected using a floor plate and masonary dynabolt!
Below is a quick detail sketch attempting to work out how the pergola's timber posts would be connected to the concrete pad footings.

Project 3 - Detail Development

Below is my first attempt at trying to work out some dsetails of my building. On the left is a window detail with the light shelf attached. On the right is a detail of a labyeinth under each classroom.

After speaking to Mark Luther, he explain that a labyrinth needs to be at least 1m tall and the one i had drawn was only 500mm tall. He attempted to explain different ways to allow the cool air into the building through hollow core concrete flooring.

After speaking to Mark we got a few ideas going then Greg helped us work out and develop some ideas. We decided that a central labyirinth would be placed in the school that would be used to cool most of the buildings. Air would enter the labyrinth from the south-west side (strongest winds) and cool down within the labyrinth. The would be ditributed to each building that contained its own set of concrete chambers below. With negative and positive pressure the air would naturally be pumped into the spaces above.

Below is a quick detail sketch of the cooling chambers and drainage system.

Project 3 - Massing Model

The image below is a quick massing model i made at 1:200. I needed to make the model on order to work out the different roof heights and in which direction they would be pitched. The highest windows along the top are all facing north to allow maximum light and long eaves to keep out the hot summer sun!

Project 3- Further Development

Below is a drawing of a more revides plan at 1:100. I wanted to create the effect that the classrooms and staff/storage areas were pushed into the central corridor but still keep the idea of the checker board with the courtyards in between.

The sketch below was also drawn at 1:100. I wanted to indicate materiality and roof heights in order to understand the spaces i was creating. As a group we decided to go with recycled or sustainably harvested timber and rammed earth because of its good thermal mass and low embodied energy. The sectionbelow was drawn at 1:100 and indicates the passive ways the building may be cooled, ventilated and also ways it will receive natural lighting. Ventilation will be through windows above (which will prevent papers etc. from flying away when open). Cooling will be provided through an air spave underground with fans drawing the cool air into the space. Light shelves at the top windows provide indirect light and the raised skylights will also provide natural lighting and a way for hot air to naturally escape.

Project 3 - Development

Below is a sketch that further plays on the idea of courtyards. i have staggered the classrooms creating a checker board of classroom and courtyards. This creates an 'L' shape with the Art deapartment on one side and the technology department on the other. Centrally is an exhibition and main entry which binds the two departments together.

In further developing my design, i have attempted to create a central 'transient' corridor linking the separate classrooms together. In between the classrooms will contain the outdoor learning courtyards. to keep with the open and adaptable idea, i have incorporated sliding doors that allow the classrooms to be opened up or closed, whichever suits the particular task carried out by the students and teachers.

Project 3 - The School

In our groups for project 3 we each had to select a building from our master plan to design. I have chosen to design the art and technology building. This building sits at the back left of the site as indicated on the master plan.

As a group we decided to concentrate on the idea of an 'open and adaptable sustainable learning community.'

Below is a quick sketch of our revised master plan. We decided as a group and after speaking to the tutors that it was better to flip the plan. This was because the best part of the site (with the best northern light) was taken up by the auditorium which does not necessarily need natural lighting.


The drawing below is my idea of the art/technology department. I don't particularly like the design as it is very boring and conventional. I'm a little stuck for ideas and the tutors suggested designing a different building. However i think i will stick with designing this department. I will continue to develop the idea of outdoor learning courtyards that are directly linked to the classrooms.

Project 2 Master Plan Final

Click on the image above to see our groups main ideas and presentation for the Master Plan!

Above is the image of out groups proposal of the Master Plan for Torquay's year 10, 11 and 12 school. We got an overall good review with only criticism on the student drop off zone. We decided as a group that we will wipe out the parking spaces to the left of that area, creating a big loop and waiting area for parents. This will allow for a less congested drop off zone.

This is our Master Plan indicating the traffic control and major axes!

The three images above illustrate the fluid mapping carried out to test out our Master Plan against the strong afternoon South-Westerly wind and strong morning Northerly winds. The fluid mapping proved quite succesful, but also indicated that we may need to extend the wind barriers for the South-West.

The images above illustrate the sun shading model we put together in order to test the shading of the buildings. It is successful in the fact that there is plenty of light in the main central courtyard area. In this case, shading may be neccessary for the ourdoor laerning spaces that we created. The only downside is that the ampitheatre is completely shaded. We may need to go back and re work that area to allow sunlight onto the ampitheatre.

The image below indicates the apearance of the wind and sound barriers along the back of the site
The image above represents the outdoor learning spaces!

Project 2 Master Plan Development

The image above is a very rough schematic layout for my groups master plan. Mel, Emma and I began brain storming ideas through a bubble diagram. We indicated very brifly where we thought the different faculties could possibly go.

The drawing above is a development from the bubble diagram. Here we began thinking of the car parking solution, building orientation and their relationships with each other. It took us a while to work out the parking solution as it is already a major problem. We included a specific bus zone with its own entry. We also included a teachers/visitor parking and sepearate parent parking and student drop off zone. Connected to the bus area is a separate car park for the fitness centre which will be used by the extended community i.e old folks at the retirement village behind the school. We also included a maintenance road along the back of the school.

Project 2 Master Plan

The next project will be the design of the master plan for the senior school of Torquay including years 10, 11 and 12. The major aspects to be looked at include wind direction, sun position, traffic conditions, future develop of Torquay, community integration and the integration of indigenous planting.

Below are some examples of master plans that were found at http://www.designshare.com/

The example above is a school in Washington in America. Marysville Getchell High School is a good example of traffic control. It incorporates a good pick up and drop off area for students. It also includes a bus pick up zone and designated parking areas.

Above is another exampe of a school with good traffic control. The GEMS World School above is found in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai.

The image above is a perspective view of the school in Dubai.

Project 2 Site Visit

The images below are of the site we have to design Torquay senior college on. The site is realtively flat which also includes the Torquay council office. Towards the back of the site is an elderly persons home; this is where some type of acoustic barrier could be considered.




The path on the photo above leads to the elderly persons home. This could be a vital access path for the elderly people that live in the home. It may be importnat to keep this access for them.

Torquay Primary School Visit!

Project 2 involves the design of a senior high school for years 10, 11 and 12 for the beach town of Torquay. We visited the Torquay primary school and were given the chance to interview the grade 6 students; our clients. Currently a years 7, 8 and 9 school is being built next to the primary school. It is our job to design the senior high school next to the junior high school currently in construction.

Mel, Emma and I interviewd 5 students. The students liked the idea of an outdoor classroom while others suggested t.v's, couches and a pool would be convenient! One of the students mentioned that the cost of travel may be a problem if a senior school was not built in torquay. The students may have to travel to Geelong; a 30minute bus trip which may become a problem.

The Torquay primary school focuses on sustainability with a wet area, a chicken coop, rain tanks and frogs and other pets in some classrooms. It was particularly impressive to see how much students know about climate change and the importance of sustainibility.

Below are some images of Torquay primary school.

When I was in primary school we never had projectors!! It may be importnat to facilitate the Senior school with this type of technology. There is alot of art work hanging on walls and from the ceiling. It looks extremly cluttered, maybe the school needs more display space in the classrooms?


A classroom with interstingly shaped tables!

An outdoor performing stage coud be a great idea for the senior school.

The chicken coop! One of the students said the teachers get to take the eggs home...

Drinking taps are always essential in schools!

The three images above indicate that storage is extremly important in primary schools. The halls were cluttered with student work and games etc. Students shoes are left outside on wet days and for some reason the students bags were lined up outside too. This may not be such a big issue for a senior school, but these sorts of problems should be considered.

A sign explaining the Torquay Primary School's Wet area!

The plan for Torquay College currently in construction!