Sangath 3 - Domus Design Process

The sketches shown here does not by any means represent all work done by the team in the design process. This was merely what I could find under my couch (where we had started to store old drawings). There are many many more pages that are in sketch pads, bins, cars, maquettes, etc. etc.

This post relies on slideshows stored on other file storage sites, I cannot promise how long these links will stay active.

SITE ANALYSIS

Using Google Earth we got some preliminary aerial shots, block perimeter, and rough contours / height maps.

After deciding upon our site (as to channel the dominant westerly between the two hills), we used the website Bonzle Maps to get more accurate height map information, and merged this information together.

Further site analysis is included in a previous blog post.

INITIAL IDEAS

As soon as we got the task and over the next week we started – as a group – to draw down forms in thumbnail form. Firstly to try to realise what we collectively like, but also how we work individually to assist us further into the assignment as a group. At this point ideas are still very vague and merely allude to a concept or expression.

REFINING AN IDEA

By this point in time we had decided how we wanted our building to function. Three areas: permanent bedroom, communal living, and guest bedrooms / giant multi purpose space (beneficial in the hot climate when indoor activities are the only option). This set of images explores this idea.

GETTING THE IDEA TOGETHER

Now we are really getting into the details… floorplan, elevations, movement through the building, size requirements, materials, proportions, scale, etc. These images really only make sense with the conversation that went with them. They are part of a conversation, in which all members are trying to get on the same page… and pick the best ideas between what everyone has.

THE NITTY GRITTY

Ok now is the time for scale drawings, exact dimensions, angles, sizes, etc. Definite selection of materials, all that jazz!

NOTE

As I said earlier… this is not all the process drawings… these are merely part of what was under my couch… which is 100+m of trace paper. The drawings only make sense when coupled with the conversation that went with them… hence don’t try to make sense of them too much :-)