programmatic narrative and  concept sketches

Also developed in conjunction with quantitative program data are a series of sketches and writings on the more experiential intentions of the thesis design stage.  The word 'narrative' refers to the piecing together of thoughts on individual spaces, effects and relationships to form a vision of the housing in its entirety.  The below photo is highlighted to show the approach to the site along the main road of the Historic Dockyard.  Certainly, it would be possible to sketch the housing in this space.  However, it is my intention to show only fragments of the building as a series of ideas, and not to presumptuously draw the building in its entirety.  Ultimately, the entire structure will reconcile these ideas with a single structure.  It should also be noted that these sketches are merely studies, and may not represent the final built form.

Approach     Layout of the Historic Dockyard presents the opportunity for the southern and main facade of the building to be visible upon passage through Victory Gate.  Presently vacant, the site at the end of the main road could be greatly enhanced by the strong presence of the Victory Topsail Housing structure.  Provision of an appropriate focal point at the end of corridor is the basic intent of the thesis design.  As stated in the site analysis, addition of a new element into the dockyard presents the challenge of improving some of the fractured aesthetics that presently govern the site.  Simple placement of the housing at the termination of this long corridor is intended to improve upon these existing conditions. Tower     Pursuant to the concept of approach described above is the possibility of including a tower element on the housing structure.  Again examining the above photo, there is a strong case for the insertion of a third vertical element between the clocktower of boathouse No. 10, and the masts of the Victory.  It is important to note that tight restrictions are placed on vertical construction in the dockyard given the continued presence of ship traffic.  However, a tower of similar height as the clocktower and Victory masts would be permitted given the presence of these tall elements in the immediate vicinity already.      Proceeding along the main road from Victory Gate, the attention of the visitor will be drawn the to the strong vertical elements that terminate a very repetitive horizontal corridor formed by the storehouses.    Front Facade     Seeing as the proposed structure is dedicated to the sail, it can be seen as appropriate to use fabric louvers and devices on the building facade.  Beyond conveying the purpose of the building in a subtle way, these elements are also useful at controlling light penetration to a sensitive artifact.     The regular spacing and tight geometry of the facade echoes the orderly symmetry and repetitiveness of the storehouses and the great ropehouse, in a slightly more fanciful way.  Beyond this, the facade seeks to provide a backdrop for the tower element and provide a wall that provides visual termination for the presently open corridor.      entry hall     Upon entry of the housing structure itself, the visitor will arrive in a double height entry hall which opens upward to the topsail enclosure.  Visible from the instant of entry, the purpose of the hall is to frame the sail as the focal point of the exhibition inside.  This space is designed to guide the visitor directly toward the sail itself.  The desired effect is one of directness, terminating the almost half kilometer of procession from Victory Gate.  Axial direction in this case is of very high value, the sail is presented in a formal, frontal prospect, communicative of its power and significance.  Clearly, the intent here is to provide an awe inspiring space appropriate for such an important and imposing artifact. mezzanines and central gallery     Following the initial encounter with the sail in a frontal, formal position, the visitor will then be encouraged to explore the multiple mezzanine levels which diverge outward from the main space.  Circling and observing the sail from multiple heights, numerous other related exhibits are also presented, with the sail itself always remaining in sight as  a point of reference for these displays.  This procession can be seen as 'familiarization' with the sail.  The multiple oblique viewing angles subconsciously suggest a more personal and intimate viewing of the artifact. exterior decking     Following the viewing of the sail and its related exhibits, the exterior decks flow outward to allow visitors to relax in a non-museum environment.  A response to the need for increased user amenities in the dockyard, these decks are more than a passive space relegated to peripheral location on the building.  Given the proximity to the victory and the multiple vistas to the working dockyard and the harbour beyond, these decks will take advantage of their elevation over the primarily flat site to gain viewing advantage.  As a leisurely space in the otherwise hardtopped dockyard, even the provision of simple wood flooring is a welcome luxury for weary tourists.