The Parametric Marketplace - A market for the 21st Century

Just a quick intro into my Architectural thesis for my final year, on the study of market place typologies and urbanisms. I am looking into the market place and what it provides for the city, its historic evolution and its role in today's cities.

‘From Medievil times well into the nineteenth century, the most important economic and social centre of urban life and a dominant feature of the townscape was the market.’ Schmeichen, M. The British Market Hall.

Being cultural 'melting pots' my investigations are heavily based on the works of Christopher Alexander and Edward Hall. By studying the market, using case study analysis which focuses on the distinction of typologies within the public arena and cultural routines, which are tested using Proxemic Patterns (Hall), I wish to create a strategic model for the market of today and the future - the parametric marketplace.

Seminars start this week and draft is well under way!

A longgggg day!

Phew, a long hard day in the studio, working through the conceptual schematic stages of the Plymouth Gateway project, I feel there was some need for reflection!

My desk at the beginning of the day, cleanliness here a rare snap!

Studio bliss?

Sketch modelling the notion of expansion and contraction within station spaces and journeys.

Urban Strategy - The Univer(city)

After attending a series of Urban Strategy lectures we were asked to chose an area of our choice (at macro scale) looking at the city through the eyes of a resident and developer. By analysing the socio-economic conditions we were asked to strategise our area. This was my first introdution to urban strategy, providing an insite into the city from a different angle.

Click here to see our proposals!

Plymouth Gateway Exhibition

December 2010 - Plymouth Train Station design strategy

Some of the year, 16 in all, were chosen to exhibit their work at the existing Plymouth train station. I was lucky enough to be chosen for this. This opportunity allowed me to present our work to the public passing through the station and the station manager also. A local architect was also present and showed some interest in our work at a whole.

Here are some pics of my pin-up and the meetings with the station staff.

The Plymouth Gateway - Train Station

The new university year brings an indepth look to transport strategies - Plymouth train station to be exact. Large contextual analysis of the current station, and a refined concept has led me to develop a strong design strategy (Dec 2010).

My concept was to create a metamophic station that would respond not only to the users but the city also. By vertically stacking the platforms one could create a beacon within the city, increasing sense of arrival and a nodal point. The platforms of the station would expand and contract at peak and off-peak times. This allows for channelling of the users - which is non existant at the current station, resulting in a chaotic order of arrivals and departures. Bridging the city with the station re-connects the city centre and city park/residential areas which are burdened by the current typography.

My project was chosen to be exhibited at Plymouth Train station with 16 others (out of 100+) and was presented to the station representitive and a local architect.

At this moment in time the project is at strategic stage the following months will see development to realisation of the station.

Here is the finished (strategic) product:

click to enlarge