Stage Two at MSA built upon the foundational experiences and skills acquired during Stage One. The Studio Works 2 Course introduced the concept of the Rural Lab during projects three and four, which were located within landscapes of northern Scotland. Being urged to continue challenging our understanding of architecture in the era of climate emergency and working within broader social, cultural and environmental contexts. This focus enhanced critical thinking, design methodology and knowledge of technology to continue developing skills for physical model making and introduced the need to engage with various softwares throughout.
Stage Two saw the continuation of the lecture-based course, Architectural Technology 2 (AT2). Environmental Design 2 introduced a number of well-established methods for the environmental assessment of design performance relating to daylighting and their applications. Structural Design 2 built upon the content covered in stage one, emphasising the performance of structural components and acknowledging sustainability issues. Principles of Building 2 introduced principles for insulation, waterproofing, vapour control, layering and their application to various construction types which aided understanding of crafting the building envelope, their composition and production.
Final Outputs
Reflective Journal
- Project 1 : Housing Handbook
To explore, examine and gain an understanding of terraced housing, undertaking an in-depth analysis of an assisgned precedent. Representing findings through drawings, diagrams and models.
A study of the SAAL Bouca Housing Complex, Alvaro Siza provides an understanding of the projects main characteristics and spatial relationships in addition to the examination of visual appearance.
Final Outputs
Reflective Journal
- Project 2 : Adaptations
The project allowed for further exploration of terraced housing typologies. Swapping precedents with peers to design internal and external adaptations for a new architectural proposal of Sant Ferran Social Housing, designed by Carles Oliver.
Exploring and presenting adaptations through the iterative process of drawing and modeling to reconfigure the existing internal space for increased occupancy.
Final Outputs
Reflective Journal
- Project 3 : Convivial Dwelling
On a site in Forres and using the previously adapted housing. Possibilities emerged to re-consider housing (the unit, the row, the urban blocks and entire neighbourhoods at large) as a spatial organisation and convivial tool for new ways of living.
Similarly through an iterative process using both digital and analogue means the spatial organisation was again reconfigured to accommodate a live/work scenario in the town centre of Forres to foster a connection and community.
Final Outputs
Reflective Journal
Working within an existing building and site of Orchard Road Studios provided an opportunity to develop an awareness of the principles of architecural alteration. To discover careful retention, addition, adaptation and reorganisation of existing structures to create a revitalised proposal of convivial civic architecture.
Focussing on giving the site a second life, engaging with materiality and low-energy approaches to create new spaces with minimal environmental impact.
- Architectural Technology 2
Working with a peer to develop the ‘making’ of the two-storey school extension. Completing tasks as outlined in the shared brief with SD2.
Exploring materiality and the key themes as explored during lectures (thermal envelope, air tightness etc).
- Architectural Technology 2
Working with a peer to develop and provide justification for the structural scheme for the school extension.
Working together to communicate our proposal through a series of drawings of our own representation as informed by the lecture series.
- Architectural Technology 2
An individual assessment of written response relating to daylighting, artificial lighting and colour in building.
Diagrams and sketches were used to support our answers and to deepen understanding of lighting in architecture.