'Sea Life Through a Lense'

This image represents my fundamental design goal: how to frame the natural beauty of Balloch. I took my inspiration from those unfortunate sea creatures who are imprisoned in restrictive and oppressive fish tanks in a sea life sanctuary on the loch. Whilst they are so close to the outdoors they are actually prevented from thriving outside in their natural habitat. In human terms I wanted to create a more positive relationship between inside and outside where visitors felt safe and warm inside but were drawn to the views of the loch and nature outside.

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The Site Found

1:1000 Site Plan exemplifying the linear relationship between the residential and performance hall venues; imitating the pre-existing railway of Balloch which, its final stop was at the tip of the pier. The progression of a boat from jetty to jetty via both buildings and a canopy shaded pathway on land, shows the multipurpose links and modes of transport available as ways to accommodate the users when moving around the site.

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'Portamento'

Mammals and nature co-exist between the walls of the residential retreat, through vast glazing, an indoor / outdoor living experience and materiality and design elements. On arrival visitors will observe a hanging façade of carved natural wood. The flowing, rippled appearance of the wood connects to sound waves created by children inside to the lapping waves of the river made by Mother Nature outside.

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INGREDIENTS

1:50 principles of building detailing and mirroring front elevation render

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Mornings in the Nest

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Portal on the Pier

This performance hall concept serves as the threshold between land and water and is celebrated when music is being played by the residents. The choice of a curving form was precisely designed to imitate the mountainous range in the backdrop as well as the formation of waves, which are surrounding the pier that grounds the hall.

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This project is an accumulation of two separate parts comprised of a residential retreat and performance hall that together create an approach for a sustainable, sociable and environmental masterplan. In situation with the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, the concept is for an exciting client known as ‘Sistema Scotland’. Sistema is a charity programme that aims to transform the lives of children from challenging communities through the power of music. Whilst the primary aim is to develop core musical skills such as listening, concentration, teamwork and rhythm skills the secondary aim of the programme is also to develop social fluency and health and well-being. With such inspiring targets an equally aspirational and multi-functional building is needed: a building that is first and foremost a safe space; as well as an idyllic retreat where they can contemplate and reflect; a space where staff and pupils can free themselves to become immersed in creative experiences; and somewhere that can easily be personalised to suit the needs and preferences of the various individuals who will visit.
On my first site visit to the town of Balloch, enthralled by the picturesque landscape, the question occurred to me; in which way as a designer can I create a concept for a building that captures and compliments the natural untouched beauty already present? This burning question, along with my innate desire to create environmentally conscious creations was the catalyst for my completed design. To study the important relationship between Architecture and nature, I embraced the study of Phenomenology, which, when interpreted by and through human consciousness, seeks to understand the outside world. The belief of German Architecture theorist and Phenomenologist, Martin Heidegger, is that all man and nature are connected. He suggested that the best way to create an experience is to be more in touch with the mystery of existence. In architectural terms it is my challenge to create these experiences, which in turn create lasting, tangible memories. To make these memories more vivid I engage all of our human senses by manipulating materials, space and light. To truly embrace the theory of Heidegger my design also strives to bring man and nature closer together. By creating opportunities where we can submerse ourselves in nature Heidegger believes the more we will truly experience phenomenology and be at one with our consciousness, and once experienced, will have a lasting effect on how we view our world. It is my hope that through various design techniques and choices, a strong essence of the contextualism of nature and the experience that comes with that can be appreciated throughout the imagery of my Project.