This project was split into two halves. Both halves linked by a given Designer(s) which we had to research heavily...

Our given designers were MVRDV, a trio of Dutch architects who have a unique analyitical approach to design, and who are also not afraid to admit that they do not know everything. If a project requires it, they will ask the people with the best knowledge of a particular area to join the design team.

Part One - Modern Living
The brief for part one of the project was to showcase the methodology and approach of our designers by producing 2 x A1 presentation boards and a 3D exhibition piece.

Our research into MVRDV showed us that MVRDV never do anything in the way you would expect them to. So we decided to take that approach in our exhibition piece. Rather than just having two display boards and a model, we decided to combine all the elements together. Making the model into the display boards and vice versa. The result was pretty good. The piece consists of a wooden frame, surrounded by wire mesh (to allow you to see inside the model, reflecting MRVDV's usage of materials and exposure), with the two boards bolted away from the main bulk of the model (to represent MVRDV's usage of layering in a lot of their designs). The piece de la resistance was the addition of small casters on the bottom so that it could be moved around and rotated.


Finished Product

Part Two - Gallery and Garden
The second brief was to design a gallery/garden which can hold an exhibition of work by the designer and which also reflects the designer in it design.

MVRDV have many different traits which can be found in their work; sustainability, the use of stacking and layering, the exposure and importance of construction materials and methods.

The design of Gallery_Garden is intended to reflect this...

Stone structures shaped to reflect the randomness and flow of water, rise upwards, providing cantilever points for the slabs of the gallery. The shapes of the slabs are extruded from these, following the lines and angles of the structures, continuing the theme of reflecting the movement of water. Each slab level is random, allowing the user to see through the structure, and to experience the river. Emulating MVRDV's use of stacking and layering.



Different levels of Gallery_Garden represent different uses. Primary (red) hold the exhibition element. Secondary (Blue) holds the garden element, and Tertiary (Green) houses a third sensory element.

Gallery_Garden sits above a specially crafted river and series of waterfalls. The river begins and flows to a large drop to begin with, speeding up the water, creating sound and visual experiences, as well as providing a hydroelectric power supply. The river is then slowed and falls over a smaller drop, providing a quieter more serene place, a contrast to the crash and bang of the waterfall.




Materials also play a big part of Gallery_Garden , exposure to metal, stone, wood, glass, all provide a sensory experience, with the user being able to touch and feel.


Final Model

Next Up... Observatory