by Andrew Watts
Approach to design of MCO case study projects
The design of MCO case study projects uses a common language for both the spatial arrangement of a building and its detailed design. Spatial arrangements are informed by mathematically-based methods of determining geometry that seek to balance flexibility of layout with enduring patterns of use. Designs blend juxtaposed elements to create a visual drama for the building occupant, of spaces, voids and bridges.
The MCO case study projects focus on two areas of building design:
1. Architectural design of buildings as spatial organisations informed specifically by the construction technologies used.
2. Engineering design of assemblies for the supporting structure and external envelope of buildings that combine their respective assemblies.
The design examples that are showcased in MED, MSD and MCCS2 are rooted in, and are a celebration of, making and technology. The designs are informed by a wider general knowledge of related topics obtained from a range of sources, a sample of which are included here.
Making:
The Case For Working With Your Hands by Matthew Crawford
The Craftsman by Richard Sennett
The Nature And Art of Workmanship by David Pye
Why We Make Things And Why It Matters by Peter Korn
This Is A Prototype by Scott Witthoft
Technology:
The Nature of Technology by W Brian Arthur
Rethinking the Future edited by Rowan Gibson
Future Shock by Alvin Toffler
The Ascent of Man by Jacob Bronowski
Makers: The New Industrial revolution by Chris Anderson
Design approach to projects in MCCS2
The online content for Modern Construction Case Studies: Emerging Innovation in Building Techniques, 2nd ed. (MCCS2), which is not available in the print edition, sets out a description of each project based on the following common design criteria:
• Linked structural forms for activity space and support space.
• Support of passive and active systems within facade zones.
• Unity of exterior form and internal space to reduce secondary structure.
• External space between building forms, linked by bridges, in place of enclosed space.
• Greater levels of controlled daylight to interior spaces by reducing depth of floor plates.
• Floor plate structures which suit natural cross ventilation.
• Controlled admission of sunlight to activity spaces.
• Services as active controls positioned near their point of use, including facade zones.
The rendered images used to illustrate projects in the second edition of Modern Construction Case Studies are of each buildings set in the future, after 25 years of occupation.
Three-stage design method of projects in MCCS2
The projects set out in MCCS2 focus on blending the visual and technical aspects of architectural and engineering design to create spaces and forms where facade and structure are interdependent. The design approach for the projects presented in MCCS2 are the result of three stages of design development.
The first stage uses an eclectic method of bringing together interior spaces, exterior volumes and engineering technologies which are applied to the creation of forms which enclose the building. This stage considers where a given technology might be used in a different way to solve a specific design problem.
The second stage is one of reducing a design to its essence; removing components without reducing its effectiveness and finding ways of combining components in order to reduce the number of assemblies. Designs are informed by allowing components to have more than one function, which results in novel forms and spatial arrangements that could not be achieved with conventional building assemblies. This approach involves reflecting on the very different requirements of each of those parts of the design, such that the effects of one part does not detract from or reduce the performance of another part of the spatial and volumetric compositions.
The third stage focuses on the fabrication of prototype assemblies in order to provide a proof of concept for specific connections. This approach allows the building contractor to focus on how to realise a design that has already reached a proof-of-concept stage which can be shown to work effectively while still meeting performance requirements; a collaboration of designing and making through prototyping. The Approaches to design and assembly are supported by research into how components might be assembled through physical prototyping. This final stage is one of prototyping in order to prepare the design for tender.