Rosebank —- To get experience through the practice, on-the-spot investigation and case study are always shortcut for architects. So we visit Rosebank this afternoon to learn some ideas about a certificated GAP shed, actually I wish I could have done this field trip at the beginning of this semester.
FloorPlan—-Nicole’s plan combines modular and “ma” fairly well. We have discussed various of possibilities changes we could do to make the shed more functional and funky on last Saturday and Sunday. It seems that we have reached agreement about what the floor plan looks like at the end of today’s studio. Inspired by GAP shed of Rose Bank, we removed several unnecessary walls to make the plan work better. However, the perfect layout requires time to prove its efficiency.
Drainage —-Gravel is the primary option right now for the drainage around the shed on ground level. Good drainage organization working clever with plan and roof also contributes to a good design. In GAP shed, drainage should be direct and smooth while do no contamination to farmfield.
Circulation —-Using washing machine to stir while washing the produces really surprise all of us. Farmers prefer do the pre-clean process outside the shed and they really enjoy free spaces, fresh air and wide view while working. Now there are only roof and structure in the shed, they decided to use more time to determine what kind of functional partition can work better for workflow.
Sunshine &Wind—- The relationship of sunshine and wind is a little bit tricky for shed. We need light from the sun but not the heat especially from west. We also need breath but not the strong wind especially in winter. There may be multiple materials options for both sliding panels and roof panels. Transparent materials like fiber glasses let the light in and also block the wind. Opaque ones could be used on the roof towards south, which also hold solar panels as well.
Shed—- Whole thing happens under the shed. Beside of mobility, my primary concern is how to function well. We are not farmers, we don’t know the exact needs of doing farmwork. Even farmers themselves have not yet figured out a best solution. To reach that, more communications should happen between clients and designers.
Space —- We tried to imitate the workspace in our studio, tried to feel the work flow, dimensions and space. Architects are like psychologists. We are always in the speculation, we also guide. We design a new way, and make us credible.
Roof —- I learn the word ”envelope” last semester in Clemson. Envelope creates spaces, and shows as boundaries which make differences between interior and exterior. If the shed is more like open without permanent walls, the roof and structure could be a frame of the field scene. The frame should be more conspicuous for those who see the picture at the first time.
StudioDinner —- We had a nice studio break for lunch after visiting RoseBank, bright sunshine with warm air in Newton Farms, good smell around us from Starbucks, temporary free talking and relaxing away from GAP. I was thinking the shed could be more like a warm studio if the resting area works as well as here does.
