Group 03 BRICK BY BRICK (Posted 21 May 2025 19:49) – MSA LIVE 25

05.21 _ FROM IMAGINATION TO REALISATION

Following two exciting days of workshops with the children at Oswald Road Primary School, we’re now transitioning from concept to reality—taking the imaginative ideas shared by the children and developing them into practical, feasible architectural proposals.

Building on the format from last Friday, the team once again split into three groups, each focusing on a different aspect of the nursery building.

Group 1 focused on spatial planning. Using their design from last Friday as a base, they incorporated key ideas from the children while also referencing the approved collaborator’s plan. The result is a unified, finalised layout. One recurring theme from the children was the desire for a space where opposites could coexist—quiet and loud, active and calm. Interpreting this architecturally, the group designed a central multi-purpose space surrounded by supporting programme areas. This flexible core allows for a wide range of activities: reading, playing, and, amusingly, even swimming—highlighting the children’s bold creativity and sense of fun.

Group 2 continued developing the canopy design. One child’s drawing, inspired by Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, became a key design driver. The team embraced this idea, exploring a colourful, modular canopy that balances playfulness with function. Site analysis informed the choice of materials—some canopy panels are transparent to allow natural light through, while others are opaque for shading. Colour was not only used for aesthetic reference but also to create a relaxing and playful atmosphere suited to a nursery setting. Using Rhino and Grasshopper (with support from one of the MArch students), the team explored computational design to determine the most effective placement of each module.

Group 3 took charge of the façade, drawing on the children’s playful suggestions, such as swings and interactive elements. The group dissected these ideas and reinterpreted them through an architectural lens. One key outcome was the transformation of a swing into a rain chain feature—adding movement and tactility to the building while celebrating the spirit of play. After a series of iterations, the team arrived at a dynamic façade design incorporating hexagonal panels inspired by the children's references to football and interactivity.

Tomorrow, we’ll bring all three design strands together through a digital model and photomontages—combining our architectural insight with the joyful creativity of the children to form a holistic, community-led proposal.

Posted 21 May 2025 19:49

Previous Next Post