Precedent projects for workshops
I’ve been thinking about the kind of atmosphere and environment that I would like my fabrication studios to convey. The pictures here indicate a number of projects that work with the principles that I’m going to try and adopt.I’ve begun experimenting with Grasshopper to try and create such a computer model.
1. They are predominantly wood gridshell structures which would build upon the environmental aspects of such a scheme (locally sourced timber is possible from the Forest of Avon to Bristol)
2. They are naturally lit spaces which would provide for an appealing working environment for such machines.
3. There is the possibility of natural ventilation through opening up the lower sides of the structures.
Clockwise from the left: Saville Gardens by Glen Howells, Downland Gridshell by Edward Cullinan, Forestry Branch by Phillipe Samyn + Partners, Ville Hara by HUT Wood Studio Workshop.
Good to see you thinking this through – Perhaps some of the items you list (natural light and ventilation) could be use to help mould the structure/fabric too? (Different areas will need different kinds of light, etc)
Though not quite a gridshell the recent Pompidou outpost by Shigeru Ban is rather disappointing in the relationship the timber structure has to the spaces and activities within. Essentially activities have all been enclosed in boxes then the timber ‘draped’ over the top. I imagine this is probably driven by the tight environmental conditions required for the artworks (like Gehry at Bilbao also). It would have been great to see more of an interplay between the structure and spaces within – perhaps something to bear in mind?