Nature and architecture : an urban library. A study of the process of designing a new type of public architecture in the urban park context.

Abstract

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the architecture industry has experienced an enormous revolution of its own. The application of new materials and industrialized production methods created plenty of architecture with new functional typologies. Numerous architecture projects were constructed as monuments, and gradually the public come to see architecture as a profession that created symbols reflecting power and wealth. Now, it seems that architects have forgotten the modern architecture’s essential role that it should reflect people’s needs and bring them pleasure.

This problem appears to be more prominent in contemporary cities. With the great increase in population, large areas of urban space have been taken for high-rise buildings. People’s feeling about architecture is monotonous. Facing this phenomenon, some questions should be asked. How many places can be kept for people to reminisce? How many buildings in a city are designed based on citizens’ expectation? Is there a type of architecture that can offer the citizens a new spatial experience by building a close connection with its context and engage with landscape?

The exploration of a new type of public building can be considered as a reflection and a remedy for the existing problem in current public architectural design. This project reconsiders public architectural design to develop a new design process to accomplish an innovative urban library. By designing this building, this research explores the way architecture integrates with its natural context, and also the effect on people’s spatial experience. Within the building, it is intended to create a relaxing, diversified atmosphere for the benefit of users. Through experiencing these spaces, the public’s spiritual needs can be addressed. To design this architecture, attention should be paid to proper scale and proportion; secondarily, the building should be intimately related to its natural context. Finally, the building should meet the needs of users, by allowing their needs to dominate the building.

Project site: Intersection of Ponsonby Road and Hopetoun Street.