Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Making by Knowing…Adam Cox

This research explores the importance of material knowledge and landscape processes both through design and within the physical landscape.

This research poses the question, how can we design when we don’t know the characteristics of themedium that we are designing with? What can material knowledge bring to a landscape? The Wave bridge in Toronto, Canada; designed by the West 8 office uses curvaceous, non conventional form to create the structure of a bridge. The final outcome considers, but rejects; limitations and characteristics of each material chosen along with a strong understanding of how each of these elements cohesively bond and form relationships at the 1:1. Furthermore a sound knowledge of the material adjacencies surrounding this bridge must be understood for this structure to maintain its form and material qualities to withstand the everyday phenomena that will challenge its structural existence through time. Material form and structure are continually shifting and changing, how can this knowledge be employed to test/explore material qualities through design?

The combined knowledge of material form and structural properties can be supported through thework of Convic Designs, in particular their skate parks and youth hubs. With their socialization in using concrete as their most commonly used material for both skate parks and youth hubs the Overall performance rests upon Convic's sound knowledge of the structural properties, application and finishing processes of concrete to design without limitation. This knowledge is evident through Convic's continual ability to push material limitations of application through the construction phase of the design for these spaces both on a local and international scale.

A landscape rich in material relationships and bold structural form is a characteristic adopted by bothConvic and West 8. Comprehensive material knowledge and a strong understanding of structural form should be imposed through all levels of the design process, right through the construction phase to evoke the senses of those submerged within these landscapes and public spaces.

Key words: Manipulation, material knowledge, structural formation, limitations

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