1.0 Exemplar Architect

Morphosis.

San Francisco Federal Building

http://morphopedia.com/projects/phare-tower

I chose this building by Morphosis because of the clever way it portrays form and functionality, using the contrast of black and white. It gives the viewer the sense of the framework, or skeleton, of the building and also references its links to its historical surroundings. This cross section clearly indicates the uniformity of each level and the experience one would have when travelling through the building. However the lack of figures and artifacts is in my view a short fall as it suggests a somewhat sterile environment. I made sure that my own design included multiple references of functionality to avoid this miscommunication.

"The new, 18-story San Francisco Federal Building was designed in accordance with the goals of the U.S. General Services Administration’s Design  Excellence Program, which seeks to improve the quality and value of public buildings so that the structures can ultimately become respected landmarks" (S. Carter, 2008).

Like the Federal Building, I sought with my design to achieve a structure which would stand as a landmark in the Brisbane area, contrasting with the historical Howard Smith Wharves site yet at the same time sitting in harmony for years to come. The roof of my design is similar to that of the Federal Building in terms of its jagged/angular form.

Carter, Steve; Shlemon, Edwin; Ratchye, Steve; McConahey, Erin. Civil Engineering (08857024). Sep2008, Vol. 78 Issue 9, p40-74. 9p. 

Phare Tower

http://morphopedia.com/projects/san-francisco-federal-building

The design of the Phare Tower by Morphosis is both striking and organic and this is why I chose this work as another exemplar.This drawing makes clear the designer’s intent to achieve boldness and originality which I found inspiring. Equally, the cross section illustrates both the complexity of the structure and the public’s likely experience of the building right from its unique entry point. 

"The building form and expression are shaped by strategies that will yield high levels of performance and comfort. The approach is more biological than formal" (Sherman, F. 2008).

The free flowing form evokes emotion from the viewer even though the cross section utilises simple line work. This influenced me to portray the experience and form of my design in a similar detailed yet simplistic fashion, hoping also to create a sense of comfort in my own design. 

FORM: Pioneering Design; Mar/Apr2008, p31-33, 3p.