Mckenna Cameron :

Critical writing of Current project

Mckenna Cameron

Analysis of Design work

From my previous design I was continuing to explore my structural design but not really continuing my manifesto. My manifesto was looking at a space that would evolve to accommodate many people over time. This then developed into a space that captured people’s interest and imagination through an interactive design.

I am keeping this idea of an interactive space because after all you have to physically make the furniture, so therefore have a role to play in making the space.

After looking at the context of the site which already has existing offices I want to create a concept that you can integrate into the existing space.

My structure idea is a response to critising the lack of play within the office space. After my analysis of the office space within the Centrepoint building I found that it lacks a quiet separated space to have meetings and private phone calls. I want to create a temporary space that you can escape to within the office. Perhaps a space that gets people away from their desks. The space I want to create has to attract people, have the ability to be sold to many big companies and that is practical. For me the general office space can be a boring place that compromises on design over form. The purpose of the office is to make money and be efficient. The open plan office in particular is space saving, saves on building costs (no walls and doors), lower maintenance costs, improved communication and greater flexibility of workspaces.

The idea behind the design is that there will be a laser cutter available in each office where staff can laser cut their own meeting space. If they need a new chair for the space then they can laser cut one. There will be templates available for them to choose from such as a chair, table and partitions/walls. Each item will be cut from an A1 sheet of cardboard because a laser cutter any bigger may take up too much space. My challenge will be to create a design that can take the weight of a person from an A1 sheet size. I will have to develop a structure that has load bearing properties through layering and particular placement of the cardboard. The laser cutter of course needs to be quiet because a noisy machine will distract the staff but generally like our laser cutter it is quite quiet.

The furniture available will only be used or meant for the temporary meeting place. The furniture is not meant for constant use because it will wear down quicker than normal furniture.

The structure must be light, easily assembled and taken down. It must also be able to be stored away. I want the space to have an element of play.

Case study and Project within Context

A designer I looked at is Paul Coudamy. Paul Coudamy created an office made out of 4cm thick cardboard for a company named Elegangz in Paris. The office was made of a flexible system that allowed it to be moved and reconfigured easily. To solve the problem of acoustics within the big warehouse they used umbrellas and cardboard. The big space lacked private areas to make phone calls and to have meetings, so they included small meeting rooms within an isolated area.

http://www.paulcoudamy.com/

Another design company that has interested me has been Stutchbury and Pape architects. One of their architects Col James has created a cardboard house. The house is weatherproof, collapsible, and very cheap. As long as you use recycled cardboard. It is also very sustainable, very light and can be recycled.

The building can be put together by two people over six hours using scaffolding. It can also be transported very easily in a light commercial vehicle.

http://stutchburyandpape.com.au/#

From these two case studies I have looked at I have discovered an interest in the capabilities of cardboard. It is such a versatile material to work with and is 100% recyclable. They show great examples of how cardboard can be used for structural uses.

I want to use cardboard because it would be cheaper and easier to laser cut. It’s also lighter therefore the staff would be able to assemble the pieces without trouble. Other benefits of using cardboard is that when it’s recycled it can be used for compost and makes excellent mulch for vegetable beds.

Cardboard is also good to use in the area of waste to energy; creating fuel and power from the waste products. Cardboard releases twice as much heat per pound of waste, compared to other sources. It doesn’t release toxic poisons and its only by-product is ash.

Evaluating the Project

My aim for this project is to create an exciting place within the office space. I’m hoping that by creating a new and different space within the existing space it will change the way the staff feel about their workspace. I want to introduce the element of play into the workspace. The design will be a different kind of space, a space for rest, play or just to hide.

I want my temporary, portable space to be accessible and suitable to any company. Open plan offices have an element of interaction and so will my space. You will have the choice to join spaces together or include someone’s help to make a temporary lunch time retreat.

The ‘knock down’ space will offer a sustainable and practical solution to the lack of fun in the office. I hope to achieve a space that has humour. I want to soften the working environment.

Some elements that I will need to address are overcoming the problem of acoustics within the space. Optimum sound-absorbing measures need to be taken. Correct lighting for the room must give the conditions of natural light. The lighting needs to have no glare and be functional. There has to be fittings and plug sockets available. Another factor that I think is important is the temperature. Air conditioning is the best choice because you can regulate the temperature. Natural ventilation may cause drafts. The structure has to have an easy assembling technique that anyone can follow.