Age 14-18

Whilst researching images of high school libraries (since high school age range from 13-17[18]), it seems that the layout for this age group is more formalised. Since kids of this age are maturing, they need the right 'spaces' to encourage learning. I have gathered some information in which this will be achieved;

The 14-18 Age Group Area will include -

• Individual workspaces
• Presentation spaces
• Computer workstations
• Team rooms
• Seminar/incubator room
• And of course a library with a reading area

Now all these furnishings will be modern to "lift" and "motivate" the environment for a better learning experience.

Below is an example of a team collaboration library that is designed for Harbour City International School in Minnesota

Of course, the toilets will be located on every level, again kids from age 6-9 will have a smaller scaled bathroom whereas ages 10-18 will have standard sized as they are "becoming adults". 

Age 10-13

"The "tween" years are often difficult for children and parents alike. Adolescence brings new physical, social, and emotional challenges at the same time that beginning middle school is bringing new academic challenges. The 10-13 years aren't just about raging hormones and rebellion against parental authority, though."

Quote from http://www.education.com/topic/developmental-milestones-ages-10-13/

From ages 11 through 14, a child develops in four main areas:  

Physical development.
Adolescence is a time of change throughout the body. A growth spurt usually occurs near the time of puberty. Girls begin to develop breasts and start their periods. Boys grow facial hair. Both boys and girls grow pubic hair. Boys may lag behind girls in height during these years, but they usually end up taller.
Cognitive development.
 This is how the brain develops the abilities to think, learn, reason, and remember. Kids this age typically focus on the present, but they are starting to understand that what they do now can have long-term effects. They are also beginning to see that issues are not just clear-cut and that information can be interpreted in different ways.
Emotional and social development.
 As they start to move from childhood into adulthood, adolescents feel the urge to be more independent from their families. Often, friends replace parents as a source of advice. When at home, adolescents may prefer spending time alone to being part of the family. Still, family support is important to help them build a strong sense of self.
Sensory and motor development.
 Kids this age may be a little awkward or clumsy. Their brains need time to adjust to longer limbs and bigger bodies. Getting regular moderate exercise can improve coordination and help your child build healthy habits

Quote from http://children.webmd.com/tc/growth-and-development-ages-11-to-14-years-overview

The information I got out of reading the above articles are kids from age 10-13 go through a stage where they are not quite "teenagers" yet but past the "kids" cycle. In this period of development, kids are trying to experiment with new things and also watching their body develop. The idea I have for the room is compared to the 6-9 Age group, furnitures will be at a slightly bigger scale, more organised tables and chairs, options of reading young adult novels, computer area where programs are installed to help develop the brain and an 'active' section where there's miniature sports available (soccer and basketball). As for decorations of the room in regards to colours and features, primary colours will be generally used around the room including black and white. By restricting the colours, it is sort of a change in environment for kids as this element in design will be one of the first things children notice. Book shelves are all connected through arches to enhance the appeal for children.

Things to include for 10-13 Age group - 

• Bigger scale of furnitures - all types of shapes
• Arched book shelves
• Computer Area
• Active area - soccer + basketball
• Use of primary colours
• Drawing area

Compared to a 6-9 Age group -

• Bright coloured room
• Rounded furniture for safety (pillows and soft cushion chairs)
• Miniature scaled furnitures for kids to feel 'big'
• Playtime area (building blocks, cubby house, etc)
• Oversized stack of building blocks as a decorative piece
• Reading area

After the studio session..

After discussing with the tutor my ideas with the library, we came to a solution of going along with the Folie idea of hanging underneath the bridge. 

I was thinking of having a main 'lobby' area, where everyone can interact with each other from all age groups then taking glass tube like elevators and descending down to separate pods with respect to your age group. 

After some research on age group separation, I found that kids from the age of 6-9 works well together, ages 10-13, and 14-18 as they are more 'grown up' and living the life of how teenagers need to be (from personal experience). 

Age 6-9

Whilst doing research on this particular age group, one main concept throughout all designs for early learning centres is the use of bright colours; mainly blue, green, red, orange and yellow. These colours are used throughout the room including chairs, tables, shelves, playtime areas, etc.. Early learning centres also encourages kids to learn to play. A prime example of this happening is the actual Early Learning Centre in Kingston, London.  

Image retrieved from http://www.dalziel-pow.com/news/early_learning_centre_tidy_up_that_room/

New Inspiration from Folie Design

After being stuck with ideas for a few days, I was thinking of what other concepts from the Folie I could use to create a new perspective for my design. As my Folie is a suspended cable car underneath the Storey Bridge, I can use this as a brand new concept in the design of my Library. Light can also play a major role in the scheme but the form of the building can be derived from the suspension of the cable car. Now working on design...

Beginning of my concept

The first two images are my brainstorming of what to include in my Library and Learning Centre. There will be 6 main areas in the building;

• Main Library
• Kids Area
• Study Rooms
• Cafeteria
• "Reading" Area
• Outdoor Deck

The reason I have included the outdoor deck as one of the main areas is so that people can still be in the building whilst outside. I have also gathered some notes on what each room should include.

After a few attempts of failure in diagramming the positioning of the rooms, I did a 3D Sketchup Model of my first conceptual design. This design here was mainly to test the form of my building. The form of the building will be of "stacking books". 

Although this is aesthetically pleasing to my eyes, I find that this design is too simple for third year Architecture student. 

Copenhagen Culture House + Library

The Copenhagen Culture House + Library has inspired me the most so far in the design of my Library and Learning Centre for kids. As the major concept in the Folie was the play of light during day and night periods, this building here directly reflects it. As seen in some of the exterior images, the play of light can clearly distinguished. During day time, the patterns on the façade creates an unique blueprint internally similar to the effects at night externally. This is done by having multiple-sized squared openings (big openings allow more light than smaller openings) on its façade controlling the penetration of light into/out of the building. 

(All images adapted from http://www.dezeen.com/2009/03/26/copenhagen-culture-house-library-by-cobe-and-transform/)

Learning Centre in Progress

Project 2 - Library Park

For Project Two, we are to design a Learning Centre on the site of Howard Smith Dwarves. We cannot remove any buildings from the site however we can incorporate them into our design. I have briefly examined existing learning centres around the world as seen below.

Library and Learning Centre; Mildura Primary School, San Mateo Ave Mildura 

Image: Details of floor plan 

(Adapted from http://www.milduraps.vic.edu.au/content/building-works/library-and-learning-centre-64)

6 Star Education; Ausgrid Learning Centre by Devine Erby Mazlin Australia, New South Wales

(Above images adapted from http://designbuildsource.com.au/ausgrid-learning-centre-earns-6-star-green-star-energy-rating)

Rolex Learning Centre by SANAA; Lausanne, Switzerland 

(Above images adapted from http://www.dezeen.com/2010/02/17/rolex-learning-center-by-sanaa/)

Library and Learning Centre by Zaha Hadid Architects; Vienna, Austria

(Above images adapted from http://www.dezeen.com/2008/12/18/library-and-learning-centre-at-the-university-of-economics-business-by-zaha-hadid-architects/)

Final Panel Pin-Up

Throughout the development of Brisbane, Howard Smith Wharfs is one of the prime locations within the city that was never able to be utilized to its full potential. The concept behind creating a Folie is the first of many steps which will allow a complete refurbishment of the site, a refurbishment that will utilize and maximize the qualities of Howard Smith Wharfs.

When walking towards the site, one cannot be but overwhelmed by the polarisation of the views. The cold yet impres-sive structure of the bridge is opposed by the calm view of the city reflecting upon the river.

It is through those first experiences that we were inspired to take advantage of the bridge and its panoramic views. These elements were then chosen to be incorporated into our Folie building on an educational experience. It is the edu-cational experience and the elements of both the bridge and the views that form the foundation of the conceptual de-sign.

Etoile Filante is situated below the bridge in order to provide an alternative method of transportation for people to cross the river. The design is based around the experience of providing people with new perspectives upon their surround-ings. While entering Etoile Filante one finds themself within a dark room illuminated by multiple light shafts and the artifi-cial night sky. An illusion is created through the constant movement of the wall which skews people’s sense of direction. The light emitted from the central entryway invites the guests to explore the lower level. A new perspective is unveiled upon entering the viewing platform; one is wrapped in a rhapsody of views by the 360 degree panoramic scene.

Through the experiences outlined above, the different steps of the journey enable people to gain new perspectives and knowledge of the surroundings. Not only is there this learning experience, but both spaces provide two ethereal atmospheres for people to enjoy.

The first stage of this design is to have the path of the Etoile Filante end at the first set of pillars. Ultimately, this design also provides an option for future expansions. This future expansion would allow Etoile Filante to cross the river provid-ing both a unique and a memorable experience for everyone.

Technical Drawings of 'Etoile Filante'

EASTERN ELEVATION (NTS)

NORTHERN ELEVATION (NTS)

SOUTHERN ELEVATION (NTS)

FLOOR PLAN ; LOWER FLOOR (NTS)

FLOOR PLAN ; UPPER FLOOR (NTS)

SITE PLAN (NTS)

SECTION (NTS)

SECTION (AT NIGHT) 

SECTION (NTS)

SECTION (NTS)