EMBRACE
Under the guidance of our tutor, we spent a semester analysing and applying architectural precedents onto the Studley Boathouse in Yarra Bend Park
‘A mother hugging her child.’
I wanted to bring warmth into this large empty space. I wanted to make the visitors feel as though they are being held in a mother's embrace, which brings in the paradoxial idea of closeness within a huge area. Thus in hopes of single handedly encapsulating these contrasting elements, I have decided to introduce small intimate pockets that suspend within space. This arrangement exudes warmth whilst maintaining its robust majestic character.
To reach the Studley Boathouse, the visitors must navigate through an endless series of whinding roads. It lies in isolation and is buried in a panaroma of dense greenery. Being set on the slope, its slight elevation provides visitors generous views of the lush vista, a welcoming refuge from the bustling city.
PROXIMITY
To further engage with the Yarra River, the boathouse is relocated closer to the bank.
SHAPE
Elongating the shape gives the visitors more exposure to the river
SCALE
The vastness of the landscape overwhelms the river. Similar to how Ando plays with the scale in the Church on the Water, the scale of the boathouse is reduced in hopes of magnifying the river.
EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED
To maintain a homogeneous atmosphere with the surrounding tranquility, the boathouse rests quietly at the bank, camouflaging the river.
SHARED FUNCTIONS
The other end of the river opens ups to the river, where it is full of life and energy. Functions are elevated to different heights to provide privacy and to allow the river to be shared.
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
7 BOAT HIRE
8 TOILETS
9 KIOSK
10 OFFICE
11 KITCHEN
GROUND FLOOR PLAN
1 BOAT MAINTENANCE
2 BOAT STORAGE
3 DECK
4 CAFE
5 RESTAURANT
6 TOILET
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WATER BODIES
I wanted to take the concept of 'being at one with the river' to another level, by literally bringing the river into the boathouse. Introducing pools of water into the building emphasizes the presence of the river and also helps maintain consistency with the environment. Long pathways were also used to further enhance the feeling of 'walking through the river'.
For the cafe and the restaurant, the tables are located above a pool of water, in hopes of bringing the customers closer to the river. The elevated dining area in the cade allows park users to reach the other end of the river without compromising the customer's view. Likewise, for the restaurant, the tables are arranged in a cascading manner for privacy.
WIDTH
The width of each walkway was carefully alternated and sequenced to emulate the feeling of being embraced through the warmth and tightness exuded
FRAMING OF VIEWS
Giving bite-size views of the river, prompts visitors to pay greater attention. Thus, as a whole, it subconsciously magnifies the scale of the river.
ENCLOSURE
Here, I wanted to show how one could 'embrace' the environment despite being seemingly locked out from the world. From the exterior, the lack of windows suggest its isolative nature, however, in reality the unsheltered walkways and gaps within the ceiling forces visitors to be constantly exposed to the environment. It allows rain to come through and a wash of light to permeate through the building.
