developing a program and method of mimicry

The goal of this proposal is to create an untangible gain to a human occupant with a side-effect of aiding the natural environment.

Breaking the cycle of homelessness, creating opportunities, assistance, sustenance, safety and development is the desired program. The physcological well-being and preservance of dignity of the occupants must remain cognisant (sp) in the work of the designer. Ultimately, this breaking of cycle is a gradual process.

To mimic nature in the built form in relation to this topic I have drawn an analogy to the strangler fig. Whilst the naming of the fig is unfortunate to the building purpose, the ideaology is right. A grand form is created by interacting and relying upon those around it.

I have made the following diagram showing the basic fig cycle:

I have taken this theme coupled with camoflague and decoy and created a basic model to describe the basic form - however not material descriptive.

Animals and Camouflage

I would like to further develop my idea within the site of Howard Smith Wharves of seperation and solitude by using the principles of camouflage and mimicry. Providing a space of refuge within the city camouflaged from interpretation by passers by and effectively detached from the surrounding urbanity I am keen to understand the principles of camouflage in nature and the relationship with human occupation.
After reading an article on homelessness within Brisbane, I believe my concept plan correlates with the issues of homelessness by providing a space of security, un-comprimised, addressing the issue of lack of suitable shelter and most importantly providing opportunities to develop without preditation or interferance.

Below is a

Separation by blending

I will be developing my design along the theme of urban seperation for the purposes of reflection, regeneration and perhaps a space to provide a healing for mental health. I would like to create a space that uses the site but is hidden within the site or camoflauged, using the idealism "can't see me, cant affect me".
I will be doing research into the methods of camoflague both in the natural environment and urban context. Naturally, mimicing the concepts of nature and the use of camoflague in habitat for animals and the effectiveness and principle behind the camoflague. In this sense, animals also utilise bio-mimicry to create safety in their habitat.
In developing my research on this topic I have also come to recognise decoy as a method of camoflague or protection.


a flounder blending with the sea bed, there and effective but hidden the therefore protected

two-lane highway

Concurrent research on the design of solitude and bio-mimicry.

This lecture has been a great start for me on understanding the greater elements of biomimicry.

http://biomimetic-architecture.com/2011/02/18/michael-pawlyn-of-exploration-on-biomimicry-applied-to-architecture/

Source: exploration-architecture.com/section.php?xSec=35  (accessed April 3 2011)

An approach to seperation and solitude

Following on from Yvonnes notes on my reflection towards the site and design intent, I have been prompted to take a closer look at my idea of seperation and seeking solitude in the proposed site. How is the desired effect of solitude achieved or sought phyically, emotionally, psychologically, philosophically and experiencial? How does the folie insertion manifest, consolidate and express across each layer or entwined between layers?
I will attempt to provide my own personal definitions/solutions to the questions posed. From my own experience without reference to external sources.
Define solitude in a physical sense: to be alone, unaccompanied, self directing
in an emotional sense: calmed, centered, non-communicative
psychologically: at peace, rested, single minded, focussed
achieving solitude philosophically? To have an idea of solitude based on the before mentioned criteria. I'm a 'realist', to be philosophical is uncomforable for me!
experiencing solitude: is a about a journey, the channels of approach to seeking solitude in an emotional, physical and psychological sense enhance and in some cases create the greater out come of solitude.

So based on these personal interpretations of solitude/seperation, how was it formalised on site. A retrospective of the design approach leads me to a greater understanding of why I chose the theme of the folie and specific site. The experience of solitude is the first effect. Travel the path of least interaction and 'happen upon' the folie. Discover an alcove of privacy in a site of the opposite and seek an emotional reaction to the void within. Upon entry, vision is restricted to framed views. A physical position of 'back to the world' coupled with perched above.

I see a pattern building here discovery journeys, position, entry and effect and impact on user.

 Some observations of site and materials



Folie Panel