Process of design: Architecture is/ as Transcription
What is the process of design?
This design studio explored architecture through a process of “transcription”. An unconventional process which
yielded extremely unique and different architecture amongst my peers, yet all based on the same site and context.
Sited above the 6.5ha of railway intersection between Woolloongabba and Dutton Park (Brisbane), the mixed use
project included the following programme:
- 6.5ha Public Square above the railway lines to connect the Boggo Road and PA Hospital Precincts
- Project focus: 6000m2 building on the Square that accommodated a Business Incubator/ Super
Computer Data Centre/ “Room of Lost Steps”
In the first week, all students collected and objectively mapped 3 sets of site information which formed the identity of
each project.
Info 1: Generic site analysis. Mapped info such as; suburban lot boundaries, flood levels, transport
routes, significant trees. (My project: Topography)
Week 2:
Model of drawing of
Topography of Dutton
Park/ Woolloongabba
Info 2: Personal site analysis. Mapped info such as; social spaces, views between buildings, shaded
spaces, transitions between precincts. (My project: Illumination at night)
Info 3: Architecture of issue (research undertaken by UQ). Mapping the explanatory text of research
terms such as “Biopolymers”, “Macropore”, “Apoptosis”, “Meta Materials” (My project: “Bioinformatics”)
During the 13 week process students stepped forward together to ‘transcribe’ their own site information through
addition, subtraction, mutation, synthesis etc and transitioned weekly between methods of drawing, physical model
making and 3D digital investigations. Each week different layers of knowledge were imbued in the architecture which
included designated weeks to refine the building structure, the construct-ability, the energy use and environmental
aspect.
Each project was brewed ‘honestly’ and with discipline which
precipitated in a collection of bold and creative architecture within the
studio. The highly structured method of design caused considerable
debate between students and faculty alike. Though I believe the
process was an asset to my architectural education and has the
potential to inspire an additional layer of originality in everyday projects.
Master of Architecture 2013
The University of Queensland | School of Architecture
Student: Chi TANG
Studio Leader: Antonio Sanmartín