WINNER

IT WAS AN INCREDIBLY CLOSE CALL, WITH THREE OF YOU ON EVEN VOTES FOR THE WIN, BUT WHEN THE RUNNER UP VOTES WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT TO BREAK THE DEADLOCK WE FIND THE WINNER OF OUR FIRST ARCH7202 EXAM IS .... KIMBERLEY.

WELL DONE KIMBERLEY, THIS IS WHAT WAS SAID...

"Kimberley's is the most conceptual and powerful, I look forward to her explanation, but it seems more like a monument to (overcoming) depression than a place designed to treat it. Do you start underground and elevate yourself as you become less melancholic? Nevertheless, as an image it is fantastic."

"Kimberley's model was mysterious without trying to be so. It kinda reminded me of Gaudi's towers, which would work for a landmark location such as we have. Kimberley also got my award for "quickly and efficiently setting the scene" with surrounding mass and the stack itself; I feel like a student from another studio could have immediately gotten what the model was for, if not what it's about. I'm curious about the buildings extending below ground, and want to find out why."

"I think (Kimberleys) is worthy of a mention for its uniqueness. I also appreciate the free flowing modeling in contrast to the majority of the classes quite structured schemes, and while the structured schemes have the advantage of seeming closer to a feasible architectural solution, I am probably most interested in seeing how this one develops."

"The scheme proposed is not an arbitrary use of the site but rather considers both the underneath and the site itself in a new and fresh manner. It is refreshing to see a sculptural rather than blokish approach to the site and one that neither attempts to hide or mimic the stack but rather instead subverts its power by imposing a more beautiful and potentially responsible approach in front of it. Now one looks at and is inspired by the spires rather than confused by the block of the current stack."

"Kimberly's model is simple and elegant. Even though there is a large contrast between existing and proposed, there is a sense that it "fits". Some of the other models seem to take upon the approach to "fit" the site by filling it to its extents and in turn curtain/hide the stack. Even though there is no inclusion of text, there is clarity in the pool + tunnel gas extraction playing roles in the sculptural forms. Its relationship to the brief in terms of addressing a "hospital" is ambiguous which offers a multitude of readings and questions to arise. I want to know, what it does, how does it work, can people occupy the spaces inside these spires? As a building proposal it sheds all consciousness of being realistic, but as an architectural proposal it is engaging and opens up questions about possibility."

ON FRUSZI'S:

"I think this project shows a clear circulation through the building and builds on the previous work explored in Session 1. The entry to the site is well designed and empathetic to the surrounding context. The form is interesting and complex and has a lot of potential both structurally and theoretically."

"While other student's models showed cohesive ideas unto themselves, were interesting or explored cool Solidworks aesthetics, Fruzi's relatively simple model seemed to fit very well with her project. I didn't have to call up her blog to remind me what I should be looking for in her model. The varied repetition and elongation of elements just said sleepless, restless. The form also fits the site, on a variety of levels."

ON NOA'S:

"My vote goes to Noa's, although it is most at risk of becoming a bit kitsch, I think. There is a clear journey through it (partly because of his last assignment). The connections between these really discrete buildings and the buildings and the stack will be very important and tricky. The concept and the architecture are both there. and it looks like a guy in a sleeping bag with his feet in an igloo."

"Two primary reasons for this selection: Firstly, the hearth is an instantly recognisable feature with an interesting form that doesn’t resort to clichés. The general concept of the hub is also apparent through the schemes interaction with both street fronts. This dialogue with the site is the second and greatest strength. The understated entry from the laneway in combination with the feature openings to South Dowling set the tone for the variety of uses to be housed in the project. The three distinct components reiterate the various programmes whilst also establishing a strong relationship with the site topography and the existing ventilation stack."

THERE ARE A COUPLE OF OTHER OBSERVATIONS THAT ARE WORTH MENTIONING IN CLASS ON FRIDAY, SO SEE YOU IN LAB 2 AT 11.

AND REMEMBER, ARCHITECTURE WAS THE WINNER ON THE DAY...