trigonal museum

(advanced design 2)

morphogenesis - form emergence and innovative systems and configurations based on naturally evolved systems found embedded within nature.

My morphogenesis system is based on Hematite [Fe2O3]. Hematite is a ferrimagnetic material [weak dipoles] and crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system. The form, growth and organization of hematite closely adheres these local associative rule sets.

The logic, of magnetic dipoles and trigonal crystals, generates a rule set that can be strategically deployed to design. Spatial self-organization is generated between urban and architectural configurations from the ‘bottom up’ in the same way hematite cultivates. The logic’s variables offer vast variations of urbanisms and architecture creating design with diverse configurations.

At an urban scale, rules are employed to stitch the site back into the city fabric, vary densities, growth, land use, and organisation. Mixed use high and low residential and commercial, open space, and community areas have been integrated into a final scheme which regenerates the Victoria Quarter, the immediate context of the area, and Auckland City on one side and Ponsonby on the other, at a wider context.

Master planning the site saw new road networks, with a large proportion of being put under ground, providing additional public civic space above and relieving secondary roads of additional heavy traffic, allowing easier, safer and more approachable pedestrian access. Pedestrian and vehicle access were not the only traffic flows to be considered. A transport hub is established, acting as the main feeding artery for the site. This allows commuters efficient access between the site and surrounding areas. Whether they are visitors, employees or residents, embarking or disembarking, ease of transport is assured.

Mixed-use development enables programs to meld within each other achieving ranges in densities, spatial and social diversity and fitness of life. Uses range from offices, retail and food to residential, open civic space, landscaping and community gestures. Community gestures, such as the Trig Museum, further organize the site by placing hierarchy to program and space. Networks begin to emerge around these focuses, generating coherent spatial order and circulation. This order can then be translated into the built forms. Slowly, as the site develops, relationships begin to emerge, strengthening this use of integrated urban spatial design resulting in high quality living standards.