So throughout the sampling period, the number of design I wanted to develop further decreased. When doing the Lego models, I only picked a few, that I then modelled, photographed, and sketched over. After having done that, I had a good idea of what each design would look like, and therefore could make an educated decision on which one I would like taking to the next stage, the Sketchup modelling. I don't think I would have the time to model more than one in Sketchup because the design I've chosen are quite a bit more complex than in the previous projects, and I don't want to be rushing through it.
I had two designs that I really liked, the tree house one and the square with the cross corridors, choosing between the two was quite difficult, but a decision was made, and I think it was the good one. I have shown both designs to multiple people, and the grand majority of them preferred the tree house, which is understandable, in the models and sketches it does seem to be the most interesting design. I however went in the opposite direction, and did so not for the sake of disagreeing with others, but rather because I believe it is the design that meets my criteria the best, and I'll explain why.
Reason#1 is I find the tree house to seem kind of makeshift, it does not give the feeling of a building that is rooted in that location, it seems light, and flimsy, as if it could be toppled over, or pulled out of the ground much like a small tree actually. For as light, and flimsy as the building looked it was also quite visually imposing, it is a high design, with random levels sticking out of it, it's not by any means easy on the eyes. In comparison the square seems stoic and I prefer that.
Reason#2 for as much as I want the buildings to be modular, and have the ability of rooms being taken out I don't want the building's design to be a constant reminder of that. I want the inhabitants to be able to slot their room in the structure and have the feeling that they are now part of a community. The tree house design wouldn't allow for that. The amount of people on each level is a lot less than in the square for example. The tree house is like a skeleton, it's a structure, no flesh and everyone can see the insides, which maybe makes sense. Why build facades for a building whose rooms are suppose to be going in and out. However from where I'm approaching this project having a building with no flesh would be counter intuitive. If the building constantly evokes a feeling of temporary living then the question becomes, why bother invest yourself in a community if it's only short term.
Reason#3 the whole tree house design feels less meaningful. Now that's not something viewers would know, but as the person designing and developing this project I want to put out a building that has something behind it. The tree house design doesn't have much root in the research that was carried out prior, it doesn't have a story behind it, and it simply doesn't resonate with me as much as the square does. I don't have a client, and don't have to answer to an individual's demand but mine when it comes to the choosing of the design, and I believe choosing the design that resonates with me most is the smart way to go about it, because it means I'll be more motivated to see it through.
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