With further research on how to re-envisage the architecture I decided that I wanted to enhance the contrasting relationship between spaces by multiplying the boxed spaces in the existing gallery; creating multiple levels of floating boxes, contrasting them with an organic glass structure. Whilst in conversation with Jacky it seemed obvious that a use for these multiple private and enclosed spaces would be an auditorium; the enclosed boxes would work well acoustically, keeping sound within the space, allowing multiple, separate performances to be held simultaneously in the one building.
Some inspirations
When considering the building and the concepts in which I wanted to focus on, the obvious one was the circulation of the building and the deceiving nature of the entrance. I then wanted to be more specific and focus on the box shaped exhibition space, as it seems a very prominent and purposeful design decision. The concept of a space within a space is something that appeals to me. I wanted to enhance this idea by contrasting this space with the greater building. I did a couple of renders, layering them to enhance the contradiction. I want to focus on the circulation and interplay between separate, distinctly defined areas.
When researching chosen architect, Kisho Kurokawa, I came across one of his earlier works, the Nakagin Capsule Tower (Tokyo, Japan, 1970-1972). I could see a clear link between this building and the new museum wing, which also explores the concept of separating spaces and creating complex circulation paths. The building was the first of what can be classified as capsule architectural design, with rooms arranged as capsules and inserted into a mega-structure.
The Capsule Tower realises the ideas of metabolism, and recycleablity as the prototype of sustainable architecture. The 14-story high tower has 140 capsules stacked at angles around a central core. Kurokawa developed the technology to install the capsule units into the concrete core with only 4 high-tension bolts, as well as making the units detachable and replaceable.
