DESA1002 'Nine Quarter City' - <Eliza Morton>

Abstract

This semester has been a great experience. It provided a practical continuum from last semester’s task, with new challenges and obstacles to overcome and a focus on the development of architectural skills and understanding. The focus of the semester’s tasks, Isfahan in Iran, introduced me to a new world and culture. The challenges presented through designing a building in a country, about which I knew little, were numerous. To overcome so many unexpected challenges, I had to develop and hone my rudimentary skills. From the outset, I was enthralled by the city of Isfahan. Its fascinating culture, so different from that of Sydney, and the historic architecture laced throughout the city, provided great scope in the design process. I instantly wished to design a cultural building. The rug warehouse was a choice developed through discussion with the group. This gave me the opportunity to learn about an historically important activity and established a framework for the way in which the warehouse would function. Throughout the semester, I encountered problems, such as the selection of materials appropriate for the building and site, Isfahan’s climate and ensuring an efficient use of the space. My building reflects the process of rug weaving and the structure echoing the rug weaving process. The roof curves like a rolled up rug, almost as if a magic carpet. I progressively overcame these issues to develop an efficient design. I believe that the preliminary presentation, presenting to a different tutor, was highly beneficial as I had to stand back and evaluate my design in order to present it to someone who had not been involved in its development. It was also helpful to receive the insight and feedback of a person unfamiliar with the design as I entered the last phase of the project.