DESA1002 'Nine Quarter City' - <Emma Squire>

Abstract

The concept behind my design was to create an establishment which addressed both the high levels of unemployment within Jerusalem and the constant flood of people migrating into the city. My design encompasses a trade school which will provide necessary tertiary education opportunities to the wider community in conjunction with a temporary housing apartment complex which will provide much needed housing for students and possibly permanent residence. My design is focuses on angles which has created many unique spaces and openings. This has achieved a desired tactile or textual aesthetic, as the buildings invite you to focus on their angles and sharp, clean edges. This idea is further enhanced as the buildings materials, mostly glass and Jerusalem stone create clean, smooth surfaces which contrast their abrasive surroundings. Repetition of shape and line also adds a unique quality to my design, as the linear ribs on the horizontal plane offset the strong vertical elements. Repetition of design features has also achieved unity between the two building complexes. For instance the long, open towers that define the temporary housing building are juxtaposed with the short, compact complex which houses the trade school. Although very different they are unified by the common use of shape and line. Circulation plays a vital role in the design of my buildings. One of the predominant circulation features incorporates a linear horizontal spine that moves through and connects both buildings. This channel functions not only as a passage for people to move from one building to the other but also provides a visual link as to unify the buildings. In all my design employs unique repetition, innovation of shape, strategic circulation programs and aesthetics of contrast to achieve both an individual yet functional establishment within the heart of Jerusalem.