DESA1002 'Continuous City' <Vincent Chung>

Abstract

My design project is situated on block K6 in the city of Venice and I have chosen a location right above a canal to design a waterfront Bar/Nightclub. The Masque, Bar in Venice is aimed at the backpacker and younger Venetian locals. It is decorated in an almost retro/art deco style. The main facade of the building features the simplified shape of the Carnivale mask; which plays a large cultural role in Venetian theatre and entertainment. The abstract mask on the façade has eyes, a mouth and on top of the face; is a tall structure which represents the pluming feathers on the traditional mask. The building design is composed of two major structural components. First is the main building, a cube like structure constructed of rigidly braced steel frames. These frames support both concrete and timber flooring. The exterior is clad with thin marble to allow the penetration of light into the building. Copper is used to clad selected parts of the exterior to highlight and outline the features on the façade. The main building contains two levels, the ground level and the first level. The second structural component is a lightweight steel frame structure supported from the canal bed, using a steel compressive tube. The lateral forces are balanced using truss bracing, supported from the main building. This lightweight structure houses the VIP section, which contains two levels. Overall, the building contains four levels; two for general public access and two for VIP exclusives. The ground level contains a jetty/wharf where patrons access the building via marine transport. Marine transportation is the preferred method of travel. It also contains a considerable amount of dance floor space and bar space and amenities block. The second level is comprised of bar space and a concert stage. The third and fourth VIP levels have all the basic bar/nightclub functional areas as well as a more grandeur area.