121014 Vegetation Book-wl

7/30/2019 121014 Vegetation Book-wl

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D6 | Plant Science Parkvegetationwoomin lee

futurechristchurch.camiayoung.jordonsaunders


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Project Description...........................................................3

Research ..........................................................................5

Formal Investigation .......................................................15

Site & Program ..............................................................23

The Design Proposal .......................................................38

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Christchurch city development blueprint release marks not only the start of a framework but another set of questions: how does it measure up not only against international standards but for the reality of the everyday citizens?Is it enough to secure a city voyaging into the 21st century? How exactly will the major parts of the planned precincts turn out architecturally for people to experience?

This project starts to address these questions by designing part of the designated Green Frame of the blueprint. Situated next to Latimer Square, the proposal calls for a plant science research facility. Advancing on the proposedidea of the Green Frame giving to public use, the research facility attempts to closely tie together two user groups of scientist-researchers along with the general public. In this way, the research facility is a park and the park is theresearch facility - a both and situation allowing for mutual benet.

The concept driver is derived from a close study of roots and how it plays these multi-functional roles. When a root sets itself to a soil, it changes the ground condition with its interaction; that is, it makes a soil devoid of life capableof sustaining a system of life around it. This idea along with the geometry of the multi-axis root system became the strategy for the design: the building would be fragmented into smaller laboratories which were interconnected toeach other by the paths just like the roots. Circulation, therefore, denes the building form: this allows for a closer interaction for the forms and the journeying along the site. Exchanges and chance encounters between the scientist-researchers, along with the public, are intended to improve innovation and collaboration. That is, the design is a network of buildings embedded into the garden of plants showcasing the research and plants of Canterbury and theagricultural plants for both the public and scientists.

Thus the design offers a new opportunity for the Green Frame closely relating to the economic activities around Christchurch and with long-term plan in which a deeper understanding of plants can be enjoyed by both public andscientists, furthering a more co-inhabitance between plants and the built environment.

contents


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Vegetation Research

vegetationgroupwoomin lee


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Garden City of Today

GardenCityof Today

The Ecosystem Cycle

Ecosystems

WhenSir Ebenezer Howard rstenvisioned the Gardencity itwas a reaction tothe industrialrevolutionwhich beganto change cities; combining boththe economicp otential broughtbythe industrial revolutionalong with the cleanenvironment of the country.However, withcities

continuing tochange the notionof thisindustrial-country-cityis becoming obsolete.Gardenshave eectivelybecome decorated wallso f a city making the delineation between green-beltand citygreater.

Whatconstitutesthe green-beltisalsobecoming increasinglyambiguous.Isitsupposed tobeonlyparks and agricultural areas?The notionof the Garden-cityhas become increasinglyob-solete incontemporary times; questioning whatthe green-beltcould be.This researchinte ndstolook into ecosystems, centred onvegetation, as a possible source of breaking the boundary

betweencityand greenas separate habitationsand green-space whichperformsto make anew mode of urban.

The understanding of vegetationand nature stemsf rom analysisof the owsand resourcesacrossecosystems.We have attempted toide ntifythe processes thatdrive and maintainecosystems and recog-

nise opportunitiesfor regeneration.Streams of biotici nteractionsand mutualisticrelationshipsbetweenvegetationand the ecosystemsitsupportsshowshow everycomponentof nature isco-dependentand related withina cycle.The lossof habitata nd diversityof indigenouss peciescanbe largelyattributed to the activityof humansthatdisruptthe cycle and donotconform as

partof the ecosystem.Native speciesare usuallyadapted tosupport eachother and there isrealopportunityinrestoring native activitytoitsoriginswhere itwill strive.

ProducersHerbivores

Parasites

ParasitesAnd

Herbivore

Carnivores

Copro- and necrophages

Carnivores

CarnivoresII + IIIOmnivores

Decomposers Decomposers

Short Cycle Long Cycle

greenpartsof the plants

Waste

Saprophages

Roots

phloemstream

(litter)

CO2 of the atmosphere

R es pi ra ti on R e sp ir at io n R es pi ra ti on R e sp ir at io n

SoilRespiration

Pedosphere

Atmosphere{ {

Consumers

Ecosystems in Christchurch

Tussock, GreenSkink, Ti Kouka, Kowhai,Pipit,Mikimiki, Young Plains Ecosystems, Ti Kouka, Kotare,Kanuka,Houhere, Piwakawaka, Kohuhu, Mid Age PlainsEcosystems

Kahikatea, Kereru, Manatu, Lush, Totara, Bellbird,

Matai, Older PlainsEcos ystems, Pukio, Pukeko,

Karamu, PeatPlains Ecosystem

Akeake, Riroriro, Ngaio,Old Dune Ecosystem, Pingao,

Kuaka, Tauhinu, Young Dune Ecosystem, Oioi, Tuturi-

whatu, MarshRibbonwood, Estuarine Ecosystem

dry plains

wetplains

coastalplains

porthills

Christchurch Ecosystems

Dry Plains Wet Plains

The Wetplains have changed drasticallysince humanoccupationandthe eectsof humanactivityhasseena severe lossof original plant

and animal species.The WetPlains historicallysupport ed expansive

podocarp (Kahikatea), wetland and swamp forest.Riccarton bushis

the onlysignicant podocarp wetland forestcurre ntlyremaining. The

honeyeaters , tui and bellbird were importantspecies for pollination

and were all abundantinCanterburyinthe past.

Coastal Plains

Coastal plainsare divided intotwobroad ecosystems: the estuarine andthe dunes.Estuariescontaincomplex ecological conditionsdue itbeingthe pointwhere freshwater meetsthe sea.Cycles of tidesand freshwaterinow produce muchvariationsof water levelsand salinitieswhichthevegetationmusttolerate inorder tosurvive.Dune vegetationsimilarlyare exposed tovarying salinitiesand water levels, butalso toextendeddurationsof droughtof whichPingaohasespecially adapted to.

The dryplainsare part of the alluvial oodplainbuiltup bybraided riversof Canterbury.Prior toEuropean settlement the plainswere covered

withsilver tussock grassland withlocalize d woodland areasof Kowhai,

Cabbage treesand Kanuka.Veryfew of these areasremainwithinthe

citysboundaries, with onlya few shrubs, patchesof kowhai and areas

of grassland surviving.The grassland areasa re cable of supporting an

extensive number of indigenousplant, bird and insectspecies.

houhere

ti kouka

tussock

kowhai

totara

kahikatea

te kakahi

pukio

akeake

pingao

oioi


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Wet Plains Ecosystem

Totaraolder plainsecos ystem

moistand deep kaiapoi soils

Pukio

peatplainsecosystem

wetand peaty waimairi and aranui soils

Kahikateaolder plainsecos ystem

wet taitapu soils

Te Kakahi

dryor stoney

wet taitapu soils

Totara

Podocarpus

totara

Tall, slowgrowing treeswhichprovidefruitfor native

birds

Keruru

New Zealandpigeon.EndemictoNZ, playimportantecological role

Common

plumtree

The Kerurupreferstoeatthe leavesofthe introducedplum treeplant.

Tui

Endemicpasserine birdof NZ.Mainpollinatorsofmanynativeplants

Bellbird

KorimakoEndemicpas-serine bird ofNZ.Pollina-torsof manynative plants

Kahikatea

Dacrycarpus

dacrydioides

Tall native treewhichpro-videsfruitfor

native birds

Kanuka

Kunzeaeri-

codes

Atree orshrub nativetoNZand SEAustralia

Manuka

Leptosper-

mum sco-

parium

Asmall tree orshrub nativetoNZand SEAustralia

Kakariki

Native smallforestbirds.Orange-front-ed parakeetcriticallyendangered

Pukio

Carex secta

Tussock edgeuseful for re-establishingor enhancingwetland areas

Karamu

Coprosma

robusta

Bushyshrub/small tree,widespreadnative species

Kuruwhengi

New ZealandShovelerwhicheatsprimarilythe seedsofaquaticplants

Keruru, Tui,

BellbirdEndemicbirdsof NZwhichdispersethe seedsof

Karamu

Silvereye

Native butnotendemicbirdof NZwhicheatsfruitofKaramu anddispersesseed

Related Na-

tive Plants

Cabbage trees,miro, ax,kowhai, NZ

fuchsia

tall trees

small trees/shrub

tussock/grass

bird species

Related Na-

tive Plants

Beech, Ma-nuka, Kanuka,axseed, grassseed

Insects

Spiders, in-sectsand theirlarvae

Related Na-

tive Plants

fuchsia, kow-hai, ax

Insect:Aphids

Grey

Warbler

Riroriroisa commoninsectivorousbird endemictoNZ

Insects

Caterpillars,aphids, leafminers

Fantail

Small nativeinsectivorousbird widelydistributed in

New Zealand.

Matai

Prumnopitys

taxifolia

Endemic

NZtree

dispersed by

Keruru

other

Coastal Plains Ecosystem

Akeake

old dune ecosystem

droughty waikuku soils

Pingao

young dune ecosystem

droughtyand raw kairaki soils

Oioi

esturine ecosystem

wetand salty motukarara soils

Bracken

Fern

Pteridium

esculentum

Bracken,ground cover

Ngaio

Myoporum

laetum

Native treetoNZ.Fastgrowing ever-greentree

Akeake

Dodonaea

viscosa

Widespreaddistribution.Wood istoughand durable

Grey

Warbler

Riroriroisa commoninsectivorousbird endemictoNZ

Tauhinu

Pomaderris

ericifoliaNationallyendangerednative shrublocated nearcoastal areas

Sand fescue

Austrofestu-

calittoralis

Atussockwhichgrows

withPingao.

Remuremu

Selliera

RadicansNative coastalgroundcoverwithbrightgreenfoliage.

Marsh Rib-

bonwood

Plagianthus

divaricatusShrub whichistoleranttosaltycondi-tions.

OiOi

Apodasmia

similis

Atall reedgrowingonNZsaltmarshes.

Fernbird

Insectivorousbird native toNZ, prefer-ing grounddwelling thanying.

Mingimingi

Coprosma

propinqua

Grows

alongside

marsh rib-

bonwood.

Banded Dot-

terel

Native birdfeeding onmolluscs,crustaceansand insects

Pingao

Desmosch-

oenusspi-

ralisAtype of sandbinding grass

native toNZ.

Inanga

Knownmorecommonlyaswhitebait, itisa scale-lessshwitha

silverybelly.

Silver Eye

birdAbird nativetobothNZand Australia,ithasa fond-nessfor fruits.

Insects

The greywar-bler will feedonspiders,insectsandtheir larvae

tall trees

small trees/shrub

tussock/grass

bird species

other


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moistand deep kaiapoi soils

TotaraPodocarpus totara

Totara isa podocarp tree endemictoNZand was once prominentinthe WetPlains of Christchurch.Itisbestsuited tofull sunor semi-

shade conditionsand isdry/wind/wettolerant.Itwill readilyestablishitself onpasture land and prefersrichmoist non-alkaline soil.

The totara is dispersed by nativebirds which eatthe fruitandexcrete the seed.

USES:

Totara wood isverydurable and canbe used for outdoor landscaping

timber and itisalsofamousforitscarving propertiesmaking itthe primarywood used for Maoricarvings.Before Totara forests

were depleted, itwasalso valuedfor bridge and wharf construction.

Tui and Bellbird

Endemicpasserinebirdsof NZ that

primarilyfeed onnectar, fruitand insects.Theyare examplesof

mutualisticcoevolutionand pollinate manynative plants(suchasmistletoe, fuchsia and

kowhai).

Related NativePlants

Cabbage trees, miro,ax, kowhai, NZfuchsia, mistletoe,Kahikatea, kaka beak,

matai, karamu

Wet Plains Ecosystem - Focus Stream

Totara ecosystem

Kereru ( New ZealandPigeon)

Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae

Large, enedmicbird of NZthat

primarilyeats fruitsfrom nativetrees.This makesthe Keruru acrucial link inecosystem nutrientcyclesasitsupportsmanynative

treesthatrelysolelyonnative birdsfor distribution.Breeding dependsonthe availability of fruit.

Keruru feed on podocarp speciessuch as Totara and distribute the

seeds.

The populationof Keruru havedeclined since humanoccupation

buttheycanbe found incitygardensand parks.

Common plum tree

The Kereru love toeat the leavesfrom the commonp lum tree whichisanintroduced speciesof plant.Whenavailabilityof fruitisscarce,Kereru relyonleavesas a large partof their diet.

Plum trees grownwell in fertile, welldrained soil. Plumsare versatilefruitthat are enjoyed bymany people. (Fruit, jam, jellies, dried plum,

sauces, desserts)

totara seedtotara bark

maori carving

Bellbird

Kereru

Tui

Native bird species sightings in

Christchurch

Indicatesurbanhabitatand existingbushare suitable for survival

Appropriate ecosystem

Kowhai TreeSophora microphylla

Kowhai tree grow inmild temperate

maritime climatesand are nativetreestoNZ.Theyare partof the dryplainse cosystem, butare a food for

grownShining Cuckoo; especially,attractive tothem for their Kowhaimothslarvae and caterpillar.

Kowhai MothUresiphita polygonalis maorialis

Kowhai Mothisa NZnative insect,

whose caterpillarsfeed onKowhai,brooms, lupin, gorse and clover.

Magpie MothNyctemera annulata

Magpie Mothsare endemictoNZ

whichfeed particularlyonragwort.

Akeake ecosystemDroughty waikuku soils

AkeakeDodonaea viscosa

Meaning forever and everin Maori,referring tothe strengthand durabilityofthe wood, itis a tree capable of growing

up to4m and rarely9m.

Inthe Christchurchcontext, Akeake isan

importantpart of the dune ecosystem -located inthe Coastal plainsregion- as itestablishes eective shelters tosupportlife.Akeake is capable of growing quickly

and withlittle maintenance; and isevencapable of growing inpoor soil conditions.The rapidlyspreading canopyand rootsare the basisof its sheltering abilities

providing bothshade to the dryduneclimate aswell aseectivelystabilisingthe surrounding soil; thus, resisting dune

erosions.

Onthe dunes, itcangrow in the centraland peripherial areas.Thisispossible toits

tolerance to saltsprayunlike manyothertrees.Seedsare propagated bywind.

USES:

The Akeake tree isuse ful inmanyaspectsb eyond itsb enecial impactonthe ecosystem. Itshard and durable

wood makesitsuitable for partsinthe boatindustryand astimber forsmall construction.Leaves of the treeare alsoused in making medicinesfor

bone-fracture and the treatmentofrheumatism.

Grey WarblerGerygone igata

Abird endemictoNew Zealand feeding oinsects, their larvae and spiders.The Grey

warbler or Riroriro, hasbeen able toadapttocivilizations and settlements; hence,being able tobe independentof its natural

habitat, the bush.Thishas beenbenecialtofarmersfrom aneconomicpointof viewdue toit catching insects, rather thanfruit.Theyare active hunterswho are never idle

astheyperchfrom tree totree.

Their special pear-shaped nestshung fromtrees.These nests are protective and are

usuallyenclos ed exceptfor one hole facingawayfrom the prevailing wind.

Interestingly, the Shining Cuckoosneaksinan egg during the second batchof eggs.The GreyWarbler, therefore, raises theShining Cuckoosyoung inits nests.

Shining Cuckoo, PipiwharauroaChrysococcyx lucidus

Parasiticin thatitdoesnot raise itsyoung,the Shining Cuckoolaysits egg inthe nestof a GreyWarbler asitreturnstoNZ.It

migratesfrom New Zealand to the Tropicsand returnsto layitseggs.

The Shining Cuckooisan importantbird

incurbing the numbers of the larva of theblack and white magpie-moth(Nyctemeraannulata) and the Kowhai moth(Uresiph ita

polygonalismaorialis) asmostother birds

avoid them.

Coastal Plains Ecosystem - Focus Stream

Appropriate ecosystem


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SANDWITHFERN, FLAX& GRASS

SWAMP& RAUPO

GRASS

ROCKS

TREES

FLAX

FLAX & GRASS

GRASS & FERN

FERN REGIONAL PARK CEMETERY IMPROVED PASTURE

UNIMPROVEDPASTURE

REGIONAL PARK WATER

URBANAREA

ORCHIDS OR VINEYARDS& PASTURE

HORTICULTURAL CROPS &PASTURE

EXOTICFOREST

GARDENANDCITYHERITAGE

SPORTS PARK

LOCALPARK

FERN& FLAX

RIVERS ORSTREAMS

CHRISTCHURCHCBD

CATHERDAL

CHRISTCHURCHCBD

1856 MAP OF VEGETATION IN CHRISTCHURCH

Map before European settlement showing Christchurch

PRE-EARTHQUAKE MAP OF VEGETATION IN CHRISTCHURCH

Map showing what exists after settlement in by about year 2000

Note:all plantsareindigenous

Changes to the Landscape of Christchurch

Improved Pasture:Well-maintained grassland communitywithme-dium tohighstock densityfor producing mainlywool, fatlambs, beef, dairyproductsand deerfarming.

ExoticForests:Forestplanted where exoticspecies, in particularconifersand broadleaved treesdominate.Theseforestsare mostlymonocultures, withabout200-400 treesper hectare.Growthisfor timber.

Parkswith signicantnative plants:WithinChristchurchthe parksRiccartonBush,TravisWetl and, Horseshoe Lake, Cockayne Reservehave the mostnative plants.Of these, Riccartonbushhasa dense forestof Kahikatea trees.Parksallow for walking, jogging, leisure sportsand sh-ing for the puiblic.

Regional Parks:These parkscontaina varietyof indigenousandexoticvegetationsof whichsome are of special cul-tural importance asithasties withBritishhistory.Parksare mainlyfor walking, jogging, leisuresportsand shing for the public.

Regional Parks(estuary):Containsestuariesand rivers.For publicuse andconservation, activitiessuchas shing and leisureare allowed.Indigenousand exoticspeciesofplantscohabit.

Unimproved Pasture:Low rainfall, poor soilsand more relaxed pastoralmanagementproducing low stock densities, forwool, sheep meatand beef production.Some riskof reversiontoshrub and forest.

Local Parks:Parkswithmixed indigenousand exoticspeciesof vegetation.These are mainlyfor the publictoengage inasciviccentresfor activitiessuchaswalks, jogging, playing (children), relaxing, cyclingand leisure.

SportsParks:Parkswhichare mainlyfor lesiure activitiesofsportsand camping.These sitesmaintainvegeta-tionaccording toneedsof the function, and there-fore, containmostlycontrolled exoticplants.

CityGardens& Heritage:Adiverse range of exoticand indigenousspeciesmaintained intensivelyfor the purpose of viewingand less-physical activitiessuchaswalking.

Cemetery:Gardensarticiallymaintained for the sole purposeof honouring those whohave leftthisworld.Theseplantsvaryand are usuallyexotic.

Orchards/Vineyards and Pasture:Avarietyof tree and vine cropsusuallyproducedcloselywithpastoral farming.The mainfruitsgrownwere apples(pip fruit), pears(pip fruit),plums(stone fruit) and nectarines(stone fruit).

Horticultural Cropsand Pasture:Cropsare mainlyinconjunctionwithpasture lands(hence, having similar vegetationaspastures)producing bothdiaryand eld crops.Cropsareprimarilypeas, beansand sweetcorn.

Ryegrass(Lolium Perenne)Pine

(PinusRadiata)Douglas-r

(Pseudotsuga menziesii)

Eucalyptus(Eucalyptusspp.)

Kahikatea Tree

(Dacrycarpusdacrydioides)

Willow Tree(SalixAlba)

SaltGrass(Distichlisspicata)

Oak Tree(QuercusRobur)

NgaioTree(Myoporum laetum)

Browntop(AgrostisCapillaris)

Cocksfoot(DactylisGlomerata)

Danthonia(Rytidosperma spp.)

SweetCorn(Zea maysconvar.sac-

charata var.rugosa)

Peas(Pisum Sativum)

Beans(Phaseolusvulgaris)

White Clover(Trifolium Repens)

Apples(MalusDomestica)

Plums(Prunuscerasifera)

Pears(Pyruscommunis)

Peach(Prunuspersica)

SweetVernal(Anthoxanthum odoratum)

Yorkshire Fog(HolcusLanatus)

Yorkshire Fog(HolcusLanatus)

Timothy-grass(Phleum Pratense)

Chewing Fescue(Festuca Nigricans)

Red Clover(Trifolium Pratense)

Public Use

Conservation Farming

Map of Pre-Earthquake Christchurch

wheat

Crop RotationCropsare rotated toeliminate pestsand diseases

associated withcertaincropsand tomaximise prots.

VegetablesPasture

Pre-Earthquake Vegetation Study


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Exploration of vegetation in relation to soil/land and the inherent structure of the vegetation itself for amaterials investigation

Formal Investigation

Plant-Ground Studywoomin lee


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Rootstructuresare importantpartsof plants.Rootsinteractwiththe ground conditionestablishing another complexenvironmentbelow inthe soil.Thisiscalled the rhizosphere:the habitatof rootsinsoils,along withother microbessuch asbacteria and fungi which interactintimately withthe roots.The presence of a rhizosphere changesthe soil conditionsdue tothe physicochemical interactionswithin the soil.

Rootsgrow based ontwoprinciple s:its inherentge neticsand the soil conditions.Geneti csare inner organising principles, where asso il conditionsare contextual factorssuch asthe ssures and cracks,availabilityof minerals and water.Rootstructures have multiple purposes:not onlyare rootsresource-seek ing bottom partsof the plant(as opposed tothe shoots), butthey are required for anchoring andstabilising the entire plant.Rootsare therefore ecientbiological structures, utilising a geometryin a varietyof ways.

Root Functions

Toabsorb water and mineral saltsfrom the soil Tostore food from the shootsystem Toform a passage wayfor water and dissolved substancesfrom the rootinto the stem

Tostructurally hold the plantin place from uprooting and overturning

Rootsare vascular meaning thatthey containtwo tubular pathwaysallowing for transporting toand fro heat, water, mineral and food for the plantto function.Roots have dierentfunctions from the shoots:shootsare the top partof the plant(above the ground) whichphotosynthesize and transpire and are the site of sexual reproduction.However, rootsand shootsdo have relationshipsas bothare required for a

plantto grow.That is, rootsand shootsrespond toeachothers eectiveness inobtaining resourcesfrom their respective environments.

Root Structures Investigation

Shootborne rootCotyledon

Tap root

Lateral roots

Basal root

Seminal roots

Firstseminal roots

Soil Surface

Shoot

Dicotyledonous PlantRootTap rooted species

MonocotyledonousPl antRootFibrousrooted species

Tap rootscontai none large primaryvertical rootwith manysmaller horizontal lateral rootsstructures.The long primaryrootdigs deep intothe soil toprovide stabilityand store nutri-

ents.Fibrousrootson the other hand are those thatcontaina lotof seminal roots(lateral rootswhichare assignicantasthe rstroot) and spread widely.These are good for plantstabilisationaswell aserosionresistantmechanisms.

Main Root Types: Tap-roots vs Fibrous-roots

Rhizosphere

Water + Nutrients

Life system established where plant

sets its roots (rhizosphere)

Bulk soil which has all the chemical

nutrients but no life


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Root Structures Reacting to Availability of Resources

Phaseolusvulgaris(shownleft) have dierentrootshapesdepending onthe availabilityof resourcesinthe soil.Thisshowsthatroots

are notonly geneticallydened as tap-rootsor brous-rootsbutare essentiallyshaped byseeking outresources- thatis, theyarecontextuallyse nsitive tothe soil conditions.

Kahikatea Tree Ake ake TreeTotara Tree

Totara tree rootsare essentially tap rootswith manybranchescreating inter-connected networks.There are alsolateral brancheswhichare asthick asthe mainroottap rootalong withmany

secondaryroots.

Kahikatea tree rootsare extremely linear inthat there isa very

long tap rootwith lesser amountsof branching inthe rootsystem.Thisis probablyto stabilise the tree from overturning and toexplore water deeper inthe soil system.

Ake ake tree rootsare brouswithmainstrandsspreading outradiallywithaboutequal thickness.Thismakesthe rootsystemconnectto one central pointand eventuallyspreadsoutto smaller/

thinner points.Additionally, the broussystem hasgreater surfacearea and therefore able todraw more water inand alsobe able tocompactthe surrounding soilsmore.

Christchurch Tree Roots Existing Study


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Root Systems Component Breakdown (ROOTMAP generated)

Single axisand rstorder laterals Single axisand three order laterals Multi-axisand rstorder lateral Nodominantaxiswithmanybranching

Generating 3d Branching System

Single AxisGeometry:

Distributive propertyof one primaryaxisbreaking downintosmal ler branches(or alternatively, manystartingpoints all joining up toone primaryaxis).

Tap-RootAxisGeometry:

Strong linear focuswithfewe r brancheschanneling all toone directpathalong withsome sub-pathswhichexitoutof the system.

Multi-AxisGeometry:

Multi-directional focusin particular radiallys preadsout.One centre pointwhi chall things either converge toordiverge from; along withsub-centres inwhich all come

together.


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Site & Program

Investigation in Christchurchwoomin lee


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Christchurch

CBD

Burnside

Cashmere

Heathcote

Ouruhia

Redwood

Sydenham

Woolston

BurwoodSaint Albans

Lyttleton

New Brighton

Site Analysis & Program

Site Location:Christchurch, SouthIsland of New Zealand

Located withinthe CBD area.

UrbanArea (Chch):452 km2Population:380,900

PopulationDensity: 840/km2Maineconomic sector:Agriculture

ProposalTypology:Plantand food research centre witha publicex hibitionand learning centre - todevelop and promote New

Zealandsa griculture sector.

Siteno.3

AngelaHannah

Siteno.2

Siteno.1

Potential Sites


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ChristsCollege

ChristsCollegeResidence

BotanicGardens

HagleyPark

CrammerSquare

Siteno.1

ChchArt Gallery

CanterburyMuseum

Arts Centre

Chester St

Armagh St

Gloucester St

CrammerSq

MontrealSt

Park Space

Schools

Residental

Arts and Culture

Sporting

Accomodation

Crammer Sq

Siteno.3

AngelaHannah

Siteno.2

Siteno.1

CPIT

Hi ghS t

Green Spaceproposal

(theFrame)

Bus interchangeproposal

Innovation Precinct proposal

Retail

Car park

Religious

Education

Siteno.2

Siteno.2

Potential Sites: Site1 vs Site2

Three siteswere selected due tothei r proximitytoei ther greenspaces, educational zones,innovative sectorsand proximityto bothAngelas and Hannahsarchitectural proposal sites.Then, the siteswere observed more closelyto see if there were anyother benets of the sitelocations- such asaccomodation, retail and other attractive social-cultural and environmental

benets.

Site no.2 hasmany potentials: connection to a proposed bus interchange, innovationprecinctand partof the frame.However, Site no.2 asan existing site isthe car-retail zone onthe fringe ofthe city. Althoughif the CBD plans are considered there are attractive locations,

during itsconstruction phases the new will have tocompete hard tore-vitalise the site.Alsothe site is very far fromHannah and Angelas proposed sites making itharder torelate andtherefore utilise their ideas.

Site no.1hasconnectiontothe verylarge greenspace: Hagley Parkand the Botanic

Gardens.However, these greenspaceswill be hard to develop to their already establishedpresence.HagleyPark also hasgolf courses.Additionally, the site isheavilyoccupied bysecondaryschools ; whichare programsthat are harder toreplace.

Accomodation & Housing

Green Space& Public Space

ParkingSpaces

Retail,Business and Oces

Cultural and Social Spaces

Institutional Spaces

Religious Spaces

Educational Spaces

Angelas Proposed Site

Chosen Site

Gloucester St

Worcester St

Hereford St

ManchesterSt

Cathedral Sq

MadrasSt

Lati

merSq

Lat

imerSq

Chosen:Site no.3

Site no.3hasthe mostpotential:- Relates toAngelas project- allow for nearbyaccomodation for researchcentre workers;

- Extremelycentral and close toCBD;- Proposal canchange the mainlyresidential-retail based economiesto incorporate more intellectual and benecial workbase;- Achance tore-vitalise Latimer Square, the silentstreet of Worcester St;


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ParkingSpaces



Chosen Site

Gloucester St

Worcester St

Hereford St

ManchesterSt

Cathedral Sq

MadrasSt

LatimerSq

LatimerSq



ParkingSpaces


Cultural and Social Spaces

Institutional Spaces

Religious Spaces

Educational Spaces


Chosen Site

Gloucester St

Worcester St

Hereford St

ManchesterSt

Cathedral Sq

MadrasSt

LatimerSq

LatimerSq

Site no.3 Context: Existing vs Proposed Blueprint

Existing Programs:The site being inclo se proximityto Latimer Square isa bonusas well asthere being plentiful accomodation.

Thiscould potentiallymeanthatthere canbe reductionsintransportationaspeople are allowed tocommutevia walking aswell asbeing able to house internationalscientists.

There are manyretail and institutional sitesalong withannearby central square where the CBD convergesto.

Proposing a researchand development maybreakdownthe retail do minance and provide a more mixedeconomyto CBD.If successful, the proposal canactivateLatimer Square asa new public space.

Proposed CCDU Blueprint Programs:Along withthe advantagesof being close toeverything inthe CBD, there are especiallymany moreopportunitessuchas:being embedded intothe green

Frame; the promixityto the central library; betterpublicex posure and therefore capable of appealing topublicinteres t.Performance& Arts Precinct


ParkingSpaces

Site isclose to residential zones(reduce trac/international scientistresidences)

Site isan integral partof the Frameand Latimer Square(canbe the researchlab for developingthe greenspaces)

Site isclose toretail(accessible shoppingareasfor workers)

Site relatestoAngela

and HannahsProjects(housing &oces)

Site hasgood publicexposure(educational for all)

Site isclose totheCentral library(exchange ideas/resources)

Site no.3: Context Next to Latimer sq.

There are manyadvantages of placing the site nextto Latimer Square:the close proximityto the CBD, good publicexposure, embedded intothe proposed Frameand nallyit isstrategi callyplaced for the researchcentre to enhance and develop the citysgardens and ecologies.

0

100m

N

N

0

100m


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30 31

LatimerSq

LatimerSq

MadrasSt

ManchesterSt

Gloucester St

Worchester StCathedral Sq

LatimerSq

LatimerSq

MadrasSt

ManchesterSt

Gloucester St

Worchester StCathedral Sq

Pre-quake vs Post-quake

Pre-quake Site Plan

Post-quake Site Plan

Demolished/Destroyed buildings

Surviving buildings/Will remain

Latimer Square

Demolished buildings

Pre-quake vs Post-quake

Manyof the buildingsare gone due tothe earthquake. Latimer Square especiallyhas verylittle

buildingson it.This will form the GreenFrame.

Before the earthquake site photo

Panorama of the siteselevation Photoshowing the demolished and destroyed buildingsof Chistchurch

0

100m

N


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32 33

LatimerSq

i

Gloucester St

Worchester Stl

Area= 15,954m2

Volume = 335,034m3

Building Max Area & Volume

MaximumBuildable Volume

Based onChristchurchsdevelopment blueprint, the maximum heightof a building onthe sitecanonly be 21m.Along withthe available area from all the demolished buildings, anarea of

15,954m2, givesa total volume for the building to be 335,034m3.Thisamountsto a building of max 6standard storeys.

Building HeightRestrictions for the CCDUBlueprint

The ChristchurchCBD blueprintrestricts the heightsof thebuildingsinorder toincrease density.Thisis because the

existing CBD containtall buildingswithan inconsistentoorarea space leaving large gapsin between.

The maximum area iscalculated bysubtracting the remaining buildings.It isassumed thatthe entire demolished area is

capable for use for the new researchcentre.(However, mayneed car park spaces).

Building heightres trictionsacross the CBDBuilding heightrest rictionsacross the CBD

Research Facility Industry Breakdown

What is the built proposition? Plant, food and agriculture researchcentre for the storage of native plant seeds, the geneticresearchand alteration of plants, plantsfor the general landscape (of NZ).

Who is it servicing?Trying toattract the intellectual sector, especiallyscientists whocan use the CBD asa meeting point/research& businesshub tomarketproductstothe international and domesticmarket.Itisalso for the publicto learnabout

growing plantsand the researchoutcomes ingeneral (as there are publicde mand).

Seed Researchand Improvement

PlantResearch

FarmsSeed Distributor

Engineering seedsfavorablefor productionintodays

climate.

Other usesfor plants,suchasnative species

and their uses.

Massproductionof seeds

Farmersuse togrow

better produce

Native PlantsResearch&

Conservation

Research facilitywill incorporate thispart of the

chainof the agricultural industry.The improved

seedswill thengo toa seed-distributor


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Plant GrowingFacility

Storage

Security

Labs

Oces

Research Space(library/lecturetheatre)

Public Exhibition Space 21%

11.5%

25%

12%

5%

2%

2%

Services 11.5%

~4,800m2

Area= 15,954m2

If the requirementsof the builtarea isabout

4800m2, thenthatis about30% of the maximum

buildable area on the site.Thismeansthatmore

ideascanbe used.

Functions Associated with Resarch Facility

Functionsfor the Research Facility& relative areas Area of the site

Arrangement of the Programs (initial)

Based uponthe rooting system, the functional diagram intentionis tocreate a centralised space whichbrings together all the elementsfrom the researche ld.Around the central areasare more growing facilities alongwithservicesfor resting and to have the workershave a place to relaxwhennotworking.Labsare connected to the practical parts, and oce spacesare givento scientistsfor an enclosure towork on other documents/presentations.

Initial arrangementof the programs diagram

Researcher-staffareasPublic access areas Public access areas

PublicExter ior Gardens

Security

Retail (cafes) StorageFacility

Labs

Services(Restarea)

Services(Restarea)

PublicExhibitionSpaces(informationstands/semi-exterior plantsh owcase)

SpecialistPlantGrowing Facility



ResearchSpace (library, lecturetheatre)+ Meeting/conference

Administration

PublicExterior Gardens

Security

Retail (cafes)StorageFacility

Labs

PublicExhibitionSpaces(informationstands/semi-exterior plantsh owcase)



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Design Specication

Purpose ofthe building

- Aresearchand development facilitybas ed around studying native plants, storage of seedsand the developmentof agricultural/pastoral seeds.Thisbuildi ng isto be embedded heavilyintothe public realm of the green-frame.Hence, the building will be embedded intothe publicpark, which will exhibitnative plants along witha possible visitor attractionand infocentre and cafes/restaurants.- Partof a three-tier process:a) researchinto plants/seeds and producing more favourable crops, b) selling these toseed-growerswho thenmass-produce seeds, c) whichare thensold tofarmers.

Expected users:- Building userswill include scientists(the main researchers) of bothdomestic and international origins, servicing sta(cleaners, security, administrationsta, guidesto the park), publicpe ople for bothinte restsin plantsandthose whowant a nichearea for leisure, gardeners.

Cultivatorsand plantgrowers inspecial ised greenhouse places.Associated investersand businesssector.Cafe/Restaurantworkers.

Approximate number ofusers guide and durations:- About100 scientistsworking from 9-5pm.- About5 restaurant/cafe workersfrom 9-5pm.- About20 cultivatorsof plants/gardenersto maintainp ublicpark &greenhouse from 8-4pm.

- About20 stamembersf or tending tobusines s/reception/information services9-5pm.- 5 securitymembers (around the clock), 10 cleaners, 5 guides tothe park/information centre people.

Spaces and their accomodation:

- Provide immediate physical connectionsbetween the laboratoryand itss urroundings.All working areas(labs, oces etc) were incorporated ontoa single oor toencourage communication and improve relationshipsbetweenfunctional areas.- Allow spacesto maximise natural lighting.

- The building should foster a sense of communityand conviviality:A lotof what modernscience is aboutis people working together.Its aboutteams of people, interactions, collaborations.Scientistsdontgoup and downstairs; theyprefer tointeracthorizontally.Putting people on one oor is the bestway of making people communicate.- Accommodate for the needsof scientists for private thought, experimentation, discussionand debate along withexchange and social needs.- Flexible enoughto accommodate as-yet-unforeseenchanges inthe nature of plants cience.

Relations between spaces:- Maximise exposure toprograms and the landscape/public park.

- Allow for private areasfor private thoughtbut make them jointo spaces of livelysocial/informal/communal spaces.- Allow circulationto provide for opportunitiesof exchange bykeeping building ashorizontal as possible (i.e.on one plane).

Functions +Space requirements:

- Visitor attractionce nter - info+ cafe/restaurant(10m by 10m for cafe, 100m2)- Greenhousesfor growing plants/producing seeds(10m by 19m, 190m2)- Seed bank vault

- Labs- twocategories: highlyspe cialised interior environments, storage facility, normal labs.(l ab:3.6m by 6m, 21.6m2; support:40m2)- Auditorium (15m by17m, 255m2)- Library+ studyspace- Conference/smaller meeting rooms(5m by5m, 25m2)

- Lobby, informal butsheltered areas- Services- toilets, coee machines/small microwave/sinks- Stafacilities: maintenance, security, oces- Oce spacesfor scientists(5m by 5m, 25m2)


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Lecture Theatre/Library

VisitorsCentre/Exhibition

PlantGrowingSpace

ResearchLabs

Offices

OverallApproach:The conceptis inherentlysymmetrical toreach outfor the four surrounding urbanblocks.Here, the rooting system istaken ini tsmost literal form, utilising the four branchessyste m.

Massesare ineectformationsof branches, thatreachoutto draw people in.There isa publicfront, represented bythe four major branches, thenas you godeeper insider, you gettothemore specialised scientistarea.

Analysis:Conceptis veryimposing and doesnotretainthe greenframedesignation.Thatis, thebuilding is toolarge and the publicspaceshave been heavilycompromised.Perhapsitcouldthe building could allow for people towa lk through.

Fig 1.Functional arrangementof massing concept Fig 3.Side viewof the massing concept

Fig 4.Programsequences fromside

Fig 2.Exterior viewof the massing concept

Concept Designsfour-axis root system

Public

Auditorium Auditorium

PublicResearch ResearchAdmin

The Design Proposal

Plant Science Parkwoomin lee

C D i C D i


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OverallApproach:Thisconceptutilisestwotap-rootswithsingle order branching asa wayof organisingthe spaces.The rootbecomes a long corridor of oces, whereasthe branchesare labs

and planting spacesfor dierenttype sof research.It formsa strong linear connectiontoCathedral square, and relatesto the neighbouring green-frame withpla nting.

Analysis:

Conceptis lower and more dispersed; however, there isstill the issue of the architectureoverwhelming the gardenspace. Additionally, itforces a single route/pathwayfo r people andtherefore onlyallowstwosides toengage withpublictoenter intothe building whereastheother twosid esare reectiveformally.

Fig 5.Functional arrangementof massing concept

Fig 6.Exterior view ofthe massing conceptalong with green integrated into it

Fig 7.Interior layout

Concept Designstwo main tap root system

PlantingLabs(Public can view fromOutside)

Garden/Green space

LatimerSquare

GloucesterSt

DesignatedGreenFrame


WorcesterSt

Lab Oces

Public ArcadeSpace(Exhibitions/Cafe)

Allow for ow directly in space

Oces

Oces

Public

Labs Labs

LabsLabsLabs

Labs

Concept Designsmulti-axis root system

Lab Space

Exhibitionof

Plantsresearched

Interconnected withanother

module of lab-exhibition

(Like rootstangling)

Artificial treeswhichshelter plants

Lab Spaces

Wondering Space/Publicpark space

Zonesof Pavilions:

Containsone clusterof Canopies

PublicPark integrated

intothe ResearchSpaces

OverallApproach:Incontrast tothe other twoconcepts, I thoughtit would be better if somehow the

architecture was integrated tightlyintothe idea of the park.Thisway, itcanretainitsresearchfacilityal ong withrelating tothe other green-frame parks.Multi-axisroots have beenconsidered where dierentroots are planted ontothe site and form clustersof pavilion-like

spacesof labs, plantgrowing placesnearbywhile alsoallowing the publictowalk by.

Analysis:Conceptis verypromising:itallowsfor the park-like qualitytoexist.People are able to

wonder intothe spaces, justas ina forest or park.Noroutes are forced, therefore, allowspeople tomake their ownchoices. These spatial qualities, along withthe site strategy ofdistributing fragmentsof functionsa crossthe site isappe aling.

F ig 8 . P la n o rg an is at io n o f o ne m ul ti -a xi s r oo t F ig 9 . Pl an o rg an is at io n o f th re e mu lt i- ax is r oo ts F ig 1 0. S i te o rg an is at io n

Fig 11.Spatialquality ofwhatit mightbe like inside

C t D iis

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r

rlt

r

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n

D l i C t


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Concept Designsevaluation/comparisons

n f v i l i n :

n t i n n c l u t rf n i

u l i c r k in t r ti n t t h r c h

c

Single-Axis RootSystemMassing:

+: Interior and exterior owfor public

Strong linkto the city centre

Alot ofexhibition space available for people

- :Strong in one direction butnot so on allthe other directionsArchitecture overpowers the public idea ofthe CCDU plan even

though itis more spread outthan the four-axis rootsystemCorridor ofoces may notbe the bestway of arranging spaces

Single-Axis RootSystemMassing:

+: Strong relationship between the 4 adjacentspaces

Strong potentialrelation between park/public

spaces and the laboratory spacesSpatially works better than the other two, due to it

being more related to the idea of green frame

- : Harder to formalise the relationships

Four-Axis RootSystemMassing:

+: Reaches outto the public through four roots

Simple symmetries facilitate for researchers and public

spaces

- :Massing is v ery imposing on the siteNo park-like quality and therefore lackofintegration

into the green frame

in

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is

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frst

r

rltrls

in

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is

n

thr

r

rltrls

ulti-

is

n

frst

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rltrl

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is

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ny

rnchin

r

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nt

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n

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17

in

l

i

n

fr

r

rl

rl

in

l

i

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hr

r

rl

rl

uli-

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fr

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rl

rl

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ihm

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rltrls

in

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thr

r

rltrls

ulti-

r

c

n

n

r

n

r

PlantingLabs(Public can view fromOutside)

Garden/Green space

LatimerSquare

GloucesterSt



WorcesterSt

Lab Oces

Public ArcadeSpace(Exhibitions/Cafe)

Allow for ow directly in space

Lecture Theatre/Library

VisitorsCentre/

ExhibitionPlantGrowing

Space

ResearchLabs

Offices

Developing Conceptmulti-axis root system

OverallApproach:

Producing a tree ongrasshopper thenat the end of the branching, pointswe re produced.These were thenconnected to producespla nes(g 14.) .These were tomimic the clustersidea and each dome-like space was tohold a dierentenvironmentfor dierentplantsto

grow and be exhibited inthe park.

Analysis:The idea of enclosing the whole park mayremove the spatial qualities withinthe spaces. It

producesan extremelya rticial interior experience whichgoes againstthe idea of the nature.However, the wayin whichlaboratories (indicated inred ing 12.) are scattered along withthe idea of having the park ow along isinteresting. Additionally, the idea of having treeshapescould be applied tothe facade.

Fig 12. Spatial quality of tree-made dome Fig 13. Site organisation of the tree-dome

Fig 14.Generation of the tree dome:tree was generated on grasshopper, then the endofeach branch was joined together to create a fragmented planar surface.The treewas then later removed.

D l i C t D l i C t


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OverallApproach:

Adopting the idea of magneticelds, the laboratoryspaces are located atthe equipotentialpoints.Then, root-like structuresa re planted tocreate more tower-like working environment:separating the work tothe above ground and the park tothe below ground.Connections are

made onthe upper storeyfor workersto circulate.

Analysis:Having the working space dierentiated by heightisa logical move as itallowsfor better

working environmentwithi nthe park.However, considerationmust be takento the avoid acomplete dissociation:science must still engage withthe public.Additionally, these are tootall for ittobe practical and still remainas a large partof the park.Magneticeldswhilstinteresting do notprovide a wayof organising the park/plantsonthe

park.


Fig 14.Planted-roots spatiality Fig 15.Overview ofplanted-roots

Fig 16. Magnetic eldlines with blue indicating root-structure


OverallApproach:Randomlyplanted rootsare placed onsite where the grid isdistorted. Thismakes the

column-likespacesfor labs and oces; and gapsfor the gardensand exhibition.Eachrootalsoreactstoeachother and jointocreate interesting forms.

Analysis:Rootsdistortthe grid, and itworksinplan.However, itdoesntwork inthree-dimensions:problemsraised previously are exist.Toomuch roof dominating the park spaces and alsothe formscollide witheachother.From Cross-crit, itwaspointed out thatscale wasa major

factor along withcle arlydening programs.This and the previousthings could inuence mydirectionfor the nextconce pt.

Fig 16. Distorting the grid where plants are rooted Fig 17. Spatiality of the distorted grid

Fig 18.Randomly plotted roots aecting the grid

Pre Earthquake CCDU Blueprint and the ProposalPrograms on Site


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Accomodation& Housing

GreenSpace& Public Space

ParkingSpaces

CulturalandSocialSpaces

InstitutionalSpaces

Religious Spaces

EducationalSpaces

ChosenSte

GloucesterSt

WorcesterSt

ManchesterSt

CathedralSq

MadrasSt

LatimerSq

LatimerSq

Retail, Business andOffices


BuildingZones

GreenFrame

ChosenSite

GloucesterSt

WorcesterSt

ManchesterSt

CathedralSq

MadrasSt

LatimerSq

LatimerSq

PlannedPrecincts

ParkArea


BuildingZones

GreenFrame

ChosenSite

GloucesterSt

WorcesterSt

ManchesterSt

CathedralSq

MadrasSt

LatimerSq

LatimerSq

PlannedPrecincts

Park Area

PRE-EARTHQUAKE

SITE

CHRISTCHURCH

CITY DEVELOPMENT

BLUEPRINT

PROPOSED GREEN FRAME

PLANT SCIENCE PARK

Pre-Earthquake, CCDU Blueprint and the ProposalPrograms on Site

Programsdist ributed onSite

Programsand their Relative Area

AGRICULTURAL/PASTORAL SEEDSRESEARCH LABS

NATIVE PLANTS RESEARCH LABS

SEEDS STORAGE AND RESEARCHLABS

AUDITORIUM

OFFICES + MEETING ROOMS

(COMPANY ADMINISTRATION)

LIBRARY + VISITORS CENTRE

CAFE + RESTAURANT

0

0

5m

10m

100m

N

N

Circulation on Site Plan of the Site


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6.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11. 13.

14.

15.

16.

16.16. 17.

18.

12.

12.

A A

1.Meeting/RestArea

2.Computer/Write Up Area

3.DryLab

4.WetLab

5.Storage

6.Greenhouse

7.Auditorium

ONE BUILDING

Dierent programs are enclosed in one building and publiccirculation is limited to the peripheral area

NETWORK OF BUILDINGS

Fragmenting programs across the site allows for spaces in between for thepublic to interact with programs

APPLYING THE ROOT SYSTEM

Not only are the programs fragmented, but the paths start to take the role of shaping the forms/volumes for greater interaction

between public and researchers. It additionally retains the park-like quality.

Public

Researcher

Circulation on Site Plan of the Site

0

1m 10m

N8.Projector Room9.Reception

10.Meeting Oce

11.Oce

12.Bathrooms

13.Cafe

14.Kitchen

15.Visitors Centre

16.Library

17.Help Desk

18.Public Computer AccessPoint

Planof all the buildingsonSite

Site Section Inside the Lab


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Laboratory Laboratory LaboratoryAuditoriumCafe Oce GreenHouse

0

1m 10m

Site Section

Interior of a Laboratory

Inside the Lab


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52 53Exploded Axoof One Oce Space

Steel Portal Frames

Timber RainScreen

Plywood Lining

Storage

DryLab

Dek Cradle Timber Joist

Fume Hoods(WetLab)

Meeting/RestArea

Timber RainScreen

FLOOR FOUNDATIONJUNCTIONDETAIL (1:10 SCALE)

Using Dek Cradle system whichallowsfor a more comfortable oor tostand onas well asproviding a exible service area underneath.

Timber Rainscreen

Rigid Insulation

I-Beam Column

Dek Cradle Floor System

I-Beam withservice

Concrete Rafter 800x400

Sand

Timber Floor Joists

Inside the Oce One Lab Cluster


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Interior of the Oce Space inthe PlantScience Park

Inside the Oce One Lab Cluster

VIEW INSIDE THE SCIENCE PARK NEXT TO THE LABS


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Plant Science Park in the Urban Context

Urban Context

121014 Vegetation Book-wl

Documents

Transcript of 121014 Vegetation Book-wl