In the process!

What a week!!!Got to crit with a really amazing Interior designer from Johannesburg, Alex Opper! It was such an inspiration to see how much passion Alex has for design, this was a great reminder just how much design impacts one's life! He gave me some good criticism and made me think of problematic areas in a different light.

I finally got to graduate with such a special Interior class, thank you to everyone for helping us reach that stage in our lives! I am currently busy with the conceptualization of Apex...battling a bit with designers block, but hopefully things will start falling into place soon. Hold thumbs!:)

Balancing functionality with aesthetics

As soon as anyone thinks of sporting facilities...the aesthetic qualities are seen as the last priority! The images above prove that one can also design way out for a very functional scheme, why not try and inspire the participating athletes?! The first image is the Bubble stadium for the Beijing Olympics which was held in 2008, this is where all the water activities took place, and the Birds nest stadium is where all Olympic events pertaining to athletics were held. This gives me great inspiration while designing specific areas within Apex.

Adaptive Reuse precedent study

I have found some amazing precedent studies which work perfectly with the theories I am working with, as well as the atmosphere I am aiming to create:) This particular project was an adaptive reuse competition compiled by the Amsterdam City Council where two sewerage treatment silos had to be redesigned. The proposal which was done by NL Architects was to create a centre which is dedicated to sport, culture and climbing.

The existing structures were extended to the maximum height to enhance the 360 degree roof top views from the restaurant. The one silo has been dedicated to a variety of cultural events while the other incorporated a 40 meter climbing wall with other functions such as a hotel, public cafe, training facility etc. It was interesting to see that the facade has integrated the concept of programming climbers in order to portray an active facade.

Its all a blur...

Helloooo:) At this stage I feel like there is no distinction from one day to another, every hand in, brief, event, 'holiday' has become one big blur, as though I am in a constant dream! This year has been such a challenge so far, it is not so much about the level of difficulty of work, its solely about time management!!! Im afraid that by the time I wake up from this nightmare, June portfolio will be an event of the past!All I have to say is, Lord be with me!

Theories brought into Apex!

Awesome gymnasium

I came across this gymnasium at a school in France. It was really refreshing to see that not every gymnasium is 'ugly' to say the least. The concept derived from the shape of glasses which were abstracted to a certain extent, this was translated into a really successful gymnasium design which caters for a variety of sports.