Another Final Mass

OK, so... this is something that I like, but so unusual that I have doubts about it. It follows parti more then any massing I did so far; it looks fluid, organic, and simply cool, it provides long ramps for exercise,  it allows enough space for the program, it has core to access all spaces, it has tall spaces with curved walls. It will require huge windows for ramps to make them less claustrophobic. I also missing main ramp which leads from the park to the lobby.

Rollerblading space

Cafeteria

Roofs 

rollerblading area beneath the ramp/bridge

Final Mass - progress

As of now, I think that I've managed to create a form that will allow me fit some interesting spaces in section as much as in plan. I'm working on floors and structural supports now. This are pictures that should give you an idea of sectional environment.

Space Distribution Update

Space Distribution

After my previous "available space" evaluation I start creating walls for the structure. It was something I didn't do before; weird shapes, new tools, and new approach took me quite a long time to conquer (sorry for disappearing for so long). At last, I've created the form for spaces which could be inhabitable.

Spaces are enclosed with walls, footprint of which I traced over in AutoCAD to start arranging program within. I'm still missing spaces for cafeteria, food prep, shop, and bike parking; they will be a part of the ramp, and I left plenty of spaces for integration.

"Water activities" space has a rectangular lap pool (50'x40') for scale, and area for saunas in the left top corner.

This is just a start of the process. Guided by your comments I shall finish shortly. After partitions are done I'll recreate them in 3D.

Preliminary Space Distribution

Preliminary Space Distribution

Before I start planing exact floor plans I need to see that my program will fit withing the shape of the building.

It looks like it does. My next step is to design building envelope, get exact in- and ex-terior floor footprints from the 3D model, export it to AutoCAD, and figure out space adjacencies with means of egress.

Revolution

Revolution

OK... I think I'm getting happier. I love new forms my mind has produced; shapes don't just morph physically, but also perceptually - the same part of the form looks like a stem from one point of view, like a leaf from another, and like a flat slab from yet another. What I desperately need now is an idea how to convert this thing into habitable spaces. Do I carve spaces? Do I slice slabs and extrude them? Do I simply flatten floors and enclose them in glazing?

Massing Update

Massing Update

Here I changed 1st floor massing and columns to make it resemble roots. I changed ramp to make it wavy, and some paths so it is fluid-like. Railing was made to represent my intentions to make it voluminous, and not simply slab-like (thank you, Andy, for "Canyon project" tip). Leaf-like structures serve as a shade for the outdoor rollerblading space and hangout space. Mechanical space (roof, in the middle of observation deck) has organic embellishment as well.

As of now I'm thinking to make 1st floor of concrete with large vertical window openings, and do other floors of glass to emphasize ramp and railings.

Is this the right direction, or which aspects of the mass should I rethink?

Programmatic Study & Development attempt

Programmatic Study & Development

Well... previously I turned idealistic model into this hybrid of the idea and real constrains.

Obviously, it is too sculptural to be practical to be used as a habitable space. Pictures below show my development. The overall appearance of the building isn't as fluid as I'm planing for it to be, but the functional part of this massing already is.

Site view. Building is visible from the street, park, pier, and water.

Looking from the pier

Looking from the water towards NW

Looking from the water towards SE

View from the top of the ramp (elevation: 25') towards South

View from the top of the ramp towards West

Bird view

Helicopter view

Approximate space destributions

Future development will include modification of the PoolArea wall. It will become ribbed to further simulate roots. Top ramp will wave. Rollerblading area will have leafy addition which will serve as shading device. Mechanical space will have similar structure. Outdoor passages will have elaborate railing systems which will add volume to them. Finally, appropriate wall finishes will have to be devised to enhance the organic feel.