Assignment 1: Map Maker's Studio

Program


Design a studio for a map-maker, a place for study, thinking and conversation and making maps. The map maker will be making metaphorical maps - maps as much about imaginary places as about physical locations. The maps will be placed on a large table, at times hung or draped against the wall. The natural light admitted to the interior should be strong yet reflected, making it possible to look, slowly across these works; and carefully inscribe and render their surfaces. There will be rolls of maps, large deep shelves and drawers for keeping them safe,
and available. There will be many books. Old and new, essays, novels and encyclopedias. There should be a quiet and comfortable place for reading, a desk for writing and taking notes. There will be materials and media: graphite, pencils, paints, rolls of canvas and papers and boards of different kinds. Sometimes, friends will visit, and there will be a great deal of talking, well into the night.


A preliminary list of basic requirements is included below, but this must be developed in detail to become a useful set of objectives for design. Provide the following:
• Minimum of 8m2 horizontal and 2 x16m2 vertical (blank walls) working surfaces.
• Loose chairs/sitting surfaces as required.
• 36 lineal meters of open bookshelves 360mm wide.
• Storage and display area for materials and tools.
• Storage and display area for the maps.
• One small toilet and one small basin for hand washing.
• A small fridge, storage space for small food items and facilities for making tea and coffee.
• An outside area for reading & writing, sheltered from rain, wind and direct summer sun.


Limits
• Modulate the designs wholly within zone C.
• Divide zone C into private and public zones.
• Locate the reading room within the private zone. Allow for a maximum internal area of 60 squared metres (not including wall thicknesses) plus 20 squared meters of associated external areas for private use by the map maker.
• The public zone is to be thought of as an outdoor public space. You are required to consider the use and character of zone D within your overall design strategy.
• With the exception of the roof plane, use entirely orthogonal geometry - no explicit curves or diagonals, although these may feature as implicit characteristics of the underlying geometries & spatial dynamic of the design.
• Primary material to be used is to be masonry brick. For the roof, you may consider masonry roofing elements such as domes, vaults and arches, or design the roof in concrete. Concrete slabs are to be used for the floor. Lintels may be used over door and window openings. Timber can also be used for joinery and doors and windows.