Project #2: STC Tower and Amphitheater
The second project for Architectural Design was to devise an observatory and amphitheater for our tech campus.
The first thing that needed to be done was to take photos of the proposed area, which is near the building of where class took place, for a site analysis.
Like the birdhouse project, I had to create a site analysis to check if the site’s conditions are suitable for the new building.
Next, I had to create a circulation path using an AutoCAD of the proposed area for where the monument is placed. (Note: not all of the student and facility circulation arrows are shown due to an error with creating the PDF.)
Using a screenshot of the campus (pictured at the top of the page), I had to create a site plan to highlight major areas of the site. I used different colors to tell the other buildings and landscapes of the site.
There was also creating a site context, which highlights the different buildings surrounding the site.
Here is the handdrawn one with a legend.
After a few days of analyzing, I created a site analysis board to present to the class.
For designing the tower, I wanted for it to stand out as opposed to the other buildings in the area. After a few trials and errors, I found a design that really makes it pop. For the amphitheater, I decided it to be a more open space, like the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
I then had to create a conceptual design using geometric shapes. The files above is an activity to try it out.
Here are the concept ideas drawn with a grid over the proposed site.
Here are some side elevations of the concept designs for the new monument.
Using a program known as Sketchup, I designed three study models for the new tower and amphitheater. While the first two designs were good, I opted for the third idea has it was more close to my vision.
The tower had to be changed due it looking a bit like a lighthouse. This is the first attempt at making changes. As you can see, while it now has a balcony and some windows, it still has the appearance of a lighthouse.
This is the final design of the observation tower. The cone shaped building expands the balcony, so there is now more room for people who would like a 360º view of the area, as well as better view of the amphitheater’s stage.
Here are the front and side view elevations of the tower.
This is the floor plans for the top and ground levels of the tower. There would a staircase and an elevator inside for access to the balcony. There would also be benches around the balcony for anyone wanting sit down and enjoy the view.
For the amphitheater, I designed the seating gallery to face the stage so everyone would look toward it and not get a cramp from turning their heads. I also added some staircases so everyone could find a seat without climbing it. As for the stage itself, I had it resemble the stage of the Hollywood Bowl.
Here is what the tower and amphitheater look like on campus. The circle is supposed to be the observation tower.
Here is a section view of the tower and amphitheater. The staircase for the tower would be spiral.
Here are some concept views of what the Observatory and tower would look like next to a building at STC. The filter was added for the final presentation board which will be talked about later.
Another thing that needed to be done was to scale down the observation tower and create 3D printing files to make models. This was for a better visualization on how the tower would look in real life.
After a month of work, I presented my idea for a monument for STC in front of some instructors on campus. Above are the files for my presentation board.
AEDTportfolio 
