EXP 2 Concepts

The Concepts I chose to focus on for EXP 2 were selected from a list provided by our tutor, based on core ideologies from two architects; Mies Van Der Rohe and Studio Gang Architects. I chose to base my design on the 'less is more' approach popularised by Van Der Rohe, as well as creating a space that has simplicity through form and shape. As well as this, I wanted my design to be environmentally, socially and economically sustainable by minimising the footprint and operational costs of the light rail stop. This worked in well with the secondary concept from Studio Gang of minimal environmental impact whilst promoting sustainability. Below, I have included two short excerpts that illustrate the concepts that I chose to follow for my design.

"I felt that it must be possible to harmonize the old and the new in our civilization. Each of my buildings was a statement of this idea and a further step in my search for clarity."

- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

For over the first half of the 20th century, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was famous for his philosophy "less is more", and his "skin and bone" style of building design. Mies favors the use of simple rectilinear and planar form in his building designs. He is not interested in inventing new forms, rather, preferred to present buildings as clear and simple structures in terms of construction and the current technology. He expressed these ideas in these words:

"It is absurd to invent arbitrary forms, historical and modernistic forms, which are not determined by construction, the true guardian of the spirit of the times."

- Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

Moises Punte, Conversations with Mies Van Der Rohe, (New York, Princeton Architectural Press, 2008)

Sustainability has become an integral aspect of contemporary architectural design.

As climate change becomes an increasingly pressing concern, so too does the need to create sustainable buildings that offer minimal environmental impact and maximum human comfort.

Sustainable considerations such as energy efficiency and water management are now regulated under national and state building codes, allowing today’s architects to conserve resources and materials and construct dwellings that work with their natural surroundings rather than against them.

So, what makes a sustainable building? Simply put, it’s one that has minimal environmental impact while simultaneously meeting its occupants’ various needs. Sustainable design and construction elements can be categorised according to the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social and economic:

Environmentally sustainable buildings attempt to minimise a building’s environmental impact through energy and water efficiency methods, use of sustainable materials and landscaping that considers a site’s biodiversity and existing natural features.

Socially sustainable buildings are designed and constructed to address their occupants’ and visitors’ needs. They offer a healthy, comfortable, safe and secure environment that’s easily accessible and well suited to its surroundings.  

Economically sustainable buildings offer long-term financial savings thanks to energy-efficient design features, materials and appliances that keep ongoing running and maintenance costs low. 



University of Queensland, Better buildings: Designing solutions for sustainable architecture, (Accessed 26^th April, 2018)

https://sustainability.uq.edu.au/projects/campus-grounds-and-buildings/better-buildings-designing-solutions-sustainable-architecture


-Jack