ARCH1101 Introduction

a. best piece of creative work

HSC Design and Technology Major Work: Environmental Dual Function Backpack Seat

This design reflects shifts in Australian lifestyles, prompting an innovative, sustainable and portable solution to a lack of public seating. The main body of the backpack is made from recycled cork fabric. An accent pocket is made using self-fused, black PLA sheet packaging for a unique pumice texture. Biodegradable hessian is used for the straps and lining, and old packaging foam is up-cycled and used as shoulder, back and seat padding for comfort. The easy-to-use seating is made from scored, recyclable polypropylene, to create a compact-able 'accordion' fold.  The folded 'zig-zag' increases the surface area of the seat, promotes weight distribution and adds high structural strength to hold various weights and shapes of users.

b. great piece of architecture

Biesbosch Museum, Netherlands (Studio Marco Vermeulen)

The Biesbosch Museum, dedicated to the rich history and ecology of the De Biesbosch wetland islands, is evidence of the unity between architecture and environmental consciousness. Having undergone recent renovations and expansions, the new museum has a modern focus on sustainability and native biodiversity. The organic mounded structure is sheltered with a bed of grass and herbs, creating an ecological artwork. The beauty of the surroundings may be exploited through the mountain trail which runs over the roof and leads to a stunning lookout. Sustainable architecture is considered through the reduction of continual energy consumption, particularly in temperature adjustment. This is evidenced through glazed, heat-resistant glass, surrounding earthworks and water piping, biomass floor-heating, and an insulating green roof. Most interestingly, their onsite wastewater system promotes willow tree growth by allowing vegetation to absorb nutrients, and eventually be used to fuel the biomass stove. 

c. original photograph of something beautiful

Cracked and Weathered Vinyl (Clovelly)

Peeling vinyl on the glass windows of a run-down, local newsagency. The green, blue, white hues of the faded vinyl allude to a coastal aesthetic, and is beautifully contrasted by the flimsy black tarp taped up within. The raised, browned edges and tears mimic the cliffs and rock formations, as the ocean tones suggest the imagery of the foamy dissolution of waves. It is intriguing how an arbitrary photograph can allude to such specific images and ideas. 

Khyzyl Saleem (@the_kyza on Instagram)

Noun: Symmetry

Verb: Glide

Adjective: Smooth

Mountain and Moon (Audrey Allen and Ashton Cameron)

Noun: Entanglement

Verb: Layer

Adjective: Curvaceous

Trent Jansen Studio

Noun: Fluid

Verb: Melt

Adjective: Organic