[PEER REVIEW] GROUP 43

Sharkitecture Peer Review - 2 Vehichles

Sharkitecture, having just completed the vehichles workshop; presented us with a seaweed-covered glider and a modified paper lantern. These were accompanied by renders of the docking systems that have been posted to their  blog.

The balloon was made using non-renewable energy sources as this tied in closely with a dystpoic view of the city hotel. Butane was used to inflate the balloon with hot air, using a burner, whilst solid parafin was used as a fuel when in-flight. This was a good approach to the issue of a long launching time which all groups experienced with lantern flight.

We found out how the dystopic balloon concept had been developed further into making the journey itself a 'show', as when the balloon reaches the waiheke site, it ignites. This sends the passenger basket crashing into the water and free to get washed up on the shore. This reckless, unsustainable behavior represents a core idea in of the metropolis, and as an act of showmanship; creates an impressive entrance for those arriving.

The glider had been developed as a close replica of Halloway’s aircraft in the Ultimate City story using the dimensions that were available. The frame was constructed from balsa wood, with seaweed applied as a brittle membrane to form a curved surface that can direct wind flow. The application of seaweed was a tricky part of the process as it was very hard to form a thin continuous layer without breaks. Further down the track, the perforated nature of the outer shell was embraced as an aesthetic and possibly functional quality after flight testing proved that the glider was capable in practice.

The construction of the glider was one of the most impressive and clean-cut moments upon looking around at the room of work during the crit. It  was clear that considerable time and craft had been dedicated to correctly proportioning glider parts, with guidance taken from real aircraft when the story lacked in accurate information

A journey map of Auckland accompanied the work and showed the potential flight paths of the two vehicles. This took into consideration the known permanent weather conditions of the sea crossing and land area, and also started to display the experience of the passenger through imagery.

Overall we felt that the team had resolved the design challenges well, and that J.G.Ballard’s story was deeply considered throughout the workshop production. This culminated in a clean and viable set of vehicles for travel between hotels.

[2 walls] wall #3 tile walls

This could be like breathing spots for the building.

[2 walls] wall #2 velvet texture

This texture might be better to work with, a more sculptural facade that wraps itself around the hotel, like a scarf.

[2 walls] wall #1 mesh wall

weaving sort of texture, more like a overhang of some sort.

[2 walls] What is Utopian?

In 'the ultimate city' Utopia is place where everything has been made simple. So simple that no excess is needed, everything is down to it's simplest form while still maintaining balance and progress. There is no heirachy, no difference between individuals and it seems nobody has developed any tiny sign of the seven sins-everybody for everybody. Everyone is living in harmony - but - it is a very unambitious place(in my opinion ).

A truely utopian place would have to be where everybody lives GREAT with everybody else (no disgusting personalities). No excess weight for the world or for own minds- meaning clean resources and self produce, self use(renew, resuse and recycle) and no greed(everybody gets the same amount). No over decoration that people start to lose sight of what is more important, what has been there the whole time (nature environment).

COMMUNITY
SIMPLE ARCHITECTURE (or outer facade at least)
ENVIRONMENT

As the missile (transportation from dystopian hotel) launches the parachute, speed has finally slowed down enough that you start enjoying the ride down the first thing is clear skies and water. There is a sense of overwhelming calmness as the missile falls at an acceptable speed on to the grass platform. The nose opens and everybody is let out. From the waiting rooms, relatives/friends/hotel staff awaits to welcome the passengers and led into the hotel.

[2 vehicles] Mapping

[2 vehicles] experience of docking and departure for utopian hotel.

utopian departure system

utopian docking system (in the air)

utopian docking system (upon arrival)

utopian docking system (upon landing: behind view)

utopian docking system (upon landing : inside view)

utopian departure system (upon departing in the sky)