Final Design

8/10/2010

At our second meeting with Helen we put forward our conceptual diagrams outlining the model forest as the key central figure which she was very happy with. We discussed the issue of materials and bamboo was seen as an obvious choice, however we learnt that mud/cement has also been used before on similar projects. This was great news as it allows us to create different internal environments through the change in materiality. We are now researching bamboo and mud cement further and aim to make a few models exploring bamboo in particular. We also aim to explore further out spatial layout diagrams and begin to formalise sketch plans for the client meeting on 13/10/10. The brief asks for various different spaces (accommodation, teaching..) which could lead to small isolated huts. However as a group we have agreed to try and focus on a scheme that integrates spaces and tries to bring together different activities in order to maximise interaction.       

5/10/2010

Today we met Helen Buckland who is the director of Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS). This gave us a chance to gain some additional information regarding the brief and what SOS really wanted from the scheme. As a group we were able to quickly establish the strong emphasis on education/training that came through in the brief and how this branched into various levels : training the local people, visitors from abroad, sponsored university students and school children. Helen mentioned the use of a ‘Model Forest; which will act as a controlled environment to teach school groups of particular plant species before they head out on walks.  

We began spatial planning diagrams and developed the concept of having the ‘Model Forrest’ at the centre and the various other spaces feeding off this central area. We felt this reflected the strong emphasis on education.

Orangutan Eco Lodge, Sumatra (Indonesia)

Project Description:

We have been given the exciting brief of designing an Eco Lodge in Sumatra that focuses on promoting awareness of conserving the local habitat of the orangans. The aim is for the Eco Lodge to act as a base for the Sumatran Orangutan Society (SOS) from where they can work with the local community as well as visitors to carry out conservation work within the area, plant tress to restore the damaged eco system and provide training to help the local people work towards a more sustainable future for their forest.

We have decided to carry this project as a group of four (Sam, Sirwan, Andrew and myself). This was because of the scale/nature of the brief and the fact the project lasts only 3-4 weeks.