Expert: Nazim Nice - 12/9/2011

Question
QUESTION: hey Nazim,
im a 4th year architecture student, and im having a bit of trouble with a project i have.
We're required to design a new function for old fuel storage tanks.
So basically we have these big cylindrical concrete structures (diameter 50m and 20m in height) and we're supposed to turn them into something new that has a different function. they are part of an old electricity factory, and are located in a rural country, kind of isolated from any residential movements. and the location is known for its agricultural significance.
So i dunno if these are good enough details to tell let u know what i need exactly, but any suggestions as to what kind of building i can turn it into, and what kind of material i can use would be extremely helpful.
Thank you :)

ANSWER: Hi Rou'a,

I would look at some of Tadeo Ando's work if you have not already. He does some amazing concrete structures. My first impression was some sort of religious structure, where people live but also worship. The structures could be made into living, studying, worshiping spaces.

If they are in a rural setting could they be made into an astronomy observation center, where people live and study the sky.

Maybe they could be made into some scientific research space. Think of something that would benefit from thick concrete round structures.

I guess it seems to me that if no one lives nearby there would want to be a housing component to the project, either inside one of these structures or in a new structure.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
--
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hey again, I'm sorry if this might sound too much of a hassle, but I have a follow up for my previous question.
So the thing is, i decided to turn it into a botanic garden, something people might enjoy and it would attract tourists. the problem is I'm feeling a bit restrained by the given cylindrical shape of the gasometer. any suggestions?

ANSWER: Hi Rou'a,

Are the gardens inside the gasometers? Or outside? Round forms can be challenging to work with. Maybe look at the Guggenheim and how FLW used a cylindrical building by introducing a ramp.

If you need to layout hotel rooms you probably will do pie shaped rooms or impose a grid into the circle. Generally a grid tends to work better. Mario Botta uses a lot of round forms. You might look at some of his work. For example, his Casa Bianda uses a cylinder but with portions removed. Could you manipulate the gasometer's structure to allow for some inside/outside space?

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
--
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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yeah the gardens are inside the gasometer, which is why i was having a bit of problems, the way im gonna separate them and give each one its own space and create its own conditions and stuff.
and i can do whatever i want with the cylinder, as long as i maintain the "memory" of it. in a way that when u see it u can tell its a cylinder but not in a real blunt way.. so yeah i have complete freedom to change anything.

Answer
Then it seems to me that you may want to examine how the different orientations would affect each garden area and exploit that in the design - creating shade gardens, sun gardens, etc on each side of the building. If all you have to keep is the memory of the cylinder then I would manipulate it as you need. It also seems to me that the experience of getting from one garden to the next should be interesting / different for the visitor.

Nazim Nice
Principal / Architect
http://www.motion-space.com
--
LEARN ABOUT MOTIONSPACE ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN:
Motionspace Architecture + Design Websites: Seattle Architects
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Learn more about us: Seattle Architects information
Learn more about our services: Seattle Architecture and Design Services
Levels of services: Seattle Architects Services
Frequently asked architect questions answered by a: Seattle Architect
Contact Motionspace - Seattle Architects
A list of all our completed projects:Seattle Architects Projects

PROJECT GALLERY
See our completed projects at:  Seattle Architecture Projects
Lake Washington Waterfront House
New American Farmhouse
Green Home Design at Rim Rock Ranch
Green Lake House Remodel
Seattle Condo Remodel
Seattle Craftsman Remodel
Seattle Mid-Century Modern Remodel
Seattle Brick Home Remodel
Mercer Island Remodel
Seattle Capitol Hill Craftsman Remodel
Seattle Basement Remodel
Seattle Bungalow Remodel
Seattle Second Story Addition
Seattle Outdoor Kitchen Design
Seattle Townhouse Design
Seattle Bathroom Remodel
Kirkland Bathroom Remodel
Seattle Porch Design
Seattle New Home Design
Bellevue House Addition
Bellevue Landscape Design
Swimming Pool Design
Seattle Entry Design
Bellevue Daycare Design
Seattle Tenant Improvement Design
Seattle School Design

LEARN MORE
Looking for an architect? Seattle Architect
Remodeling your bathroom: Seattle Bathroom Remodel
Laundry and mudroom design: Seattle Mudroom and Laundry Room Design
Remodeling your entire house: Seattle Whole House Remodel
Information on Seattle Home additions: Seattle Home Additions
Adding a roof deck: Seattle Roof Deck Design
Choosing exterior colors and materials: Exterior Houe Colors
Read about remodeling your basement: Seattle Basement Remodel
Consider adding a second story addition: Seattle Second Story Addition
Sustainable and green design resources: Seattle Green House Design
Information on garage additions: Seattle Garage Additions
Choosing Kitchen Materials: Seattle Kitchen Design
Kitchen Remodels: Seattle Kitchen Remodel
New House Design: Seattle New House Design

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