23 May 2007

MAQUETTE


The maquette model was used to develop the complex curved design. Only one model was made for the factory however Gehry makes numerous models before committing to CAD.

DESIGN

The layout of the site was drafted in AutoCAD. Sketch design overlays of the building were created and developed. Gehry tends to focus on the front of the building highlighting the entry with a large sign or tall flowing glass port cochere and creating a distinct front and back.

The showroom is the highlight of the facade however the flowing curved meld with the factory portal frame like a octupus spreading its tentacles.

A cardboard maquette at 1:500 scale was created to further develop the form.

The maquette was then scanned with a HP scanner so that the warehouse form could be drawn in AutoCAD.

Introduction

I passed this site just after Christmas on my push bike. At first glance it appeared to be an ubiquitous portal frame. However the shining relfections from the frame signalled that it was different. The portal frame was not your normal hot rolled steel UB section but cold rolled. The type you usually see in those kit garages and barns, but this spans 20m!