d) Topography experiments

I also started doing some experiments with regards to the topography of the urban park, after-which it became very apparent that i should to finish my precedent studies to have more of a starting base, hence the task for this week being to finish the 4 urban precedent studies that I am working on.

Experiment 1: very similar to the existing topography and the concept proposal from last semester - essentially a control model - the only change was shifting the boat ramp to the southern boundary of the urban park and a 'beach' extended out . Also the vertical circulation form of the marine base is replicated for the pedestrian bridge.

Pros:
- not much earth work other than boat storage excavation
- side boat ramp doesn't divide park


Cons:
- bland
- not much height/level variation



Experiment 2: Playing more with levels here with introduction of a higher level near the bridge pylon while creating a with a slope next to the central boat ramp with an extensive boat deck to the southern edge of the park. The same pedestrian bridge solution is used as experiment 1.

Pros:
- better level variation (and use of excavated earth to build up!)
- distinct character - terrace/open space around pylon could be utilised - water feature/fountain and/or markets and/or performance space.


Cons:
- ramp divides park
- rigidly formal


Experiment 3: Also introduces a higher level under the ridge, creating the pylon plaza,  but is less formal allowing a natural amphitheatre down to the north 'sun' spot opposite the marine base. The boat storage is divided into two volumes, with the ramp running between, lessening the division impact - also provides opportunity for similar language to marine base. Skewed boat ramp allows for longer ramp = more practical and less abrupt. Also the pedestrian bridge is made parallel to the ramp connecting pedestrians to the focus of the space - recreational boating.

Pros:
- better level variation (and use of excavated earth to build up!)

- distinct character - terrace/open space around pylon could be utilised - water feature/fountain and/or markets and/or performance space.
- better integration of boat storage and ramp
- better connection between pedestrians and boat storage


Cons:
- boat storage may have practical issues re manouverability
- somewhat haphazard

Overall one can say that the experiment process will yield rewards and so far number 3 has the most potential - but as mentioned before, no more to precedent studies are complete!