S I A N I C H A H U A C L A R K
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OAKHAY SNUG SCAPE
BRIEF
To redesign Oakhay Barton, EX5 4ED into a place suitable for children aged 4- 10 year olds to escape city life and explore the English countryside.
The aim is to get the children engaged with nature and the surrounding environment; learning about animals and the earth, as well as, independence skills.
In the design, all users should be considered, including the adult members who would maintain the areas of site and need downtime spaces.
WHAT
A Young Children's Outdoor Learning Experience and Camping Experience
WHERE
Oakhay Barton, Exeter
WHEN
July 2017
How can the design of these spaces encourage the children to ‘connect‘ with the environment?
How can I give the children an experience of freedom when under constant supervision?
How can I develop a contrasting design of ‘old and new‘ without losing the ‘sense of place‘ and the natural environment?
CONCEPT
In developing a space that encourages and connects young children to engage and learn about the natural environment.
the campers would be provided with a relaxed and fun approach to learning.
Already on the existing structures is the overgrowth of nature and greenery which I kept in order
to maintain the current ‘wild’ appearance, adding a dynamic element to my design. I wanted this to become a backdrop to the new designs creating a more permanent and physical structure using 'objects', 'light'' and 'movement'.
‘Objects’ are used to create separate spaces, using wooden structures and forms. These forms will be on the site without touching the walls; only sitting in the existing buildings to create ‘snugs’ and divide the current open space. The quality of these ’snug’ spaces depends on the location within the site; each section of the site has a different purpose and the atmospheres of these separate areas will reflect this. However, the difference in design will be in the tones of the colour palette and the graphics used in and outside the ‘snugs’; with the North Barn displaying cool and calming tones for the ‘snug’ interiors, but simple and bare exteriors. Whereas the West Barn is the reverse by having bright, intense and stimulating shades, focusing most the design to the exterior of the ‘snugs’.
‘Movement’ is a necessity to connect the key spaces of the buildings altogether naturally creating a more fluid and energetic design approach. Structurally basic and minimal, the North Barn and the West Barn have space for more floors and levels. I have added stairs and bridges to travel through them both, adding a physically stimulating component to the spaces. This is to challenge and encourage the children to physically engage with environment through the surrounding, by developing a more spatially challenging setting to manoeuvre and navigate throughout the spaces. Additionally, visual stimulus and material elements are added to define footpaths and trails between the buildings and walkways across the central courtyard area.
‘Light’ tactic is used to enhance the privacy of an area, developing a positive correlation between the darkness of a space and the privacy and shelter it offers the individual. This will also relate to the activity within the space, group and learning zones will be the lighter spaces and more spatially open, while quieter and more reflective areas will have warmer, softer lighting.
