Climate Refugees

Reflecting on the narrative behind my design i did further research into the current migration situation in Australia. I found this article particularly interesting and found it supported my notion that it is unlikely for many Australians to (quickly) adjust positively to the potential dramatic increase in refugees and migrants to Australia.

http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1990&context=commpapers

First Attempt at Proper Sections

These are the first sections i've produced of the close to final design of the green-wall food stands... I like the white background best but feel it might be more difficult to express the glowing effects etc needed to convey the festival atmosphere. I am going to start playing with further Photoshop techniques and start layering the 'festival' vibe over the images before i decide which to go with.

3D Modelling

I have been attempting to learn 3ds max this semester to give me a bit more freedom in modelling as well as an ability to create simple animations (which i think will be useful for presentation this semester). I have struggled figuring out the best way in which to model my leaf form (water catchment/shade device)... Here are some images of process:

Using various modifiers within 3ds max was a bit hit and miss as to the outcome (mostly just due to my limited knowledge at this stage)

I tried drawing the lines in illustrator that i wanted for the leaf panels, then importing into 3ds max as a dwg in an attempt to get a more specific outcome.

This worked reasonably well but when imported into archicad (where i had modeled some of the more simple aspects because it is the program i am most comfortable with) it slowed down the file significantly. 

I am particularly adamant in keeping the structural form of the leaf separate to the 'skin' as i think this is more practical in terms of construction and future repairs/changes, as well as the aesthetic that comes with it.

Fascination

I discovered this image while flicking through a Harvard design magazine and it reminded me of the Margaret Wertheim's coral project. I think it depicts a fascinating mixture of what is usually small scale handcraft with large scale architectural, experiential space. There is something magical about the experience that i think could be translated into a festival component. 

Veggie wall, food stall

The basic elements to the street food stall are:

• Vertical Vegetable Garden
• Water Catchment
• Vertical Access to harvest vegetables
• Structural Supports
• Connection point for cooking fuel (gas or solar?)
• Connection point for the cooking surface/table
• Shading Element 

This shows the elements that are clearly permanent and the elements which can be added, changed and adapted to the festival activities. 

After doing an initial sketch of how the components may come together i thought more carefully about the form. Looking at the existing elements of Queen St mall as well as biomimicry & aquaponic theories i   decide it should take a more sculptural form. This is also more in line with the design principles i had set for myself earlier in terms of the playfulness, magical, sensory enhancement of a festival. 

http://www.asknature.org/strategy/53539be0aa5cfe06c4ecdf6941415d48

The leaf forms double as water catchment and shading, whilst the underwater ecosystem both stores water and enriches it with nutrients for the vegetables - there is a reticulation system which circulates water from the tank through the vegetable wall. I think these components have the ability to become themed with different regions ecosystems - a South East Asian green wall with fish life from the region, and vegetables specific to that region etc. Perhaps an integration of the virtual elements can incorporate requests from people for what they want planted in the next crop of vegetables. 

Social Background

There is a strong social agenda behind a festival like this. The city acts as a political space where it becomes a very public platform in promoting an accepting attitude towards multiculturalism.


http://www.streetfoodaustralia.com.au/social-enterprise/

Progress

One of the key creators of festival atmosphere is food. Street food has a certain appeal that no other type of service creates. Its imperfection, rawness, diversity and immediate connection with its creators offers a richness of culture that is important in creating a strong sustainable community. I think it offers an opportunity within the festival for newcomers to the city to feel more comfortable, welcome, experience aspects of their home culture, network etc. Food has a funny ability to make even strangers connect.

So as one of the main features to design in detail will be a street food stall.

 Constantly there are other design ideas occurring and developing:

I am still struggling with criteria against which to assess my design decisions so i am continually reassessing exactly what i am trying to convey through this festival:

Festival Theme - "Feels Like Home"

I have been struggling to approach any design without a stronger theme on which to set up criteria to judge design decisions. Thinking back to our future scenarios i have decided a 'Feels like home' festival is appropriate - a response to the rising refugee population. I have spent some time looking at existing festivals in countries we are likely to get refugees or migrants from and have been trying to dissect what the important elements are - how might these be important to my festival - how might they be incorporated into the new festival. 

I have been continually contemplating how this festival might mix the virtual with the real and i have an idea about the possibility of a 'sister' festival. The 'Sister' festival could be run by an aid organisation which would travel to different cities and towns - from which a large number of refugees or migrants are arriving in Brisbane from - and set up a temporary connection to the Brisbane 'feels like home' festival. The festival could provide a positive link for family units and friends separated by the migration and an opportunity for celebration. Their could be virtual 'portals' / skype like abilities on a larger scale to offer communication between the two festivals. This does pose risks of fighting for the use of technology, or create longing or tension between the communities so would have to be thought through carefully. Further into the future holographic abilities may mean that the festivals could be even further intertwined. 

Other ideas i have been considering are the connections between social interaction and the use of the mall as a thoroughfare. I think the idea of a connection to the ground level through seating offers a relaxed, informal atmosphere that may also have particular memories and meanings for some cultures. The consideration of the integration of sustainable initiatives is also being considered within each design decision.