FOLIE TO BUILDING- Initial Thoughts

SCHOOL STEPS:- A library space for young people aged 6 to 16.

Create a facility that promotes learning. This is not a wired environment. It is a place for books, face to face communication and practical experimentation. It is a place for quiet concentration and simple study.

Qualities:

Natural light and temperature control

Basic use of materials; arches, alcoves, stairs and ramps

Steps for silting on and teaching from

Quiet places for reading

This is an alternative space; connectivity and instant access to information are now the norm, in public spaces, libraries, parks... anywhere a person can obtain a wireless connection. Almost without any conscious thought, we have come to cater almost exclusively for one learning style.

This space deliberately provides an alternative. It deliberately evokes a sense of isolation from the connected world, for when even a child wants a moment's peace with their thoughts.

Initial ideas placed the library close to the cliff, creating
an alcove between the building and the cliff. Masonry
and verandah's were included to create a distinctive
facade

Early plan and section; close to the cliff wall

Initial light diagram for the early section revealed
that lighting against the cliff is problematic.



Current plans for a fully detached building creating its own enclosure

After considering lighting issues with a building close to the cliff, a detached building creating its own enclosure is now being considered. The floor level will consist of a colonnaded and arched undercroft area with a garden in the middle. This lifts the building out of the way of flood and also creates a permeable ground level.

One or more library levels will have alternating enclosed and decked areas with room for individual study spaces. The steps, garden and undercroft are for talking, teaching and experimentation. The library rooms themselves are silent spaces.