A thesis is an overarching idea which is researched and developed into a unique perspective for the intention of enlightenment in a given field of study. For my Graduating Thesis I chose to research Ducati and more specifically Ducati Moto GP. In the process of that research I extracted copious amounts of Ducati and ideas to implement into a design intention.
I designed a new train station in Bologna, Italy to replace the old and outdated station that exists there now.
My thesis incorporated design techniques of Ducati's Moto GP. I infused elements of both design and technology into an architectural aesthetic. I also developed a way to make the interior program of the building temporary and reconfigurable. It's a lot more complicated, but that is the short version.
Elton,
In all fairness to your argument, please understand this was one of the largest challenges I had in defending my initial Thesis. There are a plethora of issues that come into play with my argument but I will focus on a few of the strongest ones. First there is the issue of local precedence in the existing typology of Bologna's Architecture, historical structures in a city which has been around for thousands of years. Second, is to consider the history of the actual structure known as the train station. Third is the relationship of contemporary architecture in a historical setting. What effects would such a building have in the local and global community.
First constructed in 1859, the original train station holds very little of it's original design. It has a multitude of additions and was bombed in 1980 (85 killed, 200 injured). It is also the fifth most passenger visited train station in Italy. Given the date of initial construction compared to the thousands of years the city has existed, I think it's fair to say this building holds only so much historical value.
With the addition of high speed rails and more set in motion for construction, the station is grossly unequipped to handle future passenger flow and this was the main reason for my choice of site. Also consider the program of a train station in general. It is highly mobile with constant movement. It has very specific programmatic needs with a mostly temporary time/ use factor. People move in and out with only so much time to spend within this structure.
My thesis proposed a Ducati Museum within the station along with other more permanent elements to infuse transparent and opaque program within the site. I designed a highly complex super structure based on the engine which allowed for massive open spaces creating an expansive floor layout to ease flow patterns within the structure. The design then used a secondary structure which was to join the exterior glazing to the superstructure, and this was based on the trellis frame which Ducati utilizes. The third architectural element was the skin, which not only sourced its design from the fairings of a Desmosedici RR, but it was to be painted to match the Ducati Red fairing color we are all so prideful about when we ride.
My research is quite extensive so I'll try to keep things as straight-to-the-point as possible. To be honest, I don't feel the original train station is that beautiful (yes, I've been there). Bologna is a city known for design and technology. Why not allow a major gateway for the city to represent a contemporary monument of this achievement while producing a building that is far more efficient and capable of supporting the city's future growth. And who better to transcend that design than Ducati.
This is one of my first site plans... most of the detailed 3D models and renderings are on my home computer (I'm in the office now).
I'm also trying to upload some animations of the 3D model... stay tuned, it'll blow your mind.
North Elevation:
East Elevation:
Rendering Occlusion:
Rendering 3D Color:
Rendering 3D Color from the tracks:
Rendering of High Speed Rail Bridge from above:
Roof Plan Occlusion:
Reverse Occlusion Perspective:
Night 3D Redering Color Looking Southwest:
Night 3D Rendering Color Looking Southeast:
Night 3D Rendering Color Looking Northeast:
Special Thanks to Spectrum Ducati for their help and contribution of a beautiful Desmosedici RR during my presentation.
I designed a new train station in Bologna, Italy to replace the old and outdated station that exists there now.
My thesis incorporated design techniques of Ducati's Moto GP. I infused elements of both design and technology into an architectural aesthetic. I also developed a way to make the interior program of the building temporary and reconfigurable. It's a lot more complicated, but that is the short version.
Elton,
In all fairness to your argument, please understand this was one of the largest challenges I had in defending my initial Thesis. There are a plethora of issues that come into play with my argument but I will focus on a few of the strongest ones. First there is the issue of local precedence in the existing typology of Bologna's Architecture, historical structures in a city which has been around for thousands of years. Second, is to consider the history of the actual structure known as the train station. Third is the relationship of contemporary architecture in a historical setting. What effects would such a building have in the local and global community.
First constructed in 1859, the original train station holds very little of it's original design. It has a multitude of additions and was bombed in 1980 (85 killed, 200 injured). It is also the fifth most passenger visited train station in Italy. Given the date of initial construction compared to the thousands of years the city has existed, I think it's fair to say this building holds only so much historical value.
With the addition of high speed rails and more set in motion for construction, the station is grossly unequipped to handle future passenger flow and this was the main reason for my choice of site. Also consider the program of a train station in general. It is highly mobile with constant movement. It has very specific programmatic needs with a mostly temporary time/ use factor. People move in and out with only so much time to spend within this structure.
My thesis proposed a Ducati Museum within the station along with other more permanent elements to infuse transparent and opaque program within the site. I designed a highly complex super structure based on the engine which allowed for massive open spaces creating an expansive floor layout to ease flow patterns within the structure. The design then used a secondary structure which was to join the exterior glazing to the superstructure, and this was based on the trellis frame which Ducati utilizes. The third architectural element was the skin, which not only sourced its design from the fairings of a Desmosedici RR, but it was to be painted to match the Ducati Red fairing color we are all so prideful about when we ride.
My research is quite extensive so I'll try to keep things as straight-to-the-point as possible. To be honest, I don't feel the original train station is that beautiful (yes, I've been there). Bologna is a city known for design and technology. Why not allow a major gateway for the city to represent a contemporary monument of this achievement while producing a building that is far more efficient and capable of supporting the city's future growth. And who better to transcend that design than Ducati.
This is one of my first site plans... most of the detailed 3D models and renderings are on my home computer (I'm in the office now).
I'm also trying to upload some animations of the 3D model... stay tuned, it'll blow your mind.
North Elevation:
East Elevation:
Rendering Occlusion:
Rendering 3D Color:
Rendering 3D Color from the tracks:
Rendering of High Speed Rail Bridge from above:
Roof Plan Occlusion:
Reverse Occlusion Perspective:
Night 3D Redering Color Looking Southwest:
Night 3D Rendering Color Looking Southeast:
Night 3D Rendering Color Looking Northeast:
Special Thanks to Spectrum Ducati for their help and contribution of a beautiful Desmosedici RR during my presentation.