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Shravan Vaidyanath - Work Samples 1

FABRIC GEOMETRY: BATTERSEA POWER STATION (MARCH PROJECT)

This project proposes to re-use the abandoned Battersea Power Station as a Centre forPerforming Arts. The philosophy behind the design proposal derived from a dissertationstudy Irrational Feats of Structure and Geometry that looked at the use of geometry andmathematics in the work of three architects Philibert de lOrme, Antoni Gaudi and PrestonScott Cohen. Moving between different architectural eras of French Renaissance, CatalanModernism and Deconstructivism, revealed geometry as an art form that can produce vastlydifferent results and aesthetics when approached through different media.

Deriving from this theory, geometry was approached through two different media, !rstlythrough hand drawings and secondly through plaster casting in order to combine an ab-stract mathematical approach with another that worked with the physical nature of the ma-

terial. De lOrme always maintained that two simple perpendicular lines is always the start-ing point for any organic geometric form. In this sense, the existing gridded steel structureof the ruinous Battersea Power Station forms the impetus to convert a rigid, repetitive andrectilinear into an expressive and organic theatre space.

The images on this page show a series of abstract geometric drawings based on inversion ofa square around a circle. The drawing is then developed into a model by cutting, folding andpulling areas out of the plane and then connecting with string to form a tensile structure.

1,2,3 Images of Battersea Power Station4. Philibert de lOrmes drawing for a trompe- Precedent5. Rectilinear spiriculate by Preston Scott Cohen- Precedent6. Top view of model7. Geometric Inversion- Overlay of hand drawing8,9 Elevation view of Model

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Shravan Vaidyanath - Work Samples 2

The second method approaches geometry through plaster cast-ing. It derives from Gaudis hanging chain models which soughtto generate form that is simultaneously organic and structural.In this instance a sheet of fabric is allowed to hang between setpoints determined by the layout of the existing foundations ofthe power station. Plaster is then poured onto the fabric and formis found from the way the plaster sets under the in"uence of grav-ity. The resulting structure is then inverted to form a compressiveshell structure. Care is taken to ensure the imperfections of thecasting are retained to give a unique feel to each element.

1. Image of the fabric mould2. Image of the fabric mould with a plaster cast in it

3,4. Images showing development of the model5. Concept model showing development of the roof structure6-9. Examples of the research by Centre for Architectural Struc-tures & Technology at the University of Manitoba showing thereal life process of concrete formed by fabric formwork.

Line of columns

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Shravan Vaidyanath - Work Samples 3

Photos of the model depicting the proposed structure and spaces in relation to theexisting structural grid. The theatre spaces are imagined as completely enclosedspace. The in-between areas between the theatres form an exhibition space formathematical art and are more open to the weather with a porous roof.

1. View of the southern end; 2. View of the north elevation with the iconic chimneysin the background; 3,4.Close up the materiality of and the open space betweenthe theatres; 5. View from above looking north.

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Shravan Vaidyanath - Work Samples 4

1. Photomontage of the main concert hall; 2. Detail of the staircase which hangs from the shell structure; 3. View of the cafe with the theatre space above4. Longitudinal section; 5. Elevation looking through the existing structure; 6. Plan of the theatre level

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