Renders

"The success of the masterpieces seems to life not so much in their freedom from faults - indeed we tolerate the grossest errors in them all - but in the immense persuasiveness of a mind which has completely mastered its perspective."

-Virginia Woolf, "The Death of the Moth"

Occupational Therapist, Yael Rosman on the definition of fine and gross motor skills

Importance of developing good fine motor skills:
-Fine motor skills refers to one's ability to use the fingers and hands to manipulate objects effectively, with both speed and accuracy. It also relates to grasp, finger isolation, in-hand manipulation and finger and hand strength. Fine motor skills are essential for most activities of daily living e.g. holding utensils for independent feeding, dressing (being able to manipulate buttons/zips and coordinate hand movements for accurately putting clothes on limbs and pulling them up/down/on/off). It is essential for school/work related activities such as writing/drawing and being able to grasp, manipulate and control a pencil.

Importance of gross motor skills:
- 'Gross motor skills' is a term which incorporate areas such as balance, bilateral hand coordination, eye-hand coordination, smooth fluid movements, sequencing movements, planning body movements in space and in relation to other objects. Effective gross motor skills are essential so that individuals can navigate their environment in a safe and effective way. Difficulties in these areas may affect basic developmental milestones such as walking/crawling/standing. In young children difficulties may be seen with activities such as hopping, skipping, marching, scissor jumps, star jumps as these are more complex activities requiring coordinated body movements. Difficulties in these areas may be related to 'praxis' which refers to motor planning and one's ability to plan and coordinate what body parts are required to produce certain movements, and in what sequence these movements are required. These kids are often simply thought to be 'uncoordinated', 'floppy' or a 'bit all over the place' however there is often an actual underlying problem with motor planning and motor coordination. Obviously these can later on affect their ability (and confidence) to participate in sporting activities with peers.

Suburban Precedent Reconfigured in Urban Setting

The research undertaken at The Friendship Circle in West Bloomfield, Michigan and The CREATE Centre, Bristol, London are just two sources which allow continual evaluation of facilities and hence, further development targeting the user's needs.

Both are located in suburban settings and hence are formally quite different to that of a building performing a similar role in an urban setting.




This project aims to adapt the village-like approach taken by the original designers into a more civic oriented, urban setting on the basis of Ron Herron's Archigram work in the 60s.

Details

Roof Frame

Wall Frame

Interior application of translucent tile

Plan of tiled tracks on site

Perspective of tracks

Harnesses for exposed PODS

The more exposed PODS are used as a tool to teach older kids confidence with heights and open spaces. This Harness is one of many is used internationally for kids at rock climbing centres. The children who seem able to cope with this kind of activity, after assessment will then be able to use the below POD for a series of swing based gross motor skills.

Hydraulics system

Hydraulics

• Cylinders convert fluid power into linear force and motion
• Concept based on an elevator shaft
  
• Hydraulic pumps have a power density 10 x greater than an electric motor (by volume)
• Uses directional control valves, designed to be stackable
  

Mill Duty Series Hydraulic Cylinders - SS-MD

• Medium pressure 160 bar series and double acting (bi-directional)
• Based on axial pulling/ pushing load
• The selection of rod is based on buckling load/ tensile load.
• In these cylinders, the rotation of port on both sides by 90, 180, 270 deg independently with respect to mounting is possible.
  
• Our range of mill duty series cylinders come in the following specifications: Available Size in MD type:- • Bore :- 40, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500
  
• Stroke:- 7m
• Pressure:- up to 600 Bar

http://www.indiamart.com/shashwatsystems/



http://www.autostadt.de/portal/site/www/template.PAGE/

Man’s mind stretched to a new idea, never goes back to its original dimensions.

-Oliver Wendell Holmes

Visual POD detail

Track systems

one possible configuration.....still need to complete the tiling of he tracks on the ground plane....

Hydraulic system for tracks for P.O.D.S. access and movement

Based on the Holocaust memorial in Berlin. The Tracks are on a series of hydraulically operated platforms. The selected platforms rise and lower to form a path as defined by the user to provide access between the P.O.D.S as well as a path from the entry of the site. This avoids a fixed path system while supporting the overall concept of the building. That is, to encourage spatial definition and organization by the user and their accompanying physiotherapist or occupational therapist relative to the young person's required skill assessment/development.

Each platform has a track on a pivot, able to snap to adjacent platforms and hence (like a wooden train set) create a path for movement through the building.

Analysis of Survey results.......

Red blob = A positive response informing the choice of PODS to further detail for my final presentation. The most successful PODS with potential are PODS 6,7 and 8. I will further the structural detailing of these PODS to maximize their application in the building.

WHEN I GROW UP....

P.O.D.S.....BE FRUITFUL AND MULTIPLY....

PODS - Inspired by Ron Herron's Seaside Bubbles

CUPS ON SITE

RON HERRON SEASIDE BUBBLES

P.O.D.S.

Plan