Brass Park
An interpretation of brass forms and function as architecture.
This park is inspired by the brass instrument family as a whole. I was particularly interested in how form and function could be related from a small to a significantly larger scale, understanding the changes in dynamics and experiences.
Precedent Study
I researched several examples of urban park designs and how greenery was incorporated into each one in different ways. I was particularly interested in exploring elevated green surfaces and how transitions from ground level to elevated parks were created, as well as the flow of pedestrians throughout these spaces.
Section Diagram
To better understand the spatial hierarchy in terms of height and green/grey infrastructure throughout the park, I drew a section showing the three 'levels' of the park and the different vegetation throughout.
Formal analysis
I conducted a formal analysis of each brass instrument and pulled qualities from them. Afterward, I attempted to replicate these unique qualities in my design such as the trumpet support structures, tuba lead pipe, and rotary valves, representing them in a larger context serving similar functions like structural, the flow of air/sound, and open canals.
Site spatial design
While designing the park, I thought carefully of the site it would be placed in and how that affected the experience. An urban park (left figure) sounds like an enticing site, but given that the park places emphasis on the movement of sound, this was not suitable for the project. Rather, a seaside (right figure) with more consistent noise from the ocean would further amplify the experience onsite.
Air is blown and flows through the park like a true brass instrument. The entrance is suggested by how the instrument is played – through the mouthpiece. The park guides its visitors by following the flow of air throughout the space towards the “landmark” of space which is the bell where the sound ultimately exits.
The pathway is elevated and below it is a garden with cylinder-shaped “valve casings” that could serve as an enclosed garden system for specific vegetation.