Work submitted for the competition
"Best Interior Diploma 2021/2023".
"The Quaver" is a conceptual project, an experiment, a design-essay. I am studying interior architecture, which I understand as, first of all, creating space, mood, experience. "The Quaver" is a proposal to givenew meaning to architecture and wooden structure by introducing dynamics, change and movement into it. The object is intended to be a space for the experience of stepping inside a living machine.
The concept was inspired by the work and words of Theo Jansen: "The line between art and engineering exists only in our minds," my interest in construction and mechanics, and the very nature of the site, communing with the element of the ever-changing sea.
animation showing The Quaver project
© Adela Moss
The project is located on the Orlowski Pier in Gdynia. It consists of three main parts:
- Orlowski Pier - the structural basis of the project, the main usable zone (upper zone).
- The upper part - wooden movable modules, the "skeleton" of the machine surrounding the pier.
- Bottom part - modular floating platforms from WPRC, the second usable zone (bottom zone), the element that drives the movement of the machine.
Installation of "The Quaver" on the Pier in Orlowo.
© Adela Moss
Orlowo Pier was chosen for its accessibility, representativeness and connection to the sea. Modularity and multiplication of single, simple mechanical parts constituting the skeleton of the entire projected machine made it possible to introduce movement, gave the structure lightness.
"The Quaver" installation, projection and cross-section
© Adela Moss
The skeleton of the structure is formed by moving units, consisting of modular floating platforms and wooden modules. The single unit is designed so that it is safe to stay inside the structure during storm-free periods, even at the extreme predicted wave amplitudes. Movement is possible due to the design of the individual mobile units. Self-lubricating wooden bearings ensure that the movement of the vertical elements of the wooden moving unit is transferred to the horizontal element.
The skeleton of the structure is formed by movable units,
consisting of modular floating platforms and wooden movable modules
© Adela Moss
The movement of the vertical elements is stabilized by wooden trusses attached to the pier structure. Modular floating platforms from WPRC are filled with air - they provide adequate buoyancy to the wooden elements and transmit the upward and downward movement of the waves to them. The platforms are connected to each other by axes, which ensures independent movement of the modules relative to each other. The smaller and larger modules form a moving carpet floating and surrounding the pier.
"The Quaver" installation during the day and night
© Adela Moss
The movement of "The Quaver" is caused by the lifting of one or both floating platforms of individual moving units by waves. Two types of movement are possible. Transverse movement is caused by waves passing across the pier, lifting the platforms one at a time, causing a transverse wave motion of the solid. Longitudinal motion is caused by waves passing along the pier, lifting both platforms simultaneously.
The lower part consists of floating platforms
© Adela Moss
The facility is divided into two usable zones: the lower zone and the upper zone. The upper zone is located on the walking level of the pier, and here you can walk through the interior of the "living, working machine." To get a closer look at the movement, the viewer can rest on one of the rough wooden logs that are the exhibits of the wood exhibition. The upper zone is available around the clock.
To get a closer look at the movement, one can sit on the wooden logs
© Adela Moss
The lower zone is located at sea level and is made up of modular floating platforms. It has the character of a tourist attraction and is divided into moving and stationary sections to experience the dynamic structure without getting wet. The lower zone is only accessible during the day, access is restricted at night for safety reasons.
"The Quaver" installation on the pier
© Adela Moss
The materials used in the project (WPRC, natural, locally sourced spruce poles, structural steel) and their modification have been selected so that the project's carbon footprint, calculated using the Byggeriets material pyramid, is as small as possible. All materials used are recyclable.
Adela MOSS
Illustrations: © Author
