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Introduction
Narrative 3
Mapping 4
Site Map 6
Drawings
Plans 8
Sections 12
Elevations 14
Perspective
Exterior 17
Interior 21
Details
Bee Wall 24
Experience Space 25
Collecting Data 26
Ants
Overview 27
Vessel
Overview 28
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Narrative:
A biologist, fascinated by his colonies of ants, wasps and bees began watching and learning from their every move, noticing
patterns in the way their activity in the nest began to change according to the weather.
Folklore once said that ‘if hornets build low, winter storms and snow, if hornets building high, winter mild and dry.’ Similarly,
ants tend to have a sixth sense when it comes to weather closing their nest hold before the rain comes or staying above
ground before an earthquake.
The world is fascinated by prediction, for hundreds of thousands of years people have always tried to estimate a natural
disaster and for ants, rain typically is a natural disaster. If you think about the size of an ant to a droplet of rain and imagine
the human equivalent, no wonder they have evolved to detect early signs.
The 14th Colony is a hybrid test centre where ants and bees activities are monitored to predict the weather. The simple
defined structure incorporates the activity of the insects as well as becoming part of the nest structure, giving the opportunity
for the colonies to evolve and adapt.
Component 3_Transfer:
The Ribs - Seconday transfer structure, Using the central
pin any ground movements are passed through the ribs
creating early earthquake detection by the colonies within
the structure.
Component 4_Balance:
The Circulation - Linking human and insect worlds to transfer
the behaviour detected to the biologist.
Component 5_Stage:
The Platform - Horizontal element that introduces people to
the bee colonies.
Component 2_Pressure:
The Cage- The membrane surrounding the carcass
protecting the colonies from the environments harsh
elements.
Component 1_Awareness:
The Pin - Primary structure that connects the geology to
the weather. The slight movement in the earth is quick
transferred to the colonies living within the Carcass even if it
is undetectable to humans.
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Dartford Marshes Site Location
Bee Farms
Beekeepers
Rooftop Beekeeper
London Catchment
South East Beekeepers
World Honey Producers
1:10,000 Site Plan
World Honey Producers
South East England Bee Farms
Dartford Marshes:
The previous land uses of the Dartford Marshes and surrounding areas was mainly used for the
grazing of animals. There is a list of the tenants dating from 31st March 1416 called ‘The Dartford
Marsh Roll.’ The records show that the tenants included notables such as the prior of St Johns, prior
of Rochester and the prioress of Dartford.As well as open grassland the marsh also inhabits some
ancient trees, which are believed to be over 300 years old. They consisted mainly of willows and
they were planted as a shelter to protect the animals. The site has also been part of archeological
investigation due to a range of ancient structures found dating from medieval period right through
to World War Two. Currently the some of the marsh is used for grazing other areas are of too poor
quality to graze on. A clay pigeon shooting range and a motocross track are other features of the
land as well as the flood defence.
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Marsh Marigold
1000m
60m
2000m
Marsh Forgetmenot
Meadow Sweet
Marsh Thistle
Bulbous RushMilk Parsley
Ragged Robin
Ivy
Reed Canary GrassWater Source
Water Source
Water Source
-8.9
-10.8
-8.3
-10.8
-11.2
-5.13.7
6.1
18.6
-8.5
-7.8
-7.7
-7.2
-8.2
-9.0
-5.0
-5.5
3.5
7.7
7.6
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.6
1.6
2.4
3.7
4.0
16mph
15mph
21mph
21mph
18mph
32mph
38mph
38mph
38mph
10mph
4.6
5.2
3.33.0 2.7
3.6
2.4
2.4
-7.7
-13.5
-9.8
-10.3
-8.8
-10.8
Littlebrook Industrial Estate
River Thames
Darent Industrial Park
Abandoned Fireworks Factory
Motorcross Track
Empty Grazing Fields
Laylines
Derelict Grassland
Trees
Landing Spots
Wind Direction
Site Analysis Mapping1:10,000
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Site Plan1:500
The Carcass:
The ‘Carcass’ is the structure which houses the bee colonies. It is supported by a series of extruded aluminium fragments
which are then welded together on site. The structure is clad to take advantages of the surrounding environment, using
maximum solar gains and preventing the strong harsh breeze from affecting the nest by creating a breathing membrane mesh
created from a perforated latex skin. The skin is controlled centrally by sensors with in the Carcass that determine how many
perforations should be open at what size.
Inside the Carcass is home to several colonies of bees that begin their life in the scaffolding structure to protect the initial
colony development. The sensitivity of the nest is recorded by its weight measured by the tension wire that hold the scaffolding.
Data collected from the insects activity and local tidal readings are used to help predict any adverse weather effects.
A bridge links the Bees habitat with that of the biologists that run the site and the visiting public. There is an opportunity for the
public to see inside the Carcass and view the developing hives.
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1. Environmentally controlled hive2. Hive colony scaffolding
3. Vents from plant room below4. Public viewing platform
5. Public walkway6. Entrance to ‘Experience Space’
7. Heat Zone8. Wind Zone
9. Vibration Zone10. Entrance walkway
11. Shop12. Beewall
13. Private staircase and lift to labs14. Public toilets
15. Kitchen16. Serving kitchen
17. Seating18. Exterior seating and viewing platform
Hive ScaffoldingSee Technical PortfolioThe Hive scaffolding is where the queen bees are located to begin the colony.
Public walkway to the environmentally controlled hive chamberwhere they can view the growing colonies
Public viewing platform allows the publicto interact with the bees and see how they react to the temperature control inside the hive.They can also observe the breathing skin on the exterior of the structure.
The 'Bee Wall,' is a framework for the bees to create a hive.The bees enter the framework from exterior pipes, and create
their nest around the space. The public can view the graduallyforming nest. Once the space gets too small for the bees they
will swarm to a new location allowing the scaffolding to be removedand the honeycomb to be view closer.
The exhibition space identifies the main effects the weather has on bees and also alows the public to experience the rapid change in temperature or wind speed for a short period of time
'Heat & Humidity Room'Reaching temperatures of 39oC and 100% humidity the space expresses the optimum temperature of the bee hive in order to product new brood.
'Wind Speed Room'If you think of how quick leaves can blow in the wind, it is similar for a bee. The 'Wind Room' funnels south westerly winds from the sites large open landscape to create a wind tunnel effect. The public can stand in the spaces to experience a blast of wind as a bee might.
'Wing Vibration Room'A honeybees wings beat at a rate of 230 beats per second, and 13800 bpm. The Earth has a natural pulse of 7.83Hz anda bees wings has a frequency of 190Hz. The vibration room hasplatforms around the site that vibrate at a various frequencies, similarto a gym power plate so the public can experience the bees movement.
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Private staircase down to plant roomSee Technical Portfolio for more details
Private walkway for plant room access
AAAA
800
800
800x800 concrete columns to support structure above
Extruded muntz casing for visitor centre space supported bya lightweight steel frame - left exposed to weather over time
Open air cedar decking system for viewing the rich andflourished landscaping and seating space during the warmer
months
Bi-folding opening doors to give the feeling of the landscaping entering the building.
Store room
BB
BB
Exposed concrete wall
Hollow formwork seating - Easterly facing tubes for bees to accesspotential nesting sites within formwork
Handrail
Docking station for Mobile Vessel
Monorail system to join existing tramline
Ground Floor Carcass & Visitors’ Centre Plan1:200
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1. Environmentally controlled hive2. Hive colony scaffolding
3. Exchange zone for visitors to the Carcass4. Viewing platform - Bee suit protection zone
5. Walkway to the Carcass6. Store
7. Research and write up lab8. Main chemical Lab
9. Staff room & library resources10. Lift and Staircase from lower floor
First Floor Carcass & Visitors’ Centre Plan1:200
Exchange point for scientist to enter the hive
Main structural backbone of the hive
Smaller extruded aluminium ribs that are supported off the main bone. The ribs hollow to allow for the mechanicalreceptors for tje breathing skin technology to pass through
The hive contains temperature and humidity sensorts around the space to maintain certain temperatures within the hive.
Hive ScaffoldingSee Technical ReportThe Hive scaffolding is where the queen bees are located to begin the colony.
Stairs to upper viewing platforms
Private walkway for staff to access the hive
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Line of roof below
Similarly to the above statement the bees are encouragedto create hives within the window pane of the write up lab and within the formwork of the desks. Being south facing it will create a hot environment in the room. By allowing the bees to create theirhive it will act as a solar shading for the research room as well as a honey glow within the space.
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BB
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Second Floor Carcass & Visitors’ Centre Plan1:200
Exchange point for scientist. People entering the hivefrom this space must be wearing bee safety suits.
Line of rib beam above
Hive ScaffoldingSee Technical PortfolioThe Hive scaffolding is where thequeen bees are located to begin the colony.
Line of staircase and platform above
Line of roof below
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The workshop is large enough to support all buildingson the site. It creates glass blown vessels for the growing
ant colony as well as disecting the abondoned hives intohusk features for the building and for the public to purchase.
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BB
BB
1. Environmentally controlled hive2. Viewing Platform
3. Stairs to upper platform4. Exchange zone - Bee suit protection zone
5. Walkway to the Carcass6. Secondary lab
7. Workshop8. Bathroom
9. Store10. Lift and Staircase from lower floor
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Second floor roof belowFirst floor roof below
Private walkway for staff to hive
Exterior of hive
Staircase from lower floors to upper viewing platforms
Extra ventilation release chimney
Bracing beams between the extruded aluminium ribswhich also support the staircase and secondary walkways to hives.
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BB
BB
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Third Floor Carcass & Visitors’ Centre Plan1:200
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Section AA Carcass, Labs & Visitors’ Centre1:200
Section BB Labs & Visitors’ Centre1:200
Extruded aluminium ribsthat are supported off themain back bone. The ribs
are hollow to allow for themechanical receptors for
the breathing skintechnology to pass
through
Breathable membrane facadeSee Technical Portfolio
Jet spray to control thehumidity levels in Carcass
Drainage system to collectsurface water run off and be
sanitised to reuse around theCarcass and the visitors centre
Exchange zone between walkway and entrance intoCarcass. Entrance must wear bee suits from this point onwards
Public walkway to main hive viewing platform
Lightweight steel walkway with supporting ring structures. The weight and movements of the walkway are controlled by the transfers of weights between the tensegrity mesh. See Technical Portfolio for more detail.
Muntz metal roof system that weathers over timeto a speckled brassy green colour that blends into
the landscape
Lightweight aluminium mesh stairwell, for privateaccess to the labs and research rooms
Cast concrete framework. A mixture of exposed and renderedfacade. Interior wall finishes are dependant on room use.
Main access point for all staff and visitors. Gravel walkway leads onto wooden decking into the visitors centre.
Cast concrete backbone of the building braced by the walkwayand the aluminium ribs of the Carcass.
Private walkway for the biologists to access the Carcass
800x800 Steel reinforced conrete columns to support the upper floors
Underside of slab to be enclosed with recycled formwork in the first season of the building development to allow for bees to develop a colony and create a nest. Once the bees have abandoned the nest the formwork can be removed and the nest acts as a visual aid to the building.
GROUND FLOORVisitors centre & exhibition space
FIRST FLOORChemical lab, staff space
and research centre
SECOND FLOORSecondary lab and write
up space
SSL +17610mm
SSL +14440mm
SSL +11260mm
SSL +8110mm
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The Bee Wall:
One of the attractions to the site allows visitors to see the colony up close and watch them build the hive over time. There
is a scaffolding to provide a secure environment for the bees to create a colony. Once the colony has used up all of the
space within the structure they will create new queen bees and they will swarm to new locations to create their own colonies.
There are several locations around the site to where the bees can swarm to man made nests, tree trunks within the natural
vegetation, they can be captured and put into the carcass scaffolding where their growth and behaviour can be montiored.
The perspex cover can be removed from the scaffolding so that visitors can create a tactile memory from being able to interact
more thoroughly with the hive.
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Lastly, the Intermodal Planes Threshold that concentrates on the vibration frequency of a
bees wings. The Earth has a natural frequency of 7.8Hz, however a bees wings vibrate at a
frequency of 190Hz. Within the space are platforms that can be stood on so that the visitor
can see what it might be like resonating at a higher frequency. The frequency of the platforms
would be controlled by dial to allow you to adjust the frequency, for safety reasons the maximum
frequency would be around 50Hz.
Secondly, you walk outside and are hit by a sharp gust of wind which would be at a much lower
temperature than inside the hive. The Landscape Bifurcate Zone breaks up the south westerly
winds filtering through the landscape and a funnels them through a small gap creating a wind
tunnel effect. The experience is to speed up the wind to have an effect similar the that it might
have on a flying bee.
Experience Space:
The following sections are part of the visitors’ centre experience space which allows the
public to interact and experience what life might be like within a bee hive. The first space
you enter is the Microclimatic Zone, the space is dark, with low ceilings and a central
system which feeds out hot moist air into the space - similar to being in a sauna. The
bees optimum temperature is 38oC and 100% humidity for producing new brood in the
hive.
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Experience Zone Plan & Section 1:100
Microclimate Zone Landscape Bifurcate Zone Intermodal Plans
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Collecting Data:
For the biologist to be able to monitior the hives within the Carcass they are allowed to develop on a man-made scaffolding
structure. The structure is made from a lightweight aluminium frame and is connected to the main ribs of the Carrcass. The
main support of the scaffolding and the colony is by tensioned wires, which contain stress gauges to monitor the weight of the
nest which can be interpreted into behavioural patterns of that particular colony. Sudden changes in the weight of the hive
can be related to extra forraging for food or swarming to find new locations if the environment within the nest is not adequate.
Similarly around the landscape there are a series of man made structures which hold expanding nest created from a folded
fabric technique that expands as the colony of bees become heavier to allowe for more space. Again the casing is held by
a tensile member that wirelessly sends information on the weight of the hive back to the lab centre. Once the colony has
outgrown the structure they will swarm to new locations sometimes with a new queen bee. The abandoned hive can then be
collected and taken back to the lab for investigation, learning and eventually created into a collectors artifact peice to be bought
in the shop in the visitors’ centre.
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Ant Archive -
The Ant Archive is a series of excavations with in the landscape which are analysed by the biologists for ant colonies and
their behaviour. Several scars are left around the landscape where unsuitable sites were discovered, these are located
either side of the tramline and can be visited by the public while wondering the landscape.
A permanent excavation remains on the site of the remains of Long Reach Hospital. The site consists of a 3 storey open air
basement with exposed contiguous piling to refrain from collapse. A series of staircases from ground level take you down
into the space where there are viewing platforms, to which you can see the exhibition of cast ants nests which identifies the
creative and intricate architecture that the insect world creates. Similarly you can see inside the world of ants by walking
between platforms and the maze of man made vessels and pipes which holds an entire ant colony. The fissures on top of
the excavation can be access by the public for further interaction with the insectsas well as a free roaming territory for the
insects to inhabit.
There is the possibility for the project to be expanded further and the development of the Ant Archive to expand into the other
footings of Long Reach Hospital.
1. Stairs to Ant Archive exhibition2. Viewing platform3. Ant Archive cast exhibit4. Roaming Fissure5. Manmade Vessels colony 6. Casting structure in progress
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Ant Archive Section
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Mobile Vessel -
The Mobile Vessel is a single unit which runs along a monorail system that follows the existing path of the tramline which
was previously used to link Joyce Green and Long Reach Hopsital. The vessel is to transport visitors and staff backwards
and forth from the Visitors Centre to the Ant Archive.
The Vessel is constructed from a lightweight aluminium frame and casing to incorporate a link of materials in and around the
site. By opening the tramline I am reviving the historical routes of the dartford marshes, as well as creating a link between
the to buildings.
Mobile Vessel Perspective