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The Dam Busters and The Derwent Dam

Part 2 Project 2007
Jonathan Clements
Immanuel Lavery
 Newcastle University | UK
My thesis was an investigation into the nature of a changed landscape; set in the Peak District National Park, the Derwent Valley now contains 3 dams and reservoirs.

The Dam Busters used the area during the Second World War to practice low level flying for their subsequent bombing mission in Western Germany. Although the mission was seen as a great success many lives were lost unintentionally.

The new intervention seeks to provide on one hand a memorial to the losses and interventions of the site, whilst also acting as a centre to promote visitor learning, exploration and accommodation.



Design Thesis students are required to research, select and define an individual architectural design thesis project by way of a declared Line of Enquiry, Thematic Framework, Functional Programme, Theoretical & Physical Context , Technological interest and set of Precedent studies.

The interesting architectural proposals explored in the design of this project were generated from a combination of environmental, landscape, functional and symbolic/expressive reflections. The design was rigorously explored, tested and developed at all stages through drawings and numerous models. The whole output demonstrates the development/maturing of a personal design methodology that promises to deliver buildings of quality in the future.

Tutor(s)
2007
Introduction to thesis; Understanding the stories and significance of the site and its landscape
Location of the site, its context and the programe
Analysis; A key view of the landscape from the Dam viewng platform and detailed mapping of the Valley
Existing site features and proposed site plan. A new intergarted approach was developed, linking arrival, orientation and exploration with the experience of discovering the Derwent Dam
Image showing the scale of the Dam (both static and in flood) and the Lancaster Bomber in relation to the new intervention
Main Floor Plan. Showing exhibition space cutting into the landscape from the Dam and the thick gabion wall leading to the Dam platform
Perspective showing approach to the building's main entrance.
Threshold perspective. An intermediate entrance and orientation space frames views towards the Dam and provides glimpses of the 'Fuselage' roof
Fuselage Perspective. A Central atrium or the ‘Fuselage’ is defined by a diagrid timber roof, aimed to symbolise the carcus and geodectic construction of the Lancaster Bomber.
Cross section through the Fuselage
Perspective showing the interaction between the Diagrid roof and the various levels formed in the design
Design sketches, compiled throughout the thesis year
Photos of some of the models used over the year to devlop the design and in particular the design of natural light in the exhibition sapces
Final building montage. The final building seen from the dam floodplain
Hydro-electricity and Environmental design. "A Zero carbon building"
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