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This module requires the completion of a single skin, continuous 110mm wide brick wall design that celebrates the theme of ‘play and playfulness’. Throughout the design process, I was able to explore many variations of a brick wall design with different types of patterning while still following the rule of thumb for wall stability. With consideration to its constructability, I designed a wall with one large opening followed by some addition of smaller full-size brick openings and 1/3 bed depth corbelling projecting out from the wall.

 

Remembering that the wall is to be located near a playground, my first priority is to facilitate a safe environment for children to play in. Hence, requirements for structural stability had been thoroughly considered to ensure safety. For example, in this case, the installation of a flat bar galvanised steel lintel above the large opening to support the load from the brick structure above. The large opening is not high above the ground level and is appropriately sized for children to safely climb and sit on. Understanding that the earth and brick may expand and contract, I also learned to avoid weak points/stack joints that have the potential to crack as well as the importance of engaged piers and concrete strip footings with reinforcement to support the wall.

 

Upon the completion of this module, I also learned that in order to successfully translate my design ideas, clear construction drawings are necessary. I have learned how to better add dimensions and annotations to my drawings to show the constructability of the structures for the engineers to build and have refined my work based on the feedback I received from my tutor.

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