Textual Analysis Assignment

ASSIGNMENT “Compile a set of freehand drawings to illustrate the design of primary construction elements in detail. These drawings should express conceptual thinking, with particular attention to connections, and will include annotation to indicate material choices and finishes. The Cafe should be of sustainable construction, making use of locally produced materials where possible - research into this could yeild some unexpected results in very close proximity to the Ben. Site investigation and analysis is important. Refer to T1a for comments on site location” The task at hand was to design a cafe on the summit of Ben Nevis for climbers, hikers and tourists to enjoy together after over coming adversity. Issues involved access to the site,

Scottish architecture in the Highlands are to a high standard and the designs are very well considered to its surroundings. I wanted to to create a primary structure that didn’t conceal what is was or what purpose it served. I wanted its details and connections to be exposed and tell the story of how it was constructed. Exposing and celebrating the structure was important. Showing the rawness of the structure was important but the internal spaces and the approach to the final destination was more important. I wanted the user to feel secure and warm within the environment they were placed in. To do this I felt the need to refer back to the traditional Scottish vernacular, using local materails but with a contemporary

The remains of the observatory and Wragge’s instrument cage on the summit. Wragge succeeded in obtaining summit observations every morning although suggesting that a pony track be built. After his temporary post Wragges left to pursue other things after the observatory was built (Crocket & Richardson 2009).

The summit Observatory in winter, 1893. The main door in deep snow conditions was accessed by the ladder next to the figure, descending into a trench dug by the observers. When even this became too difficult, the ‘conning tower’ on the right became