Exploring the tectonic

The process of developing spatial ideas to respond to the programme was conducted through the exploration of tectonic as a medium to configure the composition of spatial elements that together define the spaces of the dwelling. Tectonic is defined as “the art of joining” (Frampton, 1995) that emphasises on how the parts are connected to one another in an appropriate manner. The development of form for the dwelling is based on the understanding of the relationship between part and whole (Forty, 2004) as an approach to achieve the unity of form. The tectonic exploration may be creatively conducted both ways: from the parts integrated into the whole, or from the whole developed further into individual parts.

The integration between programme and tectonic was demonstrated through three-dimensional modelling accompanied by diagrammatic analysis. The exploration of tectonic became an opportunity to invent the possibilities of spaces and spatial qualities. The exploration of the form and space composition resulted in various possibilities of boundaries, spatial performance and spatial attributes that define the qualities of the dwelling and its interiors: the qualities that could be sensed and perceived, the qualities that could define and direct actions and relationship, and the qualities that could evoke feelings and emotions. Tectonic exploration becomes an opportunity to explore how the spatial elements emerged from the tectonic exploration could offer various possible experiences of occupations-both functionally and atmospherically-for the users.

Image by Natasya Pradita