BArch Portfolio - Arthur Zohrabians

ARTHUR ZOHRABIANS

CONTENTS

THROUGH RUINED MEANS

HOLLYWOOD LAW COURTS

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

35-UNIT HOUSING/RETAIL

VACATION RESIDENCE

JAPANESE TEA MUSEUM

THROUGH RUINED MEANS

i douglas fir differing thicknesses

ii pine.red oak.poplar.ash differing species

iii concrete various geometries

iv concrete various rebar depths

v untreated steel

vertical corrugations

vi untreated steel horizontal corrugations

material experimentation | physical mockups thesis inspiration | personal photos

PLANNED POTENTIAL

permanent, temporary & glass surfaces intersect to create spaces that will run a course dependent on patterns of use and exposure to the weather walls may be added or left to decay along the flexible grid | spaces may open to the outdoors over time, revealing framed views or they may extend into one another differences in pace tell the process of weathering | newly exposed concrete begins to stain, delayed behind walls which were always exposed but ahead of those protected behind enclosure of glass

THE PROCESS OF TIME

as time passes, some businesses flourish and their enclosing walls are maintained while others go out of business and are left to decay this project begins with the end of construction | it runs an unpredictable course based on the people and events that come to pass upon it its beauty lies in its elegance at each stage of life, from construction to demolition, through maintainance and ruination

view | courtyard impluvium | year 01

THE ORIGIN OF NATURE’S CLAIM

post-war southern california methods of construction, such as use of corrugated steel and lumber framing, are adjusted to intend for a poetic destruction over time unprotected corrugated steel rusts to uncover douglas fir framing which rots to reveal the fundamentality of the anchor bolts within the concrete, a process which begins instantly but m as time and material collaborate, they result in architecture that, upon the wrinckles of its skin, reveals the story of its past

may take over fifty years to complete

axon | exploded

view | sw entrance

HOLLYWOOD LAW COURTS

atmospheric study model landscaped transition into courtroom

midterm model bridges amid atrium join lobby to courts

final model transitional landscape replaces atrium

SITE PLAN STUDIES

courtrooms create an urban edge along cahuenga blvd. visitors proceed from parking thru public space into courthouse tree canopies imply the transition to solemnity

design sequence | physical models

SECTIONAL STUDIES

dynamic sectional qualities enliven the procession to the courtroom chambers, assemblies & holdings generate courtrooms of double-height landscape separates the democratic lobby & the contemplative courtroom

COURTROOM ORGANIZATION

judge, jury & in-custody enter from central core public glance into court before filing into seats reorganization allows natural light and views onto cahuenga blvd.

plan | ground level

axon | cross section

section | transverse

plan | ground level

section | longitudinal section | key wall

view | entrance plaza

view | bridge amid landscape

concept of rising grade levels protection vs exposure to context

integration of classrooms|ramps realization of residual spaces

introduction of circulation cores designation of residual spaces

design sequence | physical models

restrooms accessibility

classroom classroom

CLASSROOM MODULE

boys girls poche teachers lounge

natural daylight natural daylight attention teacher questionstudylearn avoid disturbance questionstudylearn transition entrance

modules contain two classrooms connected by a central pocket central pocket is designated as service|transition space attention is direceted away from entrace to avoid distraction

introduction of system of ramps

MODULE ORGANIZATION

modules within grid rise as grade level increases students follow the model of their elder colleagues colors illuminate desire to progress towards graduation

various levels connect via system of ramps ramps begin from interior (1-3) | move to exterior (4-6) students assimilate first to the classroom then the urban context

RESIDUAL SPACE

spaces above|below classrooms fit remaining program

below: multipurpose room, special education, teachers lounge,etc. above: outdoor terraces (reading, basketball, music|art, cafeteria seating)

below ramps

above/below classrooms

CIRCULATION CORES

circulation cores fit between classrooms for means of egress broad stairs set beside egress promote studying and interaction interaction between grades inspires mentoring outside classroom

vertical circulation

ADA RAMPING

primary study of figure ground

realization of housing bar study of paths within ground fabric

realization of floors within bar

addition of commercial program failed attempt to fit units within single level

division of bar into modules

formulaic organization of modules integration of vertical circulation

design sequence | physical models

FORM via RELATIONSHIPS

thin housing bar is introduced bar creates distance from itself and adjusts to views remaining elements are integrated considering context

CURVEDGLASS

LIVING DINING KITCHEN NORMALSPACE PARALLELWALLS

MAJORPROGRAM

COMFORT via NORMALITY

bar divides into modules which inherently vary in size commonly used spaces contain normal parallel dimensions remaining functions fit within the resulting triangle

PARKING PARKING PARKING PARKING PARKING RETAIL RESTAURANT BUSINESS COMMERCIAL

PRIVACY via TETRIS

private, public and void modules stack above, below or next to one another along bar objective 01: bedroom modules do not conflict with another unit’s living module objective 02: voids are positioned where units would otherwise conflict due to narrow proximety

PRIVACY via CIRCULATION

circulation cores are inserted within bar for direct vertical access to units corridors are unnecessary - units remain free of passerby - no forced interaction between neighbors variation of square footages and freedom from interaction opens marketing possibility to all consumer types

view | interior courtyard

i concept of forest of trees integration of differing levels

focus on central vertial element

voids create spaces within monolith priliminary structure integrated

final structure model | brick test passed five bricks vertical | one brick seismic

TREE | STONE CONCEPT

central monolith conceptually adopts the qualities of a tree trunk horizontal elements branch off at differing heights pigment of stone from the site provides the material palette

design sequence | physical models

CENTRAL MONOLITH

voids within the monolith become livable space

voids include bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, storage, etc.

50% concrete | 50% void | from top to foundation

LEVELS

storage levels

kitchen

bedroom bathroom

sky light

stairs

horizonal branching elements provide larger spaces a living room, stair case, and patio connect to the monolith differing levels provide various views and relationships to the ground