DANIEL SUNGMIN CHOI BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN STUDIES SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN AUG 2006 / MAY 2011
DESIGN IS A GIFT TO BE GIVEN AWAY. SO WHAT’S THE LESSON?
MICRO-HOUSING BEYOND UTOPIA SUPER CONSULATE CHAPEL OF ST. IGNATIUS SURFACE STRUCTURE THE ROAD TO NOWHERE MENIL MUSEUM
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KNOT(X)
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INFORMATION CREDITS
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MICRO-HOUSING KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, USA
TYPE: THESIS LEVEL: ARCH V THESIS STUDIO INSTRUCTOR: ELLEN BRAATEN LOCATION: BLACKSBURG, VA, USA COMPLETED: 2011
Maneuvering through the interstitial urban terrain, MICRO-HOUSING calls for the re-evaluation of urban dwelling space, developing a dialogue between independent structures and the spaces created between them. It is an architecture of the individual scale that breeds collectivism. It treats spaces like individuals that can mingle and interact with others and creates opportunities for communities to participate in urban life. The project provides a new living condition for the downtown city center of Knoxville, TN. Units have specific functions and can be grouped to create various dwelling environments that are adaptable and expandable.
SITE
SETTLED: POPULATION: METRO POPULATION: ELEVATION: LAND AREA: WATER AREA: POSITION: DISTANCE FROM CAPITOL:
GAY STREET, KNOXVILLE, TN / 2010
1786 178,874 699, 247 sea level to 886’ 92.66 sq. mi. 5.43 sq. mi. 35°58’22”N 83°56’32”W 179 mi.
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MICRO-HOUSING
The site is a sloping hill with the uppermost portion touching the most visible and accessible thoroughfare of downtown Knoxville, Gay Street. The lower portion is met by the ruins of a pre-existing parking structure that is now demolished. Roughly 80 feet by 180 feet; a flower shop is located on the corner of this plot.
700 GAY STREET, KNOXVILLE, TN / 2011
SECTION / 500-700 GAY STREET
THESIS / MICRO-HOUSING
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URBAN TERRAIN, KNOXVILLE, TN / 2010
The interstitial urban terrain is the collective space within the city that is in a potentially exploitable state, either under-utilized or undefined. It is a space open to spontaneity and creative use that could otherwise be limited within the order and regulation of the traditional cityscape.
URBAN TERRAIN #0003
URBAN TERRAIN #0001
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THESIS / MICRO-HOUSING
STRUCTURAL FRAMING SYSTEM #006
SFS #002
SFS #002 / SFS #006 / SFS #006
A structural framework was designed to interject into the urban terrain and to accomodate the building of independent unit structures. The system was designed to expand and contract between the city’s permanent structures as a connective tissue for the interstitial spaces. These existing spaces intersect with newly formed unit structures. Based on the given area and specific characteristics of a specific terrain, different systems of varying dimensions arise.
LASERCUT FRAMEWORK
THESIS / MICRO-HOUSING
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MICRO-HOUSING #001 PROTOTYPE
SKETCH
The manufacturing and assembly of the structure is an integral part of its relationship with the interstitial urban terrain. The system and order given by the superstructure is a basic grid over which different types of units can be placed. The connection between the individual units and the superstructure is a vital point of departure for the overall experience of the urban terrain. The unified design is a land-based housing mechanism for which individual spaces can be created through the growth and development of the community at large.
UNIT #0004: LUNG
THESIS / MICRO-HOUSING
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UNIT0006: EXHALATION SPACE
UNIT0005: BALCONY
UNIT0003: CAVE
UNIT0001: ENTRANCE
UNIT0004: LUNG
UNIT0002: MEDIATION ROOM
SECTION / MICRO-HOUSING #001 PROTOTYPE
THESIS / MICRO-HOUSING
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FACADE
AERIAL
LEVEL 1
TOP
MICRO-HOUSING provides a new living condition for the downtown Knoxville community. Units have specific functions and can be grouped to create various dwelling environments that are adaptable and expandable.
EXTERIOR
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THESIS / MICRO-HOUSING
LEVEL 2 ATRIUM
LEVEL 3 UNIT
LEVEL 1 CORRIDOR
LEVEL 3 ATRIUM
THESIS / MICRO-HOUSING
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PLAN Y3
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PLAN Y2
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PLAN Y1
THESIS / MICRO-HOUSING
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SECTION X3
SECTION X2
SECTION X1
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BEYOND UTOPIA TOKYO, JAPAN
TYPE: CASE STUDY / COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH LEVEL: ARCH IV STUDIO INSTRUCTOR: TERRY SURJAN LOCATION: BLACKSBURG, VA, USA COMPLETED: 2010
As part of a semester-long collaborative research studio, our study focused on a number of 1960s utopian cities. Under the theme of REcycle, REuse, REduce, our output was focused on drawings and models. Looking through the lens of cities and water, physical models were constructed of three cities by the Japanese Metabolist group. 3 cities, 4 scales, 5 people. Do nothing.
TOKYO BAY PLAN / KENZO TANGE
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BEYOND UTOPIA MARINE CITY MODEL / CARDBOARD, PAPER, CHIPBOARD, GLASS, MDF
MARINE CITY 1958 / KIYONORI KIKUTAKE
CASE STUDY / BEYOND UTOPIA
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PLAN
TOKYO BAY / KENZO TANGE
1mm = 400000m
TOKYO BAY / KENZO TANGE
PLAN
MARINE CITY / KIYONORI KIKUTAKE
1mm = 400000m
SECTION / MARINE CITY TOWER
MARINE CITY / KIYONORI KIKUTAKE
MARINE CITY / KIYONORI KIKUTAKE
1mm = 500m
Based on 49 Cities by WORK AC, our initial studies utilized digital versions of the maps in 49 Cities to reconstruct our own interpretations of utopia.
PLAN
Using hundreds of different sources, our team compiled and created a working compendium of Metabolist works from 1958-1971. With this material we were able to reconstruct three major works in drawings, digital models, and physical models at four scales (house, street, district, city). These works are: A) Kisho Kurokawa’s HELIX CITY; B) Kiyonori Kikutake’s MARINE CITY; and C) Kenzo Tange’s TOKYO BAY.
HELIX CITY / KISHO KUROKAWA
HELIX CITY / KISHO KUROKAWA
1mm = 400000m
CASE STUDY / BEYOND UTOPIA
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HELIX CITY TOWER
SECTION / HELIX CITY TOWER
PLAN / TOKYO BAY HOUSING DISTRICT TOKYO BAY / KENZO TANGE
1mm = 500m
PLAN / HELIX CITY TOWER
SECTION
SECTION / TOKYO BAY HOUSING DISTRICT TOKYO BAY / KENZO TANGE
1mm = 500m
CASE STUDY / BEYOND UTOPIA
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PLAN
Kisho Kurokawa’s recently demolished Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo, Japan was a parallel study to the larger scale of the utopian cities. As one of only a few built representations of Metabolist theory, the capsule tower was a powerful realization of the potential of urban utopia. The unit design for the tower was a vital part of our investigation, as it detailed the construction of the smallest scale of utopia. It not only expanded the range of our study, but allowed us to research from opposite ends of scale: city to house, house to city. NAKAGIN CAPSULE TOWER UNIT
UNIT PLAN
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ELEVATION
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CASE STUDY / BEYOND UTOPIA
SECTION
NAKAGIN CAPSULE TOWER / KISHO KUROKAWA / 1972 GINZA DISTRICT, TOKYO, JAPAN
1mm = 50m
CASE STUDY / BEYOND UTOPIA
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TB
TB
MC
MC
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HC
CASE STUDY / BEYOND UTOPIA
HC
City scale models were laser cut, primarily with recyclable paper products. Each model was 4’ x 4’ and placed onto an MDF platform custom built with two sliding glass panels; one piece as a base for each city and one as a cover/viewing piece. With each component being attached to the base glass, the models could be viewed flat or tilted up as a wall display. Each city was designed and enabled to be built up and broken down into individual working elements and scales. Two sets of each city were cut so all elements could be viewed and potentially reconstructed to build new proposals for the future.
MC
CASE STUDY / BEYOND UTOPIA
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TB
MC
HC
TB
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CASE STUDY / BEYOND UTOPIA
MC
MC
STUDIO
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SUPER CONSULATE LUGANO, TICINO, SWITZERLAND
TYPE: MIXED-USE LEVEL: ARCH IV STUDIO INSTRUCTOR: MICHAEL ERMANN LOCATION: RIVA-SAN VITALE, TICINO, SWITZERLAND COMPLETED: 2009
Given strict programmatic and site limitations, the SUPER CONSULATE raises specific urban issues of land use, contextual awareness, and privacy. The consulate functions as a highly controlled domain, yet its functions are vaguely defined. It is constantly adjusted to embrace time and action. Its geo-political nature raises questions regarding rules, hierarchy, ambiguity, efficiency, and interpretation. What can architecture do at this boundary? How does it manifest? Given the requirements, I created my own brief based on the guidelines (opposite page). The program has two parts: CONSULAR OFFICE and CONSUL RESIDENCE. My study asks how can architecture work as a device to explore the contemporary role of a consular post as a paradoxical urban event.
LUGANO, SWITZERLAND / 2009
SUPER CONSULATE
Joint Security Area / De-Militarized Zone, or The 38th Parallel, Panmunjom, Korea
Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
TERRITORIES: DOMAIN CONSOLATO COREANO
rules, heirarchy, ambiguity, efficiency, and interpretation. What will your architecture do?
constantly adjusted to embrace time and action. It’s geo-political nature raises many questions regarding
THE CONSULATE functions as a highly controlled domain, yet it’s functions are vaguely defined. It is
It performs both functions simultaenously, housing the varying flows of work; the Parallax Gap.
4 The CONSULAR ARCHIVES. Operates under the same premise as the Consular Post (part to whole).
mation.
agency for commerce and trade. The middle man, selectively exchanging data. the SHARING of infor-
logued secrets. The HOARDING of information. Parallel to this operation it (B) operates as a facilitating
level of CONSULATE) establishes the place as an adjusted territory. It becomes a compound of cata-
3 The CONSULAR POST. An inherently contradictory operation. (A) It’s “sovereignty” (even at the partial
rules even apply within this demarcated territory?
2 The CONSULAR PREMISES. A fantasy island. Where law is adjusted, bent, and even suspended. Do
ited to that of a simple advertisement or extended to that of Super Secret Agent.
1 The CONSULAR OFFICER. A completely malleable agent. He is a foreigner; and his role can be lim-
OVERVIEW
Definition: -noun 1 the act of defining or making definite, distinct, or clear 2 the formal statement of the meaning or significance of a word, phrase, etc.
“The States Parties to the present Convention have agreed as follows...”
“[5]Realizing that the purpose of such privileges and immunities is not to benefit individuals but to ensure the efficient performance of functions by consular posts on behalf of their respective States...”
“[1]Recalling that consular relations have been established between peoples since ancient times...”
Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963
VTCAUS / A+D ARCH IV / FALL09
Lugano, Ticino, Switzerland
CONSOLATO COREANO:
Hard copy of WIKIPEDIA’s 2,559 “Featured Articles”. Rob Matthews via manystuff.org, 2009.
The following is a loose guideline for the RESIDENCE: Place to prepare food. Place to eat. Place to talk/entertain. Place to watch television. Place to read. Place to sleep. Place to wash and use the toilet. Outdoor living spaces. Place to do laundry. Place to store clothes. Place for storage. Places for mechanical equipment and systems.
(A) Residence of the Consular Officer (1+) (B) Guest Residence
2 RESIDENCE An aspect of the built program that operates as DWELLING.
The following is a loose guideline for the CONSULATE: Public spaces for walk-ins (applying for visas, emigration, consular activities, etc). Spaces for patrons. Places to work for nine empoloyees. Place to meet for employees and patrons. Place to use toilet and wash hands. Place to greet walk-ins. Place for ancillary office tasks. Place to store records. Place to store for storage. Places for mechanical equipment and systems.
(A) Office of the Consular Officer (1) (B) Offices for the Members of the Consular Staff (9) (C) Consular Archives
1 CONSULATE An aspect of the built program that responds to the duties and functions of the CONSULAR POST. The spaces within are to be thought of as data intensive.
PROGRAM
action which seeds potential futures in the relationship between user and environment.
a device through which phenomena will be made active, made de-active, created, changed, etc. It is an
DESIGNER, you are to develop a proposal for an intervention based on this study. This intervention is
any particular phenomena, but to simply ackowledge EVENT as a condition of the place. In parallel, as
of the situation. The method of study is of your choosing, and it’s purpose is not to propose a solution of
Taking the given conditions, you’re role as STUDENT is to formulate a study based on the phenomena
VTCAUS / A+D ARCH IV / FALL09
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MIXED-USE / SUPER CONSULATE
RITUAL SPACES
PARADOX SPACES
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VERTICAL GROUND
MIXED USE / SUPER CONSULATE
PARADOX SPACES
The given area is deemed a paradox space. The functions of the post are contradictory to each other. The drawings shown here are glimpses into that paradoxical space; the secret and the shared. In conjunction with the drawings, I was also exploring digital modeling in Rhinoceros and rendering with V-Ray.
V-RAY
MIXED-USE / SUPER CONSULATE
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URBAN CONDITION
URBAN LIMITS
b > BANKS f > FOOD
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*WALLS
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MON AST
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TERIO R
PARKI N
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SINALV
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SINALV TERIO ION R DESIG I N
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GARA GE
MON ASTER Y
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100’
200’
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50’
100’
200’
URBAN INTERVENTION
URBAN STRATEGY
*BOOM
*NEW PATHS
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SINALV
TERIO R
SINALV
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GYM
GARA GE
MON ASTER Y
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50’
100’
200’
PARKIN G
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GARA GE
MON ASTER Y
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50’
100’
200’
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MIXED USE / SUPER CONSULATE
IN SITU RHINO MODEL
05 ATTACHMENT
03 ATYPICAL COLUMNS
05 EXCAVATED GROUND
04 ATYPICAL COLUMNS
The limited width of the site naturally pushed the program vertically. The question of how the architecture touches the ground was a vital one throughout the process. Using Rhino as a primary design tool, a number of iteraitons were produced that addressed the ground and how the ground carried up through the architecture.
05 SPACEFRAME
MIXED-USE / SUPER CONSULATE
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030
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050
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MIXED USE / SUPER CONSULATE
RENDERING OF MATERIALIZED SKIN IN V-RAY
SOUTHEAST FACADE
MIXED-USE / SUPER CONSULATE
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LEVEL 1 CORRIDOR
LEVEL 1 WAITING AREA
SKIN
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MIXED USE / SUPER CONSULATE
SECTION
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CHAPEL OF ST. IGNATIUS SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, USA
TYPE: CASE STUDY / MODELING LEVEL: ARCH III BUILDING ANALYSIS/ASSEMBLIES INSTRUCTOR: JIM BASSETT LOCATION: BLACKSBURG, VA, USA COMPLETED: 2009
BUILDING ANALYSIS/ASSEMBLIES engaged students with the assembly of architecture from the ground up. The task was to study and reconstruct the architecture. By creating a dialogue between drawing and modeling, we were able to analyze construction documents and create a method of representation through those drawings. Starting with the foundation, we divided the model into two sections, a massing section and a structural section. Utilizing birch, basswood, and walnut, we created a model for Steven Holl’s St. Ignatius Chapel, based on his tilt-up panel construction.
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CASE STUDY / CHAPEL OF ST. IGNATIUS
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CASE STUDY / CHAPEL OF ST. IGNATIUS
CASE STUDY / CHAPEL OF ST. IGNATIUS
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CASE STUDY / CHAPEL OF ST. IGNATIUS
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SURFACE STRUCTURE BLACKSBURG, VIRGINIA, USA
TYPE: STUDY / EXPERIMENTAL LEVEL: ARCH III STUDIO INSTRUCTOR: JIM BASSETT LOCATION: BLACKSBURG, VA, USA COMPLETED: 2009
How do u make a deck of cards span 40 inches? What distinguishes an architectural solution from one which simply structures? At first, it either spans or does not span. If we can achieve that basic purpose, then we must ask, “What guides us, what can we do, what do we want to explore and how do we want to use our architecture to do it.”
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SECOND WORKING ITERATION
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY / CARD SPAN
EARLY ITERATION
FOUR CUT STAPLE JOINT
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EXPERIMENTAL STUDY / CARD SPAN
ALTERNATE JOINTS
There comes a moment when the program can expand beyond the scope of what was thought possible. Not to simply solve. but to explore, play, fail, discover, risk, articulate, intend, and craft with intelligence and purpose. This is the space between representation and physical, testable object.
FOUR CUT EIGHT FOLD JOINT
FOURTH ITERATION
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY / CARD SPAN
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B 1
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A1
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A2
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C C1
C2
MODULE CONSTRUCTION
SEVEN CUT ONE FOLD CONNECTION
MODULE ASSEMBLY
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ELEVATION
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY / CARD SPAN
PLAN
V1
V2
M1
FIFTH ITERATION SPACE
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THE ROAD TO NOWHERE BRYSON CITY, NORTH CAROLINA, USA
TYPE: PUBLIC LEVEL: ARCH III STUDIO INSTRUCTOR: JIM BASSETT LOCATION: BLACKSBURG, VA, USA COMPLETED: 2009
The Road functions as a metonym; a subtle substitute for the forces of the road that bring it there and the questions that its existence raises. It is a crossing. How can we reconcile different points of view while giving them equal consideration and weight? How can we find an “answer” when we can argue equally both sides of a conflict? The architecture does not attempt to realize a solution. The context is merely acknowledged and questioned. The program has three parts: burial grounds, rest area, story telling space. Hold these lightly.
SECTION
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SITE MODEL / CHIPBOARD, CARDBOARD, COPPER, ALUMINUM AND DIRT
ON THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
UNDER THE GROUND
VIEWPOINT FROM THE TUNNEL
PUBLIC / THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
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SITE
SKETCH
The ROAD TO NOWHERE is located in the Great Smoky Mountains just outside of Bryson City, NC in Swain county. In the 1930s, much of Swain county was forced to give up its private land to the government for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Lake Fontana Dam. The government promised to build a new road that would have stretched along the north shore of Fontana Lake and provided access to old family cemeteries located in the area. This road is called Lakeview Drive. Unfortunately Lakeview Drive was never completed and the road ends at tunnel about six miles into the park. At this point the road simply became a dirt footpath for travelers and hikers. The road earned a nickname from Swain county residents: the Road to Nowhere.
The project site is located at the end of the paved road, just past the end of a 1200 foot tunnel. The project aims to question the context and targets the road as a metonym; a crossing where stories are shared and remembered. The architecture does not attempt to realize a solution. It merely acknowledges the context and questions it. The end of the road then becomes the memorial; its existence is delineated with a break as the ground is excavated beyond it and a path around the edge is created. This path leads to an area adjacent to the road that acts as a resting place for visitors. A concrete retaining wall creates this excavated space.
STORYTELLING...
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PUBLIC / THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
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MEMORIAL
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SHELTER
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STORY TELLING
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ROAD TO NOWHERE
PLAN
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10’
100’
SECTION
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10’
100’
0 5’
..REST
25’
BURIAL
PUBLIC / THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
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BURIAL IS THE REST IS THE STORY
STORY
BURIAL
PUBLIC / THE ROAD TO NOWHERE
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10’
100’
0 5’
25’
100’
...A CROSSING
PLAN
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THE MENIL COLLECTION HOUSTON, TEXAS, USA
TYPE: CASE STUDY / MODELING LEVEL: ARCH II ART OF BUILDING INSTRUCTOR: MARIO CORTES LOCATION: BLACKSBURG, VA, USA COMPLETED: 2008
ART OF BUILDING engaged the physical act of constructing and modeling. Participating in collaborative teams, we studied the Menil Collection Museum in detail and produced a large scale model. The roof system was built with lasercut chipboard trusses and vinyl window blinds for the wing system.
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CASE STUDY / THE MENIL COLLECTION
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CASE STUDY / THE MENIL COLLECTION
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KNOT(X) IS A COLLABORATIVE WORK BETWEEN ( TIM KIM + DANIEL CHOI ) AND ( YOU ). WE WANT TO GET TANGLED UP CREATIVELY AND BEAUTIFULLY. WE CREATE ON THE (NAUGHT)-Y SIDE. IN THIS WORLD, NOTHING IS PERMANENT.
59 INFORMATION
60 ME? DANIEL SUNGMIN CHOI DOB 02 14 1988 FROM SANTA MONICA, CA ALSO FROM PASADENA, CA + LAKEWOOD, CA + EUGENE, OR + AIEA, HI + FAIRFAX, VA + BLACKSBURG, VA + RIVA-SAN VITALE, SWITZERLAND + KNOXVILLE, TN + ? 12731 HEATHLAND DRIVE KNOXVILLE, TN 37934 CONTACT DSC@VT.EDU IAMDANIELCHOI@GMAIL.COM T +1 571 970 8078 WWW.CARGOCOLLECTIVE.COM/DANIELCHOI WWW.ISSUU.COM/DSCH WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/DNLCH WWW.TWITTER.COM/DNLCH DNLCH.TUMBLR.COM
61 CREDIT
62 ALL CONTENT PRODUCED BY DANIEL CHOI BOOK DESIGN BY DANIEL CHOI IMAGE CREDIT: KENZO TANGE, TOKYO BAY PLAN (PG. 13) IMAGE CREDIT: KIYONORI KIKUTAKE, MARINE CITY SKETCH (PG. 14) IMAGE CREDIT: TERRY SURJAN AND JOSH EAGER, BEYOND UTOPIA MODELS CONTENT CO-CREDIT: JOSH EAGER, BEYOND UTOPIA DRAWINGS AND MODELS KNOT[X] IS A JOINT PRODUCTION OF TIM KIM AND DANIEL CHOI PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
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64 THANK YOU ELLEN BRAATEN TERRY SURJAN MICHAEL ERMANN PATRICK CLAY PAUL KNOX MEHDI SETAREH JIM BASSETT MARIO CORTES PATRICK DOAN SCOTT GARTNER KATHRYN ALBRIGHT TIM JUNGHYUN KIM JOSEPH KIM IVAN BUSTAMANTE JOSHUA EAGER ADAM PORTER ERIN OTA ALLYN HUGHES ALICE HELLYAR KALIN CANNADY MICKEY CHAPA DYLAN FULLER JARRI HASNAIN SAMUEL ROBINSON JOON SOO SONG SKY JIAE KIM
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