by Elizaveta Karpacheva WERTIG, NEUHÄUSL studio AD4, summer term 2017
How an architecture education should look like? What should be taught in architecture school? These questions still do not have an answer. The reason is because architecture is too broad and it is different for every person. Architecture requires a wide knowledge in so many topics sometimes not related from a first sight. Vitruvius wrote in “Ten books on architecture”: “To be educated, he must be an experienced draftsman, well versed in geometry, familiar with history, a diligent student of philosophy, know music, have some acquaintance with medicine, understand the rulings of legal expert, and have a clear grasp of astronomy and the ways of Heaven” Of course, with the time, these requirements change but the idea that an architect should have at least some knowledge about everything stays. And it is a choice of a school what sides and fields of studies to emphasize, it can be math orientated or focus on concept and design. There is no right or wrong and this supports an idea of an architecture. Architecture is diverse. There are so many styles in architecture and personal styles as well. Every architect approaches it differently and that is why it is so interesting. For me, this is the key for development and pushing it forward. To continue, architecture education has so many contrasting sides in it. Combining math and art; having freedom of imagination but following limitations; being able to be flexible but still having structure and order. All these aspects are contrasting one to another but the beauty is when it all comes together. And the hardest part is to find a balance between them. But what is more important for me, is to teach students to think. To develop analytical and critical thinking is what the studies should focus on. As for studio work, being able to analyze, the history and needs of people will lead to a smart and sensitive design. Theoretical knowledge students can improve by themselves, if they know how to approach it. Professors should provide students with questions, students should find answers. Making the student to wonder, question, analyze and think is the key. The architecture school should be a platform for students to create and be creative. That’s why I’ve chosen to design an open, transparent place not to have borders or limits. Researching other way of division of space than a wall, transparency and freedom of view and constant movement pushed my design all the way. I designed space for education, not limiting it to lecture room, studio, hall, etc. I would define my concept as “constant flow” for views, movements, knowledge and creativity.
The two main inspirations for me was usual ship or cruiser and Vagelos Education Center for Columbia University. It was very inspirational, to see similarities and differences between these absolutely not connected or comparable spaces. And it raised questions:
How to separate different functions without being too limited? What is private and public? What is solid and what is void and what is connection between them? What is defined and not defined space and can it be two spaces in one?
Adolf Loos: The Diagonal View – The Journey of the Gaze:
“My architecture is not conceived in plans, but in spaces (cubes). I do not design floor plans, facades, sections. I design spaces. For me, there is no ground floor, first floor, etc… For me, there are only contiguous, continual spaces… Storeys merge and spaces relate to each other”
The two main inspirations for me was usual ship or cruiser and Vagelos Education Center for Columbia University. It was very inspirational, to see similarities and differences between these absolutely not connected or comparable spaces. And it raised questions:
Diagonal arrow denotes the Journey of the Gaze passing through the successive planes/frames. Section (top) and plan (bottom) of Loo’s Moller House ( Vienna )
Three main structural elements that are supporting the concept are: plate
Relationships and conections between spaces
ramp
column
Applying concept to the space (architecture school)
roof
first floor
ground floor
-1 floor
outside terrace
studios
lecture rooms
office
workshop + FAB LAB
lecture rooms
ventilation
daylight
roof
first floor
ground floor
-1 floor
outside blinds
low-e glass
inside glazing with blinds (curtains)
beams can be used as tables or shelves that creates more shadows