Diagramming Design Precedent: Francis Burne Thompson

En

tra

nc

e

Digital Design - Module 01 Semester 1, 2018 Francis Burne Thompson (757 758) Samuel Lalo Studio 11

Week One

Reading: Zeara Polo, A. 2010. Between Ideas and Matters.

According to Zeara-Polo, the diagram does not play a representational role in the design process but provides an organisational and can have a performative quality depending on how it is deployed. Explain how Diagram is different from Signs and Symbols?

Signs and symbols are tools used to communicate exact or precise information, this information relates to objects or concepts. In contrast diagrams are tools used to examine areas over time by communicating changes, use, movement or any other number of variables.

In order to become real world representations diagrams require some form of critical thought and considered mediation with other inputs. This is because diagrams are only abstract representations of space, used to bridge design intent, site conditions and physical limitations and requirements.

2

Week One

Precedent Analysis

(Clockwise from top left) (1) The initial four volumes. (2) The four volumes after being located.

(3)The addition of ribbing details using planes and the cut command

Halbe, Roland. Aires Mateus - Radix, 2012, Photograph. Divisare. Venice Accessed 10/03/18 https://divisare.com/projects/209321-aires-mateus-roland-halbe-radix#lg=1&slide=2

The overall form of the Radix pavilion was modelled entirely from the drawings provided. 4 basic shapes were created (one rectangular prism, two spheres and one ellipsoid) (1) the circular volumes were then located onto the prism using a combination of section and plan views (2). Boolean difference was used to remove the intersection of the volumes. Finally the ribbing details were added by counting the ridges in the photos provided and using the split command and a corresponding number of cutting planes to split the spherical surfaces (3).

3

Week Two

Reading: Hertzberger H. 2005. The in-between and The Habitable Space Between Things, from Lessons for Students in Architecture.

Herzberger discusses how design should not be extreme in its functionality. Use your precedent study to explain how the pavilion allows for an appropriation of use.

Herzberger advocates for the creation of ambiguous forms and spaces because human interactions with the built environment are impossible to predict and therefore space and form should emphasise the widest potential of uses over strict functionality.

The Radix pavilion achieves this through the creation of clustered arrangements of positive and negative space within the pavilion. The use of curvature minimises hard delineations from positive and negative and instead creates gradients between the intimate and public.

As a result of this Radix successfully combines void and forms to create a complex network of spaces that balance functionality and ambiguity in design.

4

Week Two

Isometric

Aires Mateus - Radix Pavilion Isometric The Radix pavilion is intended to bridge the traditional and the contemporary. Radix achieves this by emulating the arches of the Venice arsennale and surrounding renaissance architecture using modern materials and complex forms.

The Radix pavilion features a relatively simple geometry.

Because it is composed of only 4 basic shapes it was important to emphasise these shapes without introducing clutter by adding details. Therefore the isometric is shown with the internal arcs in order to articulate the internal geometry of the pavilion.

More detail was however added in the exploded view of the threshold diagram, with the internal surface’s ribbing modelled in addition to showing the colour of the interior. This was done to emphasise the light of the interior especially juxtaposed against the rough and dark of exterior surface.

En

tra

The large openings that punctuate the 4 sides of Radix create soft thresholds that transition the area from negative to positive space along a gradient, rather than a harsh and sudden transition. This in turn affects the movement through the pavilion as people move through the space they are directed towards the peak of the arches with the option to pause in or around the narrower openings and arches in a more intimate setting.

nc

e

5

Week Two Diagrams

Radix Pavilion Threshold Diagram

Radix Pavilion Circulation Diagram

This diagram highlights the internal characteristics of the pavilion, demonstrating the soft transitions from open to closed space, as well as the light of the space afforded by the golden cladding.

This sectioned diagram demonstrates 1: the direction of movement through the pavilion and 2: the degree of openness (with dark areas corresponding to the most open areas)

6