portfolio Gabrielle Raz-Liebman Designing Environments
site
A selection of the mappings I created to help ground my understanding of the site of the Concrete Lawn.
edge 1:1000
circulation 1:1000
temperatures 1:1000
By exploring the site through this medium I was better able to understand the site’s proportions and use of space. I was particularly interested in the circulation map as it displayed a very conventional form of navigation through the site, an idea that I decided to challenge in my design.
spatial composition
This frame and grid model introduced me to new processes in investigating basic systems and rules that can create complex outcomes.
plan 1:2
section 1:2
This simple technique of cutting and folding the paper from a single sheet was still able to create a strong structural form. The elegance and simplicity of this outcome influenced the ongoing styalistic manipulation of flat plains that I decided to carry on through the rest of my design process.
landforming
The manipulation of a ground plane in order to create sculptural architectural form.
plan 1:2
section A-A 1:2
This model was brought to great success through the use of stiffened calico, due to the natural undulating landforming effect. The juxtaposition of the sharp corners of the peaks with the softness and irregularity of fabric creates a dynamic experience that is later reflected in the grafting of concrete and raw land in my final design.
assemblage
Exploring the technique of grafting my two preliminary models to create new relationships and forms.
Focusing on the point of intersection, I decided to explore the sense of collision. However, this model could have pushed this idea further by heightening the sense of tension through further manipulation of the ground plain to reflect the impact.
plan 1:2
section A-A 1:2
meet. We meet briefly An event in an encounter They dissolve The space shifts, undulating moving I am moved. I encounter again. ‘Who are you?’ Longer this time Then gone. Lost I am found finding shifting turning, changing Connections and Intersections
Gabrielle Raz-Liebman Designing Environments
This narrative explores the unexpected and unconventional meetings between people, as influenced by my exploration of grafting. My challange was to create an unprescribed space that allows individuals to navigate it in a dynamic fashion, so as to facilitate chance encounters.
spatio-temporal narrative
I used a highly intuative and randomised process to create each of these outcomes. By allowing the materials and shapes to guide placement rather than fixating on a desired outcome, I was able to create unexpectet yet evocative imagery. This process also reflects the style of ‘meeting’ I wanted to explore: that of unexpected collisions between strangers that can form poignant experiences.
superimposition collage
experience collage
Final Design My final outcome is that of an undulating exposed landform with intersecting concrete pillars, creating dynamic and sculptural experience. The cluster of pillars serves two layers of intention: that of representation and that of function. Representation: of points of meeting between people; between nature and construction; and chance and intention. Function: A clear focal point within the landscape that will inevitably draw people instinctually towards the form, facilitating meetings between individuals.
section a-a 1:100
plan 1:200
The lack of a prescribed network of paths and access points through the site means that circulation is dynamic and ever-changing, allowing for more randomised points of intersection between people.
The exposed nature of the landscape also adds a layer of temporality, as the form will change with continued use and exposure to the elements, allowing for a continued change use and relationships between people and the space.
section a-a 1:500
plan 1:1000
section b-b 1:50
model The distinction between the materials of concrete and exposed landform heighten the sense of contrast between unexpected relationships, reflecting the program itself.
Reflection I was particularly happy with the final outcome of my design, as it successfully fulfilled the intention of the narrative. I had never before used concrete in design as I generally prefer more natural materials, but having the opputunity to explore it despite my inhibitions proved an exciting process. I saw the way in which I could use the starkness of the material to actually enhance to the effect of the organic materials in the design. Given more time I would have aimed to develop my inclusion of the lattice frame in my final outcome a bit further, as it this point I don’t feel as if it serves anything but an aesthetic purpose and its meeting point with the rest of the form is unclear. Using this intuative and form-led design process was at first very difficult to understand, as I had previously only ever designed with a focus on program and outcome. Eventually I started understanding the creative oppurtunities of letting the formal and material elements lead to ideas of function, and was able to move forward with my creation. This was really exciting for me as I was able to achieve imagery and form that I never world have been able to generate if I had only been fixated on designing with a clear program in mind. I learnt that designing for an experience rather than a program based on responses to materials and forms presents new and exciting concepts.