MEL OGANESIAN ARC107 PORTFOLIO
TABLE OF CONTENTS Project 1: Cartesian Prism p.4
Project 2: Action Space p.8
Project 3: Guna House Analysis p.16
Project 4: Ground Control p.20
Cartesian Prism Various 4"x4"x4" iterative study models exploring the use of planes, frames, and volumes in defining space. Certain models attempted to define simď€ ilar spaces through the use of different materials (second row).
Cartesian Prism Unfolded elevations of the previous study models as well as an 8"x8"x8" model building upon earlier work. The model attempts to encapsulate space by opposď€ ing void with either plane or frame.
Activated Space Final drawings and model for the Cartesian Prism project. The activation 'verbs' chosen were mirror and rotate in which a segment of the prism was 'displayed' outside of its original context and lacking its former alignment with other elements.
Action Space The task was to design a self contained structure that housed three spaces of ac tion that would be undertak en by Ruth Bader Ginsburg the Supreme Court justice. An entryway was unnec casary as the occupant was assumed to have always resided in the structure and to never leave. Our design was meant to be abstract and still focused on creating and defining space with the added variable of 'sequence.'
Early Stages These early models shown focused on understanding the concept of scale and attempting to create a seď€ quence without blurring the definition of space.
Studies The upper model is a con cept model for the presen tation space seating that attempts to show the impor tance of certain members of the audience through prox imity and/or verticality. The lower model is an observa tion of the meeting space in a less abstract form to study its design.
Finalized Spaces A variety of plans and sec tions are shown in the draw ings. The lower image con tains diagrams that analysis key portions of the project. The two axons highlight im portant thresholds while the upper left image uses hatch ing to show the different spaces and the upper right image shows the underlying grid in the project.
Sequence Through Threshold In the final model a circular sequence is created between the three spaces of the presentation space, the meeting/study space, and the decision space. To control the sequence and indicate a transition from the more public spaces (presentation space) to the more private spaces (decision space) the path is contracted or expanded. As one enters the decision space and approaches the presentation space the path gradually narrows but while leaving the presentation space the path enlarges.
Perspective A series of perspective shots of the model that highlight the sequence and circular nature of the model
Guna House Analytical Model of the Guna House in Chile by architect Pezo von Ellrichshausen. Showcases the grid like nature of the house and the verticality present.
Guna House Design Plans and sections of the Guna House
Analytical Drawings Top drawing shows the transistions in the house between public and private space and circulation and habitation. The drawing on the right analysis' how thresholds enralge or conď€ tract to suggest transitions in privacy. Bottom drawing analysis the formal order of the house.
Analytical Drawings Top drawing breaks the house down into a series of volumes in order to study the formal order. Bottom drawing analysis' the various modes of entry and their relation to public and private space.
Ground Control Using analysis from the Guna house, Ramkrishď€ na House, and the Glass House, a series of iterative models were cretaed that used strategies of formal order, spatial hierarchy, and sequence found in the housď€ es of study. The last of the iterative models is shown to the right and became the basis of the final model
Sliding To build a strong and clearly defined sequence in the model walls inspired by Ramkrishna were added to the previous model. However, due to the strechted out nature of the model there was already a very clear and defined circulation and sequence inherent. Inspired by the glass house multiple parallel walls were used to create bays that defined a specific class of activity (cultural or domestic). The walls were also used as a logic to slide the two floors of the building apart and introduce a new sequence.
Diagrams Under the plans are two diagrams that show the sys tem of walls in the building that create the intended se quence on the site. The right diagram shows the walls that seperate different zones of activity while the diagram on the left shows the walls that control movement through out the site
Multiple Sequences Seen in the sections there are two different experiences for those living in the house and those visiting the galď€ leries. The residents have a short walk into the domestic area with a staircase leading into the workshop. On the other hand, visitors must take a long walk to the exterď€ ier patio and glass pavilion before taking a staircase to the workshop below. Both sequences combine for the final approach to the gallerď€ ies.
Diagrams The lower axon shows the concepts in the plan diagram in a new form while the upď€ per axon shows the various spaces clearly defined in both their purpose and conď€ struction
Final Concept To highlight the importance of the space dividing walls they were coated in black creating a contrast with the rest of the model. In the domestic area the interior walls were designed slightď€ ly shorter than the exterior ones to give the idea that movement against the 'grain' of the walls while 'difficult' was possible throughout the living areas.
Perspectives Various perspectives throughout the model. In a clockwise order: the workď€ shop, the patio/glass paď€ vilion, the visitor entry, the gallery, and a view from the lake.