Architectural Fundamentals II Savannah College of Art & Design Winter 2009 Professor Julie Granacher Submitted by
DSGN 225
Curtis P. Richardson
An abstractive exploration of architectonic design through intuitive critical thinking and conceptual inventiveness.
OUTLINE Exercise One- Experiential Quality of Path Exercise Two- Architecturalization of Path Exercise Three- Prepositional Exercise Four- Prospect and Refuge Exercise Five- Precedent Study Exercise Six- Final Articulation
Description of Objectives Applied studies of lectures and studio exercises enabled the continuance of the studies begun in Architectural Fundamentals I, with the addition of the physical environment as a design factor. There was a continuing emphasis on the visual definition of space and on related design concepts, the exercises became increasingly complex in their consideration of form and space transitions and their relationships. There was an expectation to continue to develop abilities to represent ideas in drawings, models, and oral presentations.
Exercise One - Experiential Quality of Path Challenge I was required to create a two-dimensional representation of a path that evoked a memory. Acceptable media included photography, print-making, drawing, painting, and photomontage.
The images were to convey some emotional quality of the path and were to involve materialistic or visionary elements to successfully represent a floor, wall and roof.
Requirements Analog artistic creations evoking the meaning and spirit of the chosen paths. Size is to the discretion of the artist, but it should be of significant enough size to communicate the evocative nature of the path. No computers images were allowed. Synthesis This project attempted to extract the components of path that evoke sensory response or memory from a fully intuitive artistic object.
These were the images that I chose to evoke personal memories. The path of having no boundaries is expressed in the top photo while the lower photo displays a definite path. CONCEPTS OF PROSPECT & REFUGE ARE IMPLIED RESPECTFULLY - Elaborated in following exercises.
Exercise Two - Architecturization of Path
Challenge The efforts here were to utilizing the artifacts created in Exercise One, I had to architecturalize the path- applying the basics components of architecture to replicate the sense of space captured in the image. Each path includes some version of platform (the floor of the path), wall (columnar, bearing, frame), ceiling/roof (the separation from the heavenly realm.
I placed a consideration to scale and the implications of scale on the sensory experience.
Requirements Three architecturalizations of the initial path were produced and had to be expressed with site plan, section, and model. The three selected were to come from a rigorous investigation and editorial process all of which needed to be displayed when the project is presented. Synthesis This project attempts to celebrate the phenomenological aspects of site and to investigate the ability to create space with meaning and spirit using basic components of architecture.
Experiential use of materials to represent architectural elements Floor of wood like nature
Walls with empty space
F L O O R S U R F A C E
Exercise Three - Prepositional
I was to investigate and diagram via sketch model, prepositions with implications of duality. Some examples include- above, across, after, against, below, beside, between, down, side, into, near, off, on, outside, over, through, toward, under, up, within, without. This exercise was to generate one sketch model per word, minimum. Represent the dual objects with one basic material, and the path performing the preposition should be investigated in a variety of ways with a variety of materials.
Requirements Ten models, minimum. 2�x 2� bases with a variety of materials. All models contain the preposition used on the bottom of the base. I temporarily mounted the five most successful models. I also created complimentary gestural sketches demonstrating the integral idea of the five selected models and mounted the sketches adjacent the models. Synthesis This project investigates the possibilities of diagramming and reinforces the mission of the class to provide meaningful and efficient processes.
Exercise Four - Prospect and Refuge Challenge Step One The Drawings: Through a generative design process as demonstrated in Exercise Two and Exercise Three, I explored the possibilities of two distinct spaces that each demonstrates one of the components of Prospect and Refuge. Consideration was given to tectonic expression, scale, and, most importantly, the space/ structure’s relationship to the ground. I also included diagrams of possibilities for overlaying traditional formal ordering systems into spaces. Step Two The Models: An exploration of the relationships of the two newly created spaces to their sites, to each other, and to the path was expressed.
The relationship of the two spaces initially respond to the most successful of the earlier models, and the path remained the connective tissue. The function of the two spaces shall be determined individually with approval of the professor. Keeping in mind that this refers to functions rather than room names‌
Requirements The primary medium for this Step One of this project was restricted to gestural sketching on white trace paper. Sketches included perceptual/experiential diagrams, perspective sketches, plan relationships, sectional relationships, and material investigations. Additional investigation was encouraged and may be of different expression and materiality. The primary medium for Step Two of this project is sketch model, and a minimum of twenty must be created. Synthesis This project encourages unencumbered design while developing graphic skills and the ability to communicate solely via one medium.
Exercise Five- Precedent Study Challenge I had to will analyze the components of the one of the following projects from each category and produce a synthetic presentation of the design/design process/form/space involved. Additionally, I was required to discover two projects not listed for research and synthesis. This was intended to be an in-depth investigation and synthesis of architecture in order to understand how the greats before have accomplished excellent work. Projects for investigation were as follows : Wall - Blur by Diller/Scofido/Renfro or Tilted Arc and others by Richard Serra Platform - Lovejoy Plaza by Lawrence Halprin or UNESCO Paris by Noguchi Exterior environment - Brion Vega Cemetery by Carlo Scarpa or Parc de la Villette by Tschumi Interior environment - Exeter Library by Louis Kahn or Church of St. Ignatius by Steven Holl Requirements I was required to prepare a way to discuss the true depth and meaning of each project via any combination of the following media- gestural sketch, sketch model, collage, diagramming. Each project had to be researched fully and examples of images, plans, sections, elevations, details, and spatial qualities were to be represented in some manner. Synthesis This project provided an opportunity to investigate alternative methods of creating space with meaning and place. The true understanding of a space is multi-layer and had to include all component parts of the space.
My exploration of the interior space of, artists Felice Varini at Filiale Berlin Gallery and the Exterior Space of the Ann Demeulemeester clothing Gallery/Shop in Seoul, China. I was able to create a 2D display of these captivating spaces, providing a reinforced sublime effect.
My exploration of the Tilted Arc by Richard Serra. I was able to create an interesting space inspired by the Tilted Arc.
Exercise Six- Final Articulation Challenge Continuing the experimentation of Projects One through Five, I now had to articulate and detail the components of the basic diagram. At this point in my design process my Architectural object had to show development in a rigorous manner. Multiple possibilities had to be investigated for all categories : -Structure -Possibilities for innovative walls, roofs, and platforms -Procession of space -Context and Architectonics -Attitudes toward inside/outside -Threshold -Site Specificity (climatic issues, environmental context, environmental experience) -Space/form response to site Requirements The investigation of the impact of the above components on design was the critical component, but the articulation of design and the conveyance of its meaning and spirit is the measurable statement of process. Minimum requirements included study models, sketches and diagrams, a final model with a site, site plans, space plans, sections, elevations, 3-dimensional diagrams, 3-dimensional representations, material representations, and experiential drawings. Synthesis This project encouraged development of an idea into architectural form and space as well as the development of my ability to work efficiently and practically in a manner that is true to my personal expression.
My inspirational 3D representational model for my final structural design.
From Conceptual Sketch to Conceptual Model
My Final Articulation in Lanscape
This course allowed me the opportunity to advance within my design process. I now have the ability to apply an intuitive conceptual thought process. My sketch work has improved and I have taken worthy suggestions for was to develop my skills. When I entered this class I was much more linear and symmetrical in my designing, so when first introduced to the abstract inspired design I almost went running for the hills. Instead I chose to stick it out and face this challenge head on with an open mind. There was an emphasis placed on the development of a path that would make way for the presence of prospect and refuge. The two are separate yet can be thought to be unified in the confines of interior and exterior space. Need-less to say I am extremely pleased with how I have developed in my designing of space. I look forward to applying al that I have learned into the future of my journey towards the profession of Architecture. To take a vision of a shape and create a functioning space was a rewarding journey. Form to Function is Function to Form and it was good to explore the purpose of an architectural like object and how it may very well hold true to it’s purpose. Curtis P. Richardson