RAPHAEL DE LA FONTAINE My proposal for the travel fellowship focuses on engaging in the RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAND AND WATER, particularly along boundaries
where conditions continue to oscillate. Research on flood�responsive architecture is still in its infancy. This topic of design cannot be investigated merely at the scale of a building. Coordinated regional weirs, bypasses and flood planes, need to be further examined and incorporated into urban development. I am excited about the water responsive city of the future. I envision complete environments, in which controlled flood�waters positively engage residential communities, industrial zones and transportation routes. I look forward to this fellowship becoming a catalyst for my thesis. My primary focus throughout my entire academic and independent research has been centered around three parts: thorough precedent analysis, independent invention and maximum integration. I intend on investigating the topic of flooding as I consider it to be a key problem for future generations as well as a fertile ground for architectural innovation. The travels funded by KPF will allow me to obtain first hand experience with areas that are particularly affected by the natural pressures associated with sudden water-level rise and flooding. I am interested in examining their particular conditions, consequences and adaptations to the flooding phenomenon. In addition, this fellowship will allow me to meet with experts from other related disciplines to further investigate opportunities for necessary interdisciplinary collaboration. Recent discourse and governmental agency around this topic, particularly in the Netherlands, has led to a great range of architectural research. The Dutch governmentally funded Water Protection Plan has stimulated fascinating inventions ranging from floating houses to artificial water channels. Much of this development is reaffirming my thesis, signaling that the profession is finally transitioning into a much more integrated land-water attitude, abandoning the traditional barricade approaches. Water cannot be simply blocked out of our built environments anymore, it has to be engaged actively. Several underdeveloped cultures needed to adapt to this natural phenomenon early on, despite their lack of technological and economic resources available to the Western world. Cambodia, is home to areas of extreme flooding, especially along the Mekong River. The local population has successfully learned to adapt life and architecture around this recurring natural phenomenon with their remarkable stilt villages. During the flood seasons, these once raised villages do not only transform architecturally, but also create optimal conditions for access and circulation for a striving boat and fishing culture. Unfortunately, other countries are not as prepared and engaged in this topic. Incidents such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami at Phuket Thailand, the 2011 Tohoku Tsunami in Japan and the 2012 Hurricane Sandy in the East Coast of the United States, are recent examples in which entire shorelines have been wiped out by sudden flooding. Innovative research is the only way to find solutions, promote awareness and prevent future disasters from reoccuring. As a a fellow at KPF, I will be committed to fully take advantage of this unique opportunity to conduct and promote this proposed area of study. UTRECHT, NETHERLAND JULY 16-30
LONG ISLAND, NY JULY 1-15
PHUKET THAILAND JULY 16-30
TONLE SAP CAMBODIA AUG 1-25
RAPHAEL.DELAFONTAINE@YALE.EDU | 917.319.2337
sectional sovereignty diagram west bank aquifer diagram
west bank boundary complex map
ARCHITECTURE OF BOUNDARIES The lines on a map are identifiable physical or spatial buffers such as walls, roads, dikes, slopes or valleys. Nevertheless, these lines are also ethnic territorial lines which reflect the persistent social, economic and spatial divisions.
Evidence of However, upon closer examination of maps, clear continuous boundaries become apparent. Physically they are manifested by ever morphing materials and spatial buffers such as walls, roads, dikes, slopes or valleys. The frontier typologies are interrupted by controlled points of segregation is not always explicit.
passage that have widely increased the hardships of both those maintaining and those controlled by them. While the line in reality proves to have various forms and meanings, it constitutes a third condition: the boundary itself.
urban
integrating the geopolitical scape cultural information
Due to the crucial role and its
impact on all three parties, the opportunity of meaningful intervention lies within the three dimensional space of the boundary.
project title: occupying the boundary location: jerusalem, israel
A METAPHYSICAL VALLEY Kidron, is undoubtedly one of the most influential valleys in the world. Part of the Great African Syrian Rift, the deserted natural valley is filled with small streams, rocky terrains and olive trees. The Kidron Valley runs along the eastern wall of The Old City of Jerusalem, separating the Temple Mount from the Mount of Olives. It then descends east through the Judean Desert, towards the Dead Sea, the lowest surface of our world. Its spatial capacity and continuity allows it to absorb the immense pressures from the West and the East, two worlds it has kept divided for decades. The pressures within this boundary prevent from any living organism to occupy its sacred territory. However, the valley is anything but empty. It is filled with the metaphysical, spirits, perspectives but first and foremost it is filled with memories; Memories of the creation, memories of the ancient cultures and memories of the dead. In ancient times, this was a place where offerings to God were made. Two offerings were made to god and one “sair laazazel”,
combined layers
historical layer a
meaning one scapegoat was tossed down the cliff to hell.
Among those offerings was a man named JoshBen Yosef (aka Jesus Christ), who was captured while praying here at the foot of the Olive Mount. He prayed for everyone to come together and with his death, he may have divided the two sides forever. The bible calls it the valley of Jehoshaphat,- “the valley where God will judge”. It appears in the prophecies as the place from where the Messiah will arrive. Over 150 thousand souls rest in peace in its grounds, a peace that is longed by all the living that surround it, a peace that seemingly can only be resurrected by the Messiah who shall reunite the people. ua
graveyard layer
historical layer b
temporary layer
urban
integrating the geopolitical scape cultural information
project title: occupying the boundary location: jerusalem, israel
rock hall section ns
rock hall section ew
golden gate section temple ground plan
gallery section
underground plan
DEMATERIALIZING THE ROCK The Eastern Wall of Jerusalem, along with the Jehosaphat Valley, serve as the ultimate barrier between the West and the East. The known and the unknown layers surrounding the temple mount contain the historical events and artifacts of over thousands of years.
The
rock
inside the dome serves as a critical focal point of tension due to its indescribable significance to all major religions.
The project proposes a public passage withBy ma-
in, across and along this boundary.
terializing the wall and creating carefully framed openings, this highly restricted zone is reclaimed by the public in all its glory.
The
passage starts off at
Solomon’s unSouth, con-
derground stables to the
tinues on a highline with framed views of the sacred al-aqsa and dome of the rock
urban
integrating the geopolitical scape cultural information
plazas.
Subsequently,
the
path
through
the
passes
perpendicularly
“locked”
golden gate, leading to a sunk-
en plaza and a rock performance center.
project title: occupying the boundary location: jerusalem, israel
WALL
1925
1987
FRONTIER TYPOLOGIES ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
WALL
2005
1949
FRONTIER TYPOLOGIES TOPOGRAPHY
ROAD
INFRASTRUCTURE
context site plan
palestinian development diagrams
WALL
PEACE PARK, JERUSALEM
TOPOGRAPHY
situated in a unique boundary between a residential
Jewish
neighborhood and a
Palestinian
residential neigh-
borhood, the mission of this park is alleviate the pressures on the boundary by creating a fluid space 1987
with a maximum amount of movement. the pedestrian public avenue, following the abandoned old
railroad
tracks, connects between the two neighborhoods allowing for spontaneous program and public activities. boundary conditions ROAD
INFRASTRUCTURE
campus master plan
BRAT TLEB ORO GUIL FORD
EW
F VI
DO
FIEL
BRAT TLEB ORO GUIL FORD
RADIAL ORGANIZATION
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE
VARYING DEGREE OF EXPOSURE/CONNECTIVITY
PERSPECTIVE
UNIFYING ELEMENT
UNIFYING ELEMENT
AN OPEN PERSPECTIVE
TOPOGRAPHY
ROAD
HOLY STRUCTURE
2005
COMMUNAL SPACE OPEN ASSEMBLY SPACE
OPEN ASSEMBLY SPACE
PERSPECTIVE
Radial arrangement allowed for the ability to qualify spaces and moments along a connectivity gradient. The ability to navigate varying levels of engagement on a path to spiritual reflection is a peaceful norm to certain campgoers when at home, but perhaps a rare occurence for others that surround them in their native lands.
organization diagram
ACER FARM FIELDS
TOPOGRAPHY
BRA
TTL
EBO RO FOR D
GUIL
A dual conversation about viewpoint occurs at the central space within the project. Envisioned as an
the plan for the camp offers many instances of com-
assembly space where instruction and insight can be
in fostering the understanding of new perspectives
shared between camp coordinators and attendees,
while at the camp while the common perspectives serve
might play in the effectiveness of endeavors both
a strong harmony of focus occurs as those re-
to enhance them.
on and off site.
ceiving guidance look outward, and those offering
of harmony and are supported with broad views.
POCKET GARDEN
PILGRIM’S GATE
The intimacy of views are important Shared spaces reinorce the notion
urban
integrating the geopolitical scape DISCOVERY TRAIL
mo perspective.
ACER FARM PEACE CAMP The chapel was the first step embarking on of a larger vision: a unified spiritual campus. the proposed spiritual campus will include gathering areas for all three religions. The chapel, synagogue, mosque and their shared spaces represent the essence of the camp’s mission. hence, they will evoke pride in one’s origins along with an engagement towards the origins of fellow campers. The interstitial spaces will facilitate key activities while providing room for new opportunities and connection. acer farm’s natural topography and elevation informs the positioning of the programmatic elements. the achievement of higher awareness is key in the camp’s undertaking. to address this process, gathering spaces are situated based on their functional purposes and their spiritual qualities. the natural ascension through the increasingly spiritually evocative spaces amplifies the spiritual elevation to a higher sense of awareness.
COMMON GROUNDS
MOSQUE
site perspectives diagram
their broad experience focus it inward. APPROACH PATH
CHAPEL
SYNAGOGUE
campus perspective diagram
In keeping with the crafting of a free and liberating experience at Acer Farm, the plan for the camp offers many instances of commo perspective. The intimacy of views are important in fostering the understanding of new perspectives while at the camp while the common perspectives serve to enhance them. Shared spaces reinorce the notion of harmony and are supported with the broad
The site is organized around a unifying element. The convergence of various site pressures and architectural interventions (the natural versus the prescribed) suggest the role that a commonality
UNIFYING ELEMENT ASSEMBLY SPACE
A dual conversation about viewpoint occurs at the central space within the project. Envisioned as an assembly space where instruction and insight can be shared between camp coordinators and attendees, a strong harmony of focus occurs as those receiving guidance look outward, and those offering their broad experience focus it inward.
cultural information
project title: peace park location: jerusalem, israel
project title: location:
acer peace camp west brattleboro, vermont
OPEN
NIGHT OPEN open condition that welcomes and invites
must be at least 10 handbreadths tall, but no taller than 20 cubits
the gallery
the overhead condition must provide more shade than sunshine
elevation
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
must have a roof/overhead condition made of schach
section
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
unwrapping structure diagram
NIGHT CLOSED closed private condition that beckons
the lowest edge of the walls (or partial periphery-enclosing surfaces or structures) must be within 3 handbreadths of the ground
must be at least 10 handbreadths tall, but no taller than 20 cubits
the gallery
the overhead condition must provide more shade than sunshine
elevation
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
must have a roof/overhead condition made of schach
section
the sukkah
roof plan [closed]
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
elevation
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
the sukkah must have at least 3 walls, but the third doesn't need to be complete must enclose a minimum area of at least 7 x 7 square handbreadths
1
SUKKAH INTERIOR
SUKKAH AT UNION SQUARE 3
2
the project calls for a modern interpretation of the traditional jewish sukkah, using novel materials and form while adhering to the strict biblical
CLOSED closed private condition that beckons
NIGHT . rules of the structure
The proposed Jewish people
plan [closed]
SHUT
SHUT
pivots
OPEN
NIGHT OPEN open condition that welcomes and invites
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
section
surfaces or structures) must be within undergone 3 handbreadths t its most of the shut ground
pivots
have
1/4” = 1’ - 0”
information
the overhead condition must be permeable to rain
project title: the plan contemporary sukkah [open] location: new york, ny 1/4” = 1’ - 0”
condition it is a
Sukkah
in
the sukkah
The spatial experience accommodates the activities of elevation Sukkos, including hospitality, dining, learning, and . 1/4” = 1’sleeping - 0” At its most physically open condition the Sukkah is a fluid gallery and public space. The open passage through the Sukkah encourages curious passers-by to engage and understand the Sukkah as art, architecture, and a cultural symbol. The Sukkah’s role echoes that of its people as it becomes a beacon of light for all cultures, a place of harmony and peace. Perhaps at its most physically open it is also at its most spirituallysection open, an invitation for 1/4” = 1’ - 0” those who are without to come in and share with those who can provide. the festival of
integrating the cultural scape
.A
the traditional sense, an intimate realm for a family to reflect on the mitzvah they have undertaken.
geopolitical urban
the lowest edge of the walls
design sings of the spiritual and physical transformation the (or partial periphery-enclosing
ROOF S’CACH open to the sky and stars above
unrolled section ew
unrolled section ns
botanical garden and hostel museum and grand stair to tikal
CLIMBING TIKAL Tikal was the most prosperous and expansive city in Mayan history. This proposal aims to reframe this city as the grand spectacle it once was . A new threshold between ancient and modern, this intervention posits Tikal as a marvel and a treasure. The act of ascension is something ingrained heavily in the spiritual nature of the Mayan people. To use this hidden language evidenced discretely in the astounding ancient architecture close by, is to create a truly unique experience while visiting the site. To ascend, to ponder, to interact, to constantly frame the context one finds themselves in compared to their most shrouded and mysterious destination is what the unique siting strategy allows for.
By becoming a direct extension of the existing citadel podium, visitors can
experience the strong connection both spatially and spiritually between this new built environment and the ancient site that it respectfully engages.
geopolitical urban
integrating the cultural scape information
To visit the meandering museum, to stay in the breathtaking yet efficient
eco hostel, or to breathe in the radiant perfume of the native tree and plant species, all while within the presence of majestic Tikal, will be an experience unlike any other that visitors shall enthusiastically come to take in.
project title: eco hostel and Mayan museum location: tikal, Guatemala
foyer level plan
- street level
unrolled section ns site photo from within the barbican
massing model in barbican context
LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (LSO) CONCERT HALL currently buried below the confines of the historical barbican estate, the lso seeks to appear as its own identifiable organization, with an independent agenda and a state of the art concert hall. in the new proposal,
the
existing
interconnectivity
within
the
barbican
is
further
emphasized,
connecting
residents,
pedestri-
ans, artists and audience. by blurring the boundaries between front of house, back of house, interior and exterior, the proposal promotes an approachability to classical music, aligned with the unique lso vision and program.
geopolitical
integrating the
urban cultural information
scape
project title: a concert at the barbican location: london, england
interior hall perspective sectional
berlin philarmonie
1/16� scale model
A SCULPTED CONCERT the interior of the hall promotes an experience of interdependency. the
1700
seat hall draws the listeners into the center of the ex-
perience by wrapping around the stage and blurring the boundaries between performer and audience. the hall is cut and sliced to create relationships between interior and exterior, light and circulation. the materials and architecture further promote a homogeneous experience by architecturally blending the seating, walls and ceiling while taking into account the strict acoustic requirements of classical music.
geopolitical
integrating the
urban cultural information
scape
project title: a concert at the barbican location: london, england
pit short section
boston residential fabric
far and sectional siting
1/16” abstract integration model
INTEGRATING CENTRAL SQUARE K atarzyna P ozniaK collage of precedent street typologies central square super block integration
acts as a public foundation, supporting and negotiating two &therintervention aPhael de la F ontaine
thousand new residential units in Central Square. The siting and massing of the project borrows principles from the success of Boston’s great streets
19th Century. Utilizing the underdevelof Massachusetts Avenue, the project proposes a 60’ excavation, allowing for 8 full stories of residential housing, while maintaining the relatively low elevation on the existing streets. The underground terminal takes full advantage of the present infrastructure by extending to the T-stop platform and the surrounding streets. and vast landfill projects of the oped superblock located
North
geopolitical
integrating the
urban cultural information
scape
project title: public infrastructure terminal location: cambridge, ma
PIT interior rendering 10:00 am view from road
PIT exterior rendering
1:00 pm view from parking
6:00 pm view from t-stop
4:00 pm view from res unit
PIT longitudinal section PIT street level plan
geopolitical
integrating the
urban cultural information
scape
THE PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE TERMINAL (PIT) Additionally, the terminal redefines the public realm by interlacing all degrees of public program including transportation, parking, shopping, park and residential lobbies. For tenants, the PIT also serves as a threshold offering various alternatives on how to transition from the train or car to the residential destination. An alternative cultural performance venue, several galleries and restaurants, aim to activate the site at night. In addition, the PIT integrates 1500 lots of underground parking, which includes the pre-existing parking requirements and allows for further residential development on the on-grade parking surrounding the project.
project title: public infrastructure terminal location: cambridge, ma
prefabricated unit diagram
facade skin intrusion
PTAC in/output
corridor wall extrusion
unit layout studies
unit mix aggregation
unit living space with skin intrusion
unit bathroom
lvl
corridor/public level
extroverted floor plan
9 face to face section
1/4” building core section model
1/4” duplex unit models
street facade rendering
SKIP STOP DUPLEX HOUSING The project negotiates the extents
of privacy and
social boundaries within a graduate housing community.
The
proposal carefully introduces
6
types
of apartment units, shared among two students.
The
variance between the units offer unique degrees of sharing accounting for various social, academic requirements.
Based
on a skip stop system, the
building incorporates multiple student lounges, public terraces and additional facilities on the
“ex-
troverted floors”, while offering privacy and pri-
geopolitical
integrating the
urban cultural information
vate balconies on the more
scape
project title: graduate student dormitory location: brooklyn, ny
saw noitces dna nalp ni gniwarD oT .noitareti hcum ot tcejbus ekil stnemeriuqer gninoz ot erehda
“introverted
floors”.
view from public gardens
circulation spine interior
circulation studies
birdseye perspective
developing sections
1/8� scale model circulation spine
URBAN SHELTER This project emphasizes the importance of childhood development through both internal as well as environmental pressures. Through the analysis of the kindergarten program, carefully tailored spaces shelter the young client from the audible and visual impact of the thriving Williamsburg shore front. Overlooking the east river, sunken gardens frame the distant and reassuring skyline of Manhattan.
geopolitical
integrating the
urban cultural information
scape
project title: riverfront kindergarten location: brooklyn, ny
1/8� bass wood model
laser cut module
layered level plans
library open facade rendering
THE INFINITE RAMP The library of the future is an ever-moving information highway. The underlying structure of the project is developed through micro-analysis of gallium molecular clusters. The process allows capitalizing on the tectonic characteristics of the molecule structure. As a result, horizontal and vertical structure morph to create a continuous circulation through the project.
interlacing program analysis
geopolitical
integrating the
urban cultural information
scape
project title: contemporary library location: brooklyn, ny
5
site program analysis
4
site topographic analysis
1 3
2
site sun coverage analysis
campus plan analysis roof plan rendering
sectional program analysis building entrance perspective
site circulation analysis
SCIENTIFIC METHOD Hundred years after Einstein’s first theories and their attempted validation in
Potsdam,
the scientif-
ic method (hypothesis and proof) is becoming obsolete.
With
universal
access to enormous amounts of data, science is shifting to an algorithmic paradigm.
No
theoretical
models need to be constructed and site lines and perspectives analysis
tested when statistical algorithms find patterns and direct answers by crawling through a global database.
It
is a new way of under-
standing the world that dispenses with unified theories or models of the systems around us.
It
simply
looks at the systems themselves.
geopolitical urban
integrating the information scape cultural
project title: collaborative research mixer location: potsdam, germany
section rendering
skin structure study
section development diagrams
perspective rendering of interior
plan development diagrams
IASS SCIENCE BUILDING Telegrafenberg, a hill south
of
Potsdam,
is home
to several renowned scientific observatories and facilities. the project integrates a new dedicated research institution, advancing climate, earth system and sustainability studies. the proposal draws from the agendas of the adjacent einstein turm, integrating landscape with the sitie and allowing function to inform the massing of the intervention. the topological process of creating the interior spaces,
geopolitical urban
integrating the information scape cultural
results in a continuous and highly diverse layout, congruent with the requirements of the institution
project title: collaborative research mixer location: potsdam, germany