Wall Assignment - Final Model

Attached above are an interior and exterior picture of my 1/4" final model for the wall assignment. In this model, I used the repetition of triangular forms to create a unique aesthetic that I find far more striking than my initial study model. I think my additions allowed me to move past a simple planar wall to a complex wall with much more vibrance and depth. The right side of my wall still bares resemblance to my earlier models in the sense that it makes use of a proportional grid to provide changing glimpses of the trees and forms within the community center.

The layout of my wall design focuses on satisfying the program requirements as set out by the client. I used different materials for windows and skylights in order to provide a mix of both transparent and translucent. Also, I tried to place windows accordingly, so that the habitable area wouldn't be too bright from light exposure. Next, I used the positioning of elements within my wall to guide circulation into the building. This allowed for entrance into the building to be a slow journey that might build anticipation for the trees within. The layout also guides people to the diving board shaped, tree overlook (zen view) and the habitable area, where bookshelves and seating benches are located. Although I state that the overlook is my main zen view, I wanted the the combination of window placement and triangular forms to offer unique views from many angles.

Overall, I am pleased with the progression I made from my study models to my final model. I now recognize the value of 3D modeling, as opposed to simple 2D sketching. My playful use of triangles and the final appearance of my model resulted directly from modeling. I feel like my modeling abilities have room for improvement, but this was definitely a good starting point for the class and I look forward to later assignments.

Final Wall Model

This is my final wall model. To give both a sense of unity and interest to the wall, I used repetition of vertical lines, whether it be the skeletal structure or the extruding vertical strips on the wall. To make the repetition more interesting, I used variation of the width of the vertical elements (the width and spacing of the skeletal structures made of balsa wood in the model are half that of the vertical columns on the wall). Additive and subtractive elements are apparent in the glass windows. The glass windows are arranged in an ascending order, and the window at the bottom juts out of the building, allowing people to walk out a bit further from the building itself and enjoy the view outside. This is part of the habitable space, the area on the raised platform, which serves as a cozy nook for visitors to sit down, relax, and read. The middle window pane is positioned in the same plane as the walls, and the uppermost window juts into the building. The windows' gradation in terms of height and depth invite visitors to slow down their pace and appreciate this variation in the architecture.




The entrance to the community center is located on the far right when facing the wall. Upon entering, the visitor is directed by the wooden skeletal structures to travel diagonally towards the cluster of trees in the middle. Among the cluster of trees is a pattern on the floor, distinct from the rest of surrounding area, which catches the visitor's attention. The visitor looks around, curious about whether this change in flooring signifies anything, and a small window at the top of the wall catches his/her eye. This is the zen view. The visitor can look up and catch glimpses of the trees outside and the sunlight that filters in through the opening makes interesting patterns on the floor. At the same time, visitors walking toward the building can catch glimpses of the trees within the building when they look up through the window.



The visitor now sees the habitable space, which is on a raised platform on the side of the wall with the additive/subtractive windows. The upper part of the bottom window is translucent and filters the amount of sunlight that enters. There is a ledge that juts out from the bottom window's structure, which people can sit on. Around the windows are benches and a bookcase. The habitable space is partitioned off by a thick wall with a glass pattern on the upper half, through which you can see the windows behind it. The glass panel uses a shape that fits with the theme of the windows, and this use of layering intrigues the visitor to enter and explore the habitable space. On the side of the partition facing the habitable space, there is a screen door that can be swung open to create a greater sense of privacy in the habitable space and shield its users from the eyes of casual passersby.