Chapel Project - Final Post

The chapel project presented many obstacles. My first concern was developing a successful floor plan that would lay a strong foundation for my models and meet all program requirements. My earlier floor plans used a lot of angles and non-square shapes. However, after many layers of trace and revisiting the program requirements, I felt that going back to simple square rooms was the answer. I am very pleased with my final floor plan, and I feel like the continuing lines and pure shapes make this a good layout for the chapel. Posted below is a picture of my final floor plan.

My next challenge was designing a roof system for the various rooms. I initially aimed at being very creative and made unique roofs for the chapel, side chapel, and office. However, the first critique made me realize that the complexity of the roofs detracted from the importance of the chapel roof. Also, they didn't seem to work together and complement each other. This made me think about what I wanted the roof system to accomplish. I wanted the main chapel roof to grab attention and the side chapel roof to complement the form of the main chapel roof without detracting attention from it. Posted below is a quick study model of an in progress design of my main chapel roof.

After many versions of the main chapel roof, I decided that it would benefit to be simple and to show integration between wall and roof. I liked the idea of a column system and aimed at finding a simple way to make columns an important part of the chapel design, while integrating them with the roof. I used six columns in the main chapel and mirrored them with six more in the lobby. They have a totem pole like feel and seem to work well with the tree line observed at the site. Posted below is a picture of my 1/2" section model that shows part of the column system in the main chapel.

Even though I ultimately deviated from my initial idea for the roof system, I feel like the process was valuable for my final design. The resulting roof system has a simple sloping roof for the main chapel that is complemented be a reverse slope for the side chapel. This allows the two roofs to complement each other, while still giving the most importance to the chapel. Also, the columns come through the roof of the chapel with openings for light around them to create a unique lighting effect. Posted below is a picture of my 1/4" final model for the chapel.

Overall, I found the chapel project very useful and it reinforced the importance of 3D modeling for design development. I like my final result and feel like it was a successful design. The use of curtain wall mixed with thick columns and heavy walls was integral to my project. I also like how the column systems mirror/complement each other. My idea is to have a rock garden east of the lobby, which would help draw people in and guide circulation. I hope everyone likes the final result of my work. Even though the laser cutter broke down, I like how the hand cut models turned out. It was great having you all in class, and I hope you have a great summer. Below is a picture of a 3D view of my revit model for the project.

Roof Exercise - Final Model

Attached above are pictures of my 1/4" final roof model. I decided to divide my wall into three different parts. In each part, I played with a different roofing idea. Overall, I'm very happy with the final result of my work. The flexibility of this quick assignment let me explore a lot of ideas in a short span of time, which I think led to a very unique roof design. Once again, I see how modeling offers increased opportunities to develop designs that would be hard to imagine on paper.

The first 15' uses repetition with variation of trapezoidal forms. The purpose of this was to create a change in height, as defined in the program, while also guiding entrance into the building with an overhang. I think the angles created by these forms created a unique aesthetic that changes as one moves around the building.

The middle 20' of the roofing scheme utilizes Fehn-like beams in radiating patterns. The Little Sports Palace roof design by Nervi inspired this part of my roof. I wanted to create unique roof patterns, while leaving this part of the community center open to the elements. This type of roof allowed me to frame the trees effectively, but also it leads to many unique light patterns throughout the day.

Last, I played with a Pinos roof for the last 10' of the roof. In retrospect, I agree with some of the comments from class. This section of the roof does lack connection to the rest of the roof, and it doesn't show as much creativity. My goal for this part of the roof was to offer a covered space in the back of the building that clearly stood apart from the openness in the middle of the building. Also, I liked the side view created by the triangular Pinos design. However, it seems that the Pinos roof looks far more appealing from the interior than the exterior.

Roof Exercise - Inspiration

Attached above is a picture of The Little Sports Palace in Rome, Italy. The design is by Pier Luigi Nervi. The roof of the sports arena utilizes a ribbed dome of reinforced concrete to create a powerful visual aesthetic. I wanted the center of my roof, surrounding the trees, to form unique patterns. However, I want to allow more light into my building, so I tried to create a roof similar to a Fehn roof. This type of roof system enabled me to create unique patterns, while also offering differing views and light patterns throughout the day. You should be able to see how the middle of my final roof design resembles this arena design by Nervi.

Roof Exercise - In Process

Attached above is a picture of my in process 1/4" study model for the roof assignment. At first, I tried to incorporate my wall design into my roof design. However, I've since chosen to design my roof without consideration for my previous wall design. I felt like an entirely new design would give me more room for trying out new ideas. My final model has evolved a lot since this model, but the radiating beams in the center are still present. A main goal for me was to allow a lot of light into the community center surrounding the trees. Also, I tried to come up with a design that would create unique light patterns throughout the day. I look forward to hearing everyone's comments today in class.

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.

Wall Assignment - Inspiration

Attached above is a picture of the Grand Canal Square Theatre and Commercial Development in Dublin, Ireland. The project was worked on by architect Daniel Libeskind. Much of his work utilizes angular forms similar to those seen in this design. This building as well as others done by Libeskind provided inspiration for my final model. I like his use of unique shapes to create a visually appealing aesthetic. I hope everyone will recognize the connection between his work and my final model today in class.

Wall Assignment - Study Model

Attached above is a picture of a revised version of my 1/8" study model for the wall assignment. My final model has definitely evolved a lot, but some of the features remained somewhat similar. Once I read over the program again, I felt the need to implement some new ideas, which led to much of the revisions you'll see in class today. Overall, I think my 1/4" final model looks more appealing and will satisfy the client's requests a lot better. I look forward to hearing everyone's feedback today in class.