Wall Assignment 1/8"

These are pictures of the 1/8" study model I made for the wall assignment. I'd originally though of using foam core but then realized that it would probably be too hard to cut down to 1/8" scale, so I decided to use card stock instead. It was much easier and faster to cut than foam core, but again it was pretty hard to get very detailed with such a relatively small scale.

With this model, I was able to see the effects of shadows cast on the floor when light shines in through the window openings and the spaces between the skeletal structures. I was also able to get a better sense of the space and orientation of different parts of the wall, especially the habitable space. From looking at the model, I found out that I had positioned the front entrance too close to the habitable space, which potentially disrupted its sense of privacy and peacefulness, so I decided to move the entrance further off to the side and partially partition off the habitable space.

in-process wall assignment

Here are some photos of my in-process 1/4" model - I'm still adding the finishing touches (putting in acetate for the windows and attaching the door pane). The crafting is going better than with my 1/8" model but I'm still having trouble getting perfectly straight edges.

I'll post the final image when I finish.

`cameron

This building by Santiago Calatrava shows really cool additive vertical frames that serve as a skeletal layer to the glass front of the building.
At first I thought of adding a wooden frame in this vertical alignment.
This didn't seem to be well integrated. Instead i thought of adding a wooden frame that would stick out horizontally from window wall. However instead of being glass, the back wall would be a combination of window and solid cement. the wooden panels coming out of the wall would would vary in how much they stick out. Another aspect would be to add the protrusions not only to the outside but the inside as well that could act as bookshelves.

So this wall by Junishi Sampei, kind of inspired me to look for a wall entrance that went deep into the building. The top massive part really contrasts the additive to the subtractive. I also liked the idea of subtracting the inner square as a play of additive of subtractive, which i thought to be more appealing.

Habitat Housing as Inspiration

In class I mentioned that something especially inspirational to the design of my wall was Moshe Safdie's "Habitat Housing" so here is a picture for those of you that are unfamiliar with it.

I really like the way in which Safdie connects each of the cubes in her structure so that they form one cohesive and aesthetically interesting unit. Obviously my wall covers a lot less area than Safdie's housing complex, but I hope that through incorporating a few elements of stagger mass to add depth I can at least accomplish some of his aesthetics that I find so interesting.

Inspiring Architect

Hey guys,

Here's the link to the website of the architect whose work has been inspiring some of my ideas.

http://www.johnpawson.com/architecture

Check out the monastery and the residences in particular.

`cameron

Taylor_Smyth architects Sunset Cabin

This Cabin, located at Lake Simcoe, Ontario (just outside Toronto), was designed by Taylor Smith architects. In light of our assignment, the patterns of light made by the wooden slabs has helped me think of interesting and creative ways to allow light to enter our community center. I also find the layering technique visually pleasing. Clients of this building wanted their house to fit in to the natural surrounding environment, orienting the front toward the summer sunset and giving the clients a view of the surrounding landscape. In working on my model, I hope to create a design that also fits cohesively in its environment.