D2 Foundation of Architectural Design
Elements
Elements
This class focused on a series of short projects that helped develop fundamental, open-minded and imaginative thinking skilled in the elements of architecture. This allowed me to develop my ability to work comfortably in basic areas of design, within limited parameters and, discover the process of new zones of conceptual thinking.
Project #1 – Critical Analysis & Synthesis
Project #2 - Programing
Project #2 required the design of a portable, collapsible, minimal camping module for a 10-year-old child. It was designed as part of a larger tent group of up to 6 to 8 units. How small it could be, what it should do, and what the components are were all issues I had to consider. First I had to create a program that the module had to provide establishing the child’s size and needs. This analysis led to the design of an adjustable triangular face system that when joined together with other faces created the enclosed camping module. These adjustable faces allowed the child to create a space to any form they wished. It also encouraged team work by allowing children to combine their faces, resulting in larger and more sophisticated spaces.
Project #3 - Interpretation
By reading sample descriptive paragraphs and incorporating all aspects from it, I interpreted a modern temple complex with clean lines and smooth faces with little to no ornate decoration. The building consists of an interior viewing art gallery with an adjoining enclosed exterior terrace. The interior space consisted of a single highly polished marble wall located in the center of the room acting as a major centre of interest where art pieces would hang for viewing. Outside, the terrace had two reflecting pools one within the other. The walls seem to float and pass by one another as described in the reading. This concept became a strong theme that can also be seen in the interior space as well.
Project #4 – #6 Design
The last 3 assignments combined together to create a final design consisting of 12 basic habitats organized into a site layout. I first looked at a window, cleansing, and a hearth, and explored these essential elements and their relationship with human needs and/or activities such as physical, social, psychological, and spiritual needs. I used the concept of light properties as a theme for all three elements. My window used lenses to refract light controlling what the viewer saw. As the viewer changed their proximity to the window so too did the views change. Downward casting light is my concept for cleansing. I envisioned a three step process that consisted of first washing your hands and feet, that lead to showering within a waterfall which than proceeded to a bathing pool to complete the cleansing process. The hearth used the ideas of glowing light radiating from a point. The light provided warmth, and security which I felt was essential for an element that was also used for socializing, food preparation, and comfort.
The next phase required the integration of all three elements into a free-standing unit approximately 15 square meters in area.
The final phase involved the adoption of 12 units organized into an approximate one hectare retreat site. A circulation system, gathering space, parking for approximately 6 cars, driveways, landscaping, etc all needed to be taken into consideration. Even a site analysis comprising issues of access, orientation, topography, vegetation, and microclimate needed to be done. This resulted to a concept of a Native retreat as a result of the sites location on an Indian reserve. The units and site design allowed for native cultural practices.
