…..Science (technical) and art (creative) inform the five main
visual elements of architecture: space, light, form, structure, and
materials. Other factors, such as context, social aspects, function,
cost, and programme may have more or less significance, depending on
the kind of project. These all relate to time and are likely to change
with time. They also relate to nature, which provides a source of inspiration
for both art and science. It would seem likely that all known structures,
geometries and proportions already exist in nature. They are clearly
evident in plants, shell, landscapes and rock and bone structures, and
if you look through an electron microscope you will discover a world
of molecular structures that can open up an immense range of possibilities….
…..Space and light are two fundamental elements of architecture,
which tend to work together and contribute to the quality of the interior
environment. Most people are accustomed to regular rectangular spaces
of modest proportions and it is therefore always exciting to experience
something different. In nature, spatial enclosures are often curvilinear,
organic shapes and if you image shell structures large enough to inhabit,
they would make dramatic architecture ….
Chris Wilkinson (Wilkinson Eyre Architecture)
Keywords:
pavilion, dynamics, nature-friendly
TASK
Design
a pavilion that may serve as a light, ornamental roofed structure
at the Wolf Pen Creek Park in College Station, Texas. The pavilion
should cover a small portion of the walking/jogging trail, as determined
in the site plan. It can be also
used as a place for dynamic and static activities, namely: training
(i.e. stretching), amusement (viewing, having a picnic, etc) or as
a shelter against the weather.
Among the formal
considerations in the design of this pavilion, we have:
The pavilion
must address the requirements imposed by the location of the structure
within the walking/jogging trail;
The pavilion
must express the dual character of the space: relevant shelter for
static and dynamic activities. Dynamic as to resemble the sporting
activities, and static echoing the passive activities to be undertaken.
Located within
the Wolf Pen Creek Park, at College Station,
its character should reflect also a link with the urban fabric of
the city (a park within a small city); and
Being an outdoor
structure, the pavilion should have a nature-friendly personality:
not imposing but becoming part of it.
Please consult
the following references:
Principles
of Form and Design - Three Dimensional Design (Wucius Wong)
Elements
of Architecture: From Form to Place (Pierre von Meiss)
Order and Disorder: Chapter 3 (pp 31 - 54)
Architecture
- Form, Space and Order (Francis D.K. Ching)
Principles: Chapter 7 (pp 319 - 373)
The materials that you may use for the
physical models are as follows:
Study Models:
For the "massing" working
model: Make use of styrofoam (green) elements or cardboard sheets,
position them over a terrain model (made out of corrugated cardboard)
For the "spatial" working
model, two
methods are suggested:
The
repetition or gradation of serial planes. The planes are
made out of thick cardboard
or foam core board to create a sequence of profiles (sections)
of the structure, or
The interlinking of lines
(on a flat plane, or in space). The linear framework (supporting
the lines) must be a rigid material like balsa or bass wooden
sticks. The interlinking lines may be of rigid or soft material
like wire or cotton/nylon thread.
You may also use a rigid transparent
material (acrylic sheet) in either case for maximum display of
results.
Final Model:
This will be produced with balsa or bass wood, metal, plastic, paper
materials, or others that better represent each of the elements
of the structure. The model will be placed on top of a final model
of the terrain, made out of white foam core boards.
INSTRUCTIONAL TARGETS
Discover the
impact of the site on the design object: the landscape including
the terrain and the neighborhood.
Discover the
dual interaction between "the form of the structure" and
"the structure of the form", by designing the visual form
and the structural form of the same architectonic object.
Design the
aesthetics of the dynamic and the static feelings, and represent
them through the material components of the structure.
Discover the
relevancy of the production of hand-sketches and parti diagrams
in the process of design.
Discover the
relevancy of the production of different
types of physical (or digital) models in the process of design.
Demonstrate knowledge regarding the
communication of design ideas by means of the formal presentation
of images and models, and the explanation of your design project.
PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS
Final physical model of the composition in scale 1' : 1/4"
(22" x 22")
Mount the final model on a rigid base featuring the terrain
(24"x 24"), leaving one inch border around the model.
Write the title (Wolf Pen Creek Pavilion) and your name in
a 3/16" font size (height)
The physical model will be displayed next to the graphic board
(s) during the review.
Graphical presentation
sheet(s) of 24"x 24". Mounted but not glued to a rigid
board of the same size. You will show the following images:
Site Plan
(with shadows, landscape and orientation) in scale 1' : 1/8"
Parti Diagram
(layout and/or profile)
Hand sketches
of pavilion within the site.
Pictures
of the "study models" (massing and spatial)
Pictures
of the "final model"
Create
an "original banner" where you should write the title
(Wolf Pen Creek Pavilion) and your name.
Include a short statement about your pavilion in your presentation
board (at least 200 words). The narrative should make reference
to the impact of the context, your aesthetic goal, how to represent
dynamic and static feelings through your structure, the materials
used, and the importance of the design method chosen.
Remember to safely
keep your physical/digital models (working and final) and drawings.
These will be used to prepare your class portfolio (assignment 4). Hint: Transform all analogue information into digital format.
