RADIAL
A number of schemes looked at radial, or semi-circular approach
to occupying the site. This is probably a natural response to the geometry of
the site that we are using for this project.
These schemes explored variations on this same basic half circle site
plan. While this might be an obvious
solution for this site, there are several advantages to this approach. First, we felt that the half circle schemes could
create an interesting inside – out quality.
On the inside of the ring a central space is created, and the outside of
the ring amplifies views toward the adjacent pond, a key site feature. We also thought many of these could be easily
constructed in wedge shaped modules, pre-assembled in the shop, and then bolted
to each other at the time of installation.
This becomes a viable strategy for construction which is a critical
consideration for this project. The
students will now attempt to combine these various radial ideas into one or two
schemes to develop.
SPIRAL
This scheme shares a lot of ideas with the radial schemes
mentioned above, although it does not have the same radial footprint. This scheme is perhaps more successful in creating
a space to be occupied than some of the radial schemes. This project was one of the overall favorites
in the voting process. The students will
look to either develop this scheme based on the critique, or perhaps combine
elements of this scheme with some of the radial design ideas above, in
particular ideas related to seating, a weakness of this scheme.
SECTIONAL
This scheme, and the potential it has, is initially very intriguing. The idea of building a series of ‘U’ shaped geometric
sections, incorporating innovative seating elements, and then repeating this
shape with variation in linear bays is very exciting to me. The geometry and proportions need to be
refined, but the simplicity of approaching this project as a series of
sectional slices has strong potential.
It also, like the radial schemes, presents a very viable construction
process. Each bay could be constructed
by a different team of students, and then spliced together on site. It’s kind of like a sectional sofa (ok, that
analogy might kill this design in the eyes of the students) - put the
individual pieces of furniture together to create something larger, more
dynamic, and in this case spatial.
LINEAR
This scheme was intriguing to all of us because it was one
of the few schemes that looked at the linear site movement along the path as a
design consideration. The idea of
framing the path is a strong idea. Also,
we liked how this scheme created a space in the center through the overlapping
of linear forms. The geometry of this
scheme presented an interesting and unique approach to the site.
BLOCKS AND CEILINGS
These projects are really two different schemes, yet we felt
that they could somehow be combined into an interesting synthesis. The ‘blocks’ scheme was interesting in the
way it creates creative seating opportunities.
It is perhaps a little busy, and over designed, but the potential for a
blocky, occupiable “landscape” of seating elements is a very interesting
idea. We thought this would create a
very successful gathering space for students to hang out.
The ‘ceiling’ scheme is exploring a dynamic canopy of
linear, block like elements. It explores the use of simple forms to achieve a
dynamic character through repetition and variation. There are some structural concerns, however
we liked the way this design created a dynamic form through the use of simple
repetition. Where this scheme falls
short is in the human aspect - the seating elements below. Where the ‘block’ scheme falls short is in
the exploration of canopy. Perhaps these
two could combine? Students will be
exploring this synthesis in the next study.
