Site and Program

My site is the Roman Forum. It is an imaginary site, but with a vague location.

I have decided to make a Roman bathhouse, but a more modern version that is friendly to tourists and that would be commonly used by families.

Thinking in Section

Using the grid created in the plan, an abstract sectional collage was created. Once again, different scales were utilized, and the Carpenter Center was integrated with Maison Errazuriz. 

The next step going forward is to choose a site, and to start thinking about program. Also, a sketch will be made showing the basic geometric shape of the structure.

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Plan:

Pattern Diagram:

Sectioning off Spaces:

Thinking More Abstractly

I have created two sets of abstract plans. I became committed to combining orthagonal lines with diagonal and organic ones. Le Corbusier used this technique often. The second plan strayed away from weaving, and is more of a sprawling plan than a condensed one. The second immediately became my new favorite. From the second plan, I created a pattern diagram using a thick, black marker and then from that I made a grid. The grid breaks down where the organic shapes occur. Lastly, I used the grid as an overlay to begin sectioning off potential rooms, hallways, and pathways. Sections were explored but they were very unsuccessful.

The next step is to create a section and then to use the section to choose a site and a program.

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Plans, Take One and Take Two:

Pattern Diagram:

Grid and Sectioning off Rooms:

Collaging to Design

Our third project involves finding patterns coincidentally by the use of collage. The patterns will be used to create a design, and to make hand-drawn plans and sections. Perspectives, elevations and a site plan will be collaged as well. The site will be a site in Rome, drawn by Piranesi.

The first collages were mainly a way for me to experiment with different kinds of collage so that I could identify the pros and cons of each. The second attempt involved getting into the feel of making more randomized and abstract collages. I began using the Carpenter Center.

The next step is to create plans and sections that are even more abstract, and to try to find patterns and grids in them. I will continue to use the Carpenter Center.

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Collages: Take One

Collages: Take Two

Obstruction 2: Flip-Flop

Reflection on the Crit:

• Perhaps consider another way to "lift" the building
• Re-group staircases and fireplace
• Wire drawing may not show enough to be really useful or telling
• Consider creating level changes to go along with the terrain changes

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Reflection on the Project:

At first, I found the concept of the project difficult to grasp, but once I got the idea I started really enjoying the project. It was kind of fun also to see what others came up with. Some of the flips were very extreme, resulting in many of the designs becoming playful and unique in a wacky, wonderful way. Overall, the project taught me an entirely new way of designing and also opened me up to methods of physical modeling that I was previously unfamiliar with. While challenging for a beginner, plaster and wax modeling are great options that are often unappreciated. 

Assessing the New Design in Plan and Section

Finalized plans and sections will be coming soon.

Flip-Flopping in the Process

My decision has been to flip-flop the following elements:

• The contour of the roof and the east and west exterior walls
• No roof garden > roof garden
• No grid to structure > grid to structure
• Straight line of columns > v-shaped formation
• Reverse window shapes and add mullions