Monday, January 31, 2011

"jenga" 1.0

For this project, we had to design three spaces based off a concept word, each with a different form of the concept and a different "kit of parts". The kit of parts provided were: two columns one wall, two walls one column, and two solids. My concept word was "well up".

For the first space which is long and narrow (32'4" x 11'), I used the idea of bursting. Whenever something wells up, it eventually is forced to burst. I used the kit including 2 columns and 1 wall. The wall serves as a separation between the public and private space. A column is placed on either side of the wall. The countertop in the kitchen leads over to the first column where it encompasses it, becoming a table. Then the countertop is repeated in smaller scale as shelves that travels up the column, with decreasing intervals. The top shelf is elongated and makes contact to the 2nd column on the other side of the wall, in the bathing area. This system of shelves defines the idea of bursting. Before the burst, it gathers (countertop turning into the table and shelves), rises (shelves climbing up the column getting closer and closer), bursts (final top shelf), then spreads (top shelf leading to a new space). The materials for this space
help relate to the concept. I wanted the shelving unit to stand out and demand attention, so I have these being a black, shiny granite. Whereas the rest of the unit is more dull and neutral; concrete floors and exposed brick walls.



The second space is a 22'x22' square. The direction I went with this space was welling up and the way it represents elevation, verticality and linear forms. The kit of parts in this unit is the two solids. I designed a complex loft and built in center with ceiling installation as my two solids. Upon entering the space, you walk in under the loft, supported by wall planes and vertical beams. The loft houses the private space of the unit, the sleeping area and reading nook on top, and the bathing area underneath enclosed by the supportive walls. The second solid is a way to incorporate the other "centers" of the unit: kitchen, dining, study and living areas. A series of boxes and shelves make up these spaces to encourage unity and flow in the space. These solids represent the idea of elevation because there are many aspects that are elevated from the ground. The design of this space with the vertical lines and raised planes keep the viewers eyes going upward, towards the high, 14' ceiling. The materials used for this space are a concrete floor and deep mahogany wood to make up the solids. These two materials contrast each other not only in color, but also in luster. These material choices draw attention to the solids - upward.







The third and final space I designed for this space is the largest, at 32'4" x 22'. The concept behind this design was perhaps the most common view of the phrase "well up": extreme and overwhelming feeling or emotion. This space was harder for me to design because I had to base it off of something that wasn't physical, like the previous two. So I went with designing to provoke these feelings and emotions involved in welling up. Therefore this unit is meant to be shown off to friends and family and be a gathering place to make memories. The kit includes two walls and one column. My hope for this space is that the viewer will walk in and feel a sense of luxury and richness with desire to invite people over. The floors are a rich and very dark uncommon Qing Spyder Strand Bamboo, where the walls are made of a contrasting white marble. The walls are sinuous which is something that is seen less often. The walls are placed strategically so that the private area is clearly less important. The first curved wall starts with an almost full circle, housing the bathing area for optimum privacy. The circular wall travels around to create a barrier for the sleeping area. The second wall is introduced upon entrance, it separates the kitchen from the living area with a slight curve and an indented section with an overlooking bar table. The column in the space has a fireplace that fits around the base. This fireplace, the bar table, and the large public living spaces all help the idea of having guests and making memories.



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