Professor Kevin Hinders
Arch 199KH
University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign
School of Architecture
“Without
rules there is no freedom.” Leonardo Da Vinci
FORMAL EXERCISE: Joining & Articulating Spaces
GIVEN:
An enclosed volume,
80’-0” long x 30’-0” wide x 20’-0” high (+ or - 5’-0” in any direction) is cut
crosswise by two vertical interior planes, producing a volume flanked by two
sets of secondary spaces. The central volume is equal in height to the given
volume, the secondary spaces are divided horizontally by a mezzanine plane
about halfway between the top and bottom of the volume. Object-like
compositional elements are to be incorporated: a stair volume, a chimney
volume of approximately 2-1/2 stories, and a passerelle.
OBJECTIVES:
To define the major
volume and variously join and articulate the flanking spaces. All spaces
will relate hierarchically (meaning in terms of openness, sequence, light and
dark, etc.) to the major volume and to the exterior.
To investigate a given
vocabulary.
To study consistency,
joining of space, proportion, definition of implied space, spatial
transparency, handling of the center vs. the edges of the plane.
CONDITIONS: (this becomes the vocabulary of the
project)
A. Only straight lines are
permissible. Planes and implied voids are to be angular.
B. In general, solid angles will
exist only by implication (i.e., two solid planes may intersect, three may
not). Exceptions are permitted where exterior planes intersect on top of
a horizontal (floor) plane, and possibly (with good reason) the upper corners
of the original volume.
C. Horizontal planes are to be
solid, with the exception of minor slots or holes in the top and intermediate
(mezzanine) planes. Refer to condition H for further top plane
constraints.
D. Vertical planes, both exterior
and interior, must be at a minimum 33% solid (i.e., 33% of their implied area).
E. Maximum thickness of planes;
vertical 6”, horizontal 1’-0”.
F. All openings in planes must be
cut from the edge: they must be peripheral to the plane (i.e., no opening
may be surrounded on all sides by solid area of the same plane; as with a
punched hole). Exception top plane.
G. No other major plane may be introduced.
Refer to condition M as well.
H. No more than 30% of the roof (or
top plane) may be open to the sky.
I. All horizontals must be
continuous or have implied continuity.
J. The chimney “solid” may not be
curvilinear and must be wider at the first level than at the second. This
volume may be placed in the central volume or in either of the flanking spaces.
K. The stair volume must be made as
a sloping plane with two solid side rails. The stairway may not intrude
into the major volume unless it vibrates between the two planes.
L. Two entries must
occur: One into the major volume.
One into one of the flanking spaces.
M. Although no other major planes than
those specified may be introduced, minor plane surfaces may be generated by
considering a major plane to have thickness (i.e., a plane is not always skin;
it can imply a volume or have apparent mass and weight so that it breaks from
the surface of the skin).
1. In
conjunction with the exterior planes, these planes must generate thickness.
2. In
conjunction with the fireplace or stair, these planes may generate a shallow
zone.
REQUIREMENTS:
This exercise is to be done with 1/8” study
models at the outset.
Note: The design of this project is
iterative. It is expected that models should be taken apart, altered and
reassembled. New models shall replace older versions as solutions become
enriched by the investigation. This is the PROCESS of design. Welcome input, expect
changes and strive for excellence!
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