The deets on the Graphic Houses:
The presented problem these past few months in studio included three very different sites and the need for three residential end conditions. The three sites consisted of one 'Urban', one 'Suburban', and one 'Rural"--all three presented uniquely different conditions and problems, requiring some deep thought in regard to site planning, orientation, and manipulation. The first house, and the one shown here, was developed on the Urban site. The location of this site is just perfect--a really fantastic little lot right in the middle of an ecclectic, cultural neighborhood. The site isn't right in the heart of downtown, but rather snuggles into a tight little spot just on the outskirts of the city's definitive edges. Of all three sites, I found this one to be the most inspiring. Maybe this is because of my untouchable love and bias toward city dwelling, or maybe it's because the site had a lot to offer. Although constrained in size and tightly surrounded by other structures, the atmosphere of the area is festive and colorful--the neighborhood, seemingly, isn't shy about having fun.
:::Phenomenological and Site Development:::
The graphic for the Graphic House I was developed from a photo taken on the site of a collection of birds resting on a power line. The image was utilized during the preliminary stages of phenomenological site development and diagramming, and was later translated into a graphic skin wrapping around the house's outer structure.
The phenomenological diagramming on the introductory site board above shows a graphic approach to communicating the following phenomenological aspects of the site and goals of site and building development:
-A perceived and physical interaction with the site
-An emphasis on a protected street edge and perceived solidarity as a response to the urban environment
-A breakdown and development of complexity through the structure's progression
-Emphasis on light and shadow play, texture, layering, and exposure
This poor little model below has seen better days...
How would you feel if you were carted around in a brown Whole Foods bag for several months? While the little guy is barely holding together, this view gives a relatively good idea of the explorations I was making with multiple layers of structure, exposure, and the attempts at creating an interesting light manipulation within...
