ARCH1201- Project 2: Concept Design + Initial Ideas

INSPIRATION
Ice Cubes: "An interesting characteristic of commercially made ice cubes is that they are completely clear, lacking the clouding found in the center of domestically made ice cubes." (Source from Wikipedia)

GEOMETRY: The heavy use of abstract geometry on the facade of (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University, Melbourne was the main source of influence for my initial idea. This facade appears to be chaotic, disjointed and irregular. I intend to create a similar type of space for my character based on these ideas.

Possible Site:
I chose this valley as the site for my project because of its openness and beautiful views. Although the character in my project cannot physically experience this piece of land externally due to her confinement in a 'glass box,' it serves as an outlook for her to reflect and contemplate. Furthermore, this wide expanse of land evokes a sense of mystery and uncertainty, which is the sort of atmosphere I intend for my character to experience. It is unclear what this piece of land is used for, as there is no sign of human habitation. However, the limitless extent of the horizon and skies suggests endless possibilities for my character, if she ever has the chance to escape.

ARCH1201- Project 2: Room & Narrative (Painting Analysis)

Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid

c. 1670
Oil on Panel
72.2X59.7cm
National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin

Main theme: Revealing the universal within the domain of the commonplace

• Division
• Separation
• Disconnection
• Inner restlessness
• Boredom
  

Sub-theme: Relationship between two women belonging to different social classes (the writing mistress and her attending maid)

Further understanding of the painting

- Two women face different directions

- The maid looks out of the window away from her mistress, with an attempt to isolate herself from the uncomfortable situation while her mistress is emotionally involved in the response to a letter

- Both women remain divided both on the picture plane and in thought

- Though both figures are in close proximity, their contours converge but never touch

- The maid gazes towards the half-visible window; indicates an inner restlessness and boredom

Lighting

The lighting from the window on the side pours in an mainly focuses on the mistress who is writing at her desk. The other parts of the painting are quite dark, thus our attention focuses on the mistress, who appears to be more important. The sunlight directly reflects off her light coloured clothing and illuminates the scene.

ARCH1201- FINAL SUBMISSION (1:100 MODEL)

View of front entrance

Birds eye view of model

View of the 3rd living quarter

View of the whole building

View of the courtyard areas

Close-up views of courtyard

View from side

Materials: 1mm, 1.5mm, 3mm, 5mm balsa wood, 15mm MDF board (mounting), PVA glue, skewers, perspex

ARCH1201- FINAL SUBMISSION (DRAWINGS)

POCHE (1:100):

This is a poche drawing of the ground floor plan. I have tried to depict the atmosphere of the courtyards and living quarters as one moves through the building, through tonal contrast and other methods of rendering. The courtyard areas appear rougher than the living quarters, and this had been done through stippling and embossing. All interior and exterior walls have been blocked in as a solid element to give a clear sense of the outer shell the encloses the building envelope.

This longitudinal section poche is cut through the central horizontal axis, and clearly reveals the interior of the whole building. Through the use of thick and thin line-weights, the drawing shows depth. I have lightly rendered the interior areas of the building to give a sense of the atmosphere within the building. It is evident through this section that the trees are important, and that we should consider the building as a whole, with the trees in mind.

Media: Opaque Tracing Paper, Cardboard, Felt-tip pens, HB-8B pencils

PARTI DIAGRAMS:

These parti diagrams on "Vision" are simple, yet clearly show the building in relation to its site and surroundings. As mentioned, the trees are a vital part of this building and must not be neglected. The top drawing depicts the section view, whereas the bottom drawing is the plan view. It is clear through these diagrams that the occupant has access to the courtyards, trees and vegetation whether they are in the first, second, or third living quarter.

These diagrams on "Transition" show a consistent path that runs throughout the building. One is lead to walk straight down the central axis of the building from the entrance to the end. The living quarters, separated by courtyards can only be accessed via these courtyards. The second diagram is abstract, yet gives a hint of the movable spaces that exist on the building site.

These diagrams on "Flow" represent both the movement and circulation within the buildling. The top diagram demonstrates that the flow is continuous and runs through the horizontal central axis. Circulation also runs through the living quarters, yet not as free-flowing as the circulation that goes through the courtyards. The second diagram shows an interlock of the living quarters and the courtyards. Though one is led horizontally through the building, it is possible to walk into every corner/area.

These elevations show the living quarters in relation to the surrounding trees and courtyards.

Media: Yellow Tracing Paper, Cardboard, Felt-tip pens, HB-8B pencils