ARCH1101 Exp 3 Week 2 Independent Study

'Moving Elements'

Tom Kundig

Mechanical facade added to a vacant 1950's building in Silicon Valley. A system of pulleys, gears and counterweights hoist the glass facade.

ARCH1101 Exp 3 Week 1 Independent Study

Concept/Theory Mashup

Ornament and function go together. There is no structure in nature that can be classified as pure ornament without function. Unlike our ancestors, when we gaze up to the heavens we don’t see what’s really there. The cosmos is physically veiled by manmade light pollution, but it’s also subconsciously obscured by our capacity for introversion and self-obsession.We need to reconnect with the void to apprehend our true place in things. The relative number of pattern-sensitive neurons also increases as we progress from the more primitive to the more recently-evolved layers of the human brain. Of all things that are man-made, bridges are, with dams, the most “structural,” single-minded, and imposing. As connectors at a breaking point, they have a heroic force that is aided by a challenging structuralism. Architecture could be described as the ultimate theatre of the absurd, trying to give meaning and order to chaos beyond its comprehension. In the process of design, the end product will acquire qualities of life when we go through an interactive sequence of steps… Yet the fundamental lesson is that we cannot presume to know how to satisfy a purely functional need. A “simple” function without complexity does not give a good solution. In the modern era, walls have become toxically charged agents of political, social or religious division…Who or what are we trying to keep out? The walls in our heads are more pernicious than any manmade structures. The bridge is full of implied meanings. It is the opposite of devisiveness, separation, isolation, irretrievability, loss, segregation, abandonment. To bridge is as cogent in the psychic realm as it is in the physical world. The bridge is a symbol of confidence and trust. It is a communications medium as much as a connector.”

References

http://www.archdaily.com/632062/unified-architectural-theory-chapter-12/#more-632062

http://www.archdaily.com/163889/paolo-soleris-bridge-design-collection-connecting-metaphor/

http://www.architectural-review.com/8680482.article

SKETCHES

18 Perspective drawings

ARCH1101 EXP2

Experiment 2

Dropbox links:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/twm4iict64brh5y/Cupido_Exp2.spr?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/n6jv94b4t8elodf/Cupido_Exp2.sva?dl=0

Electroliquid Aggregation

“Why still speak of the real and the virtual, the material and immaterial? Here these categories are not in opposition, or in some metaphysical disagreement, but more in an electroliquid aggregation, enforcing each other, as in a two part adhesive.”

Lars Spuybroek, [1998] Motor Geometry, Architectural Design, Vol 68 No 5/6, p5

Theme: Indigenous Heritage

The Model

Concept: 'Order & Balance', 'Seamless' - SANAA 

The rigid base represent modern society's high regard of structure and order, whilst the upper half, with its curves and smoothed edges intend to represent the forces of nature. I have been influenced by Australian natural landmarks that are integral to Aboriginal spirituality. As a whole, this marker is intended to represent the amalgamation of the place of traditionalism in modern society.

The surrounding space in which the marker is situated is also intended to emphasise a sense of electroliquid aggregation. The marker is intended to be the centrepiece of a communal space. Human activity in the sports park should not be limited to participating or observing sporting events in the stadium, and thus should make use of any available space to create a more multi-purpose venue.

The marker is not a towering structure. It is intended to be a homage to the natural landmarks that are integral to Aboriginal spirituality. Driving past, the marker is still recognisable due to its unique upper body. However it also has been intended to seamlessly sit amongst the mostly smooth terrain of the area, almost as a natural feature within the surrounding landscape.

Location: Water Tank

 Concept: 'Confronting', 'Gateway' - Jørn Utzon

The water tank site was the most appropriate choice. It was in close proximity to the main car park, as well as being in close proximity to the Athletic oval and stadium. To me, the Athletic Oval and stadium was representative of the entirety of the Blacktown International Sports Park. Thus I have perceived the water tank site as a sort of gateway to the sports park itself.

ARCH1101 Exp2 Week 3 Independent Study

Custom Textures

The Nike goddess statue in London

My model has a striking resemblance to the Nike goddess statue in London. I have been influenced by its humanistic qualities and fluidity in its curves and angles. 

The model so far...

From this, I decided to remodel the base, as well as rescale the entire structure.