For the building sections, I started to look at the way light is filtering through the space. I have started creating voids in the plans that help bring the natural light down and into the building. Some levels have been pulled back at the facade also to bring more light into the center of the space. (You will see plans later this week.) I really want the building sections to be active. I want there to be a lot of movement through the space. I have placed multiple stairwells at some levels to allow choices in circulation. (This will show up better in plan as well. I hopefully will have those posted by Tuesday) 
I have also been working on the facade details. I have been looking at Andy Goldworthy and that Robert Irwin fence as case studies. A handful of leaves never makes the same shape twice and I was trying to look at those shapes in my facade study. (I know its literal and I plan to abstract it somehow) I was also looking at the materials that could be used to create this filtering screen. Adding a third element that is semi-transparent will allow me to keep the space light while being able to control the views more precisely.
5 comments:
Annie,
Images # 2and #3 do not enlarge and are cropped in blog view. Please fix.
First comments on the sectional diagrams: They overall work OK as diagrams, but the intensitiy of shaded color fields should change to support your theme. At this point the diagrams convey the idea that the quality of light filtering from above is the same on the ground level and the top floors. In fact, it will be very different, and the way the light/ views/ atmosphere changes is controlled by the process of filtering. You will need to add this quality to fully bring the diagrams to life.
The drawings do not work as building sections yet, because at this point there no building. A building would have depth at both the facade and at the floor sections (both are layered and have a certain thickness). While the floors could simply be thicker lines, the facade needs a clear layering (structure, building enclosure, filtering device, ..) to carry your theme through. The facade elevation only helps so far and you will need to work on a detailed section. Draw by hand and start to sketch! The computer keeps you trapped and you need to explore other ways to advance your design.
Be also more precise that the generic "views' and "light": which views and the sun light at which time/season?
I know this is a lot on your plate, but the substance is there and I have the feeling that things will fall into place quickly, when you push the project more and be more specific in regards to the building and the idea that drives it.
I like the approach you are taking on the facade. A smaller abstraction if you will. I love the idea that a handful of leaves never make the same shape. This is so cool! (and true). I think you are onto something.
I also like your comment on the stairs. I put in escalators and looked only at the stairs as a code requirement.
I also agree with Enno that your sections do not quite look like a building yet. I spent an incredible amount of time on mine and then finished them by hand. Mine need work too!
I will reiterate what we talked about over the phone yesterday.
The sections and concept of filtration need to have more depth to them. Rather than concentrating on filtration at the perimeter only, think of the filtration more like a wetland (the site used to be a marsh), the filtration process should happen across the building.
Perhaps the "leaves" occur only at part of the building facade, and a second level of filtration occurs deeper within the building (perhaps an element of the design program).
The overall effect would be one where the views are constantly changing based on your movement through the building.
It's an interesting idea that the building could react seasonally, but I am not sure how this would be accomplished. An idea might be that the filters are positioned in such a way as to allow the light in during winter months and to block it or filter it in summer months.
Perhaps the leaves are angled in such a way to react to the sun, rather than being put on the facade in a planar manner.
Like Enno said the sections do not resemble a building yet but it shows how the relationship between the spaces. It would be intersting how will you treat the roof, is it going to be all glass? or is it open only in different parts of the building? It would be cool to show the effect of the filtration against a surface like a wall or the floor. I was wondering what it would look like if some on these "leafs" are translucent and some are opaque. It would definetly change the filtration pattern instead of all looking alike. Good Luck!
Annie, I agree with everyone else about your sections but I think you are on to something really cool.
Like Steve said, what if you could shape the sun or shade by a leaf? Then in the summer months you could block out more leaves to provide more shade.
What if you were standing at the front door and were able to see some monument through your filtration? You could direct the path of site to something specific like maybe something on the N.O. South Church.
I think you have some really good ideas and I am really excited to see what you do with them. Good Luck
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