studio task

This term we will continue working on the topic of mass and we will study an architecture of:
carving, hollowing, sculpting, thickness, poché, MASS

We will shift our focus from layers of surfaces and structures to volume and mass. In task 1, we investigated the architectural problem of a sculpted, freestanding mass, independent of the landscape, containing a cavernous void space. Between the mass and the void is pochè. The design of fenestration and the relationship of the interior void(s) and spaces to the exterior are through massive pochè rather than through layers of surfaces. We will continue this investigation with the addition of program and landscape. The principle architectural problem is to create a sculpted mass with a discrete contiguous main interior space (a significant void).

The scale of the project is small to allow for more exploration of materiality and large scale sections and models. We will tackle a building typology with few or no windows, Agricultural Buildings. These buildings are comprised of various areas of production, processing, storage, and distribution, depending on the raw material or crop being stored/produced. The site is in the Rhône Alpes region of France, along the main allee leading to the Royal Saltworks, by Ledoux.

Program: Any cavernous building, related to agriculture

Examples:

LA CHAMPIGNONERIE - Mushroom Growing Farms
LA FROMAGERIE - Cheese Finishing, Aging and Production
LA CAVE à VIN - Wine Cellar

MASS EFFECT - task 1.0

 This semester we will shift our focus from layers of surfaces and structures to volume and mass. To begin with this Fall we will be investigating an architectural problem of a sculpted, freestanding mass, independent of the landscape, that contains a carvenous void space. Between the mass and the void is poché. The design of fenestration and the relationship of the interior void(s) and spaces to the exterior will be through massive poché rather than through layers of surfaces as we have done in previous semesters.

We will be looking exlusively at specific projects of Ledoux and Le Corbusier for precedents of mass and volume. There is no particular shape language or vocabulary germane to mass and poché but nontheless these two architects are known for thei use of primary shapes and platonic solids associated with a new kind of formalism. Our studio can use the vocabulary and shapes that have been in vogue in the studio or more primary volumes can be explored. Shape is irrelevant to the theme of mass and volume. What is new to this term is the abandonment of layering and superimposition of surfaces. Instead will use mass and poché.

The first task focuses on the developement of a massive language that highlights the difference between mass and surface. The massive techniques, such as punching and carving, developed in this task may be transferred to your forthcoming design.