Project #2 - Final Abstractions

The Detail and the Whole - Windows, Views and Intersections: 
This study looked at the detail of the windows and the way in which they are constructed and frame particular views. I created a series of 'windows' which are each slightly different and when placed together create different intersections of views. Even when placed in the same order, the act of moving them closer or further away from one another changes what can be seen through the holes.

 Structure - Balance, Gravity and Drama: 
What initially caught my eye about the structure was the way it seemed to defy gravity, almost seeming as though it should fall. I took this idea and created a series of whimsical images playing with the idea of gravity and what we perceive as real. They represent the way in which the top floor appears to float, or be suspended by something which seems unable to support it.

 Vertical Circulation - Division, Intersection and Interaction:
I chose to map the way in which the locations of different stairs/elevators relates to the people who live in the house and how spaces are used. It can be seen that the lower section there are areas which intersect such as the entryway, however there is still a fair amount of separation, while in on the middle floor the colours are quite 'muddied' as the interaction of each group intersects one another. The upper floor on the other hand, containing the bedrooms, is quite distinctly separated. This in turn shows how the modes of vertical movement relates to the use of spaces and the level of privacy.

Project #2 - Study 3: Vertical Circulation

I was interested in mapping the vertical movement throughout the house based on the type and status of the person. It appeared that the stair on the far left was for the mother, the elevator for the father, the middle stair for the guest and the far spiral staircase for the children. Looking at this, I tried to analyse how this reflected the spaces and rooms in the house and their usage.

Father

Mother

Children

Project #2 - Study 2: Structure

The main aspect of the structure that caught my interest was the drama created by the upper block which almost appears as if it's floating. This idea of playing with our understanding of gravity and preconceptions of how structures should work was something I wanted to explore further.

The boxes show the way in which you can play up or play down the drama of the structure depending on the way in which they are stacked. It seems more logical to place the lighter, clearer boxes on the top, however Koolhaas chose to subvert this and place the most solid box on top of the almost invisible glass layer.

I also made a few of the main structural elements of the house, however I felt that it was a rather weak abstraction.