Monday, December 14, 2015 10:30 am
-
10:30 am
EST (GMT -05:00)
Of
the
thesis
entitled: Expanded
Enclosure
: Utilizing
Conditioned
Micro-Climates and
Spaces
to
Develop
Gradated
Envelopes
Abstract:
Architecture is
more
often
than
not
in
the
habit
of
creating
spaces
separated
by
impermeable partitions
that
give
occupants
a
high
level
of
control
-
whether
it
is
directed at
achieving
shelter,
privacy,
etc....
While
this
does
address
basic
human needs,
it
tends
to
lead
to structures
with
subdivided
interiors.
Such
a
system is
useful
in
programs
that
call
for
a
high
degree
of
control
with
regards
to privacy
and
climatic
control,
however
in
certain
programs,
this
can
result
in
a loss
of
singularity
in
the
design
as
well
as
a
loss
of
connectivity between
key elements
and
moments
in
the
architecture.
Alternatively, some architects have explored the notion of an architecture that is laid out in an open gradated condition as opposed to being defined by strict barriers. Such a proposal opens up the possibility for a program that is transparent and free to fluctuate under certain conditions. Conversely, it loses the privacy and control provided by a typical partitioned and enclosed design.
This thesis proposes that architecture does not need to be solely laid out in either subdivided spaces or open gradated ones. Instead it puts forth the possibility that architecture can be enriched by making a careful amalgamation of both autonomous zones that develop key independent moments alongside fluid spaces that lend to the creation of continuous transitions and gradated program. Each system has its merits and disadvantages, and thus each can be carefully applied to programmatic elements that call for one over the other. This provides continual transitions and shifting programmatic potential, simultaneously transforming areas of high control from blocked off rooms to key architectural moments emphasized by a sudden degree of separation in an otherwise fluid system. To help ‘dissolve the wall’ in fluid spaces, the qualities normally hidden in wall space such as systems and insulation are translated into the habitable space by means of microclimatic augmentation.
These ideas are further explored vis-a-vis a design proposal of a hypothetical a library based in Amman, Jordan that encompasses both kinds of spaces. Modern library programs extend from traditional book storage to include public activity (such as art galleries and event spaces) as well as elements that require climatic control or privacy (such as rare book rooms and digital media centers). This makes it a suitable program for exploration of both kinds of spatial layouts, and the site’s predictable geo-climatic qualities lend to a greater degree of experimentation in layouts and climatic enhancement of spaces.
Alternatively, some architects have explored the notion of an architecture that is laid out in an open gradated condition as opposed to being defined by strict barriers. Such a proposal opens up the possibility for a program that is transparent and free to fluctuate under certain conditions. Conversely, it loses the privacy and control provided by a typical partitioned and enclosed design.
This thesis proposes that architecture does not need to be solely laid out in either subdivided spaces or open gradated ones. Instead it puts forth the possibility that architecture can be enriched by making a careful amalgamation of both autonomous zones that develop key independent moments alongside fluid spaces that lend to the creation of continuous transitions and gradated program. Each system has its merits and disadvantages, and thus each can be carefully applied to programmatic elements that call for one over the other. This provides continual transitions and shifting programmatic potential, simultaneously transforming areas of high control from blocked off rooms to key architectural moments emphasized by a sudden degree of separation in an otherwise fluid system. To help ‘dissolve the wall’ in fluid spaces, the qualities normally hidden in wall space such as systems and insulation are translated into the habitable space by means of microclimatic augmentation.
These ideas are further explored vis-a-vis a design proposal of a hypothetical a library based in Amman, Jordan that encompasses both kinds of spaces. Modern library programs extend from traditional book storage to include public activity (such as art galleries and event spaces) as well as elements that require climatic control or privacy (such as rare book rooms and digital media centers). This makes it a suitable program for exploration of both kinds of spatial layouts, and the site’s predictable geo-climatic qualities lend to a greater degree of experimentation in layouts and climatic enhancement of spaces.
The
examining
committee
is
as
follows:
Supervisor:
Maya Przybylski,
University
of Waterloo
Committee Members:
Rick
Andrighetti,
University
of
Waterloo
John
Straube,
University
of
Waterloo
External Reader:
Dieter Janssen, DJA
The
committee
has
been
approved
as
authorized
by
the
Graduate
Studies
Committee.
The
Defence
Examination
will
take
place:
Monday
December
14,
2015
10:30AM
ARC
2026
A
copy
of
the
thesis
is
available
for
perusal
in
ARC
2106A.