Workin' the Land
More often than not, architects have to work with whatever site they are given. In fact, the context and topography can often be a challenge. However, I think a successful project takes the challenge and creates a project that uses the topo. Rather than flatten the site, unique and powerful buildings can be created when architects design to keep the existing intact, or even create new topography that works with the existing.
One of the most iconic and successful buildings that seeks to work with the existing is Grace Farms by SANAA. The project is located on a hilly site. Rather than level out certain parts of the site, the building actually follows the exact contours of the site. Program fits where it can at natural parts of the site. The idea of the project is to experience nature by becoming part of the landscape.
An example of creating new topography and creating social space is the Fort Worth Water Gardens. The project by Phillip Johnson invents new topography to create mountains and valleys in a public space. Each ridge of the new topo has a purpose and creates different experiences and moments for the visitors to enjoy.
This is so true. Really successful projects that use the existing contours of the site pull a visitor into a unique experience with a strong connection to nature. Projects like the Fort Worth example allow for an architect to create a more complex topography and mimic nature in locations where most of the surrounding topography is flat and unnatural.
ReplyDeleteIt is really nice when the architect lives the site as it is and designs the building to fit perfectly within the existing site. This typically makes a unique and interesting building and allows the users to experience the site and building in a unique and interesting way.
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