Envelope
Franco made a really good point in class when he said that our main focus is the envelope of the building rather than what is going on on the inside. The example he brought to our attention was the fact when we are told to look for precedents when we begin a project, we all typically bring in images of the exterior of buildings. Rarely do we bring in images of the interior or floor plans or even sections, its just what we see on the exterior that catches our attention. I do agree the envelope is what catches our attention and can make us interested in a project. And now it seems that the envelope of a building is becoming a project within its self. The envelope is becoming this complex technology that is now being placed on the exterior of buildings whether the envelope relates to what is happening inside the building or not. I know theres been discussions in class, that the envelope should relate to the program so one knows what the building is and then there has been the opposite response that the envelope doesn't need to always relate to the program. In my opinion, I think it is ok for the envelope to not always relate to the program. I think the envelope could be its own thing while still in some way responding the what is happening on the inside whether that is through the use of different densities on the exterior to show off public vs private spaces or through the use of a different technique.
It is a very interesting thought that maybe it is okay for the interior program to not relate to the envelope. However, I think that no matter how hard we try to make them separate entities there is always something tying them back together. For instance, a kinetic facade structure cladding the exterior of the building; the design of it may look out of this world but of course it is acting as a solar shading device for the interior program of the building. I just think it is very hard, impossible actually, for them to in fact be separate.
ReplyDeleteInteresting point to start this post. I have always had issue with the "find your precedent" assignment. Probably, because like you said, most of us just use it wrong. We aren't really looking hard enough..we sort of shift into a 'swiping mode' until something pretty catches our eye then assume an architecture based off of the skin alone.
ReplyDeleteI partly agree with your post. You said that we just look at a builing's envelope and don't dive any deeper when using it as a precedent. I would argue that its not just the envelope, but a combination of the form and envelope that we draw inspiration from. I think that it is important for us to, however, actually dive deeper into the project before just jumping to use it as a precedent. We should take the time to understand why the form is the way it is and why the envelope is the way it is so that we can effectively use it. I also agree with you that the envelope doesn't always have to be designed for the users. I think it really depends on the context, and function of the building and it is a case by case determination.
ReplyDeleteAn architectural precedent, in personal design process, is exactly limited to screenshot or a quick image. I don't need to know where it is, the architect, or what year it was built, but somehow this images provide inspiration in form or another... I'm not sure if it's the best way to do it, but I find that that's how my brain works
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