ARCH1201: ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO THREE

PROJECT TWO
ANALYTICAL STUDIES


ARCHITECTURAL PROPOSITION

My architectural propostion presented is an exploration of public and private activity as an effect of room structure. The defined space characteristically reflects defined activities and private areas. In comparison the deconstruction of specific purpose room areas allows a chance for multipurpose open plan living. This also can provide a possibilty to bring the surrounding landscape into a space creating a dynamic and more public zone.

MAP THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SPACES


In the Villa Mairea the open plan space creates a real opportunity to pull the exterior into the interior. It creates an interesting sense of transparency in the building. This is contrasted however by the weight of the massive masonry elements of the house, anchoring the house to its landscape, and affording it a sense of place.

PRECISELY MAP A SERIES OF FORMAL DEVICES


Aalto's design applies a considered combination of symmetrical and free form elements. Displaying asymmetrical balance which affords a more organic and telling description of the areas functions and uses.





Study of the Plan: Within the actual plan a sense of balance can be noted even though the design is not symmetrical
The second drawing is a sample of what the plan could of looked like if symmetrically was sought.
The third plan demonstrates how a sense of balance is achieved through a considered combination of symmetrical and free form elements.








Upon the entrance facade the considered geometry at the base of the Villa Mairea can be noted. The Villa Mairea is re known for its rich layers of detail. When closely studied even though the design seems very free there is a considered application. In this case the facade can be divided as quarters upon which detail is built up in layers.


On the Southern facade the window placement appears random. It can however on analysis be appreciated as a direct response to internal uses of spaces. This generates a connection to hidden functions for the external viewer.







Within this longitudinal elevation it can be appreciated how being asymmetrical does not necessarily mean a design is unbalanced. The case in this situation seems to be that shapes are direct responses to uses. Aalto has further balanced the design by creating an association with the surrounding environment. The vertical detailing helps anchor the design to its landscape.


This view of the house from the east demonstrates in general the understanding I have generated of the Villa Mairea. We can appreciate that the structural base of the villa is very considered and in this case in fact symmetrical. Upon this there has been built up many layers of rich detailing. This has been anchored, allowing these details and indeed the houses success, by the fundamental geometry at its base.


CIRCULATION OF THE HOUSE



The analytic study I have done for circulation links back to my architectural proposition. It explores the deconstruction of the cell like uses of the house within defined rooms. As Aalto declared when designing the Villa Mairea "these people don't need so many rooms" The open plan space creates an undefined opportunity for functions. This I have tried to demonstrate by the contrast of the grid like structure of the service rooms in comparison to the free almost tangled circulation path of this open plan, more public zone. Overlayed onto this are colours which represent the common paths taken by different household users. Light blue for the household family, dark blue for servants and tan for visitors.