Contextual Architecture
Instructors
Jozef Petrak, Nickie Cheung
Year
Spring 2022
Completed independently
Hazelwood
Pittsburgh, PA
Course
Design Studio 1
The neighborhood of Hazelwood has seen better days. In recent years, the neighborhood has experienced a great deal of neglect.
Our class set out to study the site and create either a Distanced Learning Center & Makerspace hybrid, or a Gastronomy & Wellness Center in hopes of stimulating a resurgence within the neighborhood.
Programming
Phase 1
February 21-23, 2022
Starting the production phase of the semester, I was assigned to create a Makerspace and Distanced Learning Center. The functions of the site could either be separate or merged into a single environment.
I chose to explore the concept of “Overlapping Interactions” as the core of my project's identity.
[View from Second Ave.]
[Aerial view from Second Ave.]
To do this, I began by merging the functions of the site, and created a series of floor plans centered around an entrance that encouraged interaction between visitors and active members of the community. In this model, when pedestrians pass by the building, they can observe the workshop spaces and CNC machining room; prompting them to explore further.
[Above: Floor Plans for Floors 1+2. Unfortunately could not locate the floor plan for floor 3.
Upon entering, I chose to make the lobby function as a means of circulation between the workshop, CNC machining room, and restrooms in order to create chance interactions between visitors. While this is not the final programming model, I felt that this model was instrumental in forming my final model, and my way of thinking throughout the project.
[Above: View showcasing rear exit, balconies.]
Above: Vingette of view from Second Floor Walkway overlooking Lobby, Looking into PC Lab (Right) and Laser Lab (Left).
Programming
Phase 2
"Aperture"
February 28-March 16, 2022
With the goal of pushing my concept as far as possible, I expanded vertically. I wanted to be able to simultaneously sculpt interior and exterior spaces, so that regardless of where one is situated in the building, they do not feel constrained. I placed restrooms in a consistent manner in order to create a feeling of familiarity between floors. The top floor of the building is a lobby and green space in order to remove any hierarchy of access to views.
Physical Model
Constructed out of laser cut hardboard, basswood, hot glue, acrylic paint, assorted dried moss.
Folded Architecture
March 22 - 31, 2022
Earlier in the semester, our class studied the neighborhood of hazelwood.
By using elements from the study, I constructed a contextual map focused on the relationship between the topography of hazelwood and its’ existing built environment. I achieved this by using the program Grasshopper within CAD software “RHINO”.
Using this map, our class was instructed to experiment with folded architecture. The rules allow for mirroring of elements and pivoting of tessellation points.
Zoom in of Site on Context Map
In an attempt at biomimicry, I based my folded model off of lilac flowers. Using the switchback staircase and elevator shaft as ‘stems’, and created rooms with an emphasis on capturing the ‘blooming’ sensation.
Study Model
"Lilia"
March 31 - April 6, 2022
Channeling a period of my life in which my inner child was allowed to freely express itself, a drastic aesthetic shift was made.
Constructed using cardboard, hand cut basswood dowels. I used colors to emphasize different sections of movement occurring within the building.
The helix pattern I’d constructed in the programming phase meshed with folding tactics I experimented with in order to create a hybrid between the blooming sensation, and the cyclical nature of a Ferris wheel.
Due to time constraints, I was unable to see this model to completion. I’d intended to add winding paths of circulation between the massive structural mulleins, and a weaving path atop each room in order to facilitate continuous pathing independent of the switchback staircase and elevator between all floors without having to enter the building, and vice versa.
I edited the topography in a manner that simultaneously immersed visitors in the built and natural environment. I experimented with creating a slanted roof for the workshop which acts as a hill patrons could lay on, with a concrete pathway atop it which would facilitate benches/tables for eating, meetings.
For the duration of the construction, I listened to the song "Virga", by "Tipper" on repeat, as I felt that it allowed me to channel the same 'identity' into the model.
If you would like to, you can listen to it here:
If you would prefer to skip the introduction of the track I've provided a shortened version here:
Study Model 2
"Lilith"
Deconstruction, Removal of limitations
[Constructed April 14-18, 2022]
Pictured above: Study model (during construction) in context model
With the core identity of our buildings established, we were given the freedom to explore combining forms independent from the contextual map. This combined with utilizing CAD and the laser cutter, I was able to explore a wide variety of ideas in a short span of time.
To the left is a photo of an earlier version of Lilith. At this point in production the model featured a heavily exaggerated staircase spanning 6 floors. Due to safety concerns, I later split this into 3 separate staircases.
If I had more time to work on this model, I would have pulled back on some of the decisions I made past this model to retain the cleanliness of this form.
I feel as though in the hopes of exploring deconstruction, I ultimately created a model which did not build on its' momentum in order to have a cohesive identity, and instead sprawled out in a needlessly chaotic manner.
To the left are photos highlighting the process of splitting the staircase, a staircase leading from the lobby to the third floor.
To the left is a photo displaying the lobby, which interacts with the green space + patio area through a large curtain window. Patrons may pass to the back of the building from the greenspace. Along the curtain window I envisioned a seating area which could serve as an eating or meeting area.
In this iteration, the workshop was receded to exist fully underground, with a portion of the greenspace facilitating stairway access and window space for natural light to enter.
To the right we can see the final model.
I believe removing the window motif at the very top of the building would help emphasize the underlying form without detracting from the building.
The street facing side features a raised platform for seating, with the staircase leading from the lobby to second floor wrapping atop said platform.
Unfortunately, I was not allowed to develop this model further for usage as my final, as the mixed materials posed an issue.
Final Model
"Window"
"Embracing the Facade"
Below you can find the floor plans for this project. I am torn on whether or not I should have spent the amount of time I did on my model, so that I could have better refined my floor plans.
I may revisit these in the future to improve accuracy, overall clarity.
In my best efforts to combine the strengths of previous models, I began experimenting with even larger, more dramatic folds, while also borrowing techniques from Origami in order to provide subtle ornamentation into the building.
