Task 2 - Narrative and Space

Storyline and Reason Behind Design

Storyline:

A light, warm space in the Greek farmlands comforts a serene man, with a passion for wine-drinking.

Design:

Space – Cosy (not too big) and enclosed. You enter a small space, but are led by the bench and the high domed ceiling into the larger room, where the figure can fix himself a nice glass of wine and drink it on the couch or on the patio which looks out onto the farmland view. The domed ceiling, as well as allowing natural light, provides an open space which contrasts an office space.

Lighting – While enclosed, much glazing and openings allows light to enter in various ways. The strips create a reclusive feel, while the windows over the bench allow plenty of natural light for the user to select his wine. The long strips of light lead the figure out onto the open patio which of course is covered in sunlight, where the figure can enjoy his wine in a warm breeze. Definite circulation through the building associated with the design.

Materiality – The whitecard represents a typical Greek villa style of plastering, giving a simplistic atmosphere. The red acetate is associated with warmth and of course drinking wine, it creates an interesting atmosphere, affecting the light. The wire comes from the beams to hang glasses for the figure to take.

Parti – I drew and considered Geometry and Circulation to be important parti considerations. The circulation of the space is important as it determines how the figure experiences his activity, and whether it is while he is moving through the space, or whether he is forced to off track.

Parti and Poche Drawings of Final Design

Model Photos of Final Design - Built

Model Photos of Final Design - Building Stage

Design Idea 4 - Final Design

The following sketches represent some plan and section views of my final design. The design itself allows the figure to be led through the room by the bar top and the light coming through to enjoy drinking his wine on a couch or out on the porch. This is the final design which is developed.



















This model inspired me in materiality, particularly the red, glassy material. The reflectivity of it, and the way light plays with it intrigued me, and it led me to use it as a means of leading the figure through the design as a means of circulation.

Design Idea 3

The sketches below again address the idea of a wine wanting to retreat 'down the winding corridor' to his cellar where he can drink his wine undisturbed by anyone else. The bottom cellar room is shaped like a bottle also, with light funneling through the neck.

I wasn't particularly happy with the design on sketchup as it was too literal, yet displayed less functionality than what the design deserved for the figure.

Design Idea 2

This idea was formed on the basis that a wine-drinker would be comfortable in a Greek-style villa of neo-Renaissance architecture, combing archways, columns and domes, with glazing, and angled openings.

Design Idea 1

This idea came about when thinking about drinking wine, the idea of going down into a private cellar; a nook where the figure is comfortable.

Precedents for Task 2

Research on Windows, Doors and Light

The Architecture of the Window (1995) Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani

- a compilation of essays, from the history of the window (from ancient Egypt to Louis Kahn) to the concept and meaning behind the window

- Fritz Neumeyer looks at how the window creates a more fluid space, while other Beaux Arts and Art Nouveau writers, discuss the apparent ‘friendliness’ and ‘happiness’ a window brings.

- the benefits of horizontal and vertical windows are also discussed

- Marco Romanelli describes the window as being an object to look at, as if it were a piece of furniture

- others debate the pros and cons for using windows as a connection between interior and exterior, as something to look through

Thoughts from Musings on Windows and Doors

- windows allow the experience of the outdoors without the glare

- allows light to penetrate the darkness and dullness

- the Spring garden is viewed through a frame, ie, window

- window makes an interior life possible

Pieter de Hooch (1629 – 1681)

- student of Jan Vermeer

De Hooch’s paintings commonly:

- focussed on interiors of houses to the upper class, fashionable people

- saw activity and life with a maid or servant performing a chore in the background

- contained a high element of Chiaroscuro (Italian for clear-dark, is a term in art for a contrast between light and dark, showing the shadows of the human body for example)

- admit sunlight through large window openings

- were clean and accurate, while brilliantly emphasising the play of light and shadow

An Interior, with a Woman Drinking with Two Men and a Maid-servant (1658) Pieter de Hooch

- architecture painted first, then characters painted in; can see chequered floor through servant’s skirt.

- Illuminated wine glass is focal point of painting

- In the background is a map of Holland, a fireplace, and above that, a painting showing the education of a virgin, painted earlier that century.

- sunlight turns the room into an enlightening experience

- windows are set to the ceiling

Emotive Qualities:

Calming, postulating, playful, relaxed, whimsical, cheerful, bright, open, serene, homely

Storyline:

A quiet, relaxed man marvels at a full body of wine, glimmering under the ambient sunlight shed through the large windows.

Site:

A sunny Spring day

Activities of figures:

- wine drinking

- relaxing

- talking

- enjoying sunlight and warmth

Design ideas:

Space

- snug and cosy

- simple and direct arrangement

- neat and tidy

- allow for sociality

- link rooms with narrow corridors which contrast lighting on different levels of height

- have a central ‘hub’ by which corridors connect rooms

- beams, no columns

- doors at corridor

Lighting

- glazing from one direction to admit plenty of light and warmth

- warmth

Materiality

- warm colours

- brickwork

- clay modelling