Diploma Unit Two. Architectural Association School of Architecture

Tools for Architecture is a research unit based at the Architectural Association in London formed by a team of MArch AA Diploma students and lead by Space Popular directors Lara Lesmes and Fredrik Hellberg.

Experiential Scenes pt.3 – Application of the building system

The following 3 scenes visually summarise the experience generated by my building system – they are captured from my two final implementations of the building system: Inner city gathering space and Large scale residential setting.

 

As one approaches the building, it is seen to be constructed around the logic of a grid. This grid is banal and predictable so that the negative volumes carved into the building are obvious and immediate – heightening our perception of them.

 

Negative volumes dictate the location of spaces (this notion replaces the traditionally understood role of rooms) People will aggregate within and circulate between these negative volumes, respecting the thresholds accordingly.

Moments of complex and numerous intersections between negative volumes will generate equally complex reactions from inhabitants of the spaces. When there is a highly private space intersecting with a quiet study space in the middle of a route of circulation, how do you behave? Are you at ease in your room? But at the same time respectfully keeping your voice low for those working? How does this change as you move to toilet? Does drawing the curtains make a difference if you can still see the step down to the desk study space?