research: tactics for an opportunistic architecture

post updated 3.3.08

Through the investigative process of precedent analysis 04, I found LTL's monograph very interesting. Their approach to finding the "constraints inherent with the architectural question" combined with restricted play, wit, and curiosity allows them to create unexpected forms from the standard rules and conditions that dominate so much of the modern architectural practice. I find this approach to be very intriguing and hope that further understanding of their work and process will be beneficial in discovering that of my own.

LTL utilizes five interwoven tactics in the work presented in "Opportunistic Architecture".

"Retroactive, incomplete, and fragmented, they offer a partial list of possible trajectories for design. Rife with slippages and overlaps, they serve as a means to a productive architecture"

Catalyzing Constraints
Invention Sprawl
Paradoxical Pleasures
Alchemical Assemblies
Over Drawing

Of the five listed above, I would like to focus on the notions of Catalyzing Constraints and Over Drawing. These two offer some tremendous possibilities as they extend to redefining my own architectural principles or practice.

Catalyzing Constraints refers to taking the limitations that are present in a given project and manipulating them to find inherent designs from within them. "The seed for the most radical solution can always be found within the items that initially pose the greatest resistance. Rather than avoiding these obstacles through formal or logistical gymnastics, the tatics of catalyzing constraints generates an impassioned inquiry into the unavoidable limits of architectural production." - LTL.

One example that is sited is to selectively apply "principles of efficiency in order to discover relationships through which the project can be pursued in unexpected, yet seemingly inevitable ways." The idea of selectively applying efficiency could be spacial efficiency, lighting, structural, etc. By choosing one to focus upon and apply as rule, you inevitably inform or effect the others, this is where the "unexpected" is generated, creating exagerrated forms or systems that creates the efficiency.

Over Drawing is a design strategy that LTL utilizes to explore the medium that architects use as language as a process to discover. They use a combination of hand drawing, 3d modeling, hand drawing over top of that and overlapping them all together to create very interesting and evocative drawings. The idea is that from this process of "over" drawing you begin to generate richer spaces. Each form of representation has limitations and potential. It plays on each "simultaneously". Example of LTL's Over Drawing using a combination of 3D lines, edges, renderings, and 3H lead on 4mm mylar...

Park Tower, Prototypical American City

precedent analysis 04

Two projects by LTL Architects as presented in their book "Opportunistic Architecture". The Arthouse at the Jones Center and the MSK Art Installation. This case study is my first look at the work some of the work by Paul Lewis, Marc Tsurumaki, and David J Lewis. In their book, they discuss in good detail the methodology they use design process which centers around establishing a "method of work that addresses each project both critically and optimistically: looking to maximize the opportunites inherent in the conditions of a given project rather than superimpose a prioi a set of expectations that woul immediately confine and restrict its potential."

thoughts...

Hey there Denise...

The Turrell case study was difficult to express graphically. I had a hard time trying to find a way to understand/re-present his work in a graphic manner. His work is meant to be experienced in person, so this was a challenge. I do not think the boards are very effective. I much more prefer the simple scans from my sketch book. The board is an attempt to fulfill the assigned material. I have read and re-read my notes and diagrams and each time I do they become a tiny bit more solid in my mind. It was a good study for me, although there was not a solid graphic result.

As far as phenomonology goes... I am not familiar with this and I did a quick search. From what I have read thus far, the "study of structures of experience, or consciousness" is interesting. I think you may be onto something that I seek out in "my" Architecture, although I have never been able to formally identify it. I am always concerned with experience. In every way that I analyze or look at space, I attempt to make a connection to some sort of spatial experience, either consciously or unconsciously. Architecture that achieves this, is usually very appealing to me. The strongest usually deals with the lighting of the space. I cannot stand plain overhead light fixtures that evenly light a room. I much prefer lamps on tables or indirect lighting. The shadows and tones are much more pleasing and interesting. During my intensive crit, one critic made the comment that windows are just windows. I couldn't disagree more. For me natural light is huge. It makes or breaks architecture, in my opinion. I guess this is what I am trying to work through or define in my thesis. I want to give this thought, idea, concept, a form. Architecture with a capital A.

LTL... looks very interesting. I am working on getting a copy of the book. Probably have to order it, so it will be a couple of days. Not having a local library strong in architectural books is a real drag. But I have always wanted to start my own collection. Anyway, I am interested to see their approach to perforations and the realtionship to program.

LTL projects of interest...
http://www.ltlwork.net/pages/portfolio/workinprogress/arthouse.html
http://www.ltlwork.net/pages/portfolio/workinprogress/msk.html

Will start research this week... I am interested in understanding LTL a bit more. The next four weeks will be interesting and may help to form some more technical aspects to thesis as we dive into the lighting portion of our Acoustics and Lighting course.

precedent analysis 03

In this case study I hoped to gain some insight into the "quality of space" that Turrell creates with his work, specifically his use and control of light. I am intrigued by his work and the depth with which he manipulates both found and original constructs to achieve his "space".

Turrell's work reframes what you see. Often requiring the adjustment of the visual senses through certain approaches and positioning. Sometimes waiting for eyes to adjust to a certain spectrum. Since his work is meant to be experienced within the space or art he creates, I found it much more productive to do simple diagrams rather than attempt to dissect the precision required to create his space and light.

Thesis development focus is on the performance of space where program and function start to become secondary or even tertiary in nature... quality of space that is desired.






Original notes for reference:

precedent analysis 02

Master plan for the High Line, New York, NY – Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Developed as a master plan for an elevated section of railway that has long been abandon and is akin to a modern ruin the architects have embraced the deterioration of the structure “where nature has reclaimed a once vital piece of urban infrastructure”. The designers create intimate public park settings, striking views of the city, and discovery of a forgotten world that, through the absence of use, began to form a new life. At the same time the character of the High Line is kept intact.

A prime example of adaptive reuse and recycling of a found structure the High Line project exhibits what seems to be very intuitive design decisions. By removing, sections of steel and altering the levels on a pedestrain scale (formerly railroad scale) one is engaged with the ruinic nature of this mass of forgotten steel in West Manhattan.

I envision charateristics of the big box could be manipulated in similar ways. By peeling away the skin or enlcosure and exposing structure of the box we can start to redefine and reform the box itself. Examining the existing srtuctural components and removing pieces and replacing them with new could be a possible methodology to fracture the big box.