F11_P1_50x50 House
The first project of the year is an abstract study on Ludwig Meis Van der Rohe's unfinished building titled "50x50 House". We were challenged to create a universal critique on the original design and create various study models that express our thesis visually. My overall critique was based on the bland post and beam design of the flat roof.
What I intended to create was a structural system that combins the post and beam into a single unit. Having a slanted shear wall that supports an angled sky light helps blur the definition of what is a post and what is a beam.
Also, by bending the square nature of the 50x50 outline, I am able to have juxtaposed elements clashing at an offset center line creating interesting intersections and sharred wall scenarios. The angled design of the roof structure helps push an occupant towards certain corners; somthing that Meis' original design failed to do.
This is my first project as a graduate student and one that I stand by and am proud of. I believe it reflects my overall goal to create unique spaces that are not typically seen in the current built environment. This model mimics the geological slants found at Red Rocks Amphotheatre in Morrison, Colorado.
Enjoy.
