drawings

Sections, longitudinal and cross

plan upper level

plan of lower level

Elevation of Kindergarten (Zoomed Out)

Progress

Over thanksgiving break i was able to finish up my model of structure and landscape integration. I have also been working on sections and plans. More pictures to come. The two images in the middle were some fun playing with photoshop.

cont. of "spun" paper model

i have continued spinning this model further and it's going well.

I'll fool around with some ways in which the modules will attach and then based on ideas of exploratory movement i will connect them. sometimes those connections lead to fruitful discoveries and other times i rip of a section off and redo it, and like it better. I have begun to attach the landscape modules to the structural modules. i have begun to define them as a different entity by doubling their thickness in areas which creates "puckers" of space . So far i am trying to make the landscape modules larger than the the structural modules in order to cover a good amount of distance space. I have also left the fabric somewhat pliable and loose so it can actually be rearranged in several different spacial organizations.

classroom study/simplified module strips study toward kindergarten

I have now created a simplified gesture of my modules at micro scale in order to accelerate the building and exploration process. the first photos are following photos are of a new model i have begun "spinning". my goal, to blur the lines between enclosure and open air, as well as walkable space vs. exploratory movement. Openings and pulls along the movement joints (parts of the strips that bend) allow for the space to "breathe" and allow light to enter. the strips have variation in scale both vertically and horizontally.

The following photos are previous attempts to enclose space for possible classroom/activity area (if i had made the kindergarten up of seperate individual classroom modules then attached them together or created transition pieces. ) It contrasts the building approach of the new model where all the spaces are an interconnected web.

paper model-1/2" scale

this new paper model is underway with programatic consideration as well as a simplified gesture of my modules. I have been thinking about using the thinner strips as areas where there could be more interactivity and the thicker strips as areas of less interactivity and more concentration. i like how this paper model starts as one space and splits into two. I am going to continue to spin it out further and see what emerges.

site forces study

variation of modules in paper on a scale of 1:1 with a child

since my last discussion with Jonas I have begun creating a rule set and new abreviated module stip to test the forces of the surrounding area on my site for possible landscape conditions. this is my first model that talks about danger vs. exposure and the new zoning of the area by height of surrounding buildings and their respective densities.

I have decided to work in foam again as a primary means of exploration but i plan on following with a more specific paper model.

experementations with my modules in paper

these new modules are experimentations. i am not sure wether or not they will replace my older modules. they were derived from the same pattern as my old modules, only instead of mearly pincing the two outter lines and attaching them to themselves, here i have begun to completely engage all the lines of the modules, bending them in half, and then in half again. two introverted puckers attached with a temporary tab.

1 module of an concave pucker-allows light to come in

other side of the concave pucker

attaching the two inverted puckers to the concave pucker, the two introverted pucker modules rest ontop of the concave pucker

other side of above

new modules

over the weekend i have made some new study models out of foam fabric. The new studies show success in the ability to create enclosure. I am also excited by the foam fabric, it works wonderfully as a material for my modules, allowing me to apply force to the modules multiple times without tearing and destroying them. the foam also allows me to make smooth curves without segmentation.

paper module studies

these are just some of the many templates i have used in the realized paper model studies

Site Analysis

I decided to go back to the site again to take more photographs and get a more clear idea where i want certain programs and pathways to be located and or facing. I think it is important to position this kindergarden facing the water, park, and nyc views to create a unique environment for visitors, children, and locals biased on nature and open air. A shared space where exploration and play can all be expressed. I would like to try to create somewhat of an "urban oasis" for children and visiors that can transport them from the choatic, traffic filled streets to a peaceful, tranquil place.

"if we look at the urban oasis that has grown out of a chaotic seedling, then kindergarten can then be looked upon as a protective womb."

Above are a series of collages i assembled from my photographs. They help aid me in understanding the views one would have stand directly on the site. I have also drawn below the collages a new site analysis that describes zoning of the area, relationship to the park, water, and nyc, as well as potential interests in developing pathways to enter the site from these points. On the site i have created a ruff diagram of where i feel programs should be placed to maximize exposure to nature while defering from the streets and high rise towers. the classrooms had top priority since that was where the children would be spending majority of their time. they had the best locations and views. All programs however had access to outdoor space and views of the water and nyc, the only difference was i put the administrative/faculty program closest to the street as somewhat of a protector for the children. I have also realized that my classroom cluster will consist of a classroom, a bathroom, and a garden. I would also like for all programatic area to have a garden or two and a bathroom.

on another note, i have begun working with site meshes on my new site analysis which have been interesting and show potential. I am going to keep on trying to generate a mesh that I am happy with and that works with all my ideas.

paper studies

I am currently trying to figure out how to manipulate my modules more drastically while keeping thier joints intact

i am think there will be a point where the joints will have to change in order to accomodate the more drastically changed pieces

Newest picture from SEM of Bellam Candra

the exterior of the bellam candra. completely diff.
animal on the inside than on the outside.
looks smooth and modular on the inside and wrinkely
and rougher on the outside with no apparent module

another shot of a bellam seed ext.
a shot from far away showing the interior lip and the
exterior wrinkled skin below
exterior shot of seed of bellam candra

a clear view and section cut showing the interior and exterior skin to the left.

shots of the bellam interior