The House (Interior Major Project) | Page 18

Archetypal House Precedents and House Model Accepted Facade Defined Extruded Fig 3 - Vitra Haus, Herzog and de Meuron (2006) To understand how I might incorporate the idea of an archetypal house form onto the exterior of the building, I have analysed some precedents. Vitra Haus This iconic example of a representation of the house, was designed by Herzog and de Muron, as the flagship store for Vitra's home collection. This 5 storey, cantilevered, extruded composition undoubtedly has a large visual impact from the exterior. The symbolism of the house has been distorted in some cases, however it signifies home instantly to the user and creates a familiar setting in which to display the furniture. The photograph of the interior above, shows how a fluid interior has been achieved despite the defined geometric exterior, the space is transitional and flows between the rigid forms. Archetypal House Model To achieve a fluid interior but geometric, symbolic exterior, I will design from the inside out. The model below is my fist attempt at this, taking my colour sketch model and arranging various 3D house shapes over the top of the model. This method creates pockets of interior space underneath each of the house forms which translates my idea well, but at this stage lacks composition and a sense of scale. Fig 4 - Islington Square Housing Scheme, FAT Architects (2006) Islington Square Housing Scheme This second precedent is on a residential scale, with the focus being the mock facade retention scheme. This set of houses designed by FAT Architects, are composed of Jacobean inspired façades, masking practical 2 or 4 bedroom houses. The Projects aim was to create innovative, world class architecture, but also architecture that would be liked by the people. I admire this understanding of the users desires within design and think FAT have successfully fulfilled this aim. As my diagram below shows, a person who experiences the building from the exterior only, can have a very different perception or relationship with the building, as opposed to the user. Going forward I think it will be important to consider the people who will indirectly experience my design, e.g. local residents/passers-by. User Experience 15