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
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