bridge/library October 9, 2008

during my first semester of grad school, i was trying to find my process, my methodology for design (well this is still happening…)  i was fortunate enough to have a studio critic that encouraged material discovery and stressed the importance of craft- of the hand, not just computer. 

 

the second project of the term, we were assigned to design a bridge that connected two buildings, but additionally was a small library and held program of its own.

i went through a series of abstract study models or small-scale sculptures, made of commonplace materials, to see how the materials would influence the form of the bridge.  the first model (left) was made from cast plaster.  i was investigating how i could reach one side of the building facade, to another, using discrete forms- rather than have just one continuous and heavy object that seemed glued to both facades.  the second model (center)  explored the characteristics of wood and how it would act when bent- both the limitations and advantages.  with the last model (right) created from corrugated cardboard i wanted to make an ordinary material- regular boxes- seem beautiful and delicate while playing with affect.

the resulting building design is a synthesized translation of the working models.  i was hoping for a simple autonomous form, one that stood on its own and was not a part of either building.  the bend wood facade of the library differentiates itself even further from the surrounding buildings and well as providing a varied lighting affect inside.  

this was one of the very first attempts at designing architecture. this studio exercise was extremely helpful. i uncovered that i designed with my hands and needed to make things, in steps and in pieces, to actualize a final product.