MODEL IT WORKSHOP FINAL PRODUCTS WEEK 4

On finishing the models we have all learnt a valuable lesson on the importance of communication in architecture as well as different ways of representing and viewing a structure.

The process of building the models over a three week period has helped develop my techniques and skills both in the physical sense of constructing a model and also in an intellectual sense where I now understand the concepts which a model can represent.

In the past 3 weeks of modelling i have learnt about the positive and negative spaces in constructing the in-class models and also the importance of context in the 1:200 Fisher House Site model.

Final Models:

- In-class Models:

Week 1 Model

Week 2 Model 1

Week 2 Model 2

Week 3 Model 3

Week 3 Window Seat Model (1:50)

- Take home Tasks:

Week 1 Barcelona Pavillion Model (1:200)

Week 2 Fisher House Site Model (1:200)

Week 3 Fisher House Basement (1:50)

  

Week 3 Fisher House Ground Floor (1:50)

Week 3 Fisher House Second Floor (1:50)

Model-it Poster:

The use of the angles seen in the Fisher House is highlighted in the poster

My learning experience throughout this workshop was the reworking and reinterpretation of a building which results in architectural concepts being drawn from the model. However, even though architectural concepts can be drawn from the building, through analysis from the model representation, concepts such as the relationship between a building and its environment can be redeveloped.

Thus construction (of the model) and reconstruction (on the concepts) leads to a reimagination.

MODEL IT WORKSHOP WEEK 3

In-class task:

We were asked to build a corner of the Norman Fisher House at a 1:50 scale, a different scale to the previous two take home excercise. Thus another level of detail and complexity we must bring to the model was increased allowing me to rethink my approach to building the corner

the window seat of Fisher house was constructed using the plans and elevations as a template. The windows and openings could be further examined through research and image searches. 

I felt that the model of the corner was constructed well as the seats and window boxes were constructed true to the building itself. Some detail on the boarding was constructed, however I felt that more detail could have been attempted.

Take Home Task:

- Window Seat:

I approached the Fisher House ( at the scale of 1:50) in a similar style as was undertaken when I constructed the window seat.

Using plans and elevations which have been scaled to 1:50 the facade, exterior and interior walls were constructed 

- Construction of the Fireplace:

again the top and bottom of the fireplace was cut out using the floor plan as a template

Similar to the construction of the window seat, i felt that the level of detail should be placed on the internal elements of the house to highlight the fact that it was a living space

- Ground Floor:

(Ground Floor Plan)

Some continuity of the extent to which details and precision was included in the models was undertaken. As with the window seat which the frames and boarding pattern was taken into account, the direction of floorboards was represented by constructing the floor in a series of balsa pieces. The nature of the balsa wood was exploited as I utilised the physical appearance of the grain pattern in the model.

- Basement

The Fisher House is known for the simplicity of its depiction of two boxes joined together at a corner and thus I attempted to join the walls at the corner in an equally smooth and simple way. 

(basement)

(basement)

(Stairs)

Details which I wished to represent in my model was in the internal elements. Here, the stairs were constructed in detail to a high degree to highlight the fact that the house was built for living purposes. The combination of walls and stairs also represent the flow of people throughout the houses and thus the model can be used to study the way visitors connect with the house.

-Further Details:

The slit at the main entrance of the Fisher House was represented by cuttinf the balsa wood straight and at an angle. 

The effect of this can be seen physically by positioning the light in front of the slit, mirroring the Fisher Houses playfullness and connection with nature.

Final Product:

Basement

Ground Floor

Second Floor

Ceiling

MODEL IT WORKSHOP WEEK 2

In-class task 1:

We were asked to create three models based on a simple shape (similar to an M shape):

Using this unrestricted guideline we were able to experiment with ideas such as

• positive and negative space
• designing outside the 'box' - exploring options for creating a model which exists not in a typical building like structures (as in week one's box houses)
• creating free angles and different viewpoints (not just sitting on a base but as a free structure)

harnessing this newfound source of freedom we were able to further our understanding of balsa wood and also improve our abitilt to achieve clean neat edges

Model One:

The edges were joined in a series (one after another) to achieve a clean edge between each individual piece.

The pieces fitted next to eachother also helps prop the pieces up until the PVA glue set

one of the earlier ideas mentioned earlier about the negative spaces is shown here

Model Two:

These Pictures depict a process which i went through to ensure all the joints of the 'pitched roof' matched up with eachother's edges

Model Three:

Take Home Task:

I constructed the Fisher House at a 1:200 scale, with the site context

I aproached the task by scaling the site plan and house plane to the required 1:200 scale. Then using this as a form of template i began by constructing the house.

Using the same approach I cut every section of terrain and layered the subsequent pieces on top on on another

by etching a notch on the each piece to symbolise where the next piece sits i was able to accurately place each piece 

I was able to represent the house and driveway accurately by leaving a hole where the house is to sit in and where the driveway is.

Finally, to reiterate the importance of the context, the addition of trees and the creek completed the model

This exercise teaches the importance both in the site and context of a building, and also in constructing the site itself. The added detail of the lake, trees and ever a driveway emphasises the heavy role which site plays on a building.