DESIGN STUDIO
Module 1 focused on understanding circulation and threshold. The task involved remodeling a precedent pavilion, in my case Barkow Leibinger's Serpentine Summer House, and subsequently creating diagrams notating the circulation of the pavilion and the use of thresholds in the space.
A1 PIN UP
Precedent Pavilion
Modeling the Pavilion
To help understand all the various heights and curves of the pavilion, I decided it would be best to print out the plan and elevations to colour code and annotate
Plan
Elevations
The first step for modeling the pavilion was tracing the curves in rhino from the plan. The lower half of the pavilion (walls and benches) allowed for simple extrusions from these curves. However, the more complicated multidirectional curves the pavilions canopy required more modeling skills, and individually moving points up and down vertically to ensure the heights are correct at every angle of the moduled pavilion.
The process of creating the complicated curves which varied in height required each point to be moved vertically according to the designed height.
Modeled Pavilion
Capture views from rhino after the completion of the modeled pavilion from four different isometric angels
In the above isometric, I 'captured' the rendered module in Rhino and then 'make2D' the linework, which was then transferred into Adobe Illustrator where the two were put together.
I chose the South East Isometric Perspective to present the modeled pavilion to show the roof canopy as the major focal point. The canopy while appearing to be decorative, defines the space of the pavilion and create interesting shadows below. This view also shows the part of the canopy where one curve tilts outwards, this creates visual interest but also a wider shade area. The bench structure is also visible in this view along with its various large and small openings.
The key learning in terms of circulation from modeling this pavilion would be its lack of defined entry and exit points and round shape. People regardless if they are or are not engaging with the pavilion must walk around the structure. Yet, the curved walls also provide points that draw people in from any angle creating a public gathering place.
The same walls also define a smaller space that is more secluded and private. As well as the walls the canopy acts as a threshold. Gathering spaces will vary throughout the day from the shadow casted, if its a hot day people are more likely to sit in the shade and if its cold the sun. As this pavilion was located in England, most of the time people would move away from the shade into the suns warmth.
The above Isometric is the final Isometric, it has linework, rhino render and a slight wooden texture
Circulation
Circulation Diagram
Analysis
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It is accessible from 360 degree angle
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The canopy creates shade, people tend to sit on one side of the pavilion to maximise the sun
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The walls direct people into gathering spaces
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The benches provide fixed seating spaces however some people also sit on the grass leaning against a wall.
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or stand and lean against a wall
This is one of the circulation diagrams I designed before the final one.
However I realised this diagram was too symmetrical and didn't play the role of a diagram to show information.
This design did not show the true circulation paths, and did not highlight that more people tended to walk through the sunlight rather than the shade. However it did represent the idea that the pavilion is open from a 360 degree angle, and the curved walls inviting people into it and to engage with it.
Additionally, this design didn't show where gathering was more dense compared to others, rather it outlined the benches and tanbark floor
Thresholds
Threshold Diagram
To determine and then represent where the shaded areas are in the pavilion, I mapped the shadows on Rhino. I set the location to London, England and used the mid summer to model the sun paths at 10am, noon and 2pm.