Liminal Landscapes

Perch. Waterfront. Cityscape.

Second Year Studio Spring 2020

Professor Ryan Roark

The Team Samantha Speights

Stage 1

Site - Research

The Goal

Architecture is experienced through the human body and defined by the human experience. In this project we were challenged to create three different structures focused on movement. I interrogated the nature of the journey, views, the in between, light and air. We were given three extreme existing topographic conditions. These conditions included a perch, a waterfront, and urban context. I focused on the liminality of the structure by studying conditions of above versus below and inside versus outside. How can we extend the human body throughout space and time through design?

Site Analysis

The Water Front

The water front consists of a steep incline that is 8 feet high and gradually levels off at 5' feet. In this setting I focused on bridging the gap between land and water.

The Perch

The perch consists of a steep incline that is 20 ft high. In this setting I focused on bridging the gap between land and sky.

The Cityscape

The cityscape is level and is surrounded by buildings. In this setting I focused on creating a portal that also serves as a space for pause.

Stage 2

Concepts

The Perch

Concepts

The Journey. The path leading up to the structure intentionally takes the individual to the furthest point of entry. This allows for anticipation to build while experiencing the space.

Views. Views are controlled by the shape of the structure. It is angled so that the view is not fully revealed until one reaches the end of the experience. As you pass behind the structure there is an opening at the rear that provides a glimpse of what is to come.

The In Between. This space lies in-between earth and sky. The roof extends out over the perch and the walls open out to the sky. The floor then slightly cantilevers over the edge. Within this space the body extends farther than its natural ability connecting earth and sky.

Light and air. Light and air flows through the space through openings at the rear and front.

The Waterfront

Concepts

The Journey. The journey through the earth is intense. One must walk down a steep staircase and then become enclosed in a narrow space, where you can only experience the sky. Then at the entrance to the structure you are the most enclosed until reaching the end. At the end of the experience you are met with a full view of water.

Views. At the top of the staircase, one can experience the full beauty of the view. Throughout the rest of the journey views are controlled to build anticipation for when the individual is with the water. As you walk deeper into the earth only the sky becomes visible, then after entering, only a limited view of the water is present. Finally after turning the corner or reaching the end you are met with the full vision of the water.

The In Between. This space lies in-between earth and water. Here we take into consideration the texture, sounds, and feeling of water. The structure sits on the boundary of the coast allowing one to touch, feel or hear the water as the structure opens up. However it also allows you to retreat inside. Through this design the structure binds the relationship between indoor and outdoor space.

Light and Air. Light and air flows through the space through openings at the front and sides. The full experience of light and air happens at the beginning and the end go the journey

The Cityscape

Concepts

The Journey. The journey in this space cuts right through the site. Being in an urban setting means more functionality and options must be present. This structure serves more as a threshold for meeting, sitting, and passing through. The doorway openings are staggered so that you must weave through the space. This forces people to slow down and experience the space and even the people around us.

Views. Due to the density of this scene the focus is to limit views. To allow the user to feel disconnected from the city while remaining fundamentally ingrained in its activity.

The In Between. This space lies in the in-between of city life. A moment that is public in nature and fosters communication as well as passage.

Light and air. Light and air flows through the space through openings at the front and rear as well as controlled openings to the sky.