Hudson Whipple: Architectural Design I

Project 01: Fibonacci Cube

     Within this project we were tasked to first to build a model of three different sizes of planes based off the fibonacci spiral. Our designs for the project were for sixteen feet cube however we built the cube scaled down to eight inches. Then using our model and design we constructed a fibonacci cube based off the same principals for six added planes positioning them to initially form a primary and secondary space then other spaces resulting from them.

---

Drawings and Model

Plane Study Drawing

In my design for my three planes I tried to create a space that would separate the space into a room-like structure that I envisioned and I felt that the model I chose to go on with exemplified it the best which would help me to create all the spaces later on.

Plane Study Model

Final Cube: Isometric

     For my final cube, I started the designing process by closing in the space on the second level and hovering a plane to create an open space that extended across two levels. I then added the remaining planes to close off walls and define some added spaces as well as trying to take advantage of the space left on top. These drawings illustrate the cube and a perspective from the primary space on the ground level.

Plane Study Model

Final Cube: Model

Final Cube: Interior Perspective

Project 02: Border Communications Tower

     In the second half of Architecture 1, we focused on the borderlands and creating a tower that would help reestablish or bring new communication across the border wall. To find out more about the borderlands culture and towers we researched together as a class by forming a historic timeline of the area and producing a research drawing. After research, I was tasked with taking my final Fibonacci cube and making only minimal modifications to design a Border Communications Tower. My emphasis for my tower was mainly trying to tie it into the natural environment.

Research Drawing

Sheets and Model

Study Model

     In my study model I focused on the changes that I wanted to make in order to help the space function as a border communication tower. The first noticeable altercation is the removal of the basswood supports on the top level of the cube to bring an interesting dynamic to the tower. Also on the top level, I extended the small platform since my desire was for it to provide shade which would incorporate opportunity for visitors to use lounge chairs and enjoy the outside with protection from the sun. Moving down to the second level, the most important change was lowering the floor which provided adequate height for individuals. However this added a dynamic element to the level by forming an almost floating wall best seen in the left elevation. Lastly on the first floor, the modification I added was the small wall to help frame and focus the view across the border. One more important note is the bottom floor does not extend out as it did in my Fibonacci Cube.

Final Model: Border Communication Tower

Final Model: Border Communications Tower

     Transitioning to the final model, I made one more modification as well as integrating the support system and communicator. The concluding change I made was reintroducing the basswood supports into the top level but further down to act as a guardrail. The communicator I chose to go with was a screen which is the black piece on the first floor. On the screen, users can participate in playing games virtually across the border such as ping pong which I envisioned as a fun way to interact with others. Thirdly and the primary element of the tower, I designed the tower system which drew inspiration from rock formations and stacked together as well as drawing from the cubic geometry from the study model. To achieve this I stacked blocks randomly with a platform to level out everything and then focus on fitting the tower uniquely since the different floors produced an attractive aspect. These block also present the opportunity to the climb parts of the tower and grant possibilities for enjoying the spaces on top of each block for activities such as a picnic.

Border Communications Tower: Elevations and Tower Section (from left to right, back, right, front, left elevations, and tower section

Border Communications Tower: Site Plan

Border Communications Tower: Floor Plans (From left to right, first, second, and third floor plan)

     The elevations demonstrate the preserved cubic geometry throughout the tower and also together with the floor plans portray the transportation between each level. More visible in the left elevation and tower section, there is an elevator shaft that takes visitors from the ground level up into the tower. However, unlike we usually see, the elevator goes to the second level instead of the first floor. From there on out stairs take people between all three floors of the tower.

     The site plan brings the surrounding environment into perspective as well. The concept of the path was to resemble a hiking trail illustrated with the curve reinforcing the rocky theme of the support system. This is then followed by plants reflecting the environment such as cacti, trees, and shrubs which all work to highlight the path.

Level View Across The Border Wall

Overhead View of Site

     Here the final tower and border site is envisioned in SketchUp through a three-dimensional perspective. The images present the scale of a person in each tower from afar as well as the views across the border that visitors would see. Overall the images illustrate a similar view of the entire project as it would appear created in the real world.