Shane Duggan, Architectural Design II
Project 01: Craftsman Cottage
This project is centered around craft: what it is and how it relates to architecture. Specifically, exploring elements of craft found within pottery and ceramics. The main task of this project was to design an auxiliary dwelling unit (ADU) for a specific craftsman, in this instance, a potter. Required for the design was a living and sleeping space for this craftsman, as well as a workshop. Each of these elements needed to flow together and connect back to the central craft of pottery.
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Initial Investigation
Prior to the start of this project, an initial investigation of craft was needed. Origami, with its delicate and precise folds, stood out as a medium of craft. The collage seeks to communicate key qualities of origami. Triangles and squares represent sharp folds found in origami, culminating in the form of an origami butterfly. This shows the transformation from something formless, like paper, into something delicate and beautiful. Variations of the word "craft" in the background represent the trial and error process that often comes with learning a new craft.
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Next, a focus was placed on exploring craft elements within architecture. Wendell Burnette is a wonderful example of architectural craft, as each of his designs respond to the environment in some way. Along with this, many crafted elements are incorporated into his work, such as baskets for lamp shades or hand crafted hangars that look like planets. This collage was created to highlight his craft using digital composition.
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Pottery Investigation
In depth exploration of pottery was essential to the development of this project. Through this investigation process, potters and ceramists were found that inspired elements of the design like shape, color, and material. Along with this, an understanding of the clay creation process was developed. Three stages, shaping, drying, and firing, were found to be the biggest parts of ceramics. This would influence organization of workshop spaces and final material choices for the ADU.
Concept Designs
Concept 01: Concept 01 explores the idea of a moldable experience. The entire floorplan rotates around the central kiln, and allows the craftsman to choose what experience they want to walk into. The rotation of the plan is also reminiscent of the rotation of potters wheel, further connecting the soul of this design to pottery. This is the concept that I would follow for my final design.
Concept 02: Concept 02 explores craft in the sense of observation. Large windows would allow outsiders to look in, seeing the craftsman's process of making. in the same way, this craftsman would be able to look outside, constantly being reminded of their natural environment.
Concept 03: Concept 03 follows certain forms that can be created within the process of pottery. The circular overhangs evoke what a piece of sliced clay looks like, and cover the entire design in order to provide large amounts of shade. Garage doors open workshop spaces to the external environment.
Schematic DesignThe schematic portion of this design was focused on exploring how to realistically incorporate a rotating workshop into the design and generating ideas for site elements. Here, early concepts for exterior spaces and landscaping produced an idea of circular planters being dotted around the structure. This idea was inspired by basalt columns that can be found around the world, and heavily influenced the final design. The idea of a "moldable experience" was also developed during this stage of design.
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Final Design
The final design expands on themes explored in concept and schematic portions of this process. Intersecting cylinders mold together to form necessary spaces within the cottage. Main living spaces within the central cylinder are generally left open, allowing for a "moldable" living experience. This means that occupants of this cottage can arrange spaces however they please. The rotating floor concept is retained, sectioned off in it's own space for the sake of practicality. The walls of this cottage are unusually thick, as this cottage will be built using rammed earth techniques. Rammed earth walls directly connect the final design to the Earth, as the technique requires the layering and compressing of earthen materials from surrounding areas. This enhances the buildings connection to clay, as both are essentially made from dirt.
Furthermore, grass roofs are a key feature of this cottage design. Grass roofs not only provide excellent insulation but also help the building incorporate into the environment. Cylindrical planters dotted around the exterior enhance this effect, creating a gradient that eases the design into its surroundings. The heavy use of cylindrical forms alludes to common pieces of pottery such as pots, cups, bowls, and plates, all of which are typically circular or cylindrical in form.