This sketch demonstrates the density levels I want to pursue both in the walls and the floor systems.
I studied the different paths one might take in turning the corner and these are all the possible paths combined into one sketch. I will decide which one to follow in the next step. Of course my main goal right now is to try to figure out how to create opposing paths without creating a "wall" for the pedestrian traveling in the opposing direction.
This page shows a combination of the issues that have come up with the sketching I have done this week. I will need to pursue how to demonstrate the density levels and a way to avoid presenting a "wall" to the pedestrian.
7 comments:
Its very Interesting that your goal right now is to figure out how to create opposing paths without creating a "wall" for the pedestrian traveling in the opposing direction.
I am quite sure you will figure it out, following your Wall Idea from the beginning (wall) till now, shows how your wall is almost getting unseen!
with the same power, influence as if it is exist!
your building understands very well what enclosed, closed and semi-closed space should be, there is a hierarchy that you may feed with light
I think the decisions you took so far is much Architecturally stronger than relying on light (Steven Holl Example), as light only works at night!
Boston sleeps around 11 pm so people would see our buildings 9-10 hours in day time, compared to only 4-5 hours at night.( in summer) then the store closes.
The frames (semi closed space created) in picture IMG_2892 and the relation with the main store mass creates a scene of shy
semi-dominate influence on the platform, that is asking to bring people in.
No one can ask of more magnet for people path through the store than what you do here.
Jaclyn,
The sketches are a good re-entry. The layers of density are particularly interesting. Try and draw the same sketch moving west to east and see what you get. Don't get too hung up on the subway station, and lines leading out of the store. Turn the corner less intentionally. Clay might not work for you because it is more about heavy massing and your scheme is more about lighter lines. See if you can continue with your chip board model as if one were walking along dartmouth toward Boylston. what is the level of density of the sidewalk objects. Once these meet with Boylston, you will have figured out how to turn the corner.
I agree with Amr, the scheme is getting very interesting and your analysis is considering various points that I not thought about! I look forward to see you approach to the other side of the corner and see how you resolve the issues of addressing Dartmouth street (something that many of us need to do!)
Gus
Jaclyn,
Your study sketches are great. Remember the movie we saw, “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” by W.H. Whyte. He showed how people “adapt” to traffic. I remember how they had the camera shot from above the plaza and people tend to slow up, speed up, half-step a little to the left or right, only a tiny amount just to miss each other.
After that movie we went on a field trip and I noticed how this really does happen, especially in the crowed subway entrances/exits. Everyone knows this happens, but you don’t really think about it, until you watch a study like Whyte’s.
So will you really create a “wall” with opposing paths of traffic? Just a little something to think about.
Happy sketching!
David
David,
Thank you so much for your reminder of the video. I was really concerned about creating a “wall” but you have an excellent point. People will find a way through if they are determined and in a city people seem to be determined to get where they are going. I don’t think this needs to be on my mind as much as it has been. I can get back to working on the density studies!
Thank so much,
Jaclyn
Jacklyn,
I don't feel your project is about a wall, I think that is a positive thing. Your initial model where I think Ted said you have introduced the fourth wall, was definitely creating a separation between the square and the retail along Boylston. Your project evolved to fragmenting the wall to start to reveal the retail facades at the street level. In my interpretation it morphed into urban and landscape elements along Boylston (Nice idea), also the louvers are perhaps large jalousie windows or brise soleils revealing the square as you go up or get closer to the building.
I noticed the fragments are closer to the street curb than the building facades. Is this to sit and look at the retail facades? or to pull back from the buildings and create a path closer to the buildings. I think it would be really interesting to set these obstacles closer to the facades, still on a winding path and have the passerby stop and look at the square.
Perhaps the corner is a place to gather yourself before entering the store, sort of like staging what you are going to ask for prior to entering the store. "Why we buy" discusses the creation of arrival and slowing down before you enter the store. Pedestrians don't stand at the exact corner, they are usually 5'-0" or more from the radial turn, this means as David says, perhaps the fixed element forces you to turn the corner or even better, enter the store. The fragments at the main entry as shown on your final intensive seem more of an obstruction rather than grabbing the passerby and bring them in. Check out the work by Bolles + Wilson, especially their Luxor theatre in Rotterdam as well as their "Spuimarkt den Hagg". These are examples about wall facades and how the positive and negative assist to turn the corners. There are two spanish architects named "Jose Antonio Martinez Lapena and Elias Torres Tur". The best book I have seen for these guys is by "El croquis". You will not find it in the Croquis website because the book was published over 10 years ago. These guys are incredible with urban elements, parks, benches, lights, walls, the corners, entering parks, structures, etc. If anyone has images it would be great to post them somewhere.
Jaclyn,
I appreciate the wall density study. This could be key to your "experience" entering your store. Are you thinking that the front wall is a series of vertical panels or is that just a hatch? the shift in desnity of a wall like this could be interesting. I can't wait to see some clay models??? Looks like you have some great beginning studies to make your store something excellent!
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