Following previous shape explorations, the unit will continue scrutinizing initial artefacts design. General formal aspects designing each individual proposal – such as voids, modularity, porosity, repetition and circulation – will be explored through diagrams. This exploration will give special attention to different architectural elements such as thresholds, courtyards, terraces and patios, as they are sustainable spatial strategies that promote optimum environmental conditions for domestic and social life between inhabitants in Mediterranean culture. Transition and in-between inside and outside space conditions that blur domestic boundaries and promote communal relations will be part of this investigation. For helping this investigation, the unit will analyse spatial configurations of collective housing models by Catalan architects, such as Ricardo Bofill, J.A. Coderch, Flores & Prats, Cierto Studio and H Arquitectes, among others, understanding the relation between their specific space organisation and communal life. Findings will open up other options to be tested in previously considered artefacts spatial organisations.
Consequent findings of these explorations will allow to generate some iterations and a “glossary” of artefacts that will be applied into a generic block proposal and expressed through compositional diagrams, models and collages. In this manner, the block distorted formal intricacy will be defined.
Lectures suggested to watch:
-HArquitectes: https://www.aaschool.ac.uk/publicprogramme/whatson/the-nature-of-building
-Cierto Studio: https://www.aaschool.ac.uk/publicprogramme/whatson/domesticity-from-the-floor-plan
