The concept of time and its relationship to an existing urban context is to be explored through function. Time defined by the Oxford dictionary as a one dimensional quantity used to sequence events, to quantify the durations of events and the intervals between them; quantifying the measure of objects and other changes. Transformation through time, short and long, permanent and impermanent, will be examined through programme and function. The notion is to develop a programme that will essentially support the motions, patterns and events of time, as Christopher Alexander describes in The Timeless Way of Building. Particular focus on how time affects context socially and culturally; illustrated through the materiality, construction, adaptability, and ability for the space to transformed based on society’s needs.
{Time – Context – Function}
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ANALYSIS: Terms CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER, A TIMELESS WAY OF BUILDING
Learn the discipline which teaches us the true relationship between ourselves and our surroundings.”
“.../A process which brings order out of nothing but ourselves; it cannot be attained, but it will happen of its own accord, if we only let it.”
Patterns of Events + Space: Natural
“This close connection between patterns of events is a common place in nature.”
“Each urban region, too, is defined by certain patterns of relationships among its elements.” (p.86)
Patterns -- Life
Life, is illustrated in the patterns a space inherents from its society or culture.
Some spaces therefore are more successful than others. (p.105)
Creating good architecture - objective matter
TIME -- FUNCTION -- CONTEXT – CONSEQUENCE (motion)
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Analysis: Time + Function
- What is time and timeless architecture?
Time – A one-dimensional quantity used to sequence events, to quantify the durations of events and the intervals between them.
PAST -- PRESENT -- FUTURE: MOTION SEQUENCE LEADING TO AN EVENT
Timeless – Timelessness is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as: the ability to be unaltered or unchanged through time. A timeless architecture includes a spaces ability to transform programme/function; consistently adapting– a dynamic process that moves with society.
Patterns in/through Time… Christopher Alexander’s “A Timeless Way of Building”
Time involves a process of transformation both short and long. The exploration of how time effects function based on context is to be explored at Goteborg’s Artilleriwerkstaden, Sweden.
- How does time influence the function of space?
Function – A kind of action or activity proper to a person, thing or institution; the purpose for which something is designed or exists; role; mapping, transformation, motion. Functionality is flexible, multi-purpose, multi-dimensional, and ever-changing space.
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PROBLEM + MOTIVATION
Currently, inner cities are being confronted with building stock designed with a limited life-cycle in mind; however deterioration of their physical performance is much slower than the rate of change in functional requirements and regulations they should abide by. Through time, society has gained an environmental consciousness, an understanding for the need of natural design solutions and methods.
CRITERIA -- on Context + Design Intent
Select an existing urban site, with potential un-occupied or under-utilized space.
Currently, inner cities are being confronted with building stock designed with a limited life-cycle in mind; however the deterioration of the buildings physical performance is much slower than the rate of change in functional requirements, and the regulations they should abide by.
By transforming existing spaces, the result will decrease an overall environmental stress, and promote the socio- cultural well-being in context.
The potential for an urban park space in close or direct contact to the site selected.
All major cities face the same issues regarding a lack of public space. Good Architecture must accommodate and respond directly to open private and public space with regards to design.
Promote cultural, social and environmental diversity based on community needs or demands.
Attention to context – particular needs and demands providing the function/programme to the site.
Explore the notion of the natural and manmade through materiality and construction particular to context.
