Criteria for Timeless Architecture...

Christopher Alexander's, "The Timeless Way of Building" inspires the question of whether or not a Timeless Architecture can exist and be created.

Understanding the basic elements needed in any building construction, along with essential services standard to any programme and/or function is what I believe is the starting point for a Timeless way of building...

Take for example, the standard office block.  If asked to transform this specific typology to housing - the question is what is missing or needs to be adapted for this typology to change.
The basics: a washroom + kitchenette; all centralized.

Essentially, the idea is to address the context, and create the opportunity for change to occur spontaneously.  In the event of a financial crisis, where small commercial businesses go-under; offer the opportunity for the property owner to convert commercial space to housing.

Create a quality shell and structure, open floor-plan, central services which can be used for any tenant occupying the building/space.

This notion of adaptive reuse is not a new one, however, architecture should be the result of the context and perhaps not on a particular programme held at a particular place in time.

Site Visit_Feb.16.2011_Magasinsgatan, Goteborg, Sverige

Concept Sketch

The Concept

The Idea...

The concept is to transform an existing urban space; exploring context through time, and its effect on function when designing a "timeless space".  Adaptability, flexibility and affordability are characteristics inherent in the design work; with particular focus on channeling and using light in different ways.  

Light, and it effect on spaces, both interior and exterior in Scandinavian Architecture has long since been of vital importance.  From materiality, structure and how it is manipulated to create the ambiance of space.  Particular focus will be on the notion of how light changes throughout time - daily and seasonal. 

Terms:

Context -- in terms of the social, cultural, economic and environmental needs or demands. 

Time -- used in understanding space, both temporary and permanent, materiality, light, and duration. 

Concept Model Images_ Part 2 + Preliminary Mockup

Weaving 

Understanding the ground-plane 

These first round of concept models combines texture, transparency and light. The idea is to experiment using different materials, and the characteristics they posses to understand the variety of combinations when designing within an existing urban context and built environment.   

Light, in Scandinavia has always been a sacred commodity.  My intention is to construct and design new spaces which will transform as the light changes in time - throughout the day, and as the seasons change.  As the light changes, as will the ambiance, atmosphere and architecture. 

Preliminary Mockup -- Feb. 04. 2011

(Note: All plans, sections and elevations are place-holder images and have not been created by me... yet)

The Idea...

Transform Göteborg's Artilleriwerkstaden at Magasinsgatan in Sweden from an existing storage space and parking lot into a cultural node for the city centre.

The transformation will be a direct result of the context surrounding Artilleriwerstaden - culturally, socially, environmentally and economically.   Since Göteborg is well known for its art and music scene, the main functions will be based primarily on these components.  Demand for artist workspace, and other community functions will be met through low-cost, low-tech, environmentally conscious solutions.

All programme/function to be introduced, or re-introduced will be based on the needs of the surrounding context.  The dimension of time will be used to understand the adaptability and duration of functions as they change in time, as well as the role of temporary and permanent strategies in design.

Investigating Textile_ Concept Model Images_ Part 1

An exploration done in the Matter, Space, Studio at Chalmers University of Technology this past November 2010.  The concept was to investigate textile, understanding how it can be to create a light-weight space which could be easily accessible and transportable.

Our investigations led me to believe that the ability to create a space from an object one carries in their pocket, and is self-sustaining is a part of how public spaces can be converted without the need for new construction.  The transformation is affordable, light-weight, and adaptable -- These three characteristics I believe should be inherent in all good architectural practice when pertaining to urban public space.

 small to BIG... Testing the potentials of a 5 person urban space -- 

Video Clip:  Throw!_Textile_ Matter Space + Structure_ October 2010