Wayne Huang - Aetherius Moenia

[waynehuang]

I imagine that the course of human culture took a different path, where humanism and the belief that 'man is the measure of all things' persevered over religion during the Renaissance. The ethos of humanism influenced the society, the governing policies, the art, and of course, the architecture.

As a result of a radical change in social structure, the style and function of architecture evolved. While the Classical style was prevalent, a mixing of cultures due to a breakdown of borders between the Asian and European continent resulted in a hybrid style of architecture.

In this culture, communal dwellings became the norm over single-family dwellings. These were vast structures, akin to Medieval castles, but much more civil in function and open in space, because they were not intended to be defensive structures like castles.

In modern day, one of these structures serves as an artist colony. Called Aetherius Moenia, latin for Heavenly Dwelling, it is built on the island of what we know in the real world as Manhattan. Built over 300 years ago, it was originally conceived by Lorenzo Bernini ( 1598–1680) the great Renaissance architect and sculptor, as a grand homage to the free-thinking humanist.

The population is about 40,000 including the governing body (who are also artists/citizens of Aetherius Moenia). The structure encircles an octagonal shaped stairway that leads up to a platform where the governor speaks to the populus, but is usually used as a theater stage or for whatever else.

Sketches to follow later.

[TheAllusionist]

WOW! What a very eloquant intro. Great way to bring your concept into context for us. Really looking forward to seeing this evolve! Very creative to create a parallel time line in which to express your vision of this alternate world.

[davin]

sounds very interest! can't wait for your first wip's.


mfg davin

[waynehuang]

Hi everyone,

This is an intial 3D sketch, blocking in the major forms and figuring out a plan. The workflow I've settled with is to do a '3D sketch' first, then work out the details. This workflow has a lot to do with the fact that Aetherius Moenia will feature mostly Renaissance/Classical architecture, which I don't even want to bother drawing!! For the requirements of the contest however, I will do something.

The 8 towers are living quarters with 3 bridges between each for efficient travel to other quarters. I may turn one of the levels of bridges into more of a terrace-like platform, but that highly depends on what happens above. A lot of things do actually.

I played around with possibilities of a roof or lack of. I tried a dome with an oculus, but it seemed to detract from the grandeur of the towers. I'm researching how I might make a mechanical retractable shade, perhaps made of a translucent material that softens the sunlight and manually opened and closed. For that to be feasible and more dynamic-looking, I would have to extend a center structure perhaps higher up than the rest of the towers. It would shaped something like an umbrella.

So many possibilities to top it off so as of now it is roofless. Any suggestions would be helpful.

[TheAllusionist]

Looks cool so far, what software package are you using?

[waynehuang]

Maya

[Kadious]

It reminds me of a kaleidoscope ...fun... MAYA rocks!!!

[CAHDsman]

Beautiful narrative, if you can pull of the type of elegant social evolution in your architecture, that your written context creates, you will really have something. Too early to really comment on the form, but I love the direction and purpose of structure.

[waynehuang]

sorry for the lack of updates...just started a full time job recently and no time to play around... will try to get something in this weekend

[TheAllusionist]

Look forward to it, but this should be fun and a guy should have a social life, make sure you don't burn out. Hope the new job is in the field you want.