Roland Stern - Desert Box - 3DAllusions

archbox · #1 (**permalink**) 09-14-2004, 11:01 PM

I hoped my sketch would be self-explanatory but when I was done I wasn’t sure anymore

,
the idea is to create a space in a very hot climate allowing only indirect light into the interior space. The interior is surrounded by three continuous walls (no windows). The north elevation only is open to the outside, preventing direct sun light penetrating the building.

The elements (walls, roof slab, glass floor…) are supported by a delicate steel structure, “floating” from each other allowing natural air flow. A horizontal slot between the vertical walls, the roof slab and the glass floor as well as the sun light reflected in the water through the glass floor into the interior space are the indirect sources of light.

By choosing a smaller scale design, I’m planning to focus on solving the details (mainly of the structure) and show how everything works/looks through renderings. Hope to achieve a good balance between functionality and esthetics.

TheAllusionist · #2 (**permalink**) 09-15-2004, 01:57 AM

Welcome to the contest! Nice sketch and design, very interesting and well thought out, is this a place of solitude and conemplation, not certain what its function is? Just thought I would ask before someone else does. Nice use of passive solar and perhaps green techniques in the layout and design. I hope you are able to capture an essence of 'wonder' in the final presentation, since the scale is small. That doesn't mean it can't be an 'Architectural Wonder', just that you may have your work cut out for you. I can visualize something like a greek temple in the countryside being a wonder, perhaps this can capture the same essence in a different vocabulary. Good luck, look forward to seeing the design and concept progress!

archbox · #3 (**permalink**) 09-15-2004, 03:10 AM

Thanks!
I understand that visualizing “Architectural Wonder” with a monumental structure (tall or wide) is somehow easier but I challenged myself in creating a meditation space where temperatures are uncomfortable for doing that. Creating taller buildings, floating or cantilevered was done before; will create now a structure that keeps the owner cool in extreme heat (without artificial cooling systems) and which is esthetic too. The reflected light in the water brings changing patterns to the interior which looks never the same during the different hours of the day. I might add/ modify my design to make these ideas stronger.

CAHDsman · #4 (**permalink**) 09-23-2004, 01:30 AM

Nice architectural diagram of your proposal. This is more along the lines of something that could easily be commisioned and yet could still be a wonder. I think the peaceful solitude may be hard to pull off, but if it is, it could be a strong peace. Look forward to seeing more and the form taking on a more concrete form and context. Nice work.

archbox · #5 (**permalink**) 10-07-2004, 06:52 PM

Despite the comments “small can be a wonder too” I decided to go in a different direction, creating a communication tower (airport?) supported by a dynamic structure. I think this concept has a higher potential for the architectural wonder theme.

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TheAllusionist · #6 (**permalink**) 10-07-2004, 08:05 PM

Glad to see you back, I was worried you were MIA. Great tension in your sketch, can't wait to see you develope it!

ddelcast · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 12:59 AM

To be honest with you, I think that the first sketch shows more potential. A wonder does not has to be 1000ft tall or 400,00 sq.ft big.
Small is good. Think of the Japanese tea houses.

archbox · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 03:40 AM

True, smaller could make an architectural wonder but in a different scale, something like the structure's unusual details. But I moved to my second concept cause I was searching something more dynamic: cantilevers, tension rods… I was even thinking: instead on connecting the cables (which support the tower) to the ground, I could add a bridge so that the two structures would then support each other. However, I would like to keep the concept simple as it is now sketched.

archbox · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 06:54 PM

My first CAD sketch; I went with the airport idea where the communication tower as well as the hanged bridge is located at cross lanes; there is an underground connection to the terminals from the tower.
Next, will try to give this thing a 3 dimensional shape.

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TheAllusionist · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2004, 07:36 PM

Nice presentation and concept look forward to seeing it in 3D