Sinuosity

Project idea

For this project, we were tasked with creating an academic institute within a rural area of France. In terms of the program, there were specific nodes of space that were required, as prevalent in the plan, it was up to us to consider the placement and meaning of these spaces in relation to each other. The institute exists in concept and through means of expression, so instead of aiming to create a realistic construct, we were encouraged to let abstract thought drive the project.

Project description

When beginning this project, my main goal was to find purpose in the relationship between the moon and navigation. From the earlier mappings, the moon served as a means of creating time and measure utilizing contrast and linework.

However, the need for using the moon and stars as a navigational device has subsided with new technologies, but remains prevalent in the architectural construct, this time replicating navigation with water. When developing programmatic intent in the construct, I began with the well as a means of utility.

Similar to how the moon and stars can be used for orientation in a larger plane, I replicated this gesture with the movement of water in the construct on a smaller scale. Stemming from the well, submerged slightly into the ground, granting the user the feeling of descent before they find their way home for the night. Water flows from east to west in the construct, just like how the sun and moon rise and rest. Occupants of the model follow this same pattern.

The workspace and parts of the library exist on the east end of the model. When the students/users are working and studying, all they have to do is follow the directionality of the water to return to their room.

While it may be obvious in how to return to a place of home in the model, this gesture allows for the occupants to take a part of their present with them to their place of rest. The occupant takes the moon with them back to their dorm when they return to their rooms at night, not physically but with the water they travel with.

Water exists in the model where courtyards, skylights, and openings exist. Not only does the moon have a direct impact on water normally, but it is utilized in the construct as a means of reflection and movement. Even when returning to the dormitories, there is a slight change in ground once the user reaches the well, causing the water to fall into a datum that unifies both wings of the dorms.

In addition, the moon contains further programmatic intent within important spaces of the construct. The library and oration space share an overhead condition and floor with a curve that bends upwards from east to west. The curve is oriented in this direction, following the curve the sun and moon follow when they cross the sky. There is also a juxtaposition here of the oration space and belvedere. The oration space takes form on top of the curve, utilizing the roof as a means of gathering.


While this can be used as a formal gathering space, accessible from the third floor of the workspace and by the ground travelling up the aforementioned curve, it also can be viewed as a space to view the sky. Being in rural France, low levels of light pollution are present, allowing clear views of the sky. This space is free of distraction from all other built surroundings, and maintains a simple connection between floor and sky, no walls, no roof. The steps that act as seating are oriented east, allowing viewing of the rise of the sun and moon. On the opposite end of the curve is the belvedere, a covered space that is oriented west, allowing viewing of the set of the sun and moon.


Lastly, the refectory and workspace are both placed adjacent to the central courtyard of the model, one of the two main places that water exists. The stretch of water that exists in this courtyard acts as a linear anchor to the refectory, with a podium placed right on it’s end to further amplify this connection of the importance of sound and water, demonstrating the purpose of the project at its core, that being the relationship between ground and sky.

Technical information

Some specifications and requirements that the project demanded included a physical model made of wood, a plan for each floor of the project, at least two perspective images, and at least two section drawings. In addition there was a requirement within the program regarding the type of rooms and spaces that should be included.