BENV7813 Contemporary Fabrication Techniques

Architectural precedent:  The Fisher House, also known as the Norman Fisher House, was designed by the architect Louis I. Kahn in 1967 Key Concept: In the very first scheme, the two separate square volumes are apparent. The circulation is mostly vertical and separated within each volume. Kahn would stray far from this original concept, even incorporating a circle in the square motif. Kahn discovered the idea of two cubes intersecting at an angle.His initial plan called for one volume to be masonry and the other to be wood. Kahn eventually relinquished this idea, due to budget restrictions, and the final plan is a masonry foundation and plinth with the two wooden cubes resting on top. The wood is meticulously crafted with deep window pockets and built-in cabinets, tables, and seating almost as if the house is a large and complex piece of furniture in and of itself. Selected Design Eleme...

Architectural precedent:  Church of the Light, Ibaraki, Japan by Tadao Ando Key Concept:  The Church of Light is an architecture of duality – the dual nature of [co]existence  – solid/void, light/dark, stark/serene. The coexisting differences leave the church void of any, and all, ornament creating a pure, unadorned space. The intersection of light and solid raises the occupants' awareness of the spiritual and secular within themselves. The employment of simplistic materials reinforces the duality of the space; the concrete structure removes any distinction of traditional Christian motifs and aesthetic. Besides an extruded cross from the east facing façade, the church is composed of a concrete shell; the concrete adds to the darkness of the church by creating a more humble, meditative place of worship.  Selected Design Element:  The cross gap on east facade. How is the Key Co...

   Architectural precedent:  Babele Lamp Babele is a playful, self-produced lamp from brand new design studio based in  Ivrea, Italy called MID (manifattura italiana design). Key Concept:  Their starting point was a classic abatjour silhouette, disassembling it in plain sections,  shuffling and putting them back in order, creating and defining light gaps. The lamp that has resulted is like a giant wooden puzzle whose illuminating center shines through gaps in the puzzle pieces. Twist them around to create different design. Selected Design Element: The whole model How is the Key Concept Reflected  in the Form of the Selected Design  Element: This lamp is designed to achieve a strong flexibility, like a puzzle, all pieces can be put  together in various orders to create different illuminating use. Each layer will be cut in  different sizes and leave a gap for the light go through...