studio 4

Balance
“Unity in Opposites”

fall ‘24

This design studio is synthesizing the lessons learned in prerequisite studios. Integrating previous studio concepts, we are asked to develop and execute a design process that will culminate in a design solution for a small facility located in Regent Square, specifically Frick Park.

SITE ANALYSIS

Frick Park’s location is adjacent to a neighborhood. While observing the site, I noticed the grid pattern that makes up the vehicle passage, but the curviness of the marked bike paths and the site being engulfed by nature stood out to me. The site itself had rigid elements, like the Clay Frick Tennis Courts fencing and a small building off to the side. These differences drove me to use balance as the main driver for my form and led me to discover other opposites to decide the design.

BALANCE

Balance in design is not only visual or spatial but also experimental. A bike shop is meant to balance industrial elements with organic, tactile materials; nature could balance areas of activity with quiet spaces. The structure is experimental; you are meant to try and fail. Experimental design involves merging nature with structure and creating flexible, adaptable spaces that invite exploration, relaxation, and interaction. Creating a fluid balance between organic growth and architectural intervention, encouraging active participation from visitors in defining the space themselves.

Positive v. Negative
Positive space is defined as structural beings arranged in a pattern, the void being negative space. This aids the circulation and sense of openness and flow.

Group v. Individual
Promoting users a seamless between social and private moments, the flexibility of spaces accommodates the fluctuating number of people throughout the day.

Nature v. Structure
Nature itself is organic and follows fluid forms. This duality manifests by blending open, green spaces with carefully structured forms. Taking inspiration from the Northern Oak leaf around the site, it is juxtaposed with rigidity from the nearby neighborhood street grid pattern.

Static v. Motion
Bikes are inherently about motion, designing that incorporates movements in form and function. Curved lines in the structure represent motion of bikes. Static functions slow down and make points of interest on the site for the users as repair stations.

FORM

To get my form, I took a foam block and sliced it into eight long rectangles. Then I arranged them into V’s and stacked them in a way where it was symmetrical. Following, I took the 2D form and traced straight edges and the concaves of the shape to get my floor plan. Finally, I extruded the floor plan to create my walls.