MODULE 1:
DIAGRAMMING
DESIGN
PRECDENTS
Key Concept:
My precedent study focuses on "RADIX”, an installation done by Portuguese architects Manuel and Francisco Aires Mateus as a contribution to the Venice Biennale 2012. Radix, a Latin word meaning root, is anchored, as its name suggests, on the docks of the arsenale in Venice. The structure of the installation is inspired by the arched walkways
Isometric View:
The isometric view of this rhino model is taken from the north east to illustrate how the installation is supported on three points with the fourth corner hanging over the water, turning the otherwise massive steel structure into a lightweight balanced volume. It also shows how people interact with the space.
CIRCULATION
DIAGRAM
Shadow Diagram
The solid and void’s structure provides shadows which also shape people’s activities like how they stay, group and move. So, for this diagram, I did an analysis on shadows it creates of three different times in a day which is 9am, 12pm and 3pm.
The interior space organization of the installation relies on solids and voids. The architects' use of voids gives the whole structure a much lighter appearance and also shapes people’s behaviors or movement. This diagram shows people’s density and grouping areas by using red sticks and gradient of colors.
Context of the installation affects people’s circulation path a lot. So, this circulation diagram shows an analysis of the main context that I label the position of the Arsenal, water feature and the arched walkways that inspire the structure of the pavilion. This is mainly done to show the way how people may enter it which is closely related to the circulation path on the diagram.
Occupational Density
Heatmap
Circulation and
Context Diagram
tHRESHOLD
DIAGRAM
Structure
This diagram mainly shows the appearance, material, and structure of the pavilion. The architects’ use of the golden-brown color gives the steel installation a much lighter almost wooden-like appearance which also affects people’s experience when interacting with the inner space.
Entrance and View
Diagram
These voids not only structure the openings but also frame different views looking from inside to outside. So, this diagram demonstrate different view people may experience when they are inside these spaces.
Transition Diagram
This diagram shows the gradual transition of the public space to the more private space. The entrances are emphasized to see how people enter the space.
Procedure
Final Model
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Click the button to navigate to the white 3D model of Radix on Sketchfab.com.
Overall, I really enjoy the learning process of Module 1. Through the research and investigation of my precedent, I developed modelling skills by practicing. I also pick up more skills on expressing design ideas and analysis of architecture through diagrams, which I think would make my design communication more effective and understandable. Furthermore, I also learn about new ways of observing and analyzing an architecture through circulation and threshold diagram.