WEEK ONE A1 introduction

For project one my selected Architect is Peter Eisenman. I have selected his City of Culture, located in Spain, as a basis upon this assignment. Below are a collection of photographs and representations of the building.

Collection of images

One

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Five

Six

Building analysis

Peter Eisenman’s ‘City of Culture’ is a monumental piece of architecture, exploring the relationship between the building and the landscape. The design incorporates various techniques to achieve the increased awareness of the existing environment. Eisenman’s clever use of mixed media and representational techniques derives an intentional piece of architecture which is welded into the landscape. Through a strategic amalgamation 3D cardboard models, computer drawings distorted scans and overlaid grid elements; Eisenman presents a unique ‘folded map’ design, which is both responsive to the site, and true to the architect’s design perspectives. Furthermore, the deliberate consideration of texture and materiality from local areas (such as the slate panelling, red dirt, and rooftop vegetation) in which a familiar, organic feel is conveyed. It is largely due to the effective and innovative modes of representation, in which the architecture becomes a landform in itself.

Paper models

My first model was based upon Eisenman’s monolithic project with is still in completion- Spain’s City of Culture. The prominent concept derived from this piece of architecture is the notion of connection with the land and existing environment. These ideas are echoed through several architectural journals as referenced within the collection. The paper model was created with a single piece of paper, employing cutting and folding techniques to achieve an organic shape which resembles the malleable form of the structure. I found that this model experimented with the constraints of paper, challenging me to think outside of the norm to achieve an original form.

The second paper model I constructed was based off Eisenman’s representations of his project House X. The axonometric is a deliberate choice by the architect, emphasising the experimentation with traditional form, such as the cube. Within these drawings, Eisenman focuses on the deconstruction with the utilisation of a grid (a trend evident through most of his work). Furthermore, the concept of several elements working together to form one unified piece is weaved through the building.

3DS Max model

When designing a combined model, I selected the prominent concepts of the City of Culture’s ‘connection with the land’ and the drawings which explore the ‘experimentation with traditional form’. In amalgamating these two concepts, I created a model which consists of organic forms, all linking back to the ground (land). Furthermore, the absences of particular elements are deliberately placed to mirror Eisenman’s experimentation.

Draft animation

Research
 

“Cité de la culture de Galice, Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle, Espagne: Eisenman Architects”
by Wilson, Ariane
Architecture d’aujourd’hui, 2001 Sept.-Oct., n.336, p.44,46
(accessed July 23, 2012)

“The City of Culture by Peter Eisenman”
Larrea, Quim
Domus no. 945: 22-27
(accessed July 23, 2012).

Eisenman, Peter. 2000.
" The Galicia City of Culture, Santiago de Compostela, Spain."
Domus no. 824: 9-15.
(accessed July 23, 2012)

 "Santiago's second shrine: the first phase of Peter Eisenman's ambitious Galician City of Culture is nearing completion."
by Webb, Michael.
Architectural Review 219, no. 1309: 28.
 (accessed July 23, 2012).

"The 'illusion of plans': Eisenman's landmark vision is a conjuring trick."
By Curtis, William J. R
 Architectural Review 228, no. 1364: 32-34
(accessed July 23, 2012).

 "Landform future."
By Deitz, Paula.
Architectural Record 193, no. 10: 94.
(accessed July 23, 2012).