WEEK THREE A1:submission- The Paradox

INTRODUCTION: PETER EISENMAN, THE CITY OF CULTURE

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 employs his trademark technique of the overlayed grid to segment the piece, in a manner that reflects the inconsistencies of the land. The absence of form within the building leaves us wanting to connect the piece, unifying the architecture’s independent elements. This connection is further explored through the recurring organic forms , all of which are slightly dissimilar, but have a unified effect as a whole.

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.

Textural references
All sources accessed 23^rd July 2012

“Espagne: Eisenman Architects”
Architecture d’aujourd’hui, 2001 Sept-Oct, n.336, p44-48
720.5/27

“Eisenman Architects: City of Culture Galicia [Spain]”
Architectural Record, 2003 Jan, v.92, n.1, p.70-73
Online access

“Landform future”
Architectural Record,2005,v 193, no.10, p.94
Online access

“The Galicia City of Culture, Santiago de Compostela, Spain."
Domus, 200, no. 824, p. 9-15
747.05/2

"Peter Eisenman: City of Culture of Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain 1999-."
A & U: Architecture & Urbanism, 2006,no.9, p.80-89
Online access

 "Santiago's second shrine: the first phase of Peter Eisenman's ambitious Galician City of Culture is nearing completion."
Architectural Review,2006 ,v.219, no. 1309,p.28
Online access

"The 'illusion of plans': Eisenman's landmark vision is a conjuring trick."
Architectural Review,2010, 228, no. 1364,p.32-34
Online access

COLLECTION

Image references All sources accessed 21^rd July 2012
1.“The Galicia City of Culture, Santiago de Compostela, Spain."Domus, 200, no. 824, p. 11 (journal)
2."Code X", Peter Eisenman, 2005, p 17 (book)
3. Searched "City of Culture" Link (internet)

Image references All sources accessed 21^rd July 2012

1. Searched "House X drawings" Link (internet)
2. Searched "House X representation" Link (internet)
3. “Espagne: Eisenman Architects”,Architecture d’aujourd’hui, 2001 Sept-Oct, n.336, p44 (journal)
4. "House X" Peter Eisenman, 1982, p 64 (book)

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.

MY MODEL: THE PARADOX

The Paradox is a piece which uncovers the concepts of ‘The Grid’ and ‘Connection’. The notion of the grid is explored through the absence of form which paradoxically  creates unity. The concept of connection is revealed through an ironic repetition of identically varied elements. The piece as a whole uncovers theories of Peter Eisenman’s architecture.

Renders

This render exhibits the model from the top view, emphasising the presence of the grid form to create an absence within the piece.

 This render displays the model from an orthographic perspective, simultaneously revealing the varied elements working on cohesion throughout the piece, and the independent components created through the grid

This render is taken from a side view to reveal the organic form and interconnectedness of the work. It reveals the repeated elements, and how the slight alteration to each produces a unified piece.

COMPOSITIONS

3DS MAX MODEL

Below is the link to my 3DS Max model, plagiarism declaration form, compositions in PDF format and three renders

http://www.mediafire.com/?esnszgs9c67an6v