This project investigates the potential of aggregating a structural module to create architectural forms that defy the apparent logic of the individual units. The design centers on a modular unit composed of two arches supporting a delicate skin, which, when aggregated, conceals the distinct nature of its components. The resulting structure presents itself as a unified form, blurring the boundaries of its discrete elements. In one orientation, the modular unit may appear orthogonal and orderly, yet in another, it transforms into an oblique and dynamic arrangement. This juxtaposition of forms highlights the complexity and fluidity of the overall design, challenging conventional perceptions of modularity.
The building’s exterior maintains a seemingly orthogonal facade, while the interior floor plan introduces a diagonal complexity that contrasts with the external order. The porosity of the structure varies with perspective; from certain angles, the building may present a solid, monolithic appearance, while from others, it reveals a more open and fluid character. This dynamic transition is guided by a hierarchical order, encompassing the structure, skin, program, and apertures. This hierarchy orchestrates how the building’s visual and spatial qualities shift, offering a multifaceted experience that evolves as one navigates around and through the space.
The building’s appearance and spatial qualities shift with perspective, demonstrating varying degrees of porosity. From the street, the structure may appear monolithic and opaque, but as one moves around to the back, it reveals a more open and porous nature. This transition is governed by a hierarchical arrangement of structure, skin, program, and apertures, which dictates the building’s visual and functional attributes. The design not only integrates a substation’s functional requirements but also presents a dynamic interaction with its environment, offering glimpses of machinery through its apertures and adapting its form to create a balance between solidity and openness.
This project delves into the innovative potential of aggregating a structural module to generate complex orders that challenge conventional modular logic. The design features a unit comprising two arches supporting a thin skin, which when combined, forms a cohesive whole that conceals the individual components. The resultant structure appears as a single, unified form, making it difficult to discern the discrete units within. This aggregation transforms the initially orthogonal module into an oblique configuration, and while the building’s exterior maintains a rigid orthogonality, its floor plan is characterized by dynamic diagonal alignments.
