Yea, I finally am posting my ARIA Thesis Project from this past summer. We worked on an addition to the Stockholm Public Library in Stockholm, Sweden. This was most definitely a story of adventure. Every part of it.
Here’s My Project brief as well
The division of the site was the first step in the design of the Stockholm Public Library addition. Dividing the site perpendicular to the existing annexes creates depth and breaks the rhythm that has previously existed in the street context. It helps to distinguish between the two exterior zones of the site: the public area off of Odengatan and the private courtyard that wraps around the back of the building.
The form of the building developed both parallel and perpendicular to the existing buildings that frame it; it also references the changing geometry between the Library and the Annex.
The new west wing of the Library and a new connection piece to the Library Annex are “wedges” which anchor the project and create connection pieces between old and new. The “Z” shape that emerged is a three dimensional representation of the changing geometry across the site and between the existing structures.
Three Building zones are directly relational to the “Z” form: The west wing, the central public zone, and the annex wedge. The division of the building into the three zones allows program to be organized according to need. Ceiling height becomes a changing element throughout the zones, alternating between single height (1), double height (2), and mezzanine (½) floor plates.
The relationship between these changes in floor height becomes important to the development of many of the primary spaces.
The circulation is important to the development of the primary spaces and to the relationship between changing floor plates. The central stair becomes a public space in itself, allowing the interaction between floor levels and between people. It acts as a stage for this movement as well as a mediator between the public and private needs of the building.
Development of reading carrels is another way of mediating between the public and private zones. They become a common component of both the interior space, and the articulation of fenestration and function on the exterior elevation. Through the “carving out” of the walls, private space is defined, and a clear distinction between the private and public spaces of the building is created. Each carrel is an extension of the space around it; it appears to fold up out of the flooring and continues out through the window unit. Privacy screens are operable to allow for individual modification as needed. Altering the floor system in the units also creates a distinction between this space and the public circulation zone surrounding it.
So I fully intend to post about my theis project and thoughts on the subject in general. But I am a horrible blogger so let’s just HOPE that actually happens! ha. But no seriously, why are jurors allowed to be hypocrites and chastize students for things that they themselves DO REPEATEDLY! frustration here in auburn. done. end of story.
So, I definitely have decided that I am absolutely the WORST blogger in all of history. I just cannot find the time to sit down and write. Not so great. I have been, however, writing some in my sketchbook so I suppose that makes up for it, but then, you don’t get to read that now do you? hmm. I will try to resolve this issue soon. Next week I will try to be a better blogger. Goal for the week.
The past three weeks have been pretty awesome, no lie. We have gone to beautiful places and seen many extraordinary things. All of the tourist things in Rome, our studio sites, as well as some nice Wednesday excursions. Last week we went to Ostia on the coast; I hate to say it, but it wasn’t my favorite. Interesting historically but I had a lot of trouble putting the image of what it WAS into my head. (break for the door bell.. Charles brings me music!) Anyways, this week (yesterday) we went to Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. They were much more interesting! Villa d’Este was absolutely my favorite part. The flowers in the garden there were absolutely STUNNING (to steal a word from my roomie, Madelynne..).
Ok, this is short and there are no pictures. But I’m headed back to studio and I am LATE! agggh! We are going to Venice this weekend so I will make sure and write ALLLL about it on Monday.
Ciao Y’all!
True Story of Adventure_ Public Transit
Cassidy and Michael met us at the airport so that we could have a guide back to Trestevere (the neighborhood where we live). It was QUITE an adventure. First hurdle: Luggage. Everyone basically had two suitcases. Seven people, 2 bags each, that means we had 14 suitcases! (Yes, I can do the math!) 2nd hurdle: getting on and off public transportation. So we lugged these bags onto the train leaving the airport and took it to the Trestevere Stop. Then we had to get on tram. This very cute little old lady (she was probably about 4’11”) kept speaking to me in Italian and I couldn’t understand her. After getting off the tram which we later realized we never even bought tickets to ride, we were the loud Americans lugging their things over the cobblestones to the Piazza di San Cosimato. We then dispersed to various apartments about the neighborhood. All in all, I think the point of this story is that it was probably absolutely hilarious to watch the seven of us attempting to navigate ourselves.
True Story of Adventure_ Language Barriers
I think that probably the most frustrating thing about being in Rome is the language barrier. I really really really super duper wish that I had spent more time trying to learn the language. It is incredible how difficult not knowing something like this can be!
True Story of Adventure_ Rain
Rain, Rain, Go Away, Come again..next month. Our first week in Rome was full of RAIN. It’s amazing that it really does rain every day. It doesn’t matter what the forecast for the day may have said, it is going to rain. I have learned to carry an umbrella always! If you do not, the gypsies will try to sell you one. They will put them right in front of your face. Even if you HAVE an umbrella, they will try to sell you one. Quite annoying.
True Story of Adventure_ Churches
CAN YOU NAME THIS CHURCH? Some of us girls on Thursday went to shop a bit and it turned into a sort of “Church Crawl.” I think we ended up going into about six total. Seriously, every corner we turned, there was a church. And they are all SO beautiful!!! Every single one, even if it is tiny, is pretty impressive.
Next addition: Apartment, Studio, and walking tours of Rome.
TRUE STORY OF ADVENTURE _04 | A tree.. or two.
sorry I know the pictures are getting a little boring.. BUT for your information, these are of my backyard. Before I left for Rome, I took some pictures for my Dad.
TRUE STORY OF ADVENTURE _03 | More film.. Auburn.
A very pretty day in Auburn the week before I left the country. Finally got them developed! My favorite is the squirrel in the tree. Classic.
TRUE STORY OF ADVENTURE_02 | Rebellion.
So, February 28th has officially been dubbed, Rebellion Day.
Rebel from everything: school, work, cleaning, cooking, EVERYTHING.
This past weekend we had a drawing workshop with David Braley to “prepare” us to go to Rome: apparently we have never drawn perspectives or axons before, but whatever, this is beside the point. Our issue is that the School of Architecture apparently thinks they are above all university policy and it is okay to require us to go to school on our last weekend in Auburn. It’s not like any of us have to move, or pack, or prepare for the 5000 things due this last week. No, our most important concern, is the accredidation that the School decided not to prepare for until THIS YEAR. Is it our fault that they have nothing to show for the Rome Program for the past five years? I think not. So, WHY, then, are we constantly their little guinea pigs? I am not here to say that the workshop wasn’t great, it was just frustrating. We don’t often get a chance to sit down and draw like that, but being in studio for eight hours on a Saturday: NOT COOL. Being required to be there on a Sunday morning : EVEN LESS COOL.
Sunday was the 28th, if this helps you understand the origination of “Rebellion Day.” We have also decided that every month deserves a Rebellion Day. So, the 28th of every month, get excited!
Now that I am finished complaining (I did, after all, warn you that if you read this you would hear some..), here are some of my drawings that I did! They are of the San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane by Borromini. Enjoy!
