LEIKKURI - An Exquisite Hotel Retreat in Finland

This projects proposes a design solution which addresses the "Nordic Flip", a term to describe the extreme difference in light and weather in countries near Earth's north pole.  In the northern parts of Finland, the winter sees about 2 months without the sun, whereas in the summer, the sun does not set for about 2.5 months!  This unique situation calls for a unique design solution.  My solution is called LEIKKURI (pronounced LAY-KUR-REE), which is Finnish for "Cutter", as in a boat, usually a single masted vessel, designed to efficiently cut through the waves.  Located on the western coast of Finland, this building serves as a beautiful and functional hotel retreat during both summer and winter.  Please enjoy ...

Balsa Wood Bridge Structural Test

For structures class we were assigned to design, build and test a balsa wood truss bridge.  I chose to use a slightly modified Warren truss as the bridge portion.  I reinforced the horizontal bridge with 4 vertical towers based on the Warren truss design which served to support a small metal cable used to reinforce the compression loads with tensile strength.  In the end, the main horizontal truss cords snapped causing the truss to twist, breaking all critical joints and falling to the ground.  The total sustained weight before yielding was 61.6 lbs.  Here is a video of my test.

Napkin Sketch Contest

I learned about this napkin sketch contest and I had to give it a shot ( http://archrecord.construction.com/features/cocktail_napkin_sketch_contest/ ).  The only criteria is that it had to be drawn on a 5"x5" white cocktail napkin, drawn in pen, and be architectural in nature.  

My 4 submissions consist of (1) an original commercial building concept, (2) an original barn-style residential design, (3) the Los Angeles skyline, and (4) Frank Gehry's Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.  This was a fun little project! 

Cronin Wine Room Seating - FINISHED!

The wine room seating I designed is complete!  You might recall from a previous post, I was hired to design a seating installation for a client's wine making room.  The inspiration is wine barrels, from the slats and the warm nutty color to the burgundy seat back reminiscent of a bold cabernet.  There is trunk-style storage throughout the seating bench and there are small cupboard in the curved ends.  It is trimmed with galvanized steel strips to pay homage to the bands that hold barrels together.  Special thanks to Federico Alonso of Peninsula Home Collection (upholstery), Steve Wimsatt of SWIM Cabinets (cabinet) and Reg of American Quality Refinishers (stain).  Here are some photos:

OMKARA Presentation

The final design is complete.  It is an omni-denominational place for worship called OMKARA.  The term omkara is used to describe the "om" sound that precedes a meditation.  It is a sound that is meant to encompass all sounds and focus the mind so that all distractions fade away.  In the same vein, this sanctuary is meant to transcend the user into a state of mind that allows all other distractions to fade away, allowing them to focus on worship - hence the name OMKARA.  Here is the final presentation and further explanation below.

Form and Space Study #9 - Sanctuary Continued

As a continuation of last week's form study of the sanctuary for the spiritual space I'm designing, I enhanced the structure and practical function of the ribs.  My concept is that the ribs large glu-lam beams which cross to support each other and protect inhabitants from direct sunlight.  They are twisted like louvers so that a clear view of the northern sky is possible but the powerful southern sunlight is converted to secondary light by bouncing off the wood, creating warm glow within.

Form and Space Study #8

I have decided to organize my form and space study around the program of a spiritual space.  I feel everything should have purpose, so designing a building without a program seems like a pointless venture.  The difference between a sculptor and an architect is the work's purpose.

Form and Space Study #7

With renovations and retrofits translating into a bold part of our architectural landscape, grafting different styles together is an important concept.  This model is a study on how two completely different styles can be grafted together with an element that embraces parts of each style.  this bridge way contains elements of the wooden slats in the curved roof as well as the solid white floor and railings.  This marriage of the different styles ties the two different themes together.

Form and Space Study #6

Layering can add dimension to an otherwise flat wall.  Here is a concept for a gallery space which uses layered frosted glass offset from the inside of the windows to give a dynamic, soft natural light across the whole space.  This would emit beautifully flat lighting on any art or relic that may be displayed while inhibiting any direct light from damaging anything.  The partition breaks up the space, allowing art to be hung on either side and encouraging a circular circulation.  I believe walking is conducive to conversation so encouraging movement is a good way for people to explore deeper relationships.  Here is a concept for layering:

Form and Space Study #5

There are many ways to demarcate different spaces within a project - walls, partitions, steps, windows, shutters, etc.  What about using light itself to separate spaces?  It provides a soft demarcation, but a separation nonetheless.  Here is an idea for a library space where the reading area in the middle is illuminated by natural light through a large skylight while the books are protected along the outskirts of the room.  This difference in light allows for two separate programs to exist in a single space.  Here are some images of this concept:

Form and Space Study #4

Based on Kahn's inspiration of indirectly illuminated walls, I created a glass threshold which serves as a metaphor for enlightenment - passing through the light.  In this study, on one side of the light threshold is a chaotic order whereas on the other side is a very organized and stable order.  This supports the metaphor, however it's not yet clear if/how this may translate to the final design.  The light panels on the ceiling are circular panels suspended below skylights which provides indirect light onto the ceiling to reduce contrast toward the threshold.

Direct vs. Indirect Lighting

I think Louis Kahn's use of deflected light is very inspirational. He speaks about the contrast between the brightness of a window and the darkness the corresponding wall. If you were to photograph the window/wall, either the window would be in proper exposure or the wall would - not both - because the luminosity difference is too great. But what if you had a window and then to either side of the window were windows with walls in front of them? The windows with walls in front would allow light to enter and reflect off the back of the wall and shine diffused light onto the wall itself, thus reducing the contrast ratio between the brightness of the wall and the brighness of the window. In this case, if you were to photograph the wall/window, they might both be exposed.

This is an example of Kahn's execution of this concept:

Form and Space Study #3

This is a study of language.  The goal was to create a set of logical rules to be broken.  This is the essence of the headline on Page 2.  I imaging this to be some sort of gallery corridor which not only connects people from one part of the building to another, but welcomes lingering and impromptu conversation.  What do you think this space connects to?

Form and Space Study #2

This models examines the idea of anchor, zone, boundary, and edge.  It is an anonymous place that could serve as a patio and viewing platform.  I imagine this space at the edge of a cliff or perched above a city on a hill ... perhaps this space could be how the site communicates with the world below.  What does your imagination see?

Form and Space Study #1

"The language of design is not one of identification, but of intention: what something does can be more important than what it is.  This language has the ability to do more than just identify the components that make up our environment; it has the ability to challenge designers to consider the role those components play in the operation of space." from Language of Space and Form by James Eckler.

This series will explore my physical interpretations of various concepts from the Language of Space and Form.  This study's goal is to better understand what makes meaningful architectural space through a series of study models.