PRECEDENT STUDY
The exploration of a precedent enables us to explore tried and tested techniques of designers in order to see how they have controlled movement and defined thresholds. Allowing us the chance to reflect how similar attributes could be adapted to our own design.
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This analysis became invaluable later in the process as I had a deepened understanding of the pavilion structure and the way the different forms interact with each other. This challenged me to question how people might weave in and out of the spaces and if there were defining factors that would inform movement - such as sunlight.
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This is a critical element of the Libeskind Pavilion as the angular nature of the panels and the reflective surface of the material means that light interacts with the space in an artistic and lively manner. Light dramatises the angles, determines key thresholds and creates playful shadows across the site, all encouraging diverse use of the pavilion. Libeskinds adaptation of movement and light are ideals I wish to explore further through my designs.
The biggest challenge while modelling was lining up the plans with the elevations as the angles were unclear and the correlation with the plans was not initially evident. I used this colour system to form and understanding of how the roofs interlinked with each other, whether the juxtaposing shape sat in front or behind, what shape the roof would form. This helped to line up the angles of each panel, so they were as accurately placed as possible. Secondly, to ensure I was as precise when tracing the lines, I used Illustrator first and then transferred these to Rhino, rotating them and placing them into position. I found with this technique I was able to more accurately pinpoint the ends of lines, and the form of my final model was more accurate as a result.
After a wider analysis of the surrounding environments of Hyde Park, train stations, universities and tourist attractions, it became apparent that there was no straightforward way to determine a consistent reason or pattern to the movement across the Libeskind pavilion. I was inspired by the work of William Whyte where, through using time laps photography, he was able to analyse the correlation between sunlight and the way people interact with a site. I consequently decided to use this as a basis for exploration across the Libeskind site looking at how well-lit thresholds could alter the flow across the site with the assumption that people are either drawn towards the suns heat or away, seeking shade and the way this would alter over contrasting times of the day.
