Design Fundamentals II
MODULE FOUR MUSEUM by Anastasiya Kurova
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Project 1: Research
This project gave us a chance to research famous architects around the world and start to understand their sense of style.
Asakusa Culture and Tourism Center
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Great Bamboo Wall
The Grand Morillion Student Residence
Kengo Kuma is a renowned Japanese architect known for his innovative and sustainable architectural designs that incorporate natural materials, light, and space. When researching his architectural style, the following elements were considered:
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Structure: Kuma's structures are typically lightweight and use natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and stone. He often employs traditional Japanese building techniques to create a modern aesthetic.
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Scale: Kuma's buildings vary in scale from small private residences to large public buildings. He designs buildings to be in harmony with their surroundings, so the scale of the building is often influenced by the site context.
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Light: Kuma is known for his innovative light use in his designs. He often incorporates natural light through skylights, windows, and other openings, creating harmony between interior and exterior spaces.
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Materials and Surfaces: Kuma's buildings often use natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and stone. He also incorporates modern materials such as glass and steel. He uses a variety of surfaces, including smooth and textured materials, to create a dynamic visual experience.
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Details: Kuma pays careful attention to detail, incorporating intricate patterns and textures into his designs. He also emphasizes craftsmanship in construction.
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Proportions: Kuma's designs emphasize the relationship between the building and its surroundings. He uses proportional relationships to create balance and harmony in his designs.
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Context: Kuma's buildings are often designed in harmony with their surroundings. He considers the cultural, social, and environmental context of the site when designing a building.
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Social/Cultural Context: Kuma is known for his sensitivity to cultural and social context. He often incorporates traditional Japanese design elements into his modern designs to create cultural continuity.
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Form: Kuma's designs often feature organic, flowing shapes that mimic the natural environment. He also uses geometric shapes to create order and balance.
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Access: Kuma designs buildings to be accessible to all users, regardless of their physical abilities. He incorporates ramps, elevators, and other accessibility features into his designs.
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Aesthetic: Kuma's aesthetic is characterized by a blend of traditional Japanese design elements and modern design. His designs are often minimalistic, with a focus on simplicity and harmony.
Project 2: Floorplans
We have moved into the stage of designing a floorplan inspired by the architect that we chose for Part 1 and thinking about how we will be able to create it.
Floorplans
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Kengo Kuma is a Japanese architect who is known for his use of natural materials. One of his signature designs is the Bamboo Wall, from which I took inspiration.
The Bamboo Wall is a freestanding wall that is made entirely of bamboo. The wall is composed of multiple vertical bamboo poles that are arranged in a grid-like pattern, with each pole held in place by a horizontal bamboo support. The poles vary in thickness and height, creating a textured and visually dynamic surface.
The Bamboo Wall is not only visually striking but also functional. The bamboo provides shade and filtering natural light, for this project I made a contrast to make the roof clear.
Overall, Kuma's Bamboo Wall is a beautiful example of the possibilities of natural materials in architectural design.
For my project, I took advantage of the grid-like pattern, simplicity, and Japanese house styles.
Scale 1/4" - 1"
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For this idea, I took inspiration from The Exchange by Kengo Kuma (as well as incorporating the grid-like pattern). As well as the film "The Lake House".
The Lake House is a 2006 romantic drama with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. The movie tells the story of two people who live in the same house two years apart, but are able to communicate through letters left in the mailbox.
In the movie, The Lake House is a beautiful and unique glass house situated on a lake, surrounded by trees and nature. The house is designed in a modern and minimalist style, with large glass walls that offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
The interior of The Lake House is equally stunning, with an open floor plan and elegant furnishings that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The house features a spacious living room with a fireplace, a dining area, a modern kitchen, and a bedroom with a balcony overlooking the lake.
For my project, I wanted to make this museum partially on water, and partially on land. Therefore creating this unique experience for the audience. As well as this unique circular structure - that isn't as common.
Scale 1/4" - 1"
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For this idea, I was inspired by The Exchange by Kengo Kuma a unique and modern building located in Darling Square, Sydney, Australia. It is a mixed-use development that includes commercial and retail spaces, as well as community areas and event spaces.
One of the defining features of The Exchange is its distinctive façade, which is made up of a series of interlocking timber panels that wrap around the entire building. The panels are angled to create a sense of movement and dynamism, giving the building a unique and eye-catching appearance.
Inside, The Exchange is designed to be an open and inviting space, with plenty of natural light and a flexible layout that can be adapted for a variety of uses. The building features a large atrium that serves as a central gathering space, as well as a series of smaller meeting rooms and workspaces.
Overall, The Exchange really inspired the shape of the project, everything else was a byproduct of my imagination and the ideas that I wanted to achieve.
Scale 1/4" - 1"
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The Lines and Light Museum
Final Floorplans
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Design Statement: The design of this museum is intended to embody the essence of Kengo Kuma’s architectural style while incorporating a unique vision to create an innovative and inspiring space. Inspired by Kuma’s emphasis on the use of lines, interplay of positive and negative space, and windows to create a sense of transparency that invites visitors to explore and engage with the exhibits, while also allowing them to reflect on the beauty and tranquility of their surroundings.
The concept of lines plays a significant role in the museum's design, creating a sense of movement and flow throughout the space (as seen on the second floor). As well as using lines to define different areas, creating a sense of order while still maintaining the greater idea of the museum. The lines also aim to create a sense of harmony between the exterior and interior design elements.
Another theme of the design was transparency, this was seen in the use of long, thin windows in order to connect the inside and outside worlds. The windows allow natural light to flow throughout the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. They also create a literal sense of transparency, enabling visitors to glance inside, and encouraging engagement and curiosity.
This museum has a unique design feature: the interplay of light throughout the day. The long thin windows cast different shadows throughout the day, creating a visual play of light. This idea between the light and shadow makes a sense of time passing and enhances the visitors' experience, inviting a sense of reflection.
Finally, the museum's design is intended to evoke a sense of zen and simplicity as the project is based on a Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, who reflects his work back to modern Asian architecture. The elegance of the clean lines serves to enhance the beauty of the exhibits and the surrounding environment. This allows the viewer to take some time and indulge in the experience of the museum and the natural world of light.
In conclusion, the design concept for this museum is intended to create a space that is inviting and inspiring, encouraging visitors to explore and engage, while giving them a chance to reflect through the use of lines, positive and negative space, mixed in with the simplicity and elegance of Asian styled architecture. The space invites the visitor to pause and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings while also engaging in memorable ways.
Thank you to Lesely, Liz, and Erin for a wonderful semester in DS 220!