Precedent Analysis Deliverables

10 Drawings

1. Floorplan with pencil on vellum at 1/8" scale
2. Isometric Plan of Interior Capsule with pencil on vellum at 1/4" scale
3. Perspective of Interior Capsule with pen and watercolor on bond at 1/4" scale
4. Section of north side with pencil on vellum at 1/8" scale
5. Section of west side with pencil on vellum at 1/8" scale
6. Elevation of south side with pencil on vellum at 1/8" scale
7. Elevation of east side with pencil on vellum at 1/8" scale
8. Exterior 2pt perspective with pen and watercolor on bond at 1/8" scale
9. Exterior 1pt perspective with pen on bond at 1/8" scale
10. Exterior 3pt perspective with pen on bond and at 1/8" scale


Outline

I. Introduction
a. design specifics of building
i. what makes it special?

II. Body
a. Metabolist movement
i. interchangable design ("organic growth")
ii. minimalist materials
iii. futuristic modular design

b. Design Flaws (the inevitable destruction)
i. rushed design process
ii. lack of upkeep and use of asbestos
iii. can the building be saved/should the building be saved?

c. Influence as prototype for sustainable development
i. capsules are manufactured offsite and can be replaced
ii. use of concrete and steel
iii. opportunities for helping in major third world cities

III. Conclusion
a. the future of modular buildings
i. buildings that can adapt to the environment vs. timeless buildings

Precedent Analysis Building Selection + Justification v.2

Nakagin Capsule Tower

Designed by Kisho Kurokawa, the Nakagin was built in 1972 in Tokyo, Japan. It was part of the metabolist movement that "realizes the ideas of metabolism, exchangeability, recycleablity as the prototype of sustainable architecture."(arcspace) These one man capsules (meant for busy businessmen) were made to be detachable and replaceable, and installed using only four high tension bolts. However, since the building has not had proper upkeep there is intense water damage and the capsule tower may be demolished. I chose this building because i think it is an unconventional step in the right direction. The idea of pre-assembled rooms using recycled materials is something that has not caught on in the western hemisphere, but may contain merits due to mass overpopulation in third world metropoli. We are running out of materials and space on this planet and as designers it is important to preserve as much of it as possible. Its tragic downfall is also a good example of "the greenest building is one that is already built."


http://www.arcspace.com/architects/kurokawa/nakagin/nakagin.html

Precedent Analysis Building Selection + Justification

FRANK GEHRY'S DANCING HOUSE

(http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/375756486_45d753f11a.jpg)
(http://www.universaldeco.es/wp-content/dancing-house.jpg)

Located in Prague, Czech Republic, the "Dancing House" was built between 1994 and 1996. Co-designed by Croatian-born Vlado Milunić and Frank Gehry. The building is "an example of a deconstructivist architecture, with an unusual shape – you can actually see a couple – woman and man dancing together, holding their hands, with a skirt that sways to the music." (Dancing House) I chose this building as my subject because although it looks incredibly modern, It would be interesting to see if it's really as abstract as it seems, or does it hold a sneaking amount of classical ties. This building also was the subject of a lot of controversy, built to replace a neo-renaissance style house bombed in World War II, it contrasts sharply with the surrounding architecture. This building has also been under scrutiny of not being sound, with accusations of water leakage. I personally really like how the building breaks away from the background and establishes its own datum lines, and believe we should continue to push the limits of architecture and our imaginations of how a building should look while making sure it will last and serve the public for generations.



"Dancing House." Prague.net. 2008. 19 Feb 2009 .