Chiarøscuro
The abstract quality of light and shadow has the ability to transform the visual quality and experience of space without physically modifying it. Taking the same notion, the new intervention endeavours to have minimal physical disturbance to the existing fabric, drawing attentions by being subservient. Just as shadow can only exist in the presence of light, the new architecture relies on the existing historical context; where the existing built forms expresses a sense of solitude, the new intervention signals the desire to connect.
To respect the preserve the historical context, the proposed spatial growth is below ground – with hints if these new spaces through the intersections of pure geometrical sculptural forms that penetrate both above and below ground level. These spaces are visible from above to encourage interaction between the public and the architecture school, bringing in also natural light (and therefore shadows), creating interesting visual impact to the spaces below. At night, the effect is reversed, allowing light from below ground to punch through onto the historic township. Access into the new spaces below in via minimal incisions into the ground, the use of pure geometric forms as demarcation intuitively provides visual clues to circulation points.
Using the existing courtyard paving pattern as reference, a new layer of grid is introduces to provide order and structure to the whole proposal. This layer of grid is extended beyond the courtyard, reinforcing the interaction between the new architecture and the existing urban context. Sculptural cubes are inserted and the nodes to highlight the grid, which are then dissolved and assimilated into the historic streetscape.
There is a clear definition between the old and the new architecture, this juxtaposition intensifies the architecture with intrigue, contrast and tension that is similar to the paradoxical relationship between light and shadow.
(Competitor's text)
13 scanned / 11 viewable
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- Plan
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