Statement of Intent
The Problem:
Simply the requirement of a density of 25 units per hectare; that is, 100 units on the given lot and a fixed unit size mix, gives no indication of the image of the development or a sense of place for the users.
This project focuses, primarily, on developing a clear image and sense of place for the users. Solutions based on land parcel relationships governed by zoning regulations and solutions based on notions of the picturesque were not considered to be meaningful.
The Theory:
The theoretical base for the project was generated through analyzing the Saint John regional typology and morphology. Particular attention was given to the patterns of negative - spaces the squares, the public spaces, the streets and to their relationship with the patterns of positive space - the buildings. Recreated is the housing scheme itself, as an empirical analogue; this relationship of positive and negative patterns led to a design with a sense of a particular place.
The individual buildings are conceived as pure types expressing the appropriate dwelling occupancy requirement and thus can be read as being regionally characteristic. In addition, minimal environmental impact was considered a critical part of the problem.
The Methodology:
1. A regional typological study revealed seven clear dwelling types as form generators. Relationships of solid to void, proportions in elevation, geometry of the pure container (including patterns of protrusion), spatial relationships of the interior and placement of interior vertical circulation - as well as recurrent implicit social notions - collectively suggested four types appropriate to the problem and the theory.
2. An urban morphological study revealed a simple geometric pattern in Saint John. The major components of the pattern were open space, block size and composition, numbers of composite blocks, orientation with respect to each other and linkage. The resulting relationships of the buildings on the given lot reflect this pattern as an empirical analogue. Simply the relationship is that of the disposition of two public squares occurring in three geographic areas of Saint John, their orientation with respect to each other and the proportion of the rectilinear forms created by the two public squares. The dwelling types according to occupancy reflect the placement that occurs in Saint John, the three-bedroom type within the rectilinear form, the one- and two-bedroom types placed on the exterior side of the public square and the four-bedroom type being independently placed with a mix of one- and two-bedroom types.
(From competition program)
This submission received a mention in rather contentious circumstances. One juror objected to it receiving any commendation whatsoever, since he viewed it as socially irresponsible and architecturally formalistic. Other jurors thought this an overreaction, even though they were not fully convinced by the scheme. It was recognized that the submission only marginally met the conditions of the competition, and that its infrastructure was both technically suspect and economically unworkable. Yet, a majority of the jurors concluded that the submission addressed itself to two important issues which were worthy of commendation even if their application in the scheme was symbolic rather than practical.
The first of these was the regional character of building in the Atlantic Region, which they concluded the scheme addressed in a provocative fashion. The second was the idea of an energy-autonomous community, which the submission clearly symbolized even if it did not, in the opinion of the jury, practically realize.
(From jury report)
10 scanned / 5 viewable
- Site Plan
- Plan
- Plan & Section
- Plan & Section
- Elevation
