1 + 3 + 9 version 2

The investigation of the intersection between conflicting urban conditions mediated by the movement of its users.

The definition of a space is not a resolution of program but the execution and activities of its users. The convergence of
human scale with spatial implications of texture, social dynamics, and shifting progression allow for a network of glimpses
into a specific location. Predefined space combined with dynamic space create a unique reaction to the evolution between the
user and their surroundings.

Looking at a space by location and its adjacencies allows for the adaptation of ideas to grow and expand through narrative use.
The story of a place can be told by the materials and the use carved away from its original skin. These layers build upon one another
to expose the existing infrastructure and create a mixture of patterns enabled through the use of human interaction with space
and building. By investigating how these interactions develop a series of unique experiences, it influences the activities and necessary
program for the site. The juxtaposition between the medium of movement, whether it be through walking, driving, or biking, can
influence how to define and understand a place. Creating a unique contrast between existing conditions and user definition allows
for a strong execution of both mental and physical associations within a space. These dynamic spaces begin to feather a more efficient
and appropriate means of movement and human action. How can the main form of mediation begin to interact within its context
through the dead spaces that lies underneath its infrastructure? Using the existing demographic and economic data of a location,
the manifestation of the collaboration between user and space will help define the restrictions and activities exhibited within a
specific site.

gathering research...

I was trying to get some general information out for my own benefit. The graphics are a little hazy, but the facts are there. I am hoping to trying and gauge how this will effect my design and also change my perspective of movement within my site. The dashed lines are proposed bike paths that are awaiting review, white the solid white lines are existing bike paths and integrated bike lanes.

next step....

The site in which I am going to focus on is a crucial intersection point of major urban infrastructure leading into downtown Houston. Looking at how major highway networks work with smaller scale transportation systems, the 610 loop and I-45 intersection is a perfect case study. Due to its proximity to a major university, the central business district and oil refineries, this site has multiple means of egress and unique urban conditions.

concept sketch 4

So this was my beginning point, trying to map out how I wanted to layer the different transportation systems and also urban networks existing within the inner city loop of downtown Houston. The orange lines within the map are existing and proposed bike and pedestrian paths. This helped guide which area I will begin to hone in and focus on for my project. The gray scale map shows the major adjacent neighborhoods and highway networks.

Reading Response: ' Site Matters'

The blur that lies between what exactly define a site can be determined not by its constraints but by the means it is understood by its observer. The value system of a person actively engaging a space changes dramatically from one person to the next. The only reoccurring aspect of site that can be seen as a constant is this idea of a "porous" and indefinite urban site.This overlapping of uses, visually and physically causes a person to react to a site by multiple means of movement and interaction.

What exactly is an urban site? The terms used to define just a general topic begins to be understood by this reading. Every person has their own interpretation of what exactly an urban site is. To me, it revolves around the idea of a spatial convergence of culture, social, and human movement within a concentrated area. Whether this be a city, neighborhood block, or a specific building, human interaction within a space is what defines its meaning. "Urban sites are dynamic rather than static, porous rather than contained." It allows for a multitude of human interaction of filter into each other and create unique spatial experiences. These experiences can be architectural or simply just the proximity of one person to the next.

The emphasis on representation as a major means of understanding site intention and concept is important to fully grasping what a site needs or does not need. Representation allows for a person's unique experiences and perceptions of a site to manifest itself into a medium that can be universally understood.

This reading allowed me to begin to investigate what exactly my site is, and what I believe to be the design constraints and boundaries. By understanding the hierarchy that exists within the existing site conditions, it allowed me to begin to analyze what exactly makes my site capture my attention. This idea of interactions between people and spaces begins to address some of the issues that I would like to investigate within my design. For my specific project, I believe that it would fall underneath the 'site reach' approach. By understanding how the urban condition works at drastically different scales, it allows for a person to understand their environment in a new perspective. My own memories and cognitive mapping of the site, I believe acts like a starting point to something greater. Unique perspectives of place, space and time allow for the synthesis of ideas to be in the purest form, and therefore create dynamic ideas and thoughts.

Concept sketch 3

This sketch begins to try and speak about the intersection of spaces and what kind of relationships that can begin to be explored. The void in the middle allows for a major prominent intersection to define the spatial characteristics around that area.

Reading Response: 'The Muses Are Not Amused' Response'

Architecture serves its environment, and is contextualized by its adjacencies and cultural influences that evoke the design. Within this article I find many contradictions between the process of creating architecture and the social implications that influence the resolution. Talking about architecture as a creative process that is heavily created from our own desire and value system is something I truly believe in. "Programism" as the leading proponent to the creation of a building should be seen as part of the process in the execution of a building, not the sole factor. The "articula[tion]" between "the passage from data to form," should be explored and investigated thoroughly. In regards to blob architecture, I could not agree more. I understand how technology is the major catalyst to many influential and inspirational projects, but using a new technology does not warrant forgetting some of the fundamental basics of design. Understanding how new technology interacts with older precedent forms of construction should be investigated more. The loss of a contextualize location seems to be a major characteristic of blob architecture. What makes a building so unique and experiential is its connection to its environment. Allowing for a more primal understanding of a site creates more opportunity of exploration than can be modeled or simulated by a computer. This tactile sense of examining a space engages more than just a "wow" factor, but a memorable experience.

Silvetti's outlook of the baroque period compared to current events seems to speak more to how a society can influence architecture. All of the different styles and heavy articulation of literal and figurative ideals stem from a particular set of value systems. This investigation is something that I truly find fascinating. The perception of architecture has skewed as time progresses. The more architecture evolves the less you understand about its influences. Silvetti talks about the necessity of design having a strong connection to its historical precedent but also stay true to its current realization. The evolution of the built environment will succeed only if it takes into account all of the factors presented. "Architecture as the sole source of architecture could look at anything as formal inspiration...keeping its footings in its building core, anchoring its imagination in a programmatic research beyond literal formal translations, and continuing in the flow of its own cultural trajectory;" only through understanding these relationships can architecture become something more.

1 + 3 + 9

The investigation of the juxtaposition between predefined space and its relation to human scale and use, shows the evolution of space and its purpose.

The definition of a space is not a resolution of program but the execution and activities of its users. Collaborating between multiple scales of influence to create a unique experience is what creates a use of a space. The convergence of human scale with spatial implications of texture, urban conditions and movement allow for a network of glimpses into that specific location.

Looking at a space by location and its adjacencies allows for the adaptation of ideas to grow and expand through narrative use. The story of a place can be told by the materials and the use carved away from its original skin. These layers building upon one another begin to create a pattern and its own texture of use through human interaction with space and building. Movement is a major component to understanding these types of relationships in the way that it allows a person to use their body to experience the area. Whether it be through walking, driving, or biking; analyzing how these three actions both relate and change your perspective of a space is crucial to understanding a place. Common walking paths and signs of human use in a space that was not intended to be used in a certain way begins to open doors to how a person can comprehend spatial characteristics and uses. The network of transportation systems that have been implemented within our current environment both acts as a means of connection but also as a barrier. What can these dead spaces underneath these large networks turn into? These dynamic spaces can begin to feather a more efficient means of movement and human action.

Second Concept Sketch

The top sketch speaks about the redefinition of space and proposed functions.

The bottom sketch speaks about the transitions that are present within any transportation network, and the barriers it creates. The question of how human scale and use relates to this infrastructure through movement could be explored further.