Eugene Kirkwood: June 2009

Monday, June 22, 2009

File Front Links - Draft and Final Environments

Draft one - http://files.filefront.com/practice1ut2/;13920822;/fileinfo.html

Draft two - http://files.filefront.com/bridge3ut2/;13920802;/fileinfo.html

Final - http://files.filefront.com/comingtogether36ut2/;13920980;/fileinfo.html

The meeting space provides a subdued approach to power in contrast to the two monumental appearances and purposes of the clients offices. A split level barn like structure comes out of the floor plate at a human scale to provide comfort and hospitable nature to the architecture. Structural expression occurs throughout, showing the raw nature of the structure, just as the two clients become themselves away from the spotlight placed upon them due to their careers.

Obama

Barack Obama embodies power through his elfless nature and dynamic ability to inspire those around him to achieve change, trhough service to the nation. The large scale of this space emphasises the team effort needed min running the United States, and that service to one another, and teamwork will ultimately lead to power and success. The use of two distinct wings housing the offices and social spaces repectively provides a balance to the architecture, and the adjoining walkway between the spaces is where these two administrative and social aspects meet, with a blacony for speeches and presentations. The use of a small terminal for the elevator provides a disticnt and monumental approach to the architecture, highlighting the importance of the occasion and the sacrifice that goes into serving ones nation. Sun shutters on glazing provides sun control, and grassed areas surround the offices for recreation and relaxation. The juxtaposition of the facades with organic shapes against linear highlights the different dunctions of the wings of the buildings.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Madonna

Madonna's disticntly shaped office was built to suit her power, especially the manner in which she constantly reinvents herself and her image. In this architecture, the reinvention of structural expression is apparent, with bold support beams holding up the two upper level spaces, and a series of exterior supports supporting the double height entrance space. The use of extensive glazing highlights Madonna's passion to perform and be on show, and provides a lightness to the architecture, drawing emphasis to the protruding horizontal floor plates.