Project 2
Contextual Fit

This is a project that focuses on the fit of three dimensional massing and ordering systems as the design generator in the context of existing forms and three dimensional systems. Extruded existing systems is a design starting point.

Narrative

The Smiths house in Connecticut is more than a house; it is an experiential history of a family's values and of the importance of commonality, designed to have an overarching structure of activities to promote communality. At its center, the house emphasizes communality, the open plan living and dining room as a center of the home where most of the important function, bonding between the members of the family, is realized. The design clearly differentiates function into groups: social spaces such as kitchen and living room encourage group engagement and active discourse, whereas quiet spaces like a small study and bedrooms provide seclusion and withdrawal. The residence also separates one-on-one and group needs, with designated silent rooms for contemplation and reading versus loud, dynamic rooms for play and partying. The general idea of the design is to reflect a common will to establish an environment of sharing, so that every space exists to build a home that cultivates personal growth as well as an intense sense of unity. While the living room is a very open concept, the Smith family loves to use this space to watch the NY Knicks basketball games together when they are on the television and this will be a hierarchical space in the whole house.

Hierarchy - Family Room