Refining Design

So how can an anti-cubic approach change the way in which one experiences their existence within their immediate environment of home?
By breaking down walls and creating a open plan, one can have a sense of freedom rather than restriction. Instead of the designer dictating which box should be used for each programmatic element, the occupant will have options in how they wish to use each space. Additionally, our concept of flexibility can be manipulated in such a way that allows multi-function spaces. This does not suggest that it will lack an inherent sequence of spatial movement, but supports the families authorship of the homes spatial functions.
Ultimately, we hope tot influence the practicality of each space, but ensure that its experientially enjoyable.

Resolving obstacles that arise during the design phase has proven to be an arduous feat. During each review and within each group discussion, every idea is being dissected and critiqued for its logical and conceptual relevance. It seems to have become a somewhat robotic response. But we must persist in our attention to the ethos of this project!

Below are some images that depict relevant sustainability design research

Demands in Design

After a short break, getting back into the studio has been exciting. There have already been many surprises, and I'm aware that it's only just beginning! The pre-break announcement that some of the 4th year students would be working with us on the project disappointed me somewhat, at first. I felt almost cheated in some way, or like someone had informed me that I would no longer have a lead role in my own play! This is our final exhibition project which should be a physical representation of the knowledge and skill we've gained during Architecture School.

After giving this some consideration, I realized that I was thinking about it the wrong way......
No one, is taking our spotlight. This is an opportunity to experience team work on a higher level and on a real-time project. It's an opportunity to influence others, and share our perspectives and interests, while being introduced to their ideas as well. Hence, fostering a mutual appreciation and respect that could be a huge advantage to outcome of the project. We've all worked long and hard to get to this point and it is a privilege to have this experience. This is still our project as long as we invest ownership. It is up to each of us, how much ownership we take. If we don't have a certain conviction about what we hope to accomplish, we can't expect the 4th year students to bring the same amount of motivation to the table. This is a chance for everyone to display leadership and ambition. And ultimately, if individually we fail to take advantage of that opportunity, it will be detrimental to our project as a whole!

On a different note, I was also doing some more thinking about design. One of the architects I admire is William McDonough. He is regarded in high esteem and is a world renowned designer to whom three U.S. Presidential awards have been given. He designed and built the first solar-heated house in Ireland in 1977. He has remained the leader in sustainable development. I believe the Pine Island Residence is one of his most beautiful works.




It's a rustic and intimate family retreat. It incorporates the design of traditional Japanese housing and seems to blur the boundaries between its interior and exterior space. Many windows and simple red cedar wood, surrounded by tall trees, grasses, and a beautiful marshy wilderness completes this effect. It is designed to link the home to its surrounding by opening up to its landscape. Its natural cooling is successful by cross-ventilation of one-room-deep structures and deep overhangs providing shade. These features seem to subtly, yet conspicuously encompass one within the visual and physical environment.



One of my personal hopes for this project is to design a plan that organizes a fluid transition from one functional area to another, while producing a unified, open-air dwelling. This would relieve the partner family from the traditional, cubic spatial cells which are so confining. Thus, allowing the occupants to experience more continuous space within limited square footage.