The Ornamental Space

“There are three kinds of space that must be regarded as primary: functional, ornamental, and symbolic. The basic architectural formal values do not extend beyond the limits of the three kinds of concrete space. Within those three spaces architecture with its numberless forms and expressions is a composite.”
 
—Kazuo Shinohara, The Three Primary Spaces, Japan Architect 6408
The ornamental space is an uncommon term whereas to start the design process, with the function quite usual. Even the approach from spatial quality as a symbol has a certain tradition. The image of an ornament still belongs to the surface like the pattern from wallpaper or carpet. During this semester we will approach our investigation of the architectonical space with the notion of the ornamental space. We are interested in expressing the density and complexity of patterns and the ability to create infinite systems without clearly readable boundaries in the media of the architectonical space.
 
We will investigate the potential of this conceptual and formal design process in the definition of a most common program, an apartment house. The imagination of an everyday experience will be a final test for the experimental definition of the ornamental space.
 
Critics will be mostly on a weekly basis. The design process requires skills with three dimensional design tools. Students will work simultaneously on drawings and models in different scales. Some models will be made by hand and others will be digitally fabricated.
 
Schedule:
This course meets on an irregular schedule. Hours outside of normal studio hours (2-6) are optional.  However, it is recommended that students plan to be in studio during hours listed when possible.