Discreet Land-Shapes: “The overall theme of this studio stems from the general concept of discreet structures. A discreet structure should be designed carefully with spatial actions that avoid causing offense when possible. We will explore this capacity of minerals to influence architectural culture and land-shapes, through their ability to naturally shape our landscapes and ultimately enhance our quality of life. Through research, abstract explorations and drawings to comprehensive structures and land-shapes. Every landscape has a mineral story to tell. One that dates back to its initial formative state or artificial man-made stage.”
Using this brief, we have incorporated the elements obsidian and smithsonite throughout our design process. We have taken the stance that to truly inhabit a landscape, architecture must take ownership of what is necessary and be respectfully discreet otherwise. We do this by using form and positioning to proclaim the buildings presence while finding “discreetness” in using a lightweight ETFE structural system that allows plentiful light to illuminate the buildings interior for its educational functions.