Exeter Library
The only one of Kahn's buildings I've had the opportunity to visit is the Exeter Library. Again, I think that there are a lot of similarities between Kahn's work and what I'm envisioning. I'm not sure if it is just because of the geometric module I started with and the concrete structure but as Tim pointed out, it can help bring up some important and interesting questions.
Kahn's Yale Centre for British Art
Today's chat with Tim and Stephan brought up what I agree are the inevitable comparisons to Louis Kahn. I think I am striving for a similar logic and approach to the project which has resulted in some pretty comparable spaces and architecture.
photos from http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/kahn/yale.html
Prefabricated Insertions
Office "Parking Spot" Self-Contained and Environmentally Controlled Pods
Schemaric Collage of Office Pods
Material and System Ideas
Offecct Soundwave PanelsThe Diffuser panel provides not sound absorption but sound diffusion. Placed in the proper position, it will improve speech intelligibility and even improve privacy in open spaces.
Fosam Radiant Partition WallsFosam’s Epta Steel are metal radiant partition modular walls that structurally divide rooms, simplifying construction, reducing the amount of materials used, the energy consumption and increasing the working and living environment wellbeing.
Inside the radiant walls there are worm-pipes that conduct hot and warm liquids according to the application and to the season.
Midterm Review Issues
Volumetrics of the ModuleThere was mention of the extraction/rotation of the my module and how it will inform the section. Whether the circle becomes a dome or a vault is something I had considered but perhaps should review.
Abstraction/Adjusting the ModuleSomething which I think is present in the design so far but that I wasn't conscious of is that the "trueness" of the forms becomes heightened in the ceilings and inaccessible spaces. Marco mentioned that attention should be paid to the ceiling spaces. I agree that it would further the expression of the mediation of the ideal /heavenly and the practical/earthly spaces.
Specific Architectural Details
Marco also discussed the potential effects created by choosing specific architectural features such as a sliding door versus french doors etc. Also floor finishes, how they contribute to the specific ceremonial/practical needs and their phenomenological effects.
Right and Left Beliefs and Perceptions
Tim brought up
Tikkun Magazine and Rabbi Michael Lerner's new book "The Left Hand of G-d" as possible points of interest. Both deal with the religious left and dispelling the perception that all spiritual practices and beliefs are to the extremist right. In my research, I've found a lot of mention of the fear surrounding the religious courts and common misbeliefs that it is barbaric, absolute and extremist. Much of the counter arguments from the religious groups is that it is often the opposite. That religious laws are more flexible and sensitive to the specific cases, involved parties and communities than political civic or common laws.
Because I've chosen such a politically charged and controversial topic, I need to figure out how to address some of these issues. I think it is being addressed to some degree within the project currently in presenting the alternative dispute resolution and that the three celebrated spaces are divided among learning, main court, and religion/celebration.
Clarification of the Divisions
Unfortunately, it seems people jump to the conclusion that the clear division of the project into three sets of spaces is that each of the religions get their own rather than that the three spaces are divided by function which are shared by the three groups. I will have to keep that in mind in the final representations.
Number Three
Three is the mystery, come from the great one,
Hear, and light on thee will dawn.
In the primeval dwell three unities,
Other than these none can exist.
These are the equilibrium, source of creation,
One God, One Truth, One Point of Freedom.
Three come forth from the three of the balance,
All Life, all Good, all Power.
Three are the qualities of God in his light-home
Infinite Power, Infinite Wisdom, Infinite Love.
Three are the circles (or states) of Existence:
The Circle of Light where dwells nothing but God,
and only God can traverse it,
The Circle of Chaos where all things by nature arise from Death,
The Circle of Awareness where all things spring from Life.
All things animate are of three states of existence,
Chaos or death, liberty in humanity, and felicity of Heaven.
- Emerald Tablets of Thoth the Atlantean
Program Arrangement
Program Planning
- main level -
gallery, main court, gathering hall
lobby, services
underground parking access off York
- second level -
library and study, main court gallery level, ceremony room
meeting rooms, services
- third level -
library stacks, chapels, private prayer roomsjudge and council offices, cafeteria and common room
- lower level -
Kosher/Halal Kitchen and Catering
"Green Room" and waiting rooms below main court
underground parking
The only one of Kahn's buildings I've had the opportunity to visit is the Exeter Library. Again, I think that there are a lot of similarities between Kahn's work and what I'm envisioning. I'm not sure if it is just because of the geometric module I started with and the concrete structure but as Tim pointed out, it can help bring up some important and interesting questions.
