"The purpose of construction is to make things hold together;
of architecture to move us"
Le Corbusier, architect
Project 1
Famous Architect's Building:
Application of Architectural and Structural Materials
For this first project, we have to pick an architect from the given list, and research on the materials of his/her single work of architecture that we find interesting. The aim of this project is to teach us to identify various materials and their key properties, as well as differentiate the uses of materials into two main categories: whether architectural or structural. All the information (including background of chosen architect etc., 5 architectural materials, 2 structural materials) are to be compiled into two A3 pages.
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Chosen Architect: Kengo Kuma
Chosen Building: Under One Roof (aka EPFL Campus), Lausanne, Switzerland
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BOARD 1
BOARD 2
Reflection
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I chose Under One Roof as my chosen building because of its simple, minimalist design that really lets the materials speak for themselves. This approach is also why I chose the architect Kengo Kuma. Further down my research, I got to dive deeper into his design philosophy, particularly how he used the local materials of Switzerland in the building as a way to connect with the local users and the site context. Moreover, it is interesting and admirable that he gets his inspiration from traditional Swiss building techniques, specifically the slate stone roof which he incorporated into Under One Roof.
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This attention to detail and perhaps empathy, is what I aim to integrate into my own design philosophy. It is a wish of mine to become an architect that can shape spaces that project warmth, hope and peace to the users using them.
