iar 202. jenga 1.0.

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Crystallization... interpreted three ways.

space no. 1: the "crystal" room

kit of parts: two walls and a column

This space is intended to reflect the properties of a crystal in its symmetry and transparency. The space measures 32'4" by 22'. One enters the room from a door centered in the wall and ascends six steps to a higher level which rises three feet from the ground. A small pool, seven feet square and three feet deep, welcomes the occupant upon ascension. The pool serves for bathing, relaxation, and meditation. A glass column rises from the center of the pool. Directly above the pool, a projection from the ceiling echoes the interior void of the pool. Built into this projection are lights to illuminate the water. Natural light comes from six windows on the wall opposite the entrance and four windows on the wall to the right. A seven foot long inward-facing couch faces the pool on either side, the back of which is a glass wall, eight feet high. The walls, although transparent, provide divisions within the space to set apparent various activities. To the right of the pool, behind the glass wall, is a kitchen area. To the left of the pool, behind the second glass wall, are a toilet and a sink.

To enhance the luminosity of the room, pendant lights hang from the ceiling, above the higher level. Each pendant has a center light source, around which delicate slivers of mirror hang to catch the light.

ceiling plan

section A-A1

section B-B1

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space no. 2: the "liquid to solid" room

kit of parts: two columns and a wall

This space is about the process of crystallization - a shift from liquid to solid, water to ice. The room is very linear, measuring 11' x 32'4". One enters opposite a long wall containing six windows. Six windows are located on the wall opposite the door, which serves to illuminate the entire space. The left side of the room has asymmetrical and transparent qualities and houses the bathroom and kitchen facilities. A glass wall, seven feet long and seven feet tall, shields the shower and toilet from view. The bottom half of the wall is frosted for privacy, whereas the top half becomes increasingly more transparent. Beginning halfway along the length of the room, on the right side as one enters, six stairs ascend to a higher level, which rises three feet from the ground. Above, the ceiling plane mirrors the floor level change exactly, creating a very "solid" feeling, as if the ceiling and the floor are closing in on the occupant. As one ascends the stairs, a column on either side serves to frame the space and enhance the feeling of solidarity. The "solid" half of the room - consisting of the floor and ceiling alterations and the columns - is reserved for sleep and relaxation. Recessed lighting in both ceiling elevations illuminates the room.

ceiling plan

section A-A1

section B-B1

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space no. 3: the "idea" room

kit of parts: two solids carved for occupation

This space is the most conceptual of the three, and therefore the one that I prefer. It is about the crystallization of an idea. The space is a square - 22' x 22', with two windows on the wall opposite the entrance and two windows on the adjacent wall to the right. One enters opposite one of the window walls and immediately begins a journey as one's path spirals inward and upward toward the center of the room. In the four corners of the room are objects to serve the necessities of life. In one corner is a cushioned bench for sitting/resting/sleeping; in another corner, a kitchen area for food preparation; in another, a bathtub for bathing; and in another, a toilet for the elimination of waste and a sink for cleanliness. These objects are placed intentionally on the periphery of the room. One may step off the "path" to engage in these activities for a time, but must return to the path in order to arrive at the final destination. Positioned centrally in the room is a stair-like platform which forms the first solid and represents a continuation of the journey one undertakes in the formation of an idea. Inside the first solid (but not entirely enclosed) is a raised circular platform - the second solid - upon which one sits after ascending by means of the first solid. This represents the complete crystallization of an idea. Recessed lighting illuminates the entire room, but the majority of the light is focused on the two solids. Directly above the second solid hangs a glowing sphere, representing the purity and completeness of the crystallized idea.

plan with circulation path

ceiling plan

section A-A1

section B-B1