Funny Cyclops, Serious Symmetries
SCI_Arc Graduate Thesis Project / Summer 16'
Thesis Advisor : Anna Neimark
This thesis is a medium of unity between two contradicting concepts, both influential in my personal understanding of architecture: the idea of character and the operation of symmetry. While character stems from the eccentric features created by irregularity and figuration, symmetry produces regularity and homogeneity within the composition. The building’s form therefore takes advantage of the conflict between these two contradictory ideas to house both a science center and anthropology museum located in the city of Lyon, France
The Idea
The term character is defined as "a significant visual mark of symbol." What gives something its distinctive character are its idiosyncrasies - its specific figuration which differentiates it from the norm. However, the operation of symmetry creates regularity and uniformity in the composition: it takes one thing and doubles it, normalizing it. This research acts as an inquiry into the opportunities at the intersection of these two seemingly contradictory concepts. What are the ways in which symmetry can be used as a tool to enhance figuration and introduce specific characteristics?
The investigation started by applying symmetrical and asymmetrical folds to simple platonic objects. As these objects initially contain symmetry in their configuration, introducing a fold can shift the reading of these configurations and add another dimension to them, one that makes them unique and weird. Thus, a normative object becomes a figure with character. At the same time, these folds are also introduced on an axis such that a top or a frontal view reasserts symmetry once again.
Folded Objects
1. Laid out on a flat grid, the square above would be asymmetrical; however, folding it along a diagonal axis causes it to regain a symmetrical reading from a front view.
2. The circle has been modified on a flat grid to be asymmetrical; however, a fold on the grid and viewing it from from the front reintroduces its symmetricality once more.
3. A spherical object has been folded from two sides. Although these folds transformed this sphere into an asymmetrical object, the fold axes allow for one specific angle of view which reintroduces symmetry to the sphere.
4. A fold has been added to the grid, resulting in an asymmetrical figure from every angle of view. This unique figuration creates a characteristic dimension to an object once symmetrical.
The Project
Located in the city of Lyon, France at the meeting of the Saône and the Rhône rivers, the project is a science center and anthropology museum. This specific site is a dramatic setting: in order to gain an overall view of the building, one must stand at a distance across the rivers or on the bridges connecting the peninsula to the sides of the river. This location demands a building both monumental and individual. The form consists of two objects: a folded sphere sits atop a distorted grid box as a plinth. The operations performed on these objects creates opportunities for program. The plinth tilts up to provide the main entrance to the project, while also housing gallery spaces and a lower planetarium. The sphere contains the round-friendly diorama rooms and auditorium, while the fold in the sphere creates a spatial organization to accommodate theaters and a conference room.
Drawings
First Floor : Main Entrance, Galleries.
Third Floor : Lecture Hall, Galleries, Upper Planetarium
Longitudinal Section
Second Floor : Plinth Platform, Galleries, Lower Planetarium.
Forth Floor : Diorama Hall, Galleries
