Critiquing Parametric Architecture: Jeremy Goucher Beyond Analysis and Process

01.04.2011 - 3

How can parametric or computational software be used to make good architecture as you have defined it? As discussed in class, my parameters that define architecture are more ‘qualitatively’ based and not quantitatively. Admitting that I have only experienced one structure of ‘parametric style’ (MAXXI) I cannot rightly decide how ‘good’ a piece of parametrically designed architecture is. I believe that experience is a critical avenue to understanding architecture. I believe that parametrically designed architecture is still young and has not had the time for people to fully experience its qualities, to draw from these existing qualities, and design based on these experiences. How can architecture that is dependent upon parametric or computational software for its creation and development be analyzed? Such architecture should be approached with greater criticism. If parametric or computational software is key in DESIGNING the number of outcomes are going to be numerous and all logically and scientifically viable solutions. You cannot argue with science. The only other option is to analyze the choices that led to the production- material choice, form of the structure, the structural and tectonic reasoning, and the social, economic, and political implications. In the end one must argue with the qualitative aspects. Tama Art School Library by Toyo Ito

“…the first impetus for our design was to question how an institution as specialized as a library could provide an open commonality for all.” - Toyo Ito

The last piece in a series of facilities for the Tama Art School Toyo Ito’s Library delicately nestles itself within the campus fabric. Delicate- a structure of fineness, not deceitful, just not revealing. The spaces are, in plan, softly defined by series of curved arcades. The spans of the arches range from 1.8 to 16 meters. Though some are distance voids of nearly eight times many others, they all maintain the same 200 mm thickness. The appearance of a poured concrete structure does not hold true to the real skeleton of the building- a plate steel network of arcades and connections that is concealed beneath the concrete skin. Drawing from stalactites in a cave setting or the trunks and branch3es in a forest Ito wanted to create a sense of dynamic movement. Through placing the columns in a seemingly random arrangement, the arches are forces to span different lengths, resulting in a warped and tilted perception of the space. The library helps to complete the context through the choice use of concrete and glass creating a taut façade similar the existing buildings. Located at the entry to the campus the building could have potentially dominated the scene. The two walls that join to greet the visitor are bowed. This creates a sense of the building “bowing” to submit entrance, almost referencing the imperialistic society of its home. In addition to this gesture Ito also maintains a consistent scale in height to adjacent buildings. The ground floor slopes at the angle of the site and the roof slopes towards the sky forming slight wedge shape, giving preference to capturing the Northern light and funneling it into the core of the library spaces. The daylight floods through the expansive windows on all sides. Remembering the forest analogy- the thinness of the structure in accordance with the abundance of light result in what appears to be a very airy and fresh space.

“The spatial diversity one experiences when walking through the arches different in span and height changes seamlessly from a cloister-like space filled with natural light, to the impression of a tunnel that cannot be penetrated visually.”

Critiquing Parametric Architecture: Jeremy Goucher Beyond Analysis and Process

01.04.2011 - 3

Though Ito envisioned the ground floor as a space of movement, one that filters the students and staff into the campus moments of pause are incorporated. These moments are caused by table for congregating and display cases used for literature. The surfaces of this furniture parallel the slope of the floor; leading to what I imagine could be an uncomfortable result when seated around a table or gathered around a display case for any lengthened period of time.