Expanding on the possiblity of subtraction

ARC201: How to design almost nothing
Daniels Faculty, Winter 2023
Course Instructor: Shane Williamson
Individual work

   The design prompt for the assignment was to design a pavillion with seven rooms for students on the campus of the Universoty of Toronto within the former grid of columns, now with a maximum height of 16m

   My goal for the user experience and designed langauge remained the same, but in this project, I further explored the possiblity of subtracted void shapes. This time, I chose to explore the moments from the intersection of simple geometric forms, such as the intersection of a spiral staircase and an off-set cone void, rectangular rooms and spiral staircases to creative provocative moments of vertical openings and connection within the pavillion. From that, I came to a realization that subtraction implies a dichotomy between two aspects or elements of design. This dichotomy implies a nuance spectrum between the two opposite ends. The interception of voids, rooms and circulation, creating different levels of privacy and interesting moments of framed views to the outside and within the void. The stacking of transparent vertical elements filters light through the pavillion, showing gradients and pockets of lights and shadows.

The final 1:50 section model is made out of laser-cut plywood, acrylic dowels, and frosted plexi sheets, using foam core as a spacer during assembly.