[BUILDING ON LEARNING]
The first exercise (PS 01) showed you the potential of the new technology of the industrial robot applied to the fabrication of wood and introduced you to working with parametric design. PS 02 asks you to experiment with what you have learned and to apply it to a simple program of a pavillion.
This program sets out a condition where the structure of the building is the expression. As such, the structure should be the primary way of expressing intent. In this case, the opportunity is to use the freedom of the extended fabrication tool of the industrial robot to shape a structure which we would otherwise have a very difficult time fabricating. Light and space are also a prime consideration along with the functional requirements which are outlined in more detail below.
Embedded within this exercise you can express your vision for wood architecture in the future. This pavillion provides a radical showcase for your idea. As such, your interpretation should clearly be expressed in the design.
[RELATIONSHIP TO JOINT]
You have, through the introductory lectures, the installations and the workshop, been exposed to many types of joints. We also now understand that advanced digital technology allows infinite variation of a joint with minimum effort. The opportunity this creates in architecture is immense. The project should ‘show off’ the potential of the parametric design thinking and digital fabrication in order to demonstrate this newfound freedom. By ‘showing off’ this technology, you are also demonstrating your own understanding of both the freedom and limitations of the technology.
[FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS]
The camp requires a facility for the viewing of an old growth tree – the 9th largest tree in BC and a tree which is approximately 400 years old. The facility is to accommodate 18 people and can also have an additional program of a platform for camping overnight and/or a place for additional educational activities to take place. Protection of the roots of the tree through design of an wood walkway near the tree may (but does not have to be) included. The camp is open to other ideas of programs or configurations so there is some flexibility for you to bring your own ideas to the project.