Midterm at Pratt has come and gone faster this semester than either semester last year. Basically we're designing components that aggregate into a larger system that becomes the building. The idea is that a powerful system can be generated by an architecture that negotiates between a top down (environmental conditions to component) and bottom up (component to building) processes. The result will be a building that optimizes both internal small scale environments by blocking sound, diffusing direct sunlight and allowing natural ventilation while reducing energy consumption for the entire building.

The component I designed is based on two plant photos from a book Karen got me this summer. They are by Karl Blosfeldt, who made gorgeously lit and contrasted compositions out of plants in the early 1900's.





So I made a component with a sun shading/catching top that will protect the interior from the harsh brazilian sun (and potentially turning it into energy with photo-volteics) and an air tube on the bottom that will act as a duct for either passive or active ventilation. The bottom of the component also has a parabolic dish which brings diffused light into the space. Here is the starch model I printed for midterm and computer rendering of an array of these components. (as an aside, it was my goal to model something with the 3d printer this semester and I'm really excited that I got to do it already!)









and created this paper model of how it might be arranged on a building scale



My next task is to figure out the site organization that these components will take on. I'm starting to look at site circulation and creating dynamic curve systems who's parameters I will be able to give meaning and adjust to create an interesting and meaningful configuration.