rchitecture oduction t CONDITIONAL DESIGN An Intr (o Elemental ArchiDi Mari, Anthony Conditional Design: An Introduction to Elemental Architecture BIS Publishers Het Sieraad Building Postjesweg 1 1057 DT Amsterdam The Netherlands T +31 (0)20 5150230 F +31 (0)20 5150239 bis@bispublishers.n! ‘www.bispublishers.nl ISBN: 978-90-6369-365-7 Copyright © 2014 BIS Publishers and Anthony Di Mari All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owners, While every effort has been made to trace all present copyright holders of the material in this book, any unintentional omission is hereby apologized for in advance, and we should of course be pleased to correct any errors in acknowledgments in any future editions of this book. The drawings in this book are entirely the work and interpretation of the author, based on publicly available information on the works represented. CONDITIONAL DESIGN An Introduction to Elemental Architecture Anthony Di Mari BISPUBLISHERSfo mtnForeword Since publishing Operative Design: A Catalogue of Spatial Verbs, Anthony and | have had the opportunity to test ideas from the book hands on, working with design students through various studios and workshops. In employing the concepts fram Operative Design as a pedagogical approach, we saw a natural progression toward creating a framework that could highlight the various conditions that were being created through the volumetric operations. As Students’ work became more sophisticated and complex, moving beyond the abstract volumetric studies, a new cataloque of these conditions/opportunities began to emerge. These ideas show how one could continue using the logic developed in Operative Design in order to further develop an architectural proposal. The conditions shown in this book are also a set of iterations and design possibilities, set to instigate further study and exploration. They are directly tied to the original volumetric manipulations, but push it one step further — seeing what those original operative verbs can yield, within an existing spatial condition, and what new conditions they themselves could create, through the addition of an aspect we deliberately kept abstract in the first book: the factor of scale. Conditional Design translates scale through three basic architectural elements: vertical circulation, apertures, and site. These three elements are each fundamental to architecture in that they inherently connect constructed space back to the individual experiencing it In essence, all three are about connection - connection within spaces, connection from within a space to without, and connection between a space and its surrounding site. | see Conditional Design as a natural continuation to the discussion started by Operative Design in that it proposes a bridge between abstract volumetric operations and what those operations could yield, through responding to programmatic requirements and given site conditions within a consistent methodology. It should be noted that this is but one follow-up continuation to the large, abstracted base we began to construct in Operative Design. The fundamental basis of Conditional Designs its proposed use as a tool; it is meant to be an approach, not definitive or defined, that can be applied iteratively for various uses, conditions, and needs. For those learning about spatial design, it emphasizes the deliberation inherent in how a designer makes design moves, and what those moves yield: it ‘connects the design process with the character of the space created. As a designer, this is what! find most exciting about this book - that it continues to delineate the various paths we can use as we approach a given project, beginning from abstract spatial play, to balancing program and site, in order to create truly intriguing, complex, and inspiring spaces. Nora Yoo June 2014Introduction This book is a natural sequential project to Operative Design: A Catalogue of Spaiial Verbs. |n Operative Design, spatial formation was construed as a process that could be derived from fundamental actions, and the book indexed a lexicon of illustrated verbs to activate architectural inquiry and to ignite the design process. This book builds squarely upon that base. Spatially, the conditional is the result of the operative. As one manipulates volumes with operative verbs, different spatial conditions start to emerge. At that moment of volumetric manipulation, the designer is presented with an opportunity to consider one of several conditional opportunities: to connect one volume to another volume, to open the volume to receive light or entry, and fo situate the volumes in relation to a ground plane, or consider how the set of manipulated volumes relate to and affect the ground condition. For example, when two volumes are arranged to overlap with each other, one volume rests atop the other, and there is an interior zone that both volumes. share as a result of the operation, Within that zone, one can establish the connection between both volumes. The operation has yielded both a formal strategy and revealed the connection between the volumes; simultaneously, the spatial moment defined by the operation allows the designer to consider the internal qualities of the design move they have just created. When one carves away at a volume, the act of removing a part of the volume allows the designer to question and at the same time confirm that this move sets up another spatial opportunity, to create apertures in the area of the subtraction, for example. This systematic approach minimizes random placement of these elements and integrates them with a design method. One should still be critical of such methodical moves, because design should still be responsive to conditions outside of volumetric operations, including program, light, and access. These manipulations might react to an already existing condition or create a new set of conditions based on the operation and the ground plane. As a method, conditional design is a bridge between abstract volumetric manipulations and design that considers program, site, scale, and structure. Elemental Architecture : Code + Character By setting up a systematic process, opportunities for a focused design are facilitated by a set of deliberate moves. This can be referred to as a code of design and an attempt to develop a design methodology. In using the word code, the key goal is not a clear legibility of form, but a clear legibility of process. The design logic that results from the systematic approach creates consistency in the process and, ideally, the result. This does not suggest anything short of multiple iterations, for the system contains a variety of design conditions based on the original operations. It is a system of options. As in Operative Design, Conditional Design is in search of variation through a directed working method, which in turn can be used as a basis upon which to critique the design. Ultimately, the end design relates back to the actual spaces that are created, -and how one would experience the volumetric manipulations. The conditional moves allow for the incorporation of elements such as light, ground, and circulation, while acknowledging and addressing the experience of these Spaces in the context of existing conditions and constraints of a design project.Revisiting Planes: Connection + Aperture + Ground Conditional Design takes the original volumes from Operative Design and considers them as planar constructs. In this sense, Conditional Design will stray from its spatially abstract predecessor. Operative Design presented opportunities to iteratively study volumetric relationships. In order to further understand these volumetric studies, it is imperative to give the volumetric envelope a scale, The operations still stand as isolated moments initially, and eventually build upon themselves through combinations and aggregations, with the focus now on the planes comprising the valumes as they start to craft spatial character, The type of operation (single, multiple, add, displace, or subtract), again helps to index how these various conditions are created, while highlighting the iterative operative process. With this focus now on the volume planes, the interior of the volumes is considered, as well as the resultant interior/exterior dynamic. The reading of planes extends to that of the ground plane. As Conditional Design begins to explore the relationship of volumetric manipulations to the ground, it instigates further study on how the original operations can enhance or generate new ground conditions. Each design move has the potential to consider the ground. Steven Hall's Correlational Programming’ diagrams inspire a unique understanding of four ground conditions: on the ground, in the ground, below the ground, and above the ground, Conditional Design will elaborate on several of these conditions through iterative operations. The basic planar elements of stairs, apertures, and the abstracted ground are not to be interpreted as absolute or literal in their representation. Rather, the aim of introducing these spatial elements is to highlight the conditional opportunities yielded by the original operative moves. ' Steven Holl, ‘Correlational Programming’ in Parallax. Princeton. New York 2000, 10 ‘Combinations + Aggregations ‘With the foundation that verbs can be combined or one could operate multiple times using the same verb to develop several conditions, the combinations herein will focus on the highlighted conditions of aperture, connection, and the ground. There could be more than one occurrence of the operation in a given set of volumes, one operation could be used to explore multiple conditions, or ‘one could explore distinct conditions through different operations. By using multiple design moves under the onus of a single operation, design consistency is established, especially when conditions are considered. For example, several shifts could produce multiple openings, or one could use the opération to create both openings and connections. By combining multiple operations, one could also expand on this consistency and develop a design hierarchy. Once a condition is determined, the base volumes can be aggregated to study the multiplication of the condition. Any of the base aggregation operations - array, stack, pack, reflect, jain - can be used fo explore the potential of the series of conditions, For example, a connection is formed at the moment when multiple volumes overlap, $0 one could vertically aggregate the module by stacking the overlapping volumes while connecting each level of the massing.Implementations The operative approach provided not only a working method based on formal iteration, but also an opportunity to interpret existing built work. By further exploring volumetric manipulation at the scale of architecture, the conditional is present where formal moves are complemented by elements such as a connection between volumes or an opportunity for opening. The manner in which these volumes relate to the ground also refines these spatial ideas and moves them toward creating architecture. When considering the assembly of multiple programmatic volumes, conditional moves can also begin to organize program. The connective element might delineate an area of utility versus a space of dwelling, Recall Pezo von Ellrichshausen's Poli House from Operative Design. The offset volume creates a perimeter thickened with program and utility, Through this operation of offset, Pezo von Ellrichshausen develops an overall volumetric manipulation, as well as local conditions within this larger move. Another project, the Wolf House, is a clear example of an expanded volume that is systematically formed while maintaining a clear organization of program. Along with the stairs, the operation creates a zone for service-based program (i.e. bathroom, utility, and mechanical spaces), while also defining dwelling spaces (living areas, bedrooms). This clear organization is clarified through the design move, or operation, expand. Pezo von Ellrichshausen handles these simple volumetric manipulations effectively, creating opportunities for circulation, a logic for openings, and careful consideration of the site. Solo House explores a clear design strategy through lift when circulation is created through this valum operation, in addition to highlighting how the original volumes relate to the ground. These projects serve as strong examples of clear design logic, functional groupings of program, clean details, and overall consistency. As the program requirements, site, and general scale becomes specific to each project, the consideration of conditions becomes more significant ‘Conditional Design can thus be useful as an interpretive device. Interpreting the implementations through the lens of Conditional Design allows one to appreciate the careful handling of spatial connections, openings, and site considerations unique to each project Photos by Cristibal Paima 12 = Solo House Operate Condition ~ Ground + Can Pali Howse ‘OperatioBase Volumes + Elements Variations on Base Volumes. Element - Connection Element - Ground Element - Opening16 Conditions Connect Ground Open Overlap Shift Expand Merge Spi Carve Extract rie] Extrude Embed Extract18 | Conditions Connect Expand Spit interlock C TtExpand Condition | Connect ‘Operation - Expand Candition - Connect Horizontal - Expand Variations . —— —Nest Condition | Connect ‘Operation - Nest Horizontal + Vertical - Nest ‘Condition - Connect Horizontal + Vertical - Nest Variations . — Tm 22 OOoOos8o0 afSplit Candition | Connect Operation - Split Horizontal + Vertical - Split Condition-Connect ne = Ce Vertical - Split , 24Interlock Condition | Connect Operation - Interlock Gonaition = Connect. Horizontal + Vertical - Interlock Pease ertical - |nteriock Giies EB) GeeLift Condition | Connect Operation - Lift Vertical - Lift Condition - Connect gj Vertical - Litt Variations Sa) fel OOoOOmdOverlap | a Condition | Connect Operation - Overlap Horizontal + Vertical - Overlap See Condition - Connect : Le Horizontal + Vertical - Overlap Variations . aShift Condition | Connect Operation - Shift i we Vertical - Shift —— Sa | Condition - Connect = £ Horizontal + Vertical - Shift Variations . 32 = o OOOmsHDoOoOoooCarve Condition | Connect Operation - Carve ontal + Vertical - Carve ‘Condition - Connect Horizontal + Vertical - Carve Variations . IFracture Condition | Connect Condition - Connect Horizontal - Fracture Vertical - FractureExtract Carve | Condition - GroundSplit + Overlap ee Multiple Operations | Multiple Conditions sete YX [st SS » Operation - Split | Condition - Ground E Sl erlap + Fracture ‘Operations | Multiple Conditions - Fracture | Condition - Connect Operation - Overlap | Condition - Connect + Overlap | Condition - Open SleFracture + Intersect Multiple Operations | Multiple Conditions ‘Operation - Intersect | Condition - Ground Operation - Fracture | Condition - Open Pe 110 tersect + Merge ‘Operations | Multiple Conditions ion - Intersect |Condition-Open ~ Merge | Condition - Connect112) Aggregations << ——— —————— {Branch | | __ Connect _] a ——§ —— ie Carve Se "Open Embed Open |Reflect | Branch Single Aggregation Method Sree ereea Condition - Connect Aggregation Method - Reflect Condition - ConnectReflect + Pack | ExpandPack | Intersect Single Aggregation Method)| Pack + Stack | ShiftStack | Overlap Single Aggregation Method ‘Operation - Overlap Condition-ConnectArray + Stack | Carve Multiple Aggregation Method Operation-Carve Condition - Open Aggregation Methed - Array+ Stack Condition - Gpen 124Array | Split Single Aggregation Method cosration=spt — Aggregation Methad - ArrayJoin + Array | Extract Multiple Aggregation Method Operation - Extract Condition - Connect coda anibdisherd schon Acetic Condition - ConnectJoin | Embed Single Aggregation Method Operation - Embed132 Implementations. (01 Arg - Lucernas House Apollo Architects & Associates - Knot House amau estudi d'arquitectura - Bitten House ARX Portugal + Stefano Riva - House In Juso Colboc Franzen & Associés - House In Sévres sJavier de Anton - Country House in Zamora ODOS architects - Dwelling at Mayiree Oficina dArquitectura ~ House in Serra de Freita Pezo von Elirichshausen Arquitectos - Wolf House Tetsushi Tominaga Architect & Associates ~ Gap HouseLucernas House 01 Arq Embed +Knot House Apollo Architects & Associates ation - Extrude Photo by Masao Nishikawa Extrude =Bitten House arnau estudi d'arquitectura CarveHouse In Juso ARX Portugal + Stefano Riva Photo by FO+S6 fotografim de arguites Lift =House In Sévres ‘Colboc Franzen & Associés ‘Operation - Overlap Photo by Gécile S andition - Connect ENera ition - Connect + Ground . ——_——— eeCountry House in Zamora Javier de Antén Operation - Intersect Photo by Esau Acos! dition - Open indition - Ground Intersect = —Dwelling at Maytree ODOS architects Split» Photo by Rs Kavanag? ‘Operation - Split Condition - Connect ndition - Ground gHouse in Serra de Freita Oficina d'Arquitectura Operation - Shift Photo by Oticina didrquitectura Condition - Ground ShiftWolf House Pezo von Ellrichshausen Arquitectos Expand) = Operation - Expand Condition - Connect welling VolumesGap House Tetsushi Tominaga Architect & Associates ‘Operation - Fracture Condition - Open ss Condition - Open + ConnectAcknowledgements To firms and photographers that have contributed to this publication ; 01 Arq Lucemas House Photographer : Aryeh Kornfeld Apollo Architects & Associates Knot House Photographer : Masao Nishikawa arnau estudi d'arquitectura Bitten House Photographer : Mare Torra ARX Portugal + Stefano Riva House in Juso. Photographer : FG+SG fotografia de arquitectura Colboc Franzen & Associés House in Sévres Photographer : Cécile Septet Javier de Antén Country House in Zamora Photographer : Esau Acosta ODOS architects Dwelling at Maytree Photographer : Ros Kavanagh 154 Oficina d'Arquitectura House in Serra de Freita Photographer ; Oficina d'Arquitectura Pezo von Ellrichshausen Arquitectos. Wolf House, Poli house, Solo House Photographer : Cristébal Palma Tetsushi Tominaga Architect & Associates Gap House Photographer : Suzuki Ken'ichi lam grateful to the students with whom | have worked; the small group of architecture students from Tufts University and all my students from Northeastem University's Schoo! of Architecture. Our collaboration has inspired this book. to BIS Publishers and to Rudolf van Wezel, for his consistent trust in my work. to my friends and family, for their encouragement and pride in me. to Sandra Roque, for her support and patience. to Nora Yoo, for her continued help with this project, her editing, and advice.Biography Anthony Di Mari Anthony Di Mari has taught fundamental architecture studio courses at Northeastern University's School of Architecture and Tufts University. He was a studio and drawing instructor at Harvard University’s Career Discovery Program in architecture. He is the co-author of Operative Design: A Catalogue of Spatial Verbs. Anthony's current design research focuses on dynamic patterns, interactive fields, and land art. www.anthonydimari.com 156Operative Design introduced spatial formation as an active process derived from fundamental volumetric manipulations. This catalogue of illustrated verbs aimed to ignite architectural inquiry and instigate a formal design process. Conditional Design continues to build a systematic and iterative design logic while introducing scale through three basic architectural elements: connections, openings, and the ground. Conditional Design further develops the operative method by bridging between abstract volumetric constructs and fundamental architectural elements. OPERATIVE DESIGN ~ ANCataegue of Soati Verbe ISBN 978-90-6369-365-7 OMe. 89063"693657">