images: working (on) models

projects of the
MA-design studio
Prof. Niels Jonkhans
summer 2013

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the studio

As architects, we organise function and we design space.
Generally, the design concept considers a complex set of
circumstances, such as function, urban issues (genius loci),
tectonics, etc. Apart from that – and ideally! – the concept
also indicates poetic and intellectual qualities as well as a
concept of gestalt that is specific to the particular design
task and enhances its quality. A rigorous application of
spatial design methods to amplify potential for both the
interior and exterior are focus of the studio work.

Each student is encouraged to enter an individual academic
journey into the present and near-future possibilities of
architectural design and construction. It is needless to state
the academic nature of the work that students do (generally).
Knowledge of the status-quo is demanded, but outright
repetition of it within the design studio(s) counterproductive.

Inquisitiveness and the willingness to learn are the main pre-
requisites students should bring to the studio.

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participants in SS13:
Martin Beck, Michael Bosbach, Rongrui Chen, Yiqian Fan,
Stefan Fuhrmann, Lena Geitner, Vera Landshuter, Lucas
Lang, Martina Metzenroth, Alexander Novosad, Peter
Nowak, Denny Port, Petra Rapp, Simone Reinhart, Orhan
Tutav and Kathrin Utz

support:
Moritz Heimrath, Daniela Kröhnert, Martin Lutz (design
and parametric modelling) Patrick Hesse, Ertan Karaköse,
Denny Renz, Nicolas Schäf, Sven Tackenberg, Lucas
Ziegler (visuals)

guest critics:
Johannes Schele (moreplatz),
Robert Sedlak (KapplerSedlak)

 

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task

Müllerhoofd, the pier head near the old sint-jacob-harbour in Rotterdam-Schiemond will be the location for the new Rotterdam School of Design (RSD). The building will include the faculties of architecture, design, fine art/media art, science of art. Alongside the neighbouring Scheepvaartshuis by Neutelings-Riedijk the new RSD will be an architectural landmark on the northern embankment of the nieuwe maas in western Rotterdam.

the site

Größere Kartenansicht

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design principles
generally for the studio, and
specifically for the RSD project

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designing and modifying the brief

The schedule of functions is relatively complex and with roughly 24.000sqm also very large. Students are asked to work out a preliminary version reflecting their own concept (see below). The objective is to develop and modify the schedule, a detailed example of an equally sized scheme is provided.

idea / concept

The studio task of designing a university building strongly builds upon a clear-cut own opinion of what a university (of arts) is and should be – both from the individual perception of being a student as well as from the study of relevant education building typologies and the historical background. Each student will describe their perspective on the subject by talking about it (in class), illustrated by collages that visualise the points made.

theory

Based on the above research students will develop an individual written thesis on a selected quality to do with the design task. This work will be part of the course Theory of Architecture (Prof. Dr. Richard Woditsch) and specifically supervised by Dr. Mark Kammerbauer.

architecture: precedents

Each student will present further collages showing spatial qualities (not architectural images) that seem desirable for the design task. These atmospheric role models will be filter for searching architectural precedents that have worked towards the aspired qualities. Three of those precedents (building and author(s)) need to be investigated and presented in class.

Gestaltung: design method

Before developing an individual design method, above architectural precedents will be analysed. (Renowned) architecture offices and their specific design methods will be discussed to discover rules and  to be able to adapt them for the succeeding design task.

Depending on the studies of precedents, students might specifically be looking at volumetric/mass development through alterations of volume either by addition, subtraction, division and distortion or a specific mix of some selected. Whatever the choice, students must be able to describe precisely what they are doing and why.

development: process

The design of the project will be model-based, meaning all design steps will be developed three-dimensionally through physical and digital model making. Plan drawing is necessary to analyse and communicate functional layout, while section drawing is meant to explore and demonstrate spatial organisation.
The key of the design process is using a mix of media, from analog to digital, from 2D to 3D (or 4D whoever wants to tackle animation/film). Needless to say, it is obligatory to use 3D-construction software.

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(Taylored) digital support is
provided by the GED/D-Team

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work, works: impressions

everyday studio

and nights (or days?)

models and models

intermediate design discussions

study trips – to Amsterdam/Rotterdam (NL) and to Vienna (A)

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projects

This section is in progress until the end of october.
Two out of eight projects are already featured in detail on this webpage.
In the coming few weeks other projects will follow.
In the mean time all projects – represented by a general visualisation – can be found below:

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LARGE FORM (1) – TWIST
SPLINE – project by Martin Beck and Rongrui Chen
project featured in detail – please click on image

LARGE FORM (2) – MORPH
THINK.TANK – project by Peter Nowak and Orhan Tutav

LARGE FORM (3) – DIV/SUB
project by Lucas Lang and Denny Port

LARGE FORM (4) – LANDSCAPE
SCAPE – project by Vera Landshuter and Martina Metzenroth

ACCUMULATION (1) – SLABS
VERTiCITY – project by Michael Bosbach and Lena Geitner

ACCUMULATIONS (2) – BEAMS
MIKADO – project by Simone Reinhart and Katrin Utz

SUBDIVISIONS (1) – FACETTES
project by Yiqian Fan and Stefan Fuhrmann

SUBDIVISIONS (2) – FOLDS
project by Alexander Novosad and Petra Rapp
project featured in detail – please click on image