Paper and Clay models

As suggested, I created new study models out of paper and clay. However this time I tried to keep it to scale in regards of the site.

 

This was the first paper model I made. However I checked the height and it didn't fit within the 85' limit of this site. So I made a second model.

 

I really like this second model. I've also had more control over the proportions of the pages. I've cute the pages to have the same ratio of typical paper sizes, like 8.5 x 11 or 11x17.

 

I created this clay model based off the second paper model. I only did the massing of the main building and not the plaza space.

 I used a wire to cut it longitudinally, just to see how it would look in section.

This is a different approach for me. I usually design a building from the inside-out. Approaching from the outside-in is a different experience and I'm going to give it a shot.

Site Plan and Section Sketches

The site that I have chosen is a triangular site on a slope, where the base of the triangle is at the highest point and it slopes downwards towards the tip of the triangle. The effect I want to create of the building is the falling/flowing pages moving upwards in the direction of the incline.

The bulk of the building would be at the base of the triangle. I want the tip of the triangle to be an outdoor ampitheater type space. I would like the pages to flow over the space and come into the ground to form the screen for the outdoor space.

I'm still not sure how the interior of the building is going to work, whether the pages are an exterior shell or if it actually is the shape of the walls. I'm going to try to make it the shape of the building since it would be more interesting to experience these shapes on the interior as well.

One of the things I'm concerned about is getting light into the spaces. So I could probably stagger the pages upwards to bring in some light. Perhaps I could create more exterior spaces or incorporate the original bridge/tunnel idea from my previous experiments.

I know for sure that the auditorium would be on the ground floor. I'm not sure if I could excavate into the ground due to the proximity of the subway line. I would like it to be a large theater, perhaps with a balcony. I also know the elevator/stair core would have to be in the tallest part of the building, which is going to be at the base of the triangular site.

I'm going to create more study models to better understand the shape of my building.

More Sketches and Study Models

I took a few pieces of burlap and molded them to be like flowing paper. Afterwards I played around with them and tried to come up with a few different forms. Here are the results of said experiments:

Afterwards, I took a few views and created new sketches. For instance:

 Now what I need to do is figure out how these shapes could be translated into my program. I'm going to try to make some plans and sections.