Paul Brohan Portfolio
Construction Management & Architecture Student
Farmingdale State College
Architectural Design II
Project 2 - Contextual Fit
An addition to an existing order, "requires first that the ordering system of the prior or prototypical model be perceived and understood so that, through a series of finite changes and permutations, the original design concept can be clarified, strengthened, and built upon, rather than destroyed."
- Francis D.K. Ching, Architecture: Form, Space & Order
The owner of the Smith House, designed by Richard Meier in 1965, has asked you to add an addition to the existing structure. The client has requested a master suite, a gym, an outdoor area, and a family room to be included in the new addition. Although the client has an emphasized importance on preserving the original integrity of the building, the new addition should have its own presence as well.
Contextual Diagram
The following diagram shows the existing patterns in Richard Meier's Smith House. The existing patterns were evaluated and will be used in the design for the addition to existing house.
Narrative
Phil and Margaret are the current owners of the Smith House in Darien, Connecticut overlooking the Long Island Sound. The owners are happy with the current architectural integrity of the building and wish to keep the same design to the new addition. They want to add a master suite, a gym area, a family room, and an outdoor area for guests and parties. The gym should be the main focus of the new addition and should include a view of the sound as you work out. Phil and Margaret want the master bedroom and bathroom to be important, but not as important as the gym. They put an emphasis on their health, as both owners were collegiate basketball players, and would like a luxurious gym to spend most of their time. They also emphasized having an open family room that also overlooks the water that could be utilized for gatherings for holidays.
Heirarchy
1) Gym
2)Family Room/Outdoor Space
3)Master Suite
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Sorting
Preliminary Designs
Utilizing the same concepts Richard Meier used in the existing Smith House, the following preliminary designs were created. Preliminary designs one and two utilize a hinge joint to off-set the additions for a better view of the water. All designs maintain the patterns of structure, circulation, and open/closed.