Architectural intensification : patterns of use and construction assemblage as opportunity for elaboration

(1)

I-Li]

Architectural Intensification:

Patterns of Use and Construction Assemblage

as Opportunity for Elaboration

By Charles Treister

B.A., Princeton University, 1978

Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements For the Degree of

Master of Architecture at the

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

June, 1981

@ Charles Treister 1981

The Author hereby grants to M.I.T. permission to reproduce and distribute publicly copies of this thesis document in whole or in part.

Signature of Author

Department of Architecture February 11, 1981

Certified by

Maurice Smith, Professor of Architecture Thesis Supervisor

f

Accepted by

Professor Imre Halasz, Chairman

,eartmental Committee for Graduate Students

JUN 1

K

1381

UBABIES

(2)

1~

LII

Architectural Intensification:

Patterns of Use and Construction Assemblage as Opportunities for Elaboration

by Charles Treister

Submitted to the Department of Architecture on February 6, 1981, in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of Master of Architecture.

ABSTRACT

The loss of small scale elements and the lack of opportunity for personal elaboration has been an area of failure in contemporary buildings. These small scale elements are essential in

providing human scale, enabling useful inhabitation, and giving a sense of place.

This study attempts to define a design approach in which small scale elements and details will be an intrinsic outgrowth of the building process. The fulfillment of utilitarian conditions; use patterns, structure, and

construction, form the basis of this approach rather than the application of some "decoration" to the basic form. This approach calls for

the intensification of design decisions, based on utility and maintaining the integrity of earlier decisions. Built intensification

serves as the optional aesthetic manner in which a utilitarian distinction is made.

This theory of intensification is studied through a design of an infill system of interior elements to be used in multi-family housing. This system relies on standardized elements, shop

fabricated, which can be custom assembled within each dwelling to meet the particular programatic needs of the inhabitant. These elements, which would serve as storage, use surfaces and

separation, would also be amenable to personal elaboration and rearrangement by the occupant at a later time.

One typical dwelling unit, taken from the context of a larger housing project that I designed, serves as the area to be inhabited. There are four phases of the design process of

this infill system. Each of the phases is illustrated through drawings and photographs of a model. The four phases of the design process are: 1) the primary structural zone;

2) the catalogue of interior elements and their details; 3) the assemblage of these elements in the primary structure; and 4) the details,

connections and further intensification of the assembled pieces.

Thesis Supervisor: Maurice Smith Title: Professor of Architecture

(3)

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Maurice Smith, who has provided valuable insights and thoughtful criticism on this project. My appreciation goes to Professor Edward Allen and G Wolf for their advice and direction.

Many thanks I would like to extend to Fernando Ca and Michael Sela for their support, advice, and 1 throughout the term. I extend my gratitude to Jo

Alan Joslin, Mark Landsberg, and Chip Pinkham for

help on this project , and for their friendship a

discussions throughout my time at M.I.T.

Most special thanks go to my parents , for all of

support, and to Lisa, who has made this semester, especially January, one of the happiest times of

ary stro aughs n Alff, their nd their and my life.

(4)

Introduction

The Human Dimension in Buildings

Human beings perceive the built environment on both the large and small scale. Spatial

qualities and massing are each important to our experience of a building but it is the small qualities -- materials, textures, sizes that we intimately appreciate. Small-size elements help us to establish a sense of

scale: we know that a doorknob, for instance, is the size of our hand. Often, these small dimensions are reflections of material sizes and hand crafting, and provide us with visual clues for understanding a particular

environment. Many times, the small-scale elements are pragmatic parts of their context: chairs, benches, desks, beds. These pragmatic elements whose dimensions

are based on the size of the human body are essential, enabling us to relate directly to our environment.

The Loss of the Small Scale

All too often in recent architectural

history, buildings have been produced which

F.C. Bogk Residence, Milwaukee, by

lack in small scale characteristics. For most Wright; in Global Interiors #9,

of the architects in the Modern Movement, and for many designers practicing today, the

primary concern was on the overall form of a

Frank Llyod

(6)

L!n~roduction

_______ _____ _______

building and its spatial qualities. These architects consciously chose to subordinate material distinctions and small detail in

favor of a building's larger elements. In addition, modern construction methods, with an emphasis on the "gypsum building," have also served to undermine a traditional concern for fine scale details.

Elaboration: The Desire to Personalize our World Many of today's buildings also suffer from a related problem: they are placeless and with-out context. Throughout history, people have elaborated utilitarian objects and buildings

in order to signify ownership, convey feelings of value or place, or to commemorate an event. At its root, this process of "ornamentation" expresses a human need to personalize or make

special. Often it is the elaboration of an element rather than its basic form that relates an object to a specific time, place or culture. Today, however, as a result of a singular

professional attitude among architects and construction practices which stress uniformity and standardization, buildings throughout the world are remarkably similar.

The desire to personalize one's surroundings and the need for human scale references often converge; elaboration usually occurs at small

scales. The application to architecture, however, must be integral; one does not first build a

structure and then tack on some superfluous

,(,-t ~~-g I' ~ r * p 4..,_L Tf

--Midway Gardens, Chicago, by Frank Llyod Wright;

in The Work of F.L.W., The Wendingen Edition p.69.

ornament. Rather, one should build in such a way that each design decision carries into the next, and elaboration strengthens the utility and integrity of a structure, while at the same time allowing it to develop a human scale.

(7)

Introduction--

--

,

Glasgow School of Art Library, by Charles Rennie

Mackintosh; in Mackintosh Arch., p. 25.

Intensification of Previous Design Decisions Elaboration is not the addition of an

ornamental motif to a finished design. Rather, I believe in an elaboration based on construction and use, an elaboration which intensifies

previous design decisions-. As Antonio Gaudi stated,: "Our furniture and buildings demand the fulfillment of an infinite number of

conditions, which if clearly laid out in an adequate and organized manner already provide for the basis of ornamentation." The basis of ornamentation, lies not in some pictorial or artistic motif, but in the rationally.

conceived building process itself, a process of intensifying design based on use and

construction.

Patterns of Use and Construction Assemblage

A process based on patterns of use implies

consideration of the dimensions of the human body, consideration of the sizes, shapes, and textures of the objects that we need to carry out our daily lives, and consideration of physical, accoustical, and visual climates that we need to conduct our personal and communal activities. Building to recognize patterns of use involves specifically an

understanding of use dimensions. Vertical ones such as siting, writing, and passage as

well as horizontal ones that range from storage to inhabitation. A process

based on construction considers the manner

of building; the sizes and shapes of

building materials, the intrinsic qualities

of these materials, how they fit together.to

provide structural integrity, and the durability

and propriety of each structural decision,

A Process of Building

These descriptions are purposely broad,

and there are a variety of solutions that can

fillfill these criteria. The purpose of this

study is to acknowledge the vast number of

possible alternatives, and to address an

attitude towards architecture which Frank

Lloyd Wright dubbed "integral ornamentation":

an attitude that claims that small scale detail

and elaboration can be, and must be, intrinsic

parts of the building process.

(8)

The Design Problem: Multi- Family

Housin

I chose to develop my thesis on

"Intensification" in the area of contemporary

multi-family housing, an area which clearly

suffers from lack of elaboration and small

scale detail.

The dwelling units in most

current housing projects suffer from numerous

intrinsic problems.

Problems in Current Housing

Design

Attitudes Restrict Growth - Each

activity, whether it be public or private, is

assigned an area of space, usually in the shape

of a rectangle, and solid walls are constructed

around that area.

These boxes, called rooms,

are arranged to form a dwelling.

This design

attitude gives no consideration to specific use

patterns for using these spaces, nor does it

allow any type of optional partial definition Peabody Terraceormitories, Harvard Univ., Camb

by Jose Luis Sert; in Bastlund, Jose Luis Sen

such as screens or openings.

v.

230

Walls Hinder Human Intervention - The

walls in most multi-family housing projects

provide no use other than separation.

The

inhabitant is forced to create his or her own

useful conditions through the arrangement of

furniture; beds, desks, shelves, and closets,

for inhabitation and internal clarity. While

it is beneficial for the inhabitant to have

ridge

(9)

The Design Problem

Peabody Terrace Dormitories, Harvard Univ., Cambridge, by Jose Luis Sert; in Bastlund, Jose Luis Sert, p. 231.

some control over the use of the living

environment, the wall as simple separation

provides no clue to utility and actually

inhibits the occupant's opportunity to

intervene.

Surfaces Resist Elaboration - Walls

reveal no horizontal markings, useful surfaces,

or other clues to lend a human scale to a room.

Generally, there are no distinctions in building

materials:

gypsum board runs from floor to

ceiling. A paper material, such as gypsum,

does not lend itself to elaboration or

personalization, even to the limited extent

of allowing occupants to erect shelves or

hang artworks.

Layouts Defy Individuality

-

The layouts

of multi-family dwelling units are standardized

according to size or type and then repetitively

stamped out.

Inhabitants of these units, who

have a variety of personal preferences and/or

spatial requirements, are confined to a given

number of rooms, of limited dimensions, in a

single, restricted arrangement.

Construction Defies Revision - Because

of the fixed nature of the walls in contemporary

mass housing projects, any additions or changes

an inhabitant may wish to make within a dwelling

unit require major efforts and expense for

demolition and reconstruction.

The Problem with Custom Design

The goal of this study is the creation of

an architectural vocabulary which makes reference

to human dimensions and which is replete with

detailed, small-scale distinctions and

elaboration. Historically, such a vocabulary

has been possible through custom design work.

The skilled hands of a craftsman can combine

carefully carved and milled pieces in a way

that glorifies intricate personal details.

Customized built-in furniture and moldings

can establish a human scale and a sense of

elaboration that many of today's buildings

lack.

Economics, however, prevent the

wide-spread application of customized solutions;

(10)

[The Design Problem

skilled labor and finished materials simply

cost too much money for most people.

Only

the very wealthy could afford a building

system which relied solely on

custom-designed and crafted elements.

The Premise of the Study:

Custom Assemblage

My proposition, therefore, is to design

a system of standardized elements which can

be assembled in unique and diverse ways, and

which will reveal large level of smallscale

detail.

These elements would come in a

variety of sizes and shapes in order to meet

a range of programmatic conditions, and they

would be amenable to individual intensification

through the addition of other elements at a

later time.

Only a limited amount of custom

work would be done on-site in order to

establish effective connections between the

combinations of standard elements.

All of

these standard elements would be manufactured

in a shop.

Durable, detailed, diverse, and

dynamic, the entire system would also be

readily affordable.

As a premise for a model that attempts

to solve the problems found in contemporary

housing projects, I adopted the basic attitude

of the S.A.R. Housing Group from the Netherlands,

whose method calls for the inhabitants of a

housing project to establish their own dwelling

arrangements based on a number of optional

variations. Under the S.A.R. system, the architect is responsible for designing the public spaces in a housing project, the access and circulation, and the primary "support" structures, which would be built to accept the greatest possible range of unit plans.

With assistance from the architect, inhabitants would design their own unit plans, drawing

on their own needs and individual preferences.

m

(11)

r _ITh D t- ia Prohlem

esC1k.#Cblg I- A£ lJ

Design Process

For the purposes of this study, I am concerning myself with the design of the dwelling and its inhabitation. The context of this dwelling unit will be provided in a multi-family housing design which I previously proposed for Brookline, Mass. The site, overall building form and primary unit support are taken from this design. The design process of specific dwelling

units then breaks down into four levels:

1. Primary Support: The architect designs a structural framework of floor slabs and some vertical containment walls. These are built with poured-in-place concrete. 2. Secondary Infill: The architect designs

a variety of closure and infill pieces

which are standardized and shop fabricated.

3. Custom Unit Design: The inhabitant and/or architect designs a specific living unit using on-site labor for custom assembly of the standardized secondary elements.

4. Modification of Elements: The inhabitants adapt and modify their units over time

by moving, changing, adding to, or

subtracting from the original assembly of elements.

Intensification of the design occurs at all four levels of intervention. At the primary

support level: surface intensifications of

the poured-in-place concrete are possible. The individual standardized elements can be

intensified in the design of the secondary infill. The pattern of assemblage and the connections between elements creates an opportunity for intensification at the third level of the dwelling unit design. These assemblages can be further intensified

by the inhabitants at the fourth level, by

the addition of personalizing pieces and through modification.

I

iij

(12)

12 The Housing Context

The housing design which serves as a

context for this thesis was proposed as part

of an earlier MIT studio under Professor

Maurice Smith in 1980.

Located in Brookline,

Mass., the mid-rise housing was intended to

provide a favorable alternative in terms of

personal control and communal living, to

the detached housing or high-rise slabs that

currently exist in the neighborhood.

The site

eliminates the rectilinear block grid in favor

of more intense green belts that would weave

through the area, with access to the buildings

provided on paved drives.

The buildings

orient around a series of common courts, upon

which open balconies, and exposed promenades

would provide view and allow access between

the units and the court. The dwelling units

(which are described in detail later) were

developed as a concrete support structure,

only as a context for dwelling.

Actual

in-habitation would be provided through secondary

less permanent elements under the control of

the inhabitants.

The schematic design of

this housing then serves as the starting off

point for this thesis design study of the

details and assemblage of the interior

elements

Building Axonometric showing southern face with access.

(13)

FHousing

Context

* -

--_ *

SITE PLAN, SECTION, & BUILDING MA

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONooCHARLES _TREISTER

M AS MASTER'S T H ESIS o OOMASSACHIJSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECH NOLOGY OODFAL L 1930

SSING

f a

(14)

F

The Housing Context

14 BUILDING SECTION & ENTRY COURT PLAN

ARCHITECTURLINTENSIFICATIONooCH A R LES TREISTER

ASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY aoOFALL 1950

0 - -~ -U,

A R C H I T E C T U R A L MA51ER'S T HESIS o o OM

(15)

Concrete Intensification

Pouring the concrete for the primary

system is the first step in the construction

process.

Intensifying this concrete is

dependent on its material properties and the

method involved in construction. The plastic

qualities of the concrete must be handled within

the constraints imposed by its method of

forming.

In addition, the structural properties

of the concrete must also be taken into account.

Where there is high structural stress, the

positioning of steel reinforcing bars place

constraints on the thickness and shape of

the concrete.

Because it leaves a visible impression on

the finished concrete, the deposition of

formwork should form the basis for any process

of intensification. Numerous patterns can be

created through the manipulation of the shape,

type, texture, and securing method of the

formwork.

Points of contact, such as corners

and the junctures between column and slab,

require special treatment during the forming

process and therefore provide special potential

for intensification. As the base from which

the rest of the building develops, the concrete

must provide a receptive environment for the

Imperial Hotel, Tokyo, by Frank Llyod Wright; in James,

The Imperial Hotel.

secondary infill

and, at the same time,

maintain the clear continuity of the overall

building structure.

I

(16)

Concrete Intensification

4 jVFLT

T

7I~~

;ii~

-- .-- -Ail-.*

.

.9

u...

1ME.rAJ~

-V

4

~VLfIt1i~1~

-

-- 'i-i

Liii

I'

7~AW4~ ~

LA RC H I-TEICTU R A L M A ST E R' S T HE S IS aoaDM) I N T E N S I F A S S A C H U S E T T S t~. 85, 0 eq I C A T IO N o o I N S T I T U T E OF

FORMWORK & FINISHES

CHARLES TREI STER

TECHNOLOGY 0o OFALL 1980 7-i. -4 - -b * .8.

*

* -

.i-;nI-

IELI * . - . . .~

HI

IlL

~1$~%

oA

I.6~D ~,. '~.

0*

0 0

El

m --jam jto% Jt 30~ 0eCOo 0

~

0 0C0 0 e o c oC C 0000 c c 0c wlm_

F%21

V*

ttAM MM

Z5ANU

k2

L

j-, IAIT %--j

\oe-Ilk

Q A

66AO

/l'N

I

(17)

FConcrete

Intensification

17 FAAM INUL-ATV.i

-imi I

1.1 U

III,

I~T~EZWUV

L~~-TPdI~-

-

-FORMING CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

ARCH ITECTU RA L I NTEN S IFI CATI ONoa o C H A R L E S

MASTER*S THESISao o MASSACHIUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

T R E I S T E R

0 0 0 F A L. L 1 9 8 0

It

(18)

r

Concrete

Intensification

COLUMN INTENSIFICATION

-

CONCRETE

(19)

1 0 1

CONCRETE SURFACE ARTICULATION

A RC H ITECTU RAL I NTEN S I FI C

M A S T E R ' S T H E S I S OOO M A S S A C H U S E-T T S IN A T I O N ooo N S T I T U T E OF CHARLES T E C H N OL OG Y TREISTER7 0 0 F A L L 1 95a 0 ii .0 1-~~~~~~ --I

(20)

Concrete Intensification

11JW

- ~ ~ - -I 1' -u -,~.-t I 'F..-I., - I -1 I

I

1-

-

1 -~.121

TIN

7' ~~~LiAi -~

I

1J4

-~L-~II

t--- I

iI

K

~~~~1~

ik=t=='

IF

_____________________-1'

I

* -- H

7iTi~~.:

79>

I

liii

-1]______

V

~i"~iit

1111

7.

_______

4

-i--I--I-.

i-i-I

I-

_____________ -1

-I-11

I

.~I

I

T

FORMWORK ASSEMBLAGE

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONoooCHARLES TREISTER,

M A S T E R ' S T H-E S I S o1o M A S S A C H U S E T T S I N S T I T UTE OF TECHNOLOGY o aDOFAL 1 930

F-II

I i i

**1*-,,-"",,4.,&.6**

-71-,

Amm 4 -_{-T--T--T-lzamlr} - .- . or- T

-=21 ==I L- - I- -L I I I I -I T-T

flE

i -- 4 MEJAC.-7 _--7' -6 0 A

:1

1 I I I Ll 09

(21)

FConcrete

Intensification

at k. ~

ELEVATION & AXONOMETRIC STUDY OF

SUPPORT.

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONoaoCHARLES TREISTER

M. AS.MASTER'S THESIS oooMASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY OO OFALL 1980

(22)

FConcrete

Intensification

I

7r

ELEVATION OF SUPPORT

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONaooCHARLES TREISTER

(23)

1231

The Dwelling Support

The secondary system is designed and implemented within a specific spatial zone in the primary structure. Although structural necessity places limitations on the spatial dimensions of the primary system, the support zone must be horizontally and vertically

large enough to allow a variety of configurations in this secondary infill. In this proposal

I select a typical concrete "support" zone as the context for the system of closure and interior definition. This context or

"support" is bounded horizontally by the floor and ceiling slabs and vertically be concrete retaining walls and columns. The primary concrete structural zone is a flat slab that rests between two eight-foot wide vertical support areas which parallel each other every twenty-five feet.

This specific support zone is located on

the middle level promenade of the building, approximately one and one-half stories above

Model: View of concrete support for dwelling.

the street. Inhabitants reach the apartment

by way of an open promenade.

This promenade

is reached from the entry court via an exposed

stairway or by an elevator. The unit sits on

a north-south axis with access on the south

side adjacent to the public promenade. On

the north side of the unit, exterior balconies

overlook the common green space.

(24)

The Support

ARCHITECTURAL

MASTER'S THESIS OD OM

IN T E N S IF ICATIONODO C H A R LES TR E I STE R

A S S A C H U S E T T S I N S T I T U T E OF TECHNOLOGYOaO FALL 1 9 8 0

1 9rlk

TYPICAL SUPPORT AT THE

PERAMBULATORY LEVEL

Scale:1/8 inch equals one foot

L

(25)

[The Support

[

25

I.

U.

I II I I I III I I i i ii ITTII

-W4fl4I

-[[I

ARCHITETURAL INTENSIFIC A T IONoaooC H A R LES TR

S TERS THESIS000MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY o o o

E I S T E R

F A L L .19 8 0

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT PLAN, SECTION!

-1 4 11 -1 fill 1 11, -LL I --q - -- - - -- - I - - F - -I i I I I I I I I I I I i

(26)

F

The Support

View of southern face of dwelling support, at perambulatory access level. The large open concrete area is an optional build

zone, which the inhabitant can either en-close or maintain as an open deck.

Northern face of dwelling support. Private

terraces overlook the common greenspace. The middle level of the unit (plus three

ft.) is shown. Only a small area of the

upper floor(plus ten ft.) is part of the concrete support. The remainder of the

unit is a double height "loft like" space

which can be optionally inhabited with wooden platform elements.

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONoaCHARLES TREISTER

MMAS T E RS THESIS OO01MASSACHUSETTS INSTIT U T E OF TECHNOLOGY130 03FALL 1980

Li

21 MODEL:

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

1

I A a

(27)

The Support

References

S.A.R. Variation Studies - In these studies,

which he did for his book Variations, John

Habraken introduced the concept of a dwelling unit that has a variety of potential floor plans. Dimensions of the "support" system are established only after variations of potential unit types have been tested. In the specific

examples, which are based on the morphology of the Dutch row house, the support is characterized

by single-height floor slabs and parallel bearing

walls. The bearing walls, however, are not continuous, allowing occupants to enlarge individual units into neighboring territories.

S

H Nw

-L~i z~S m

14

STORE MOTEL STUDENT ROOMS APARTMENT FOR APARTMENT WITH

TWO PERSONS DOUBLE HEIGHT LIVING

ROOM

H

APARTMENT WITH HOBBY ROOM APARTMENT WITH GARAGE

11

APARTMENT FOR FOUR

PERSONS

Diagrams of pesible inhabitations for a repetitive

structural support, in Habraken,et. al., Variations: The Systematic Design of Supports

p. 194. -- _---_ 16I 81/83 b /8 L2 B1/B3 E/K1 b /B4

Sub-variation diagrams of a low-rise support, in Variations, op. cit., p. 154.

m

-271

L1 B3 Li 83 K1/83

E /Ki b/Bi E/1 k/B4 E b/b82

"S i - e AITS Li E /K

i

I 196,

(28)

[The Support

ILZ61

Hertzberger's Experimental Housing at Delft

-These are another example of row housing but with the important introduction of

multi-level platforms which allow sectional continuity.

The three half-levels allow open common spaces

and create the potential for even larger spatial

dimensions. As opposed to S.A.R. in which

primary walls are always linear, Hertzberger employs both walls and three-dimensional concrete cores which are perpendicular to the walls. These vertical cores serve as containments for the stairs and bathrooms, and help define the spatial territories within

the primary structural system.

Experimental Housing Type "Diagoon" at Delft, by

Herman Hertzberger, (plans, sections, and studies) ,

in Architecture & Urbanism, March 1977, No. 75,

p. 113-114. 3 11 5 9 6j 10 - i 1) Q is 13 I I

(29)

Catalog of Interior

Elements

Inhabitants create definition within the

units by arranging a series of standardized

elements.

These elements, arranged according

to individual preference, provide separation,

storage space and use-surfaces such as benches,

desks, counters and shelves.

Because the elements

must fit into a number of different situations,

they come in a variety of vertical and

horizontal dimensions and can serve as a full

range of separation, from full closure to

operable separation to open screen.

The elements fall into eight major

categories:

1. opaque and translucent wall panels of

different heights and widths

2. screens and partial separations

3. free-standing and self-supporting

shelving units

4. solid storage pieces such as closets,

bureaus, and end tables

5. sliding and swinging interior doors,

both opaque and transparent

6. floor platforms for lofts and intermediate

levels

7. stair pieces

8. horizontal surfaces such as desks, tables,

and benches

LZ-I

LIIIIZ

I

-

---

J

Shoji screen variations from Traditional Japanese

Buildings, in Saburo, Washitsu Zosa Shusei

A similar catalog of closure elements,

and bathroom, kitchen elements would also be provided but they are outside of the scope of this work.

I

(30)

Fr'OtaA

nf Interinr Flemente I ~LLLL4i~.J~ _______

*1

1 ___ZTZ~-*" 1 -I

WALL PANELS

Scale

1 /4

inch equals one foot

ARCHITECTU

MASTE R'S T H ESIS

RAL INTENS I FICATION ooa OCHARLES

0 0 DMASSACH USETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

T RE I ST E R. a o a FAL L 1980

4

I

Ii

II

4

U

I

(31)

Catalog of Interior Elements

:v

-- ~ £ rn44

law

uffx

4'

I-~IIII1

1%il1

~I

ii ARCHITECTUR 'MAST E R 'S T H E S I S O1 AL INTENSIFICATIONoa C O O MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF T1 H ARLES TREISTER: E C H N OL OG Y 0D 0 F A L L 1 9 8 o1

SCREENS, SHELVING, & STORAGE UNITS

Scale:1/4 inch equals one foot

I

L

4--11=

TI

-'V.-'

11 I'

IE~

-it zzr~-4~

::izz~

-

_{i - i}

I

(32)

~Catalog of Interior Elements

I I I L'

~11

mzi

rzm

It'

-

1*.

CLOSETS, DOORS, & FLOOR PLATFORMS

Scale : 1/4 inch equals one foot

ARCH ITECTU RAL INTENSIFI

M ASTER'S T H ES I S OO 0 M A S S A C H U S E T T S

C A TION aD o.C H A R LES T RE IS

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY o0O FALL

TER-1 9 0

I

-l;

'3

t-t

i-rn

--

-T

----4 - t- --t

rCatalog

-R"

WtAn-om---of Interior Elements

UPI

(33)

FCatalog

of Interior Elements

I ~1

4-~u'zzzv'x~

' I -- I

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONoooCH ARLES TREISTER

MASTER*S THESIS O130 D MAS S A C H U S E T T S I N S T I T U T E O F T E C H N OL OGVOOO F A L L I 9 8 o

STAIRS

Scale : 1/4 inch equals one foot

'3

b-b

A~O'

#6'

(34)

F

Catalog of Interior Elements

The interior elements are designed to serve

a range of functions. The vertical heights relate to the activities of sittinq,

writ-ing, workwrit-ing, passage, maximum reach and

sight. The horizontal dimensions begin with the size of material: connections to shelves

(10"), larger storage of objects (2') and finally to dimensions that allow human in-habitation (3 feet or more).

A. Wall panels serve as vertical separation. Heights range from full height of 7 feet, 6 inches to low walls of 3 feet for par-tial closure. These vertical panels also serve as structural supports for lofts and platforms.

B. Other vertical elem nts r a a 'i e..

Storare/ seating niche, door frame, lattice

screen, shelving unit, and clothing stor-age unit.

C. Floor panels are used to build intermedi-ate platforms and lofts. These platforms

are structurally independent and would

rest on beams.

D. Stair piece, shelf and clothes storage.

L~1

II

ii~

_

MODEL: INTERIOR ELEMENTS GROUPS

A R C H I T E C T U R A L I N T E N S I F I C A T 1 O N oaoo C H A R L E S T R E I S T E R

(35)

Catalog of Interior Elements

The basic wall panels are framed by

2" x 10" boards, giving a large useful

storage dimension. The intermediate sup-ports within the panel are 2"-wide pieces of lumber, and allow for the addition of table tops, shelving or other later elab-orations. The horizontal intermediate support occurs at heights two feet-eight inches and six feet-eight inches above the

floor, one for table tops and the other at

passage height. The bottom of the panel

is 6" above the floor, allowing for a

kick space.

The singular wall panels can then be grouped together to form small areas of containment

in "u" shapes. These can be securely con-nected and strengthened by floor platforms and sealed at the top by ceiling pieces. They can serve as niches, sitting nooks, closets, desk enclosures, or head boards.

The entire catalog of interior elements

(of which not all are shown) would allow

for a wide range of privacies, partial enclosures and movable passages. These elements would serve as the basis for further elaboration and custom additions.

MODEL: CATALOG OF INTERIOR ELEMENTS

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONo aaoC H A RL E S T RE I STE R

M A S T E RK'*S THESIS o o 0MASSACHUSETTS I N S T I T U T E O F TECHNOLOGYao O FALL 1 9 8 0

(36)

[

Catalog of Interior Elements

of Traditional

The residential architecture of traditional Japan offers a highly

developed example of a building

system based on the assemblage of standardized elements. Each component of the building system, be it the wall panel, floor panel, screen, or even decorative moldings, is mass produced to a given modular dimension. Within the standardized format a great variety of different designs is possible.

The shoji panels and lattice screens shown here are taken from a Japanese pattern book to illustrate some of the options that exist within the Japanese system. The amount of fine detail, and intricacy of design that these panels have is only feasible because of their standardized fabrication. Were similar screens to be custom built, the price would be prohibitively

high.

The Victorian pattern book of doors, windows, and moldings used in the United States is a similar

example of the benefits of standardized elements, which can allow for a richer,

more intensified building apporach,

at an affordable price.

I

----

-I.

LIZ

LIII

I

~llh1flU

LIZ

Shoji screen variations from Traditional Japanese Buildings, in Saburo, Washitsu Zosa Shusei, pp.

302,303,223 and 241. Standardized Pieces Japanese Residences

I MIMIIIIIIHIMH

IMIH

m

11 11 11

a Mill

(37)

Details of Elements

Design of interior elements is based on function and construction type. Each piece is designed to accommodate its specific use and

to combine gracefully with other elements from the catalog. Beacuse pieces must serve

individually and in combination, each piece is structurally self-sufficient.

Construction can proceed in one of two methods: simple fabrication or more complex

"furniture-style" fabrication. In the simple case, which I have used for a number of design studies, standard nominal lumber and conventional hand tools are used to build the elements.

To eliminate waste, dimensions in the simple case are based on divisions of standard

sizes of available building products.

In the complex case, individual elements are manufactured and finished in a shop allowing for higher quality construction and improved joinery.

Wood was chosen as the major structural material in both cases because of aesthetics, its ease of construction, and its amenability to further intensification by unit inhabitants.

A system of metal interior elements, however,

is certainly feasible and might even be easier and less expensive to fabricate on a mass scale.

The Drawing Room, 120 Mains St., Glasgow, by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, in Cooper, Mackintosh Arch.,

p. 58.

37~

(38)

-iaus

01

mo1ineri r___emeu

'UfUTF

f'AglTN

M

41

/ANP

4 Pitf!5'

1r

**fpVM 9O*P**

~/4S rC~L~~,~-NOW -0

bwf01

-VSMA~ I :lARAWY iF X ii vo I

,1

e -VLzI

_I

53 4,

K

zI

:e

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFI

- MASTER'S THESIS a a OMASSACH USETTS

-1--CATIONoooCH ARLES TREISTER

INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYDO OFALL 1 91a 0

-rap

,- p

* I I I I

a

A -WIWI

1L38

/;;MV~fAL. 1ON4rWM

d4MO

-FAHUa

-

AV"N

&

A

11V2AM31H/JMI~6t

7I

I

)~VALr

PANEL CONSTRUCTION

I;

I

ii'

& CONNECTIONS

Scale : as shown

- _{I -,, 1} I

MAT !KLAu V5.:

-v

I

*77r.#r

A

14N -INEP 7ff 717

(39)

Details of Interior Elements

39~

V

1L~

0 ed

ZiS-W-I~A

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONoo

M A S T E It 'S THESIS-O1oO MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE 0

OCH ARLES TREISTERi

F T E C H N O L.OGY 00O OF A LL1 I 9a o

BUREAU & CLOSET ELEMENT

Scale : as shown

v

W -T 61TMIM

(40)

-Details of Interior Elements

4~1~I~2

I04 | I

40l

-1--.9

ARCHITECTURAL .. M A S T E R ' S T H E S I S C3 r3O0M I N T E N S I F I C A T IO N o o1 C H A R LES TR E I STE R! A S S A C H U S E T T S I N S T I T U T E OF TECHNOLOGYO13013O FALL 1 9 8 0

PANEL OPTIONS

-

SCREEN &

PARTIAL CLOSURE

(41)

-

F-V7WAI-1TYM,--Oz

IA

--4

A R C H IT E CTU R A L I NTE N S I FI C AT.I ON ono C H A R L E S TI

STUDY: ENCLOSURE PIECES

-

jPANEL

MATERIALS

RE IS TE R a F AL 1. 9 801i

&

Scale : as shown

M ASTE R*S THESIS OO O MASSACH USETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY D D

4

/ ,r

/

*-OKl

i(f- LIA

& Y#f90j14 0K ?1t'Y- P

YrriA

t-lt

--z

Y

rati.FOK c"1rr

~ 2 l IC

W

-4

ina1evari

FTWW/DWZOG -1 1 bul

r

Details of

Interior Elements

V

t

(42)

Details of Interior Elements

.ARCHITECTURAL I N T E N S I.FI CATION ooo CH ARLES MMASTE R'S THESIS OO 0 M A SSACH USETTS INSTITUTE OF TECH N OL O G Y

El

STUDY: COMBINING PANELS INTO NICHE

Scale : 3/4 inch equals one foot

T R E I S T E R

0 F A LL 1 9 80

(43)

Details of interior Elements

ea u

- 4 C

ina

lit

7

D

REFERENCE: MACINTOSH FURNITU

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSI FICATI0NoooCH ARLES TREISTER - MASTER'S TH ESISo Oo0MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLO G Y O OFALL 1980.

(44)

[

Details of Interior Elements

144}

Human Scale:

Horizontal use dimensions allow surfaces for actions to take place. Their

sizes relate to the minimal action

possible.

0"-3" : Material connection",

3"-12": Storage of objects,

12"-3': Work surface, writing, eating,

etc.

3'+ :Area for inhabitation,

sitting, standing.

Vertical use dimensions relate to the physical size of man and the

comfortable height of different activities.

6"- : Kick space

1'-6" : Sitting height

2'-6" : Desk height, writing or a seated activity

3'-0" : Counter height for a standing activity

4'-0" : Low partition, partial

privacy

6'-8" : Passage, min. clearance for standing space

7'-6" : Maximum reach.

Construction dimensions: The sizes

of materials, and hardware, if expressed,

will give a recognizable scale to our built pieces. The depth of a

table-top, the width of a door frame, and

the size of a door handle, are elements that permit us to understand the scale

of an object and the way it works.

Wright's room elevation for

Taltesan East exemplifies an

under-standing of all three concepts of dimensions, Vertically the activity

heights are built: the kickspace at

8", the bed at l'-6", the desk top

at 2'-6", the top of curtain privacy

at 4'-4", and the window height at

6'-8". The dimensions of materials

such as the desk top is heighted by

the separation from the panel below

by a space of a few inches. This creates

a new height dimension of 2'-2". To

register lower heights onto larger pieces, Wright uses "Virtual Use

Dimensions", or moldings that represent

the useful height onto another surface. The end board of the bed at right has

the desk heights 2'-6", and 2'-2"

marked by cross pieces even though

its useful height is much taller.

Gilmore Residence, Madison, Wisconsin, by Frank Llyod

Wright; in Global Interiors #9, p. 114.

Bedroom in the Hillhouse, Hellensborough, by

Charles Rennie Mackintosh; in Mackintosh

Architecture, p. 45.

-,

-p-I

I

Drawing of Taliesan East, by Frank Llyod Wright, in F.L.W. Architecture, The Wendingen Edition, p. 41.

"w

_Dtv

ld

Ki _i rNM& _umrmr

uiPAprv7

Wou

naiiTrcr

T llwp

--

--* --*

*a

Drawing of furniture for the Little House, by F.L. Wright, in Hanks, The Decorative Designs of F.L.W.,

(45)

Details of Interior Elements

~fff'J7 fp~~AHi CH,1

&-4i

ALr...

m

r-

WMA: mi cm- latPk kJOI

Tnx ivoyjw; f w1~aY

~ii4A

'Ar * p(*1tc~c

~

-VV~rt~- -OF ~ i~ '~'f~4L~ ] Atf 7 '* A O 0ra ma-LAmi o 00FVKM6 N-WDft)srW ON Awoao, A!,4~S4 14* kz- NWV , A A, -Mr- lffr~ftc5% rp~r Agg6V P 19 cay'm wt l~aH y *mowImA Plbfw LT-, c o A eIC6 A" 4AW6'rfaG, T-H% H EiT b(A &)166 y 10 trAi

A Fb1&MA(,

6440-1

n~7~_A '~Ar ~v.e~o~J > J,~fkA' * -4mo5~i II A&- OPSrS W O * we WAIO

M6&

T1w 1410

An interior system of study

-carrels and work stations designed

by Maurice Smith for the Architecture

Department at M.I.T., utilized hand--built standardized wall panels that

can be assembled in a variety of ways. The system has 4 components: homosote wall panels that are placed vertically and horizontally, free standing

shelving units, long single height

shelves, and table tops. The panels are framed with standard 2"x6" lumber, with intermediate supports of 1"x2"

to be used for attaching tables and shelves.

OM -MP CV-A) Z"(,

f_4 5V c*904 it'~Hr4c-k g.. ffAI L-1~ 'flT4N~fO fl~

I

-r Ic ~-3w

,e

A

th&

A C

451 Abi

ro IWentdo

(46)

I-|

461 Combinations of

Elements

Pieces from the basic kit of parts are

assembled to form a variety of more complex

elements.

In some instances, the complex

assemblages would be securely fastened together

to remain permanently as a single unit.

In

other cases, individual elements would simply

rest in combination, ready for dismantling and

re-assembly.

These drawings represent various possible

combinations of elements based on their potential

use.

These specific variations are designed

without a context; they are merely examples from

a "pattern book" of useful configurations which

might be applied to a specific apartment

context.

Diagrams of possible arrangements of Tokanoma alcove, in Saburo, Washitsu Zosa Shusei, p. 33.

w7 R*K--101 s 9 99--11 103 Ten 107 0 111 97)85 115 WRM 42' 119 &EN 100 MIEN15' 104 waN-8Isem 108 V"41 112 BiH t 116 *RtM 120 in R a 105 i U -

---109 11g 113 *1W-* M 117 ~ 2% 106 e 0 110 W91+ 114 -AN 118 ZIn I I

(47)

Combinations of Elements

It

-1

H

I I 117r gr-hi It

4'

OPTIONS OF PANEL COMBINATIONS

Scale : as shown

ARCH ITECTU RAL INTEN SIF ICATI

MASTE RS THESIS Oo OMASSACH USETTS I N S T I T

O N o ao C H A R LES TR E I STE R U T E OF T E C H N OL OG Y O OF ALL 19 930

I

-I 1-" I I _=I r

(48)

Combination of Elements

% N

U

Il-I

(f)

7:

4

ARCH ITECTU RAL I N T E N S I F I C A T IO N o o C H

A

R LES TREISTIE Ri

-M A S T E R 'S T H E S I S OO M A S S A C H U S E T T S I N S T I T U T E OF TECHNOLOGYaO O FALL 1 9 8 0

PANEL VARIATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES

- Scale :1/2 inch equals one foot

(49)

--[Combination of Elements

4 ~

tA~&~T pi -V Ai x.+ )1(-To

--AJF6 4r 4.t-lr

e* p=I

i.

PANEL VARIATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USES

Scale : 1/2 inch equals one foot

ARCHITECTUR AL INTENSIFICATIONoooCH ARLES TREISTER

M A S T E R'-S THESIS OO 0MASSACHUSETTS I N S T I T U T E O F TECHNOLOGY DO 13o1FALL 1 9 8 0

A- c~ 1~, ~'IP~

2

13 VFM M1187 f "A L y TO 4 ?1 11 v rr-, -M LOW

(50)

WALL-F

Combination of Elements

The interior elements can be assembled to provide containment or total containment with the addition of closure boards at the base and at the top. The pieces will then be securely fastened to each other and to the primary concrete support to make a sturdy and stable assemblage that can

with-stand lateral and vertical loading. The solidity of the pieces and their connectors will also alllow for greater acoustical

privacy when desired. Repositioning and modification of the elements by the

inhab-itant will be possible with hand tools as needs change.

A. Screens and shelf units and desk used

as partial containment.

B. The wall panels can serve as supports

for loft platforms.

MODEL: ELEMENT COMBINATIONS, A

ARCH ITECTU R A L I NTEN S I FI CAT ION ooo C H A R L E S T*R E I STE R

MASTER'S THESISoo o MASSACHIUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY OOO FALL-- 1980

(51)

F

Combination of Elements

C. "Slack" or custom-built pieces will serve to affect closure between panels over any irregular dimension. Here

the irregular space between the door

frame and storage niche is closed with

the custom solid wall or "slack" piece.

D. Elements can be combined free-standing, attached or used singularly since the endboard of the bed is located here.

51 MODEL: ELEMENT COMBINATIONS, B

I

A R C H I T E C T U R A L I NTENS I FICATIONoooC H A R LES TREISTER

(52)

FCombination

of Elements

A. The room is no longer conceived of as

a box. Here it becomes a space where various activities can take place. Each one can have the necessary area and surfaces available specifically for

that activity. No longer a simple wall everywhere; the various options of

in-terior elements allow a range of sep-arations that can be suited to the spe-cific activity and lifestyle of the inhabitant.

B. & C. Secondary wooden floor platforms can be utilized as lofts or entire upper floors.

These elements can also be used as

inter-mediate height platforms. They are

op-tional additions which can be inserted into the double-height space depending on the particular needs of the inhabitant.

MODEL: ELEMENT COMBINATIONS,

BIRD'S EYE VIEW

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATION oa0o C H A R LES T RE-I STE R

M A S T E R ' S THESIS OOOMASSACH U SETTS I N S T I T U T E O F TECHNOLOGYO 0OFALL 1 9 8 0

(53)

FCombination

of Elements

- f-i ~m7-'A.,

t

A-CLOSURE OPTIONS

Scale: 3/16 inch equal one foot

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONoooCHARLES TREISTER

MASI E R'S THESIS OOOMASSACH USETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY o 0OOFALL 1930

(54)

rCombinations

of Elements

Vi6X5t

V sI~

__OO

r1

pg-py

=

1*

A RC H ITECTU R AL INTEN S I FI CAT1IONOa o CHARLES TREISTER

.. M.ASTER'S THESISO1O o0MASSACHUSETTS INS.TITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYOOOFA.LL 19,3.0

H LL -p

r~ii

-- "Lv-_--I mm_

Teahouse, Katsura Imperial Villa, Kyoto Japan

In traditional Japanese architecture, each element is constructed in both

size and material to suit a specific use. The elements are then assembled in an additive way. Each one is registered to the structural frame at one end,

while the other end is left to float

free.

In this example of a teahouse, the entry door is placed on the floor-beam and flush against the corner post. The viewing window frame rests on the door frame and similary is flush to the corner post. The ventilation screen is placed against the ceiling beam and next to the vertical wooden post. With each of these elements "registered"

(or placed adjacent) to the wooden

supports, a remaining "slack" dimension is created between the element and the next wooden post.

REFERENCE :ASSEMBLAGE OF ELEMENTS

(55)

Options of Assemblage in the Dwelling

A variety of configurations is possible

for each specific unit within the given

primary support structure. Interior elements

can be assembled in a number of ways to suit

specific activity patterns and desired levels

of privacy.

_{Although the dimensions of the}

elements are based on a consistent standard,

the overall system is not modular. Any uneven

dimension is filled with some custom-made

piece, or "slack",

used to effect closure

between the parts and the primary structure.

The system of elements also allows a degree of transitory adaptibility. Assembled pieces can be taken apart and re-combined in different positions; new elements cna be added on to existing assemblies. This flexibility is desirable when the needs of a family change over time, or when new occupants move into an apartment.

Pieces, however, are not inherently

mobile, and they are not designed to be easily moved around by the occupants of a unit. The elements are to be securely fastened to one another and to the primary structural support

in order to provide sturdiness and acoustical

privacy when called for. Re-assembly after initial placement would require a group of semi-skilled workers.

The assembled elements not only define the

walls of the separate rooms but they also provide

horizontal platforms and elevated lofts.

Unit

masonry walls provide a secure permanent closure

between adjacent apartments. Bathrooms are

composed of modular pieces:

a bath unit, a

toilet unit, a sink/vanity unit.

These will

connect with a plumbing core in the concrete

primary system, but can be arranged in a

variety of configurations.

(56)

ro

nt ions of Assemhla~e

--

in the Dwell in~

-A

0l

flz:l

-J

ARCHITECTURAL INTENSIFICATIONoaoCHARLES TREISTER

M A S TER'S THESISOO O MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYO OOFALL 1 938 0

Architectural intensification : patterns of use and construction assemblage as opportunity for elaboration

I-Li]