If This Doesn't Change Your Mind, I Don't Know What Will

Phoenix Central Library: Thinking in Section

Phoenix Central Library, originally uploaded by postpanglossian.

So it's been a while since my last post, and I thought that I would jot down some thoughts.

As I sit here in Phoenix Airport, I am reminded of the Phoenix Public Library and how that library works as a whole. As thoughts run through my head as I design my own library, I think of my largest issue: thinking in section. In this building, Bruder uses section to accomplish the following: "structural light", double height ceilings, light entering the building, and a general idea of space. I was trying to find a section of this building, but I can't seem to find one in the google-world. From what I remember, the entrance is on the south side, which is completely closed off to the southern directional heat. The northern side is where the reading room and a large curtain wall with sun shades is located. As far as other orientation of staff, and other library needs, I am not so sure as to how the building functions. I do know that the structure of the roof is a very interesting. Bruder's idea of "Structural Light" is something that can only be discovered in section. As seen in the image above, the columns clearly do not touch the roof. Instead, there is a circular window which allows light into the building and enhances the concept of these columns that do not touch the top. In order to make this column work, Bruder splits the load into four sections a long a grid, and in the middle, in the column which receives all of load of the roof above.

The idea of this "Structural Light" is very similar to my concept of floor "sky-lights". Where the column comes up, through the study carrel, the floor turns to glass, allowing light to the lower level and also a feeling of lightness in the same area of structure.

Unfortunately, that's all the time I have here in Phoenix.

Charles Renfro: Humor In Architecture

Last week I went to see Charles Renfro speak at MIT as a part of their lecture series. Honestly, one of the best lectures that I have ever been to.  I have been to quite a few, and this was by far the best. He was a very nice, humorous and light hearted guy. Very well spoken, and definitely knew what he was doing. I have tremendous respect for this man. 

Anyways, after the lecture, I went up to talk to Chuck about some of his designs and concepts. Due to the fact that he was so light-hearted, I thought to myself, does humor play a part is their designs? So that's what I decided to ask him... His response was something that pleased me because I like to think I am pretty funny... He mentioned that the firm was looking for an architect a few years ago, and they put an ad out that simply said, "5 years experience. Funny". He talked about how somethings that seem impossible, they make possible through design. Chaz also said that, yes humor does strive them to create something beautiful and something that may not be seen by everyone else. Very interesting. 

An example of this is the Blur building expo. He said that there are so many buildings concerned with facades ad oriented to certain views, and they wanted to do something very different: No Facade. No views from the interior. you walk onto the lake to see nothing but mist. 

I was looking at some of their other stuff trying to find a little bit of humor and the first thing that I came across was this: A light sock. Full of crystals. Taking the place of a chandelier. In the shape of genitals. Balls.