This project examines interrelated systems which are able to both modify the spatial structure of a building and articulate expectations of their performances structurally- thermally-acoustically and environmentally. The comprehensive design is defined as ‘Ability to produce a comprehensive architectural project based on a building program and site that includes the development of programmed spaces demonstrating an understanding of structure and environment.

 

The interest was to design an art gallery in San Francisco. It was located in a dense neighborhood. There was an importance in studying pedestrian traffic and street traffic. The design process began by forming a shape using the data collected from the site. The pursuit was to consider the congestion of the street and sidewalk and how the viewers would experience the building. There was a decision to create a fissure in the middle of the building. The delamination was visible from the ground as well by the slight pealing forward of the exterior facade toward the other buildings, this being apart from the larger opening in the center. The fissure allowed the interior program to form. It allowed for creative spaces that were divided which went along with the language of main feature of the building, the fissure. The separation of the building from the fissure and the separation of the interior program were further developed and shown in the final design.

 

The idea behind the interior program was to make the main gallery spaces more pronounced. It allowed for the spaces to be separated like the exterior separates and delaminates. The main gallery spaces were enclosed in larger volume of their own and made more evident due to the coloration. The volumes enabled the delamination to be more noticeable from the exterior. The volumes also allowed the delamination and the fissure to be seen from the normative view.