gerardo diaz fall 2008 igor marjanovic. studio 111 washington university in st. louis
topography
beginnings This first studio assignment develops understanding of line weights through careful composition of sets of ten parallel lines using different types of leads. Perception of line weights in this composition relies not only on darkness of lines but also proximity.
photographic pattern These photographs were taken on a trip to Wellston Loop in St. Louis County, a once afluent neighborhood which is now an area of urban decay. The set of photographs attempt to capture the space while at the same time progressively increasing in scale. The final photograph’s scale abstracts the subject to a pattern
trace on vellum This drawing is a translation of the final photograph, a piece of corrugated cardboard. Only straight lines running entirely along the page are used. Line weights are used to convey the patterns of the photograph. The drawing focuses not only on the horizontal nature of the cardboard but also on the vertical elements of the folds in the cardboard and the shadows cast by irregularities in the cardboard.
3d reliefText Here
This basswood model is a translation of an 8.5� x 11� portion of the trace on vellum. Emphasis is placed on representing the relationship between the horizontal and diagonal lines in the trace in a subtle manner by implying the diagonal lines that run across the model and implicitly representing the horizontal lines, creating a language of hierarchy in the model.
ink on mylar The trace on velum was traced on vellum with ink and collaged with photographs of the basswood model to emphasize the relationship between the two translations.
surface
portable topography This model is a translation of the ink on vellum drawing made of 1�x2� pieces of lumber with the goal of creating a surface. Glue, nails, screws, or any other kind of fasteners were allowed. Emphasis was once again placed on the relationship of horizontal and vertical lines, this time to create a fluid, dynamic surface. Issues of structure and limitations of the lumber were a large consideration of this project.
back to the beginning We returned to the Wellston Loop, the origin of our work, and created an installation with the entire studio’s work. Our role as architects is underlined, as we return to enhance a space in urban decay.
volume
wire volume We worked in teams of two in this project to build a volume using modules based on an ink drawing. The volume defines an 18”x24”x18” space using pyramid like modules whose bases form a surface and whose ends converge creating delicate spaces.
context
(re)constructing wellston We visited the Wellston Loop again, this time to survey a vacant loop on Martin Luther King Drive. The lot was divided into several plots each plot was surveyed by groups of three. We documented found objects that would help us construct a narrative of the site.
plaster casting We each chose one item to cast in plaster and cut into section
nylon belt
charette In an in-stidio charette, we explored the forms in the sections of the plaster cuts to create a small inhabitable space (100 ft) to be placed within our site. The proposed building is a temporary structure built from plywood and 2”x4” studs. The building’s purpose is to display the found object from the site and serve as a contemplation space.
basswood model The final model focuses on the relationship of two volumes, making the structure appear to “float� over the topography. The limited foor space and seating invites visitors to sit as they view the objects creating an intimate setting Ultimately, it is a space that inspires thought, conversation, and relaxation.