Antonio Baratta-Thomas Jefferson University-Design 4 Process Book by AntonioBaratta

Design 4 Process Book

Thomas Jefferson University Spring 2022 Professor Ivano D’Angella Antonio Baratta

Table of Contents

Project 1............................................................................... Pages: 2-5 Project 2............................................................................... Pages: 6-10 Project 3............................................................................... Pages: 11-15 Project 4............................................................................... Pages: 16-22 Project 5............................................................................... Pages: 23-29

Project 1 Memorial

Project 1 was a nice start to the semester. The project involved creating a memorial for something that occured over the past year. I chose to dedicate my project to growth and happiness and how it relates to COVID-19. This project also intruduced the relative site that would be used for the rest of the semester, which was Laurel Hill Cemetery, Strawberry Mansion, and East Fairmount Park along the Schuylkill River. This project offered some difficulty in the way that the semester started online, and I couldn’t see the site.

It started with sketches and ideas to get my initial thoughts down.

Which then led to finalized ideas and drawings.

My final board left much to be desired. At the time, this was my first time ever composing a board and did not know what I was entirely doing. The deliverables were placed in some matter of organization, but it did not tell the story of my project. The perspectives and diagrams would have looked much better if they were scanned. The site plan an section read clearly, but were lacking lots of information. Overall, I think the concept of the project was good, but the execution was lacking. This was a good project to learn from and build off of for what was to later come.

The last few years have taken a toll on everyone and sparked a need for growth and happiness. As one proceeds up through the rooted scars, the thick walls shorten, and out emerges a moment of hope. A space in which happiness rests. With nineteen members, of differing heights and lengths, each embracing happiness in the shape of a golden halo. Each member relying on one another to unify in happiness. Each member holds its place in society to grow from the pain, and point towards a better future. Much like society, when adversity strikes, we must come together and work towards a brighter and better future.

Shrinking Walls

Golden Ring

Perspective

Section

Site Plan

AAB046

Project 2

Juxtapositon, Threshold, Ascension

Project 2 kicked the semester into high gear. The amount of work combined with two-week projects created a fast paced environment and project. There was more to be done compared to Project 1. Project 2 involved creating a path connecting Kelly Drive to the top of East Fairmount Park. There was a choice between three different locations, each dealing with different site conditions. The project revolved around juxtaposition, threshold, and ascension. A lot of precedent and historical research went into this project and its relation to the site.

This project began with researching PAFA as a precedent. This helped me better understand juxtaposition, threshold, and ascension.

I initially struggled to find an idea that related to the history of the site. I ended up choosing to design a path that would connect the boathouses along the river and Boxer’s trail at the top of the plateau.

Once I found an idea to stick with, the final drawings began to develop. A model was made, but it was far from my best work.

The final board was somewhat organized, but did not flow nicely. Some spots have darker spots than others, other parts feel too light. The board did not feel cohesive. The drawings improved, but could still use more information. This was the first project that I presented. This project taught me a valuable lesson about presenting and being able to convey the project effectively. I took too much time talking about less important information, and did not get the chance to talk about my design. This project left me wanting to improve so much more.

Project 3

Structural Sustenance/ Ethical Uncertainty

Project 3 had to do with creating a tower like structure near the Strawberry Mansion. There was an option to choose between three different programs in which the building would be used for. I chose to make this building a Headquarters for the local Powercorps organization. This project focused heavily on structure and how elements can be implemented into it. This was a tough project because there was complete freedom for the form of the building, but strict programs within the structure.

I looked at a lot of precedents and decided I wanted to create a building using a steel frame structure, with a metal skin that would affect the lighting. I also started to develop board layouts early in order to end with one I was pleased with.

I struggled to find a design that I liked. I did not come up with something I liked until the latter end of the second week. This is when iteration became important. Through many designs, I found something that worked with the ideas I had in mind.

Once I found the form I liked, that allowed me to create my final drawings.

My final board was something I was much more pleased with compared to the previous projects. My drawings took another step in the right direction and were clearer and easier to read. The board was organized, but it has a sense of clutter. It looks too busy, and I probably did not have to show as much information as I did. This board helped me realize that some drawings are a lot smaller on paper than they appear digitally. Some drawings were too small, others too big. I was much more prepared for this presentation and presented what needed to be said. Project three was a big improvement from the previous two, but I still wanted to achieve more.

Project 4 Engage

Project 4 revolved around improving and adapting the existing ruins at Strawberry Mansion. The current state of the ruins is not ideal and they are falling apart. Part of this project was to protect the ruins with a skin. This project was completely open to choose a program and client to design for. I chose to turn the ruins into a community greenhouse, with a farmers market outside. The structure of the design was emphasized just as much as project 3, especially for deteriorating ruins. This was the last two-week project, so I wanted to end strong.

I was really inspired by a site visit to Philadelphia’s Navy Yard and the utilization of adaptive reuse. I thought that could spark a great opportunity, along with other precedents, for this project. Central Green Park - Philadelphia Navy Yard James Corner Field Operations Plan

Field Operations designed the 5-acre Central Green at the Philadelphia Navy Yard Corporate Center. The site was historically marked by wetlands, meadows, and bird habitat and is growing into Philadelphia’s most innovative and progressive corporate neighborhood. The design unites the cutting edge urban potential of the site with its native habitat, resulting in a new type of environment that is sustainable, green, and natural as well as social, active, and urban. A 20-ft wide track organizes the site’s circulation and frames a unique, immersive interior park featuring flowering meadows, a hammock grove, an outdoor amphitheater, bocce courts, and fitness stations. N

Circulation

Social vs. Private Spaces

Elevation

Sections

I thought of my design idea early on. Once I found it, I took it and ran. I wanted to create a tensile structure to protect the ruins. I made iteration after iteration and couldn’t get out of my sketchbook.

I took that same approach to model making as well. I wanted to fully understand how this structure would work, as it is my first time designing a tensile structure.

Part of this project was to make a 1/4” scale model to fit on a class site plan. Since my structure was so large, the section model was 4’ long. This is the most proud I’ve been of a model, because I knew how successful it was and all the hard work would pay off.

Once I fully understood my design, it was fairly simple to make the final drawings. It was only a matter of time before the board was together.

In the end I was so proud of this project. I feel I improved on everything I’ve been getting critiqued on. The board was organized and not cluttered. The presentation was clear, consise, and went well. I like this project not just because of the design, but because the work I put into it. I wanted to prove to myself that I could make the needed changes from previous projects, and create a successful project. I showed myself what I am capable of and it paid off.

Project 5 Confluence of Site

Project 5 was the final project and would take the rest of the semester to produce. The objective was to design a space that housed George Nakashima’s Altar for Peace. This was a table created by a large fallen tree that was meant to represent peace. The site could be anywhere from previous projects. This project had specific program requirements for the building. As this was the last project, the final board needed to be larger.

When thinking of creating a peaceful space, I looked towards nature. I researched several precedents that either incorporated nature, or its elements. Lighting the Path to Peace

Project 5: Confluence of Site Antonio Baratta Ivano D’Angella Design 4 Spring 2022

This building that houses George Nakashima’s Altar for Peace creates spaces of interaction using nature and its elements. The site is secluded in the southwestern corner of Edgley Field, isolated from Strawberry Mansion. The building is barely visible because of the use of a coniferous tree line, creating a sense of desire to enter. Upon entrance, there is an immediate procession along the North-South axis, utilizing sunlight to guide the path. Sunlight guides visitors throughout the building, whether that is with the buildings form, clerestory windows, or light channels. The building incorporates a lot of nature in its landscape. The further into the building one gets, the less nature is visually exposed. The Altar for Peace is centrally located on a depressed base, in a large domed room. This room is flanked by East and West meditation rooms, as well as being exposed to lots of defused, indirect sunlight. When leaving this space through the back, the user is met with a path intertwined with terraced gardens, which doubles as an ampitheater space for events to be held. When the user reaches ground level again, they are met with options of exploring a pond, flower gardens, and several pathways to experience the peace within nature. This building offers a space to get away from any stress or distraction and enjoy the peace found within nature.

Precedents Church of 2000

Church of Light

Church on the Water

Eur, Rome

Hagia Sophia

Lotus Temple

MIT Chapel

Rothko Chapel

Thorncrown Chapel

Waterfront Buddhist Shrine

Process

Early explorations of how to emphasize the table helped me with my initial designs.

I knew lighting would be a strong aspect in my design because it can create a peaceful space. Finding a site for this building was important. I wanted easy access to sunlight, and for the building to be secluded to create a peaceful area.

The first iteration was troubling to find where to put the required programs. It took several iterations to find a form that I liked and met the required needs.

After a mid crit, all that was left was to tweak a few things, add minor additions, and finalize the design.

Lighting the Path to Peace

Diagrams

Project 5: Confluence of Site Antonio Baratta Ivano D’Angella Design 4 Spring 2022

Site Plan

Perspectives

Focal Point

Circulation

Precedents Church of 2000

Church of Light

Church on the Water

Eur, Rome

Hagia Sophia

Lotus Temple

MIT Chapel

Rothko Chapel

Thorncrown Chapel

Waterfront Buddhist Shrine

Floor Plan

Central Axis

Process Hierarchy

Guided Path

Elevation

Lighting

Blocked Viewshed

Longitudinal Section

Latitudinal Section

In the end, the board came out great. It was one of the most organized boards I made all semester, and it flowed nicely and felt cohesive. I was really happy with how the final drawings turned out. I wanted to make every last detail count. Something I really focused on was the context within the drawings. Preparing the same as project four, the presentation went great. I don’t think the models were up to par with the project four’s models, but they were still good and conveyed what needed to be conveyed. This was one of my favorite projects and a good way to end the semester.

Semester Reflection

All in all, I think I had a great semester. It started off rough, but I found a way to push through. I’ve learned so much, whether it was from sketching, modeling, or composing a board. The difference from project 1’s board to project 5’s is night and day. Since the semester started, I now always sketch or model what’s in my head. I wasn’t always a fan of model making, but I’ve learned how important it is, and how it can be used as a tool. I found a new limit to push myself to, and proved my worth to myself. At the end of the day, I can comfortably say I’ve improved from a semester ago. I’ve came a long way, but have so much farther to go.

Thomas Jefferson University Spring 2022 Professor Ivano D’Angella Antonio Baratta

Design 4 Process Book