The site chosen is an incision within a low sloping landscape: a seam, a pause, between large exposed expanses of land. The mass and depth of the gorge walls offer opportunites for carving and constructing. Using rammed earth is a consideration in the intervention, to aid in thermal regulation of spaces in response to the diurnal temperature variation in the desert. As heat and cold are major factors to consider in the desert climate, there are also two wind towers for ventilation, placed strategically, puncturing two main occupiable spaces on the canyon floor. Considering the approach to the intervention, major slopes in the landscape lead up to the thresholds of the construct. At these points, above the horizon, the protruding wind towers also act as landmarks for approaching people. The intervention is realised as a collection of carved and extruded elements, structured with the intention of engaging with the wind, ground, sky and heat.
PROJECT | DESERT LANDSCAPE
TERM |SPRING 2015
DESIGN STUDIO |4
PROFESSOR | JOHN MAZE
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