architectural parallax

Phoenix, AZ

// architectural parallax; the displacment of an object against a background. the shift in perspective of a place through the use of architectural elements.

The writings of Slavoj Zizek on architectural parallax, spandrels and class struggles gave birth to this project. An idea that the severing of an object (in this case architectural objects) and displacing them among themselves can, and will, have a direct affect on the subject; and, as per his suggestion, we focused on Norman Bates (the subject) in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.

This film served as a compass and guided us through the mind of an unhealthy and bleak life hidden in plain sight like desolate areas that are passed by everyday, hiding the choas from the rest of the world.

The narrative derived from Psycho unveiled a very complex and dark being and was the driving force behind this hotel, this unhuman desolation brought to life.

Unhuman Desolation // not human. bleak. barren. non-meaning.

Architectural Parallax // the displacment of an object against a background. the shift in perspective of a place through the use of architectural elements.

Piestewa Peak Library

Phoenix, AZ - Piestewa Peak

// shift; to change the emphasis, direction, or focus of. to move or cause to move from one place to another.

Within the limits of the urban sprawl that dominates the valley of the sun lies a mountain just Northeast of Phoenix. The hike up to the peak is arduous, though not long in mileage, there is an extreme 1,735 foot gain in altitude. In the first stretch the pathway is lined with repurposed wooden poles which eventually dwindle to a fine dirt path a couple feet wide.

Age has worn the once jagged rocks smooth, water and wind bore their marks with ferocity, splitting the mountain apart for insects and foliage to thrive in the voids. The rocks have shifted, more than once, from their original place, and made their way down. Down onto the path. Down into the valley. Down.

This shift inspired the Piestewa Peak Library.

Pioneer and military memorial cemetery

Phoenix, AZ

// dash; to run or travel somewhere in a great hurry.

A headstone. The object used to define the final resting place of a person who walked on the same Earth you are walking right now.

When exploring the existing cemetery in Phoenix a number of thoughts came to mind, especially the thought that a cemetery will be where we all end up; rich, poor, well-known, average Joe and CEO. Everybody. And the Pioneer Military Cemetery is no exception. This plot of land is where people from all kinds of nationalities and backgrounds have been laid to rest. There are nearly countless bodies buried in this place, including a number of unmarked and mass graves. These Unknown lived a life, they experienced adventure, loved their partners, cried real tears and had exceeding joy in life. They had a Dash. The dash we all will have; a small hyphen between our birthdate and deathdate representing the time spent and the life lived. A life that tends to be quick and seemingly over too soon.

The chapel contains an interior meditation space and an exterior sunken garden with a small water feature. Walking out of the meditation garden the user will meet a great tree and a choice: South to the plots, Northeast to the Memorial Wall, or Southeast to amenity spaces.

A cemetery and memorial can be quite sorrowful; remembering those who have passed. This can also be a joyful place; remembering the times spent or telling our children of the love we all shared.

Multi-family living Phoenix, AZ

// oasis; something that provides refuge, relief or pleasant contrast

The Valley of the Sun is located within the Sonoran Desert and is extremely dry and arid. Most greenery is physically harmful and there are months of the year where the temperature does not go below ninety degrees, even at night. It is also defined by urban sprawl as the city extends its fingers and grows outard with housing developments and retail stores springing up seemingly overnight. In downtown Phoenix, however, the buildings grow upward and the people get a refuge from the sprawl.

This multi-family unit utilizes photovoltaic shades as well as natural greenery to create this oasis in the desert. The circulation is exterior as well, offering patrons a pleasant walk to their unit with natural breezeways.

Natural light and crossbreezes (where available) were crucial for each unit; the intent being to bring what beauty is available from the desert into the lives of those within while still keeping the harshness at bay.