The Da Vinci's Lasting Impact

The BIG Re-think Tectonic Materiality of Interior Elements

Master Tutor: Prof. Kireet Patel

Studio Tutors: Rishav Jain, Aparajita Basu

Assistants: Jay Odharia, Jhanavi Parikh

Brief Outline:

The Big Rethink is a series of postgraduate interior design studios focused on developing a multitude of notions, approaches, positions and arguments within the interior design field.

This semester, the fourth one in the series, the studio challenges the concept of Tectonic Materiality of interior elements. It offers an opportunity to develop a design position in different contexts by questioning preconceived notions of interior design. It emphasizes the relationship between Interior elements and tectonic materiality through experience, organization and construction.The studio focuses on representing experiential and ephemeral qualities, planning and organising strategies, detailing and construction techniques, exploring the relationship of interior elements and tectonic materiality.

Learning Outcomes:

After completing this studio unit, the student will be able to:

Ability to develop a systematic argument/position/approach on the interdependence between interior techniques and practice.

Ability to translate/represent the design argument/position/ approach through 3- dimensional and material based outcomes.

Ability to organize and evaluate the programmatic and pragmatic potential of derived design position.

Ability to build a design vocabulary and test it through the selected context (site/program).

Interior Specialisation through exploded isometric interiors

Week 01-04 | Design Boot-Camp

Ex. 01 | Specialisation of sensibilities

Knowing Architecture and Interior Sensibilities & Interior Specialisation

Project Information

Project - Amore Sulwhasoo Flagship Store, Seoul, SOUTH KOREA

ARCHITECT - NERI&HU DESIGN AND RESEARCH OFFICE

PROJECT AREA - 20,980S.FT

Process:

Understanding a project through different lenses - Architecture as Architecture, Interior Sensibility, Interior Specialisation to analyse it critically for further approach towards design. Studying the design decisions made by the designer to develop a concept through an argument or a concern.

The sensibility developed while phasing out architecture and understanding the interior elements function and its making has led to specialisation.

Process of understanding the existing architecture and developing sesibility towards the interiors which further developes into specialisation in interiors through critical analysis.

Interior Specialisation - Initial phase of Exploded Isometric View

Interior Specialisation - further developed Exploded Isometric View

Ex. 02 | Design Optimization

Familiarising - “Know it more through - Optimization”

Optimization Approach

Conceptualising the project for better understanding of the designers approach through 3d model further opens another dimension to analyse the project in terms of its making and techniques.

The techniques explored through optimization of a project contributes to the specialisation of interiors.

The experience created within existing architecture giving a whole new purpose without disturbing the existing informs the sensibility in interiors.

know it more through - Optimization

Optimization through model

Top view of the optimization model

Representing volume through the model

Analysis through matrixes

Ex. 01 | Tectonics & Materiality

Part 01 | Exploring concepts of Tectonic Materiality

Project Information

Identifying projects that define tectonic materiality and analysing them to arrive at a hypothesis.

Process:

Analysis of each project has raised one argument which further developed into a single hypothesis which concerns all the arguments. The developement of the hypothesis was through different roles addressing concerns and adding a layer for material selection along with the design decisions made. The design decision in responsive to the hypothesis further evolved contextualising the argument.

Analyzing 9 projects in a matrix through different lenses has broaden the conceptual understanding of that project.

Case Study Analysis Matrix

‘Era’

(2021), Sydney

Designer: Luchetti Krelle

What of tectonic materiality through the specialised use of interior elements__? Synthesis

IDEA OF VOLUME

NOTION OF SPACE

CONCEPT OF ELEMENTS

LAYERING

Volume is defined through perception of

The space is empha sized through focus on

The elements are con ceptualised according to the con text of the space

The layers sharpen the view of the element configuration.

MOVEMENT

CONFIGURATION OF ELEMENTS

Case Study Analysis Matrix

The Movement is defined through the combination of flow of materials and depth

The configuration is through repetition of an element in context with

How does Tectonic materiality effect the perception of height through repetition of an interior element?

(2018), Kozhikode Designer: Zero Studio

What of tectonic materiality through the specialised use of interior elements__? Synthesis

IDEA OF VOLUME volumetric through

NOTION OF SPACE focus through depth in

CONCEPT OF ELEMENTS

Rhythemic play of spatial element

LAYERING Layers of materials

MOVEMENT

Flow of curves and

CONFIGURATION OF ELEMENTS

Contextual refinement of the element

Historical ‘Era’ Synthesis Can a curved Jhali create sense of movement in and enclosed space?

ROYAL ENFIELD GARAGE CAFE (2017), Goa

HISTORICAL “ERA”

Designer: Studio Lotus Case Study Analysis Matrix

What of tectonic materiality through the specialised use of interior elements__? Synthesis

IDEA OF VOLUME Emphasis on volumetric double height ceiling

NOTION OF SPACE Focus on depth per ception.

CONCEPT OF ELEMENTS Rhythm of amalgamation of the elements

LAYERING Layers of contextualised elements

MOVEMENT Movement through openess

CONFIGURATION OF ELEMENTS

Synthesis Enhanced spatial quality through details focus on the combination of the elements Generates focus oriented elements emphasis on height and depth perception Play with the composition of elements Repetition of elements through layers.

Case Study Analysis Matrix

CURRENT PRACTICES

Combination of ele ments through context

Can usage of glass panels enhance depth perception of an interior space?

MQ STUDIO (2018), China Designer: CAA

What of tectonic materiality through the specialised use of interior elements__? Synthesis

IDEA OF VOLUME Emphasis on volumetric elements

NOTION OF SPACE Focus on the depth perception

CONCEPT OF ELEMENTS Repetition of the ele ment

LAYERING Layering through con text

MOVEMENT Flow of volumetric ceil ing showing movment

CONFIGURATION OF ELEMENTS

Synthesis

Combination of elements

Can repetition of a reflective element in a space enhance the spatial perception?

The Big Rethink: Tectonic Materiality D.Tejaswi | PID22369

Matrix

CURRENT PRACTICES

WELLSPUN CORPORATE OFFICE (2017), Mumbai

Designer: Sameep Padora Case Study Analysis

What of tectonic materiality through the specialised use of interior elements__? Synthesis

IDEA OF VOLUME Volumetric dynamic shapes

NOTION OF SPACE Spatial Perception through depth

CONCEPT OF ELEMENTS Focus on the arrange ment of the elements.

LAYERING Layering through depth perception.

MOVEMENT Flow of confined space through directed move ment.

CONFIGURATION OF ELEMENTS

Integration of elements in an unconventional way.

flow of elements configuration

Can integration of irregular volume effect the functionality of the space?

WINDOW FACTORY (2017), Ahmedabad Designer: Saransh Architects Case Study Analysis Matrix

CURRENT PRACTICES

IDEA OF VOLUME Abstract volumetric ceiling.

NOTION OF SPACE focus through the interior ceiling metal element

CONCEPT OF ELEMENTS

The elements are more in context with the theme of the project

LAYERING Layering of the contex tualised element

MOVEMENT

Flow of movement Vis ually due to the ceiling.

CONFIGURATION OF ELEMENTS Contextual refinement of the element

Synthesis Enhancement due to integration of elements Central focused element generates Interest. generates Integration of the elements.

The Big Rethink: Tectonic Materiality

Focus on height and depth perception Distinct play with the elements Accentuates the quality of space. Can usage of linear interior element maintain transparency in space?

The Big Rethink: Tectonic Materiality D.Tejaswi | PID22369

The volumetric compo sition of solid shapes.

The spatial play of depth perception

Elemental display of Transformative layer

(2017), Bangalore Designer: Khosla Associates Synthesis Height enhancement Contribution of spatial quality. Generation of Focus ori ented element Configuration of layers Visual Articulation of ma terial placement Accentuates perception of height Can tectonic materiality of an interior element contribute to the functionality of a space?

Case Study Analysis Matrix

INDIVIDUAL IDENTITY - COLLABARATIVE Assembly Layering Play with volumetric masses Synthesis Combination of the geometry Random Angular arrangement Amalgamation of the shapes Constructive focus Decoration through inte grated volumetric masses Visual movement through central element Can Layering of geometric layers create Illusion?

Prof. Kireet Patel Unit Tutors: Rishav Jain, Aparajita Basu Unit Assistants: Jhanavi Parikh, Jay Odharia | M.I.D. Monsoon 2022 | PG L4 Unit | FA | CEPT University

The Big Rethink: Tectonic Materiality D.Tejaswi | PID22369

UNLOCKED CAFE (2019), Gurgaon Designer: Renesa Architecture Design Interior Studio

Hypothesis Matrix

HISTORICAL ERA

How does Tectonic materiality effect the perception of height through repetition of an interior element?

Can a curved Jhali create sense of movement in and enclosed space?

Can usage of glass panels en hance depth perception of an interior space?

CURRENT PRACTICES

Can repetition of a reflective element in a space enhance the spatial perception?

Can integration of irregular volume effect the functionality of the space?

Can usage of linear interior element maintain transparency in space?

Can tectonic materiality of an in terior element contribute to the functionality of a space?

Can Layering of geometric layers create Illusion?

Can linear repetition of an interior element create visual movement?

The Big Rethink: Tectonic Materiality | Master Tutor: Prof. Kireet Patel Unit Tutors: Rishav Jain, Aparajita Basu Unit Assistants: Jhanavi Parikh, Jay Odharia | M.I.D. Monsoon 2022 | PG L4 Unit | FA | CEPT University D.Tejaswi | PID22369

“ Can layering of material with varied Finishes enhance the ephemerality in an Interior Space? “

“Can material finishes inform tectonic expression of an interior space?”

Montage showing the intervention in the existing double height space in the Samode palace

Week 07-08

Da Vinci’s Lasting Impact

The light within

Project Information

Approach of an adaptive reuse project - as a response to a context

Module 02 | Role 01 Historical practices through a project representing an ‘era’ Process:

The Samode palace Jaipur is reused to exhibit the Da Vinci Dream machines. The elements used inside the palace are mostly of wood with varied finishes like laminates, varnish, oils, wax and lacquer. In response to the color and ornamentation Samode palace has, the interior elements are designed to enhance the existing beauty without covering the palace walls. To display the dream machines the Samode palace has history itself, so the intervention which holds these two together without disturbing the existing by creating an enhanced experience is the main goal. The usage of material finishes and lighting together encompassing the dream machines contribute to the ephemerality of the space.

01 | Historical practices through a project representing an ‘era’

1.Double height large space with depth perception.

2.Arches opening to the central area with corridor on the first floor level.

3.Wall paintings with ornamentation.

4.The perforated railings in the first floor level brings enhances the character of the space.

5.The central hall of the palace is creating depth.

6. The Arches enhance the volume of the space

1.The color pallete in this image the space.

2.Arches are creating depth and 3.Mosaic walls with tiny inlaid stones.

4.Intricate ornamentation of the 5.Corridor with explicit details on

| Master Tutor: Prof. Kireet Patel | Unit Tutors: Rishav Jain, Aparajita Basu | Unit Assistants: Jhanavi Parikh, Jay

image enhances the royality of and height. stones. the pillars on walls and ceilings.

1.The color pallette used is contrasting.

1.Corridors opening to a larger hall.

2.Corridors opening to a larger hall.

3.Mosaic walls with wall paintings.

2.Mosaic walls with wall paintings.

1.Arches are creating depth and height.

2.Mosaic walls with tiny inlaid stones.

3.Intricate ornamentation of the pillars

4.Corridor with explicit details on walls

Understanding the Attributes of the site

Jay Odharia | M.I.D. | Monsoon 2022 | PG L4 Unit | FA | CEPT University

D.Tejaswi | PID22369

Stage 1- Initial approach to the site

Stage 1- Initial approach to the site

The Big Rethink: Tectonic Materiality | Master Tutor: Prof. Kireet Patel | Unit Tutors: Rishav Jain, Aparajita Basu | Unit Assistants: Jhanavi Parikh, Jay Odharia Stage 1- Critical analysis

Architecture as Architecture

Stage 2- Concept development in context to the site

Stage 2- Concept development in context to the site

Stage 2- Concept development in context to the site

Stage 3- Design decisions with respect to the site context and spatial planning

Stage 3- Design decisions with respect to the ephemerality of the space

Stage 3- Design decisions enhancing the depth

Criteria for selection of ‘Material’ ?

Criteria for Use of ‘Material’ ?

1. Visual Association with the existing interior color to blend in.

2. Repetition of simple forms to enhance the existing ornamentation in the Samode palace.

3. Possibility in variation of material finishes.

4. Compliments the Da Vinci Machines

What ‘Material’ has been used ?

Glass Wooden Mezzanine flooring Wood

Where ‘Material’ has been used?

1. The material is used as a space making material.

2. To encompass the material to make the exhibits stand out and draw the attention from the users.

3. To enhance the Ephemerality through reflections of the light.

How ‘Material’ has been used?

1.The Wooden members form a Mezzanine flooring to encompass the exhibits in the existing double height space.

2.The wooden framework is surrounded around the exhibit to give better visual experience to the user.

3. The Elements doesn’t cover Samode Palace ornamentation celebrating the details.

Transparency Reflectivity Visual Contrast Texture

Role 02 | ORGANIZING ‘MATERIALITY’

Current modern practices through a project representing a ‘Standardization’ 1. Process 2. Site Attributes Analysis 3. Stage 1 - Concept Development Initial understanding and exploration of spatial planning through the argument 4. Stage 2 - Iterations Developement in spatial planning adressing tectonic materiality 5. Stage 3 - Evolution exploration with material form and finishes 5. Critical Material Analysis Details and Material study

Isometric view showing the suspended roof system

Week 09-11

Module 02 | Role 02 | Organizing ‘Materiality’

Current modern practices through a project representing a ‘Standardization’

Da Vinci’s Lasting Impact

Into the light Project Information

Innovation through spatial planning of Da Vinci’s Dream machines in a standardized column grid structure

Process:

The ephemerality of the space contributes to the experience within a space through the reflections and shadows of the elements enhancing the exhibits.

The concept of the machines being floated along with the drawings of Da Vinci makes the space more dreamy and futuristic. The essence of the space is experienced through the reflectivity caused by the lights in between the MS Wire mesh. The meshes are hung from the ceiling with the Dream machines. The spatial character is defined with the finishes used and the reflectivity due to the lighting enhancing the wooden machines.

The Sensitivity towards the material finishes used in the exhibition also contributes to the whole experience informing the users the spatial character of the space.

Site - Urban Paradox

Location - Hyderabad

Area - 4000 sq.m

Architect - MADe

The differing fenestration sizes and transparencies not only provide consistent natural lighting and ventilation, but also reflect variation in use of internal space.

Contextualised by its location in a peripheral yet rapidly urbanising part of the city, the silent quadrangular volume of voids is conceived to provide momentary respite in the visual chaos created by incidental excesses. The building is defined by the stark precision of its dimensions. The cubic volume rests on an elevated plinth designed as a public podium. The movement that traces through the podium into the seamless forecourt unites the building with its larger public context. This forecourt, generated out of the large setback from the road, contributes to a better appreciation of the building’s geometric purity.

Typical column grid structure

Typical floor plate with flat slabs

Stage 1 - Schematic planning along the existing column grid

Stage 1 - Schematic planning along the existing column grid

Stage 1 - Schematic section showing the exhibits

Stage 1 - Isometric view showing the play with grid at the water tank exhibit

Stage 1 - Isometric view showing the gallery area showing volume

Stage 2 - Attempt to break the grid with a grid - Schematic floor plan

Stage 2 - Attempt to break the grid with a grid - Schematic floor plan and section

Stage 2 - Model showing the roof system with suspended display units

150MM RCC SLAB

10MM DIA ANCHOR BOLT 8MM DIA BOLT

10MM THICK METAL PLATE 10MM THICK GREY MATT FINISHED METAL PANEL

SECTION AT CC (PANEL FIXING DETAIL)

DIFFUSED LED TUBE LIGHTING BETWEEN METAL PANELS

10MM THICK VERTICAL METAL PANEL

WELDING JOINT

40MM THICK EXHIBIT BASE

DIFFUSED LED TUBE LIGHTING BETWEEN METAL PANELS

SECTION AT CC (PANEL FIXING DETAIL)

Stage 2 - Details of the metal panel system

SECTION AT DD (EXHIBIT DISPLAY BASE DETAIL)

10MM THICK GREY MATT METAL PANEL

SECTION AT DD (EXHIBIT DISPLAY BASE DETAIL)

WOODEN PANEL

800MM HIGH FROM

Stage 2 - Part plans showing the suspended paintings exhibit

To make the space more responsive to light and create interesting shadows enhancing ephemeral quality of the space, the metal panels are further developed into wire meshes. The wire meshes with diffused lighting system improve the interior quality and also enhances the experience giving lasting impact on the spectators.

Stage 3 - Developement of concept through spatial planning

First Floor Plan

Stage 3 - Developement of concept through spatial planning

The metal meshes act as a source of diffused light throughout the entire exhibition. The metal c section panels are anchor bolted to the slab and these panels act as tracks for the ms wire meshes.

Organizing ‘Materiality’

Stage 3 - Developement of interior system

3

The meshes are not strongly fixed or welded to the frame, instead they are hooked to the C section panels to give the ephemeral experience due to the diffused light from panels and the light washing along the wire meshes emitting partial shadows to the ground with the pattern. The Wire meshes are movable when touched by the users, they cause slight movement if touched by the user due to the hooking system and cause an ephemeral experience through out the space.

Stage

- Plan showing the roof system - Reflected first floor plan

View of the wire mesh suspended system and the exhibit

Part plan and section showing the suspended exhibit

Plan and section showing the suspended dream machine

Plan and section showing the double height

Criteria for selection of ‘Material’ ?

Transparency

Criteria

for Use of ‘Material’ ?

1. Reflectivity to enhance the ephemerality of the interior space through spatial elements. Improved quality of interior experience due to the reflectivity of the material.

2. Diffused lighting through the sleek material for the experience and the spatial frame formation through the element.

3. Possibility of lantern effect of illuminating the existing structure embracing the structural elementinto the interior system.

4. Formation of partial shadows to form interesting patterns on the floor plate to enhance the visual quality of the space.

Details showing the wiremesh system and panel fixing

What ‘material’ has been used ?

Where ‘Material’ has been used ?

1. Material has been used as an interor system suspended from the ceiling throughout the interior space diffusing light.

2. Column Emitting diffused lights acting as a lanterns.

3. To encompass the space creating visual path and movement for the users.

4. To create an Open type plan with diffused Lighting.

How ‘Material’ has been used ?

1. The Wire mesh is suspended from the ceiling with metal plate.

2. Creating Platforms Suspending from the Roof system.

3. Glossy Marble Flooring creating Reflections on the floor and also shadows of the meshes.

4. Black Metal Platform to enhance the object exhibited which is of wood. The reflection on the metal panels will also highlight the object.

5. The lantern columns will illuminate the whole space through the diffused wire mesh.

Glossy MS Matt Black Metal sections

Matt black metal panels Light Grey Glossy Marble Flooring

View showing the tectonics

Week 12-16

Da Vinci’s Illusion Journey through light

Project Information

Materialising an Interior Specialisation project through an exhibition of Da Vinci’s dream machines.

Module 02 | Role 03 | Materialising the Interior Specialisation Collaborative practices through a project representing an ‘identity’ Process:

The transparency through the usage of sleek material to encompass the exhibit creating focal points for the spectator to experience the ephemerality of the space through the lighting and appreciate the Da Vinci’s dream machines. The spatial impact on the users through the reflectivity within the space creating an experience in relation with the lighting and the materiality.

The concept of space within a space is achieved by creating an experience within an experience. The illusion created by the sleek material due to the movement of the spectator without revealing the object generates curiosity. The dream machines surrounded with such an intervention enhances the experience directing the spectator to the object.

Stage 1 - perspective depicting inside outside relationship

Stage 1 - Exploration through Charcoal sketches

The development of concept inculcating the experiential expressions from charcoal sketches and the initial perspective drawings.

Stage 2 - Ideating the movement of the spectator creating experience through the interior elements.

Stage 2 - Ideating the movement of the spectator creating experience through the interior elements.

Stage 2 - Creating experience by drawing focus onto the dream machine.

Stage 2 - Creating experience by encompassing the dream machines.

Concept developement through different iterations: Designing spaces in schematic level to understand the flow of the users and the arrangement of spaces by creating different enclosure for every exhibit. Every dream machine has its own importance, so the focus is primarily given to one dream machine at a time.

Stage 3 - Exploring different Iterations

Stage 3 - Iterations through users flow V1

Stage 3 - Encompassing the dream machines through spatial planning.

View 1 Showing the experience at the Exhibit

Showing the tectonics of the interior intervention

View 3 Showing the movement in the exhibition

View 4 Showing the inside outside relationship

View showing the tectonics

View 5 Showing the lighting and scale in the exhibition

View showing the movement of the spectator

The background of the exhibition remains to be dark with illuminating interior elements which direct user to the Da Vinci dream machines.

The ephemerality of the space is enhanced with the usage of material and relationship with light and the reflections.

The focus is created in between the circular interior element which will help the user to experience one exhibit at a time with undivided attention .

Model showing the experience at the exhibit

Model showing the experience at the exhibit

Junction models - Exploration through materials

Foreword:

The museum of Da Vinci mount such an exhibition not only celebrates the machines in the museum but also the spatial experience of the entire exhibition as an extra ordinary sense of form, materials and keen understanding of scale, light, movement. The historic endeavour of Da Vinci can be experienced throughout the exhibition with the reflections within the museum. The ephemerality of the space through the sense of material finishes and its relationship with light is emphasized through the experience created in the museum. The emotional dimension created with physical and psychological impact through ephemerality of the space with sensitivity towards the material finishes.

The spatial impact on the users through the reflectivity within the space creating an experience exhibiting the Da Vinci machines emphasizes the exhibition. The Sensitivity towards the material finishes used in the exhibition also contributes to the whole experience informing the users the spatial character of the space. The Relationship between the material finishes and lighting bring out the ephemeral qualities in the space through the sleekness in the entire space achieved through metal rods. The finishes like copper and silver with glossy reflective surfaces add to the ephemeral quality of the space. The spatial Character of the exhibition is well defined through the iterations of an element with respect to the users movement and enhancing the Da Vinci machines allowing them to experience each exhibit. The reflective flooring enhances the quality of light contributing towards the spatial experience in the Exhibition.