CHARACTER STUDY

Winter 2015
Academic
ARCH UD 122: Studio I
Faculty: Erin Besler & Steven Christensen
UCLA School of Architecture & Urban Design

The project explored the concept of what gives forms character. Some shapes and forms possess an innate quirkiness. Be it a familiarity-resemblance of an animal, a cartoon character, a toy we had in our childhood-or an inherent biological quality, there are forms that "have character."

There is a need to distinguish the difference between a form as character vs. a form having character. The interest lies in the latter. A building in the shape of a literal cow differs from one that eludes to the visual, textural, or kinetic characteristics of the animal.

INITIAL CHARACTER FORM STUDY

As an architectural project, the form-finding strategy began with the basic cube, using controlled geometric operations to carve and chisel characteristic architectural forms. Some animals that were explored include: owl, snake, fox, and jellyfish.

Surface conditions were also explored through the use of patterns. How can graphic applications give character? Original hatches were projected onto the animal forms.

INTRODUCTION OF SITE AND PROGRAM

After initial form-finding exercises, a site in Irvine, California, was introduced. The original animal forms were used to create a multi-story office building. Each room possesses a certain characteristic form, giving it an almost graphic quality when in drawing form. The project lies at an interesting intersection between 2D and 3D, comic and architectural. Unconventional building forms are applied to a conventional type of building--an office building in Irvine--dancing between playful and serious.