Category Archives: Elena Mitrofanova

Rolex Learning Center and the genesis of form.

sanaa_lib11

Speaking about the genesis of form of the, it was generated according to the boundaries and opportunities of the external physical forces. Mathematics gives the shape of the form. And to study the form you can put it in a grid, the form itself lies in it. We can say that the patios (the holes in the structure) are the spaces of energetic possibilities according to their function (the natural ventilation and illumination of the building) + the visual line between inside and outside.

In the parallel of the “Rhizome thinking” it has the different way of the appearing of the structure of the building itself. The roof and the inner spaces follow the landscape of the floor (the base). All the building is defined by the relations of its elements. Every curvature relies to its neighbor.

In the whole structure of the building we can find the principles of cartography, mapping and tracing, all the organisation is simplified to the several principals. These principals were created in a way of predefined forms which acquire physical reality as material forms that resemble them.

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Where are the boundaries.

The Flammarion engraving

How can we convey our atmospheric sensual feeling of  the matter to others through the quiet physical materials?  What is the meaning of the environment for every person? Can we give a definite  line between the spaces? Is the atmosphere is the space between the walls or can it include kinds of constructions and natural elements?

Alison Smithson in her article speaks about the way of representation of the allegory of the Saint Jerome’s two habitats through the paintings. Several of them show the pure idea of the perfect place for studying  as a Desert – burned-in-clarity, open-minded, giving the pristine knowledge. And on the other hand we see kind of a protected domestic ordered space full of books, tools, with lots of comfort abilities and civilised services. But the purpose of these two polar spaces is the same and they achieve this goal through people’s understanding of atmosphere.

This understanding can be motivated by various combinations of elements. Mark Wigley says that even the air and the mood can change the perception of the space. Everything is related and we should search for these relations.

And going back to the borders the point is what defines them, even the definition of the space can be changing.

the sheep in the box of the Little Prince

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