"The project shown here is exceptional in its process and outcome, because of the extensive use of scale models as a design tool and as a presentation tool."
The Delta Shelter was a six-week design project by the chair Form & Modelling studies during which I had to develop a plan for a summerhouse on a Venetian island. The assignment was to design a small project in a Delta environment; a dynamic and natural site on the border of water and land. A site that is vulnerable because of expected rising sea levels due to climate changes and other effects caused by human interventions. The location of the project consists of two small sinking islands in the Venetian Lagoon. The bigger island holds a 50m x 15m ruin from the 13th century that is decaying rapidly. I was fascinated by the slow disappearance of both the islands and the old structure. So I decided to let part of the island decay and hold on to the romantic notion of the ruin. At the same time I protected part of the island by implementing a water protection structure that also integrates logistics.
The project set-up has an exceptional design approach and method. During the design process the main design tool is the physical architectural model. The aim of the design course is to systematically integrate construction, design, materialisation, detail and logistics. By making a vast amount of models each wee›k, of different scales alongside each other, the plan is tested and developed on every level.
The Delta Shelter was a six-week design project by the chair Form & Modelling studies during which I had to develop a plan for a summerhouse on a Venetian island. The assignment was to design a small project in a Delta environment; a dynamic and natural site on the border of water and land. A site that is vulnerable because of expected rising sea levels due to climate changes and other effects caused by human interventions. The location of the project consists of two small sinking islands in the Venetian Lagoon. The bigger island holds a 50m x 15m ruin from the 13th century that is decaying rapidly. I was fascinated by the slow disappearance of both the islands and the old structure. So I decided to let part of the island decay and hold on to the romantic notion of the ruin. At the same time I protected part of the island by implementing a water protection structure that also integrates logistics.
The project set-up has an exceptional design approach and method. During the design process the main design tool is the physical architectural model. The aim of the design course is to systematically integrate construction, design, materialisation, detail and logistics. By making a vast amount of models each wee›k, of different scales alongside each other, the plan is tested and developed on every level.
Working model - the analyzis of the views of the location
Working model - the analyzis of light and shadow
A - THE VIEW
The idea of the view was visible even in Roman Villas. A Roman villa was a country house built for the upper class in the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. By the first century BC, the "classic" villa took many architectural forms, with many examples employing atrium or peristyle, for enclosed spaces open to light and air. It had one or two columnade courtyards, which were in use by guests and the owners of villas.
The island is located in beautiful, historical surroundings. Each side of the project is faced to the different view. Each of them should catch the attention of the person staying in the building. The object is divided into different functional wings, each of them has a different view, which is underlined by the play of light and shadow.
B - THE LIGHT & SHADOW
The play of light and shadow gives the mysterious vibe of the building. Focusing the guest by the view, the shadows of columns, illuminating sun from the glass roof and shiny water highlight the calm atmosphere of the shelter.
The outer facade meets our current times. It is modern, irregular, but based on the same structural scheme. Additional ornaments and reflections give it extra effects and modern vibe. The difference between outer and inner skin is visible. Inner world is traditional and let the tenant focus on his/her private life. Outer part is facing our times - the fast and intense world.
The idea of the view was visible even in Roman Villas. A Roman villa was a country house built for the upper class in the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. By the first century BC, the "classic" villa took many architectural forms, with many examples employing atrium or peristyle, for enclosed spaces open to light and air. It had one or two columnade courtyards, which were in use by guests and the owners of villas.
The island is located in beautiful, historical surroundings. Each side of the project is faced to the different view. Each of them should catch the attention of the person staying in the building. The object is divided into different functional wings, each of them has a different view, which is underlined by the play of light and shadow.
B - THE LIGHT & SHADOW
The play of light and shadow gives the mysterious vibe of the building. Focusing the guest by the view, the shadows of columns, illuminating sun from the glass roof and shiny water highlight the calm atmosphere of the shelter.
The outer facade meets our current times. It is modern, irregular, but based on the same structural scheme. Additional ornaments and reflections give it extra effects and modern vibe. The difference between outer and inner skin is visible. Inner world is traditional and let the tenant focus on his/her private life. Outer part is facing our times - the fast and intense world.
