Cellular spatial sequences

The cell (from the Latin cella = small room) is the epitome of the defining individual element in the densest possible arrangement of space. Its manifestations are manifold in nature and culture. In Western architecture, the concept appeared at an early stage (in Roman times). A more intensive examination began with ideas of urban densification in the wake of the urgent need for housing following the First World War. This ranges from its beginnings in the interwar period (Bauhaus) to its high points in the 1950s and 1960s, with structuralist approaches (Herzberger, Tange, Candilis) and the radical ‘space-city’ concepts (Constant, Friedman, Schultze-Fielitz, etc.).
At present, the desire for urban densification and mix, coupled with population pressure, seems to be creating space once again for approaches in this direction. In architecture, the connection of spaces is not driven solely by functional reasons. Above all, the quality of these connections—with a choreographed sequence of homogeneous or heterogeneous spaces—plays a significant role, as demonstrated in many architectural pathways (Egyptian temple complexes, Baroque enfilades, Le Corbusier’s Promenade Architecturale, J. Frank, R. Koolhaas, etc.).

In the 2018/19 winter semester, we will therefore focus on designing and generating interesting sequences of spaces within a specific matrix. This matrix has a fundamentally cellular structure and is defined by a seamless three-dimensional tiling of the space using convex polyhedra. We work within a defined system and, in order to achieve size variation for the space-filling polyhedra, methodically employ the principle of three-dimensional tiling deformation and subdivision, such as the self-similarity of fractals.
The semester exercise is an elementary three-dimensional design task on the aforementioned theme, free from functional constraints. This includes, amongst other things, the creation of spatial hierarchies in the sense of a scenographic sequence, as well as the conception of large and small spaces and objects within a given systematic structure (cellular matrix). We begin in two dimensions with clear rules, gradually moving towards more individual design strategies, our own rules and formal solutions. The semester project is to culminate in the production of real three-dimensional form studies, viewable from all sides, with a sculptural effect.