Project #2 Contextual Fit - "Shades of Kubrick"

Ian Duguid | Architectural Student
Apr 14, 2015
3 min read

Behold: A Certain Man had two sons - This obviously being a biblical refrence to the protocal son and also being the fable that taxes the traveler to consider duality in life, specifically in the means of asking forgiveness for their sins. It also praises the value of said forgiveness. So here enlies the issue:

Theoretically a couple, The Smiths, purchase a house designed by Richard Meier, and although a reknowed work of art, the house is insufficient for the ask at hand - that being, primarily, it lacks a Gym and a master suite. As such, the couple reach out to me as the Architectural designer relay upon me the following edict:

Dear Mr. Duguid

When we first came upon the our home we feel in love with it immediately. It so reminded us of some of our favorite movies and we knew this was a house we had to live in. It's just, well, it doesn't do what we need it to do anymore, and as such, we're calling upon you to modify it ever so slightly.

By No means do we ever want this design to lose it's orgin and we do not wish to block out the vision that it's creator intended. However, there is need for change. We are requesting you propose an extension to the existing home that will include for a Master Suite and a gym (to not be on the same story of the house of course).

As per our initial meeting, you asked if we can tell you the one thing about what your dreams and desires are that you can take to help you conceptualize what will be included in your proposed renderings. After careful deliberation, that answer was concluded to be, we are "Cinephiles". You see, Mr. Duguid, what attracted us to this home was how much it reminded us of our favorite Stanley Kubrick films. It's white facade looked as though it was plucked straight from Lolita. We also remembered the stark white that was Barry Lydon and of course we were reminded of Dr Strangelove as well.

Why, even the inteiors of the living quarters of 2001 can be seen in this house by means of the white floor tiles. Can you please, continue to forster this when you further this design.

Regards,

The Non-Generically Named Smiths

Step #1 - Conduct an Existing Building Anaylysis - specific to it's functions

From there, determind the Hierarchy

Most Important is their Need to Have a Master Suite

Lease Important is there Need to retain the Less Public areas with no view

More Important than not is the need to have the Gym on a Seperate Floor than that of the Master Suite

It's important the Master Suite has a Bathroom and Walk In Closet

Views (Glazing) - Outrank Privacy

Noise Attenuation - Outrank General Family Togetherness

Isolation of Parents from Children - Outrank continued Interuption of Marital Relations (Joke)

Most Important: Master Suite

Medium Importance: Gym

Least Important: Children's Quarters | Location of Previous Master Bedroom

Functions (Sorted)

Glazing | Privacy | Structure | Entertaining | Solice (Individuals)

Existing Systems to be Extruded for Use Carried Over

Glazing - Or where windows are plentiful weighed against where they are not

Structural - The Extending over of Structural Column Grid and Load Bearing front Wall

Plumbing - All Lines are located in front of building - New Fixtures to be Oriented as such

Elevation - Not Only should the Ceiling Heights be retained... the grade should only be excavated as per required, and not to show full above grade construction. If existing contouring does not allow for full exterior wall display, than do not excavate past point required to create the space large enough to execute the charged function