My initial Idea for the reinvention of the Vitra Museum was Reflection. I wanted to have the building submerged in water, recreating the reflection underwater. The concept was to mirror the building. I wanted the external structure of the building to stay the same; however the internal structures to become a viewing room to the aquarium that was to be submerged underwater. The underwater levels of the building were to be an upside down mirrored version of the Vitra. The internal structure was to focus mainly on the spiral staircases, allowing viewing rooms to exist in many different areas and from many different angles of both the original Vitra, and the underwater extension. My idea was that the Vitra would be completely gutted, and have tanks running through the building surrounded by the spiral staircases or ramps.
After being inspired by the Reichstag dome, in addition to the Vitra museum, my re-design concept changed dramatically. The Reichstag dome is a glass dome constructed on top of the rebuilt Reichstag building in Berlin. It was designed by architect Norman Foster and built to symbolize the reunification of Germany. The distinctive appearance of the dome has made it a prominent landmark in Berlin. This is reminiscent of architecture by Frank Gehry. Although Frank Gehry’s work falls within the style of Deconstructivism, the use of modern ideas and materials is always evident, and a unique approach to design can be found in architecture by both of these influential men.
My design changed from an underwater structure, to an above ground funnel shaped tank, with a ramp spiraling around, acting as a viewing platform and also as a ramp that starts at ground level and travels all the way around to the top of the tank, at above the water level.
This design was formed by the use of Gehry’s unique design concepts as well as the use of deconstructivisim. Slowly removing parts of the Vitra until it was stripped back to the curvilinear form of the spiral stairs; in addition to my redesign inspiration and my initial idea of ‘reflection’, a new design was born. The ‘VITRAQUARIUM’.
No comments:
Post a Comment