life within a wall
when we need refuge, where do we go?
This project deals with the idea of life within a wall. The site is dominated by massive pre-existing walls that have inhabitable hallways within. The project proposes the addition of another wall. From the mass of a wall, this project proposes a hierarchy of spaces, one large inhabitation and a series of adjacent carvings that contain private program. The large inhabitation is divided into two spaces that are always in tension. An open courtyard and an enclosed workroom. In each iteration, the relationship between the two is different, either equal or opposing. Large workroom vs small courtyard, large courtyard vs small workroom, or equally sized courtyard and workroom.
The project deals with a series of carvings within a wall, a modular set of back of the house program, and the two spaces that act in tension to create the main living space. This tension is creating a cavernous space within the inhabitable wall and a relief space on the courtyard. This is in an attempt to create a choice for the inhabitant, by providing two extremes. The proposed wall is a monolithic rammed earth structure that responds directly to the concrete material of the the pre-existing walls. Creating a fort-like exterior, that agrees with the aesthetic of the site.Within the space, a dark, dramatic interior workspace that caters to self reflection and isolation contrasts a light open space that caters to the occasional need for light and fresh air. This project doesn’t run away from the discomfort of the coldness and darkness of the pre-existing walls of the site - it embraces it. Here is a place of introspective work and self-reflection, aided by special moments of light contrasted by the heaviness of the carved wall it resides in.
