Arch 113: Architecture Studio I, Fall 2018

ASSIGNMENT 5b: Stair Space

The movement of the body, if it is not itself one of our five senses, provides us, nevertheless, with a measure for things
and space. Passing through, visiting, dancing, gesture – all allow us to appreciate the splendor and exploration of that
which is hidden: to move closer, move away, go round, go up, go down, go into, escape, are all actions which invite us
to organize for ourselves what we want to see, hear, feel, smell and touch in a given environment. Architecture is image
only in a drawing or photograph. As soon as it is built it becomes the scene and sometimes the scenario of comings
and goings, of gestures, even of a succession of sensations. Pierre von Meiss, Elements of Architecture, 15

The final project for the semester is the design of a stair space, a public outdoor space in a hypothetical
urban infill site. The program is an outdoor extension of a public space in an adjacent building, accessed
through an opening twelve feet above grade level. Using the elements of lines, vertical and horizontal planes,
and volumes, create a series of spatial experiences that encourage horizontal and vertical movement
throughout the site. The space should allow people to both pass through the site and to linger; it should
accommodate individual activity (rest, read, view) as well as small gatherings. While the design of the stair
space must create connections between various levels, remember that the stair is not just a functional
element; it connects spaces and can become an experience in itself.

Site: The site is a generic “infill” site, one that can be found in many dense urban situations, but it is not a
specific place. The site is very narrow, a kind of found space or a site more typical of very dense European
or Japanese city, but we will assume that it exists somewhere in Chicago. The site is 12’ wide by 36’ long
with the narrow ends of the site oriented east and west. The site sits between a low structure (10’ high) to
the south and a higher structure (22’ high) to the north. The low structure is set back 8’ from the east edge
of the site. There is one 4’w x 8’h opening in the tall structure at 12’ above the ground level, 12’ from its
west end. The ground level steps up 4’ from the east to the west. You may manipulate the location of the
step in the ground plane based on the development of your concept. Your buildable area (volume) is 12’ x
36’ x 24’ high from the low point of the site (east end of the site).

Program (requirements):
The elements of the design must:
• Accommodate the body moving horizontally through the site (in the east/west direction)
• Accommodate the body moving vertically through the space. A person must be able to access all
levels of the site:
o Ascend 4’ from east to west edges of the site
o access the roof of the adjacent 10’ high structure (Note that the person must access the roof
of the low structure, but this is not part of your buildable area.)
o access the opening in the tall structure.
• Create places for gathering
• Consider inward and outward views
• Define threshold spaces (spaces of transition)
• Consider how a person moving through the space arrives at the various levels.
Arch 113: Architecture Studio I, Fall 2018

• Consider the transition from the ground plane to elevated planes and how that transition may be
expressed through the manipulation of the elements, particularly the stair.
• Use the linear, planar and volumetric elements of the materials list below as the elements that define
the spatial sequences and the stairs that connect and create them.
• Touch all faces of the defined volume of the site

Material: linear, planar and volumetric elements:

Linear elements: At least (10) linear elements (start with 6”x 6”x 24’ long elements which may be strategically
cut into thinner and/or shorter elements)
Planes: Use the equivalent of at least (3) 12’x36’x6” thick planes, strategically cut into smaller planar
elements (used horizontally and vertically)
Volumes: One solid element 12’x12’x4’ which may be strategically cut as the project/concept develops.

Process: Develop concepts and final design through a series of study models, sketches and sections.

Use one or more of the following oppositional experiential conditions in developing your concept for the
transitions through the stair space:
Open/enclose Fast/slow
Compress/expand Rest/move
Direct/indirect Divide/gather
Light/dark Ascend/descend

Consider the following space-making strategies in developing the relationship of elements that define the
spatial sequences:
Add/subtract (solid/void) screen/layer
extrude/expand rotate
contract/compress repeat
fold/unfold, overlap
bend interlock

Produce (minimum final requirements):

Final Model: ½”= 1’-0” model constructed of basswood. The site portion of the model (base and context
structures) will be constructed of MDF. You will need to draw upon the wood-working skills learned in your
materials lab as well as desktop model-making skills in the construction of your model. The quality of your
craft is essential to conveying the qualities of the spaces you have created.

Final Drawing: Axonometric of the stair space, pencil on 24 x 36 drawing paper. Consider including
plans/sections as well. To be discussed with instructor.

Materials:
Progress (study) models: cardboard, paper, rigid insulation, foam core, etc.
Final model: MDF site, basswood
Final drawing: pencil, 24x36 paper

Schedule of Operations:
10.26 (f) Introduce assignment 5b
GENERATE
10.29 (m) Due: Site model (cardboard or other material), kit of parts, scale figure (1/2”= 1’-0”).
Axonometrics on trace of the site and context from two directions (to be used as undelays in
the design process).
Site analysis and concept sketches. Images of stairs of interest (with architect and location)
Arch 113: Architecture Studio I, Fall 2018

10.31 (w) Lecture: Solar orientation

Due: Site analysis (notes and diagrams regarding approach, movement, solar orientation)
Concept sketches, concept models. Preliminary concept models may be at a smaller scale
11.02 (f) Due: Concept models and sketches for stair space. Preliminary concept models may be at a
smaller scale. At least one model should be at ½” = 1’-0” on your site model.
GENERATE/ DEVELOP
11.05 (m) Revised and refined ½” study models, sketches
11.07 (w) Revised and refined ½” study models, sketches
11.09 (f) Revised and refined ½” study models, sketches
DEVELOP/ DOCUMENT
11.12 (m) Desktop model-making demonstration
Revised and refined ½” study models
11.14 (w) Begin Construction of final model
Interim Review
11.15 (f) Continue work on final model.
Plans/sections on trace ½”= 1’-0”
DOCUMENT
11.19 (m) 100% complete model, Drawings in progress.
11.21 (w) NO CLASS: Thanksgiving Break
11.23 (f) NO CLASS: Thanksgiving Break

DOCUMENT/PRESENT
11.26 (m) FINAL REVIEW: Center Core Crown (Due: Final model and drawing)
written “script” of concept presentation
11.2 (w) Studio Clean-up
Documentation of semester work
12.01 (f) Studio Clean-up
Documentation of semester work
12.02 (s) Complete upload of semester documentation to Google Drive folders

Site dimensions: Axonometric