Found Adjacencies: The Constructive Systems of the Vernacular and the Abstract Martin Puryear
URBAN STRATA
University of Pennsylvania [Spring 2024]
Homa Farjadi, ARCH704 Critic
Published at Weitzman School Year End Show
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Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper, Unreal Engine, Custom PBR Material, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
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Architecture, Parametric/Iterative Design, Digital Visualization
Urban Strata addresses the displacement of historical building artifacts in London, UK, by transforming the site, located near Battersea Power Station on the south bank of the River Thames into a dynamic machinic device. Beyond its roles as an archive and storage facility, the building actively interfaces with the complex urban fabric, creating a space that is both functional and interactive.
Inspired by the historical significance of freight on the River Thames, the building cantilevers above the river, allowing innovative methods of cargo handling. This logistical aspect is highlighted in the fourth-floor plan, where a crane conveyor belt serves as the main artery for organizing and archiving incoming artifacts. Movement within the building enhances its reprogrammable nature, while the landscaping features an amphitheater and small plazas, creating a vibrant, interactive environment.