for this project, we were assigned the familiar location of the courtyard space between the architecture and arts buildings at usc. the project asked us to develop the space to create new life in the rather dead space.
in our studio, the courtyard was presented as a clean slate, allowing us free reign over the space. in my initial analysis of the courtyard and through discussion with students, i began to observe the programmatic needs of the space. the courtyard contains access to both the architecture and arts buildings, as well as a cafe. from these points, i began to envision a conglomeration of a free flowing series of spaces, addressing the needs of the space. these different spaces, according to proximities to different locations (ie. dining near the cafe), were placed around the perimeter of the courtyard. after placing the perimeter spaces, a new program was introduced to the courtyard, that being of play. by placing this "play" program in the center, the courtyard is infused with an inherent energy and active environment which creates relaxation and provides exercise for the working mind. while this program is very energizing, this could serve as a problem for some of the other programs, like studying, and rest, thus, programmatic placement became very important. by elevating the resting space, the area is presented as a sort of safe haven, while still allowing the ability for resters to look over the inner activity. while the resting space was lifted up, just the opposite was done for the study and lecture/presentation area. by doing this, shade is created, and the wall space provides for pin up areas while serving as a protective barrier against wind so that papers are not blown around in the open air. the other spaces surrounding the active epicenter provide for gathering in the shade or observation up above as peers engage in a quick soccer match before the 3:20 lecture.
in our studio, the courtyard was presented as a clean slate, allowing us free reign over the space. in my initial analysis of the courtyard and through discussion with students, i began to observe the programmatic needs of the space. the courtyard contains access to both the architecture and arts buildings, as well as a cafe. from these points, i began to envision a conglomeration of a free flowing series of spaces, addressing the needs of the space. these different spaces, according to proximities to different locations (ie. dining near the cafe), were placed around the perimeter of the courtyard. after placing the perimeter spaces, a new program was introduced to the courtyard, that being of play. by placing this "play" program in the center, the courtyard is infused with an inherent energy and active environment which creates relaxation and provides exercise for the working mind. while this program is very energizing, this could serve as a problem for some of the other programs, like studying, and rest, thus, programmatic placement became very important. by elevating the resting space, the area is presented as a sort of safe haven, while still allowing the ability for resters to look over the inner activity. while the resting space was lifted up, just the opposite was done for the study and lecture/presentation area. by doing this, shade is created, and the wall space provides for pin up areas while serving as a protective barrier against wind so that papers are not blown around in the open air. the other spaces surrounding the active epicenter provide for gathering in the shade or observation up above as peers engage in a quick soccer match before the 3:20 lecture.
