Structural Wild Cards

	CTech 253 Site Context Structure

	Fall 2000 Marilyn Farmer, AIA, Instructor

	Structural Wild Cards

	There are numerous design implications of structural systems as they are used to create three dimensional space. In this structural exercise you will begin to explore these by manipulating only four aspects. You will draw four "structural poker wildcards" (one in each category) to begin your design. You may trade-out ONE card for any other in the same category.

	Spaces [See Chambers for a Memory Palace, by Donlyn Lyndon, Charles Moore, for descriptions below.] Axes That Reach Centered Symmetry Asymmetrical Layered Spaces Rooms That Define Choice Path That Wanders Grids Square Rectangular One-Way Stagger Two-Way Stagger Radial Radial, One-Way Stagger Radial, Two-Way Stagger Moves Repetition Translation Rotation Reflection Roofs Flat (or’wavy’ flat) Shed (or ‘swooped’) Stepped Gabled (with or without curves) Sawtooth Hip (with or without curves) Pyramid Truncated Pyramid

	MODEL: scale: 1/8" = 1'-0"

	Create a design of a large space and two small spaces using your wildcard combinations. Using a cardboard base, layout your grid structure (use dimensions (ft.) given) and begin to make your moves by placing columns on grid intersections of your choice and walls on lines as your design dictates. [Do not place columns at every grid intersection --only those that play to your other design requirements.] You may also want to consider rotating part of your grid, offsetting a portion, or some other variation to the straight grid layout. Incorporate your space type(s) and roof type using applicator sticks for columns, cross-bracing, beams and roof members, doubling them up if necessary (as in beams carrying more weight). Solid cardboard can represent solid shear walls in the place of cross-bracing-one or the other will be necessary to stabilize your structure. Omit solid roof covering so that structural roof members remain visible.