Architecture and Topography | Universidad Simón Bolívar

2007

Institution:

* Universidad Simón Bolívar

Course:

* Studio 4 (Sophomore level)

Case Study:

* Santa Paula (suburb on sloping land)

Teaching Staff:

* Ignacio Cardona / Instructor

* Carlos Ferrer / Instructor

* Fernando Micale / Instructor

Group of 33 students of architecture.

*

Most of the Venezuelan cities are located in the coastal sloped range. So, dealing with topographic slopes is one of the most important roles that architecture must fulfill. Additionally, many housing projects have been developed as monofunctional suburban areas with little room for public facilities. Consequently, most of the land to build community centers are sloped, and architecture should create different mechanisms to inhabit the often-fragile topographies.

This intermediate-level Studio of architecture seeks to combine the understanding of the notion of proportion, spatiality, and architectural form in complex environments. The student must produce a consistent architectural design, including a clear structure and envelopes in a coherent spatiality.

Note: The board shows sketches by Professor Ignacio Cardona during the Studio process to encourage conceptual clarity in the student’s project.