Architectural analysis : a methodology to understand and inform the design of spaces

Abstract

The following research is an explorative study on ‘architectural analysis’ as a means of thinking and designing architecture. It is a space of dissection, observation and representation to establish (new) relationships creating elements that discuss, deepen and extend the ideas. An analytical exercise on the works of selected architects - Villa Savoye ( Le Corbusier), Neue Staatsgalerie (James Stirling) and Educatorium ( OMA/Rem Koolhaas) - to analyze the simplest, yet unknown and inevitable fundamentals of architecture: space, its perception and organization. Questions, ambitions, ideas and possibilities are analyzed architecturally; elements are organized differently and new relationships are established. This is an act of critical thinking that allows questioning of the orthodox regulations.

The resulting analysis revealed promenade architecturale as the common compositional tool in spatial arrangement of all three buildings. Subsequently, the discovery lead to a connection between promenade architecturale and ‘theatricality’.

Additionally, two public squares - Piazza Del Campo (Sienna, Italy) and Schouwburgplein (Rotterdam, Netherlands) – are analysed as the precedents for Aotea Square, along with Palais Garnier, a typological precedent for the proposed opera house.

Eventually, ‘architectural analysis’ was delved into and developed, to study, examine and extend strategies to compose and organize complex spaces of a new type of performance art centre, called ‘Performatorium’, in the contemporary urban context of New Zealand. Performatorium incorporates spaces, resources and facilities required for production, representation and preservation of performance art, especially opera, to form a center of gravity for Aotea Square and Aotea Quarter as the cultural nucleus of Auckland. Project area: Junction of Mayoral Drive, Federal Street, Cook Street and Vincent Street to the surface of Aotea Square.