STUDENT: DEREK STEVENSRESEARCH ADVISOR: BRANDON RO

UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITYARCHITECTURE &ENGINEERING DESIGN

THE CONTEXT OF ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNStrengthening a Sense of Place

PRECEDENTS:

CONTEXT: CONTEXT:

In conclusion, the architectural characteristics of the Palais Garnier match those of its context. Strengthening the location’s sense of place by continuing the existing design narrative. Where as the Opera Bastille doesn’t not share similar design characteristics of its context. Therefore, undermining the location’s sense of place by promoting a different design narrative than that of its context. When a location’s sense of place is undermined it clouds the understanding of what the culture and values are of the people that live there. Theoretically these findings can apply to any other building and its location. Further research should be conducted to determine if this is true. These further studies should include other factors such as input from the public. This input could help better understand how buildings can support a sense of place.

CONCLUSION:

This study will analyze the physical and symbolic design of two architectural precedents. These precedents include the Palais Garnier and the Opera Bastille. Both of these precedents are prominent opera houses located in Paris France and share the same contextual sense of place. The characteristics of design that we will be looking at include: massing/scale, materiality, proportioning systems, and ornament/architectural details. These unique characteristics will then be compared to the precedent’s context. Context meaning the buildings and urban design of the precedent’s location. This will identify how well the design narrative of each building supports that of its context.

METHODOLOGY:

Within every city is a sense of place. An experience that is unique to it and it alone. It is an experience that reflects the ideals, history, and aspirations of a community. Which is manifested in its architecture. When a building seeks to fit within this context it builds upon what is already there to fortify the character and overall meaning of the buildings around it. It does this by using similar architectural motifs, proportions, and materials. All these elements come together to promote the singular voice of the people that built it. However, when a building doesn’t seek to fit into its context it disrupts the conversation of the buildings around it. If more and more egotistical buildings are built, the place becomes at risk of losing its voice and true self. In this study we seek to answer the question: How can a building strengthen a sense of place?

ABSTRACT:A sense of place is most commonly defined as “a multidimensional construction representing beliefs, emotions and behavioral commitments concerning a particular geographic setting.” It is the essence of the culture and values of the people in any particular location. The two main categories that contribute to a sense of place are physical and symbolic factors. Essentially the answers to the following questions: what are the physical attributes of a place that make it unique? And what is the perceived meaning or symbolism of that place? The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how the architectural design of a building can strengthen or weaken the sense of place established by its context.

BACKGROUND:

Physical: Classically ordered facade. 7 Horizontal bays, 3 vertical.

Symbolic: Order & Hierarchy.

Physical: No order to facade

Symbolic: Chaos

Physical: Classically ordered facade. 9 Horizontal bays, 3 vertical.

Symbolic: Order & Hierarchy.

Physical: Classically ordered facades. 4 vertical divisions

Symbolic: Order & Hierarchy.

Physical: Exterior almost aligns with adjacent buildings. Exterior is large but human scale. Prominent dome and pediment.

Symbolic: Place of importance. Approachable facade, for pubic use.

Physical: Exterior does not align with adjacent buildings. Tallest and largest building in vicinity.

Symbolic: Very important almost oppressive.

Physical: Almost uniform heights between buildings. Human scale facades.

Symbolic: Unity as a people

Physical: Almost uniform heights between buildings

Symbolic: Unity as a people

Physical: Facade with various highly details sculptures, carvings, and other motifs. High level of craftsmanship.

Symbolic: High culture is very important to people.

Physical: Mechanical and repetitive facade

Symbolic: Emphasis industry. Craftsmanship and high culture not important.

Physical: Facade with various highly details sculptures, carvings, and other motifs. High level of craftsmanship.

Symbolic: High culture is very important to people.

Physical: Facades and monuments with various highly detailed sculptures, carvings, and other motifs. High level of craftsmanship.

Symbolic: High culture is very important

Physical: Stone exterior

Symbolic: Strength

Physical: Glass and metal

Symbolic: Industrial and mechanical. Strength and fragility.

Physical: Stone exterior

Symbolic: Strength

SENSE OF PLACE OF

PARIS, FRANCE

PALAIS GARNIER OPERA BASTILLE

SENSE OF PLACE OF

PARIS, FRANCE

Physical: Stone exterior

Symbolic: Strength

PROPORTION ORNAMENTMASSING/SCALE MATERIALITY PROPORTION ORNAMENTMASSING/SCALE MATERIALITY

PROPORTION ORNAMENTMASSING/SCALE MATERIALITY PROPORTION ORNAMENTMASSING/SCALE MATERIALITY

Precedent Average building height

Precedent Average building height

PALAIS GARNIER OPERA BASTILLESENSE OF PLACE ARCHITECTURE

MICRO: PHYSICAL & SYMBOLIC NARRATIVE

MACRO: PHYSICAL & SYMBOLIC NARRATIVE