Sign in or 
Share this
Crit II Revision: Knowlton Architcture Building
The Knowlton Architecture building is a marvel of artistry and functionality. It was built in the vein of deconstruction. Because of this it takes apart all our preconceived notions of how a building should look both on the inside and on the outside by not being built like what we would call a normal building.
Organically shaped, the building has curvilinear lines which automatically make it stand out. The outside is covered in gray and white marble and has large overhangs held up by columns that are reminiscent of Greek porticoes. The east facing portico, which over hangs the entrance is held up by plain pillars of cement, while the one on the west side is at the bottom of a slight incline and does not overhang an entrance. The fact that it does not cover a door is unusual for a portico but that only adds to the deconstructive feel of the whole structure. Although there is not an entrance under the west overhang, there are cement table like structures without chairs that invite sitting or playing. In the middle of the tables is a carved divide and that combined with the size and shape of the tables makes them look good for playing ping pong.
While the porticoes are not held up by decorative columns, those can be found someplace else. There is a space in between the west overhang and the main body of the building that has five columns which do not hold anything up. One is Etruscan, on is Doric, one is Ionic, two are Corinthian and they seem to be there purely for decorative purposes. The positioning seems random, but it does make for a surprising and interesting view when walking along the second floor of Knowlton.
Also at various places on the outside are a couple of lounge areas. One, which faces west and is situated on the backside of the building is a standard balcony with chairs and tables and can be reached from the second floor. The other is on the east side of Knowlton and can be reached from the fourth floor. I don’t have a single word or phrase to describe this area. It is such an inventive and innovative use of the space that I don’t even know what to call it. The closest term I can think of is rooftop garden but there is little plant life up there. It looks more in like prairie land or a desert. The ground is covered with sand colored stones and there is an area of what looks like four foot tall weeds. A stone path leads from the entrance to a lounge or study area in the shade of a large cement oblong structure. There is one cement chair and one chair made of something that looks like sturdy chicken wire, both of which are surprisingly comfortable and two cement tables that match the large oblong structure in shape. On a warm day it is a very soothing place to sit and soak up the sun.
Inside, the architecture building looks unfinished, with bare floors and rough concrete walls. The floor is mostly open with classrooms and offices only around the outer edge. There is not much in the way of halls except for very small branches that hold more rooms and random walls that disguise more than lead to other places. Ramps spiral around the floor leading up all four stories. There are also stairs but they are often oddly placed and it can be hard to find the next flight up, giving the building a mazelike quality. The one exception to this is the very large, regal looking staircase across the floor from Brennans. The stairs themselves are too tall to be used by humans, but there is a normal sized staircase running along right beside it. Though the larger ones look like stairs they are used by students as another lounge or study area. Many times, students can even be found sleeping on them.
Though the bare open space of the inside doesn’t mesh well with the finished, elegant marble of the outside, the design of the inside makes a lot of sense and is even versatile. Architecture projects tend to be on the large side and all the open floor space is perfect for students to set up their projects, whether to show or to work on. Classes can also be held in the open area with the use of cleverly placed cubicle walls, and the ramps and smooth flooring aid in the movement of projects. So, even though the outside is more artistic than normal and the inside seems unfinished, the designs of both make for good art and architecture.
Organically shaped, the building has curvilinear lines which automatically make it stand out. The outside is covered in gray and white marble and has large overhangs held up by columns that are reminiscent of Greek porticoes. The east facing portico, which over hangs the entrance is held up by plain pillars of cement, while the one on the west side is at the bottom of a slight incline and does not overhang an entrance. The fact that it does not cover a door is unusual for a portico but that only adds to the deconstructive feel of the whole structure. Although there is not an entrance under the west overhang, there are cement table like structures without chairs that invite sitting or playing. In the middle of the tables is a carved divide and that combined with the size and shape of the tables makes them look good for playing ping pong.
While the porticoes are not held up by decorative columns, those can be found someplace else. There is a space in between the west overhang and the main body of the building that has five columns which do not hold anything up. One is Etruscan, on is Doric, one is Ionic, two are Corinthian and they seem to be there purely for decorative purposes. The positioning seems random, but it does make for a surprising and interesting view when walking along the second floor of Knowlton.
Also at various places on the outside are a couple of lounge areas. One, which faces west and is situated on the backside of the building is a standard balcony with chairs and tables and can be reached from the second floor. The other is on the east side of Knowlton and can be reached from the fourth floor. I don’t have a single word or phrase to describe this area. It is such an inventive and innovative use of the space that I don’t even know what to call it. The closest term I can think of is rooftop garden but there is little plant life up there. It looks more in like prairie land or a desert. The ground is covered with sand colored stones and there is an area of what looks like four foot tall weeds. A stone path leads from the entrance to a lounge or study area in the shade of a large cement oblong structure. There is one cement chair and one chair made of something that looks like sturdy chicken wire, both of which are surprisingly comfortable and two cement tables that match the large oblong structure in shape. On a warm day it is a very soothing place to sit and soak up the sun.
Inside, the architecture building looks unfinished, with bare floors and rough concrete walls. The floor is mostly open with classrooms and offices only around the outer edge. There is not much in the way of halls except for very small branches that hold more rooms and random walls that disguise more than lead to other places. Ramps spiral around the floor leading up all four stories. There are also stairs but they are often oddly placed and it can be hard to find the next flight up, giving the building a mazelike quality. The one exception to this is the very large, regal looking staircase across the floor from Brennans. The stairs themselves are too tall to be used by humans, but there is a normal sized staircase running along right beside it. Though the larger ones look like stairs they are used by students as another lounge or study area. Many times, students can even be found sleeping on them.
Though the bare open space of the inside doesn’t mesh well with the finished, elegant marble of the outside, the design of the inside makes a lot of sense and is even versatile. Architecture projects tend to be on the large side and all the open floor space is perfect for students to set up their projects, whether to show or to work on. Classes can also be held in the open area with the use of cleverly placed cubicle walls, and the ramps and smooth flooring aid in the movement of projects. So, even though the outside is more artistic than normal and the inside seems unfinished, the designs of both make for good art and architecture.
2007b.c. |
Latest page update: made by 2007b.c.
, Jun 5 2007, 9:21 PM EDT
(about this update
About This Update
Edited by 2007b.c.
9 words deleted view changes - complete history) |
|
Keyword tags:
None
More Info: links to this page
|
There are no threads for this page.
Be the first to start a new thread.
