rural studio connections

After visiting the rural studio in Alabama, one thing became very apparent about the nature of design/build projects and that is that it's all about the connections. Looking specifically at the Perry Lakes projects, the importance of connections within the structure as not only a system of architectural detailing but also as a means of connecting builder to inhabitant reveals itself as an essential element. Thinking about how to apply these ideas to our own project the importance of connections within the structure is apparent when dealing with the plastic paneling system. How these details might tell a story of our own process and allow people to realize the effort of construction as they move through the site could be very helpful in developing the construction details.

first impressions

I am expecting that the most meaningful aspect of this studio will be the exploration of how what we do in the studio can have a very noticeable and permanent impact on the community that we are a part of. These projects will hopefully help to remind us that we are a part of the community that we design for, even in later studios that are not design/build. I am hoping that there is a great deal of community engagement, both at the site for construction and ideas and at various community centers, day cares, etc. Architecture without people is pointless and by strengthening our sense of community we will hopefully develop a stronger architecture that can endure and go beyond mere installation. I imagine that the most difficult part will be the resolution of construction details and materials. This is the aspect that I feel we have dealt with least in past projects and will therefore be a new experience, which usually means a lot of dead-ends. Then again, that's always part of the fun.