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A Manifesto for Architectural Fusion

Part 1 Project 2008
Aaron Holden
 University of Nottingham Nottingham | UK
Our perception of interior and exterior architectural space is primarily a sensual event dependent on movement and transitions. The planar façade often deceptive, acts to provide a singular two-dimensional image. In opposition, my manifesto for a 'fusion architecture' and a habitable 'thickened façade' favours a multi-sensory dynamic, both experienced from the inside and the outside. Fusion between internal programme and external event promotes an interpenetration of spaces and the blurring of traditional boundaries. Ultimately, thickening and multiplying the layers of the façade and controlling its framing creates a sequence of visual revelations: impacting on the users pattern of occupation and interaction.





Aaron’s project explores the tradition of the architectural manifesto threefold. Firstly, as Manifesto. A speculative written and graphical piece of work establishing his notion of ‘architectural fusion.’ It questions the static relationship between function and form. Secondly, through the idea of Prototype. A series of artifacts investigating the visual and material resistance and behaviour that is produced by different movements and tectonic conditions. Thirdly, as Manifestation. A strategic design-proposal that utilises his previous studies and develops a ‘thickened façade.’ It negotiates the conventional boundaries of privacy and creates a much needed multiple, yet coherent reading of the southern riverbank of the Thames.

Miss Julie Richards
Mr Sam Jacoby
2008
A MANIFESTO FOR ARCHITECTURAL FUSION
PROTOTYPE MODELS Porosity and transparency are one of the key principles of a fusion architecture where spaces and buildings meld and interpenetrate. Fusion porosity refers to the absence of defined spatial boundaries and divisions based on the 2D grid.
INVESTIGATING BOUNDARY The call for a fusion architecture and thickened façade ideal responds to the multi-sensory dynamic, where each body, neck and eye movement adjusts to a visual environment in motion.
THE FUSION FACADE Manipulating this existing façade grid to create a fusion between interior programme and exterior event, one can introduce new nodes of influence to match varying density and intensity in accordance to user movement and activity.
SPATIAL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE GRID Post production technique exploring the splitting of floor and ceiling. Response is a structure which is never fully floor or wall; the system is negotiating everything without resorting to equalization.
THICKENING THE FACADE Through analysis of the existing façades we are able to create a unified system that relates significant points of interest; key nodes that form the language for thickening the facade.
PROCESS BOARD Searching for a flexible, habitable environment, responsive to internal programme and external event. The grid is three dimensional and volumetric.
THE SITE: BEAR GARDENS, SOUTHWARK The existing language of the South Bank is one of verticality and horizontal planar mass. The facade composition contributes to an environment through which the subject is unaware of the interior logic of buildings.
The project is based upon a visual architecture which wakes the subject into acknowledging their environment. An architecture where the subject becomes the active explorer rather than distracted observer.
FIRST FLOOR PLAN The programmatic façade is based on the principle that a building can absorb, or adapt to reflect changes in use determined by the subject user. The relationship between designated spaces is variable.
ROOF PLAN Public Piazza_raised terrain to emphasize the Globe entrance and other main routes connected through the proposal. Responsive cladding acts as environmental mediator, varying opacity to function.
SECTION A-A The manifesto on fusion has generated two new building forms responding to the existing warehouse and mixed use buildings on the site. The new surfaces wrap over the existing structures and moderate the environment behind.
As opposed to site boundaries, which demarcate the extent of physical territory, visual boundaries are limited only by the acuity of our eyes. A new element of the fusion façade, it is a boundary that moves with us as we move through space.
INTERNAL VIEW Indicating the navigation system established by variation of cladding opacity - the main element to the environmental agenda. The central circulation route is lit as a constant, with internal lighting increasing according to public nature.
Fusional tools explore the potential for large apertures cut into the envelope, their framing elements appear to be part of both the inside and outside – the larger the openings, the more the façade envelope dissolves into transparency.
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