SCRIPTING MOVEMENT

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fall 2014-spring 2015

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thesis project, University of Southern California [USC]

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Received the Robert Allen Rogaff Award [thesis work, best delineation for thesis project]

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Movement (circulation) in architecture is commonly defined through the following elements: the corridor, the stair, the ramp, the moving walkway or escalator, and the elevator.

 

The organization for these elements has the tendency to serve programmatic systems, behaving as a secondary system and means of connection.  However, there is an opportunity for movement to behave independently and as the primary system in the design process. This thesis explores the creation of a script or code that creates paths of movement (circulation). Through a numerical abstraction of the notation, the elements are relinquished from their tendency to conform to regulations and/or programmatic needs. 

 

In understanding how an element of movement behaves in its occupation of three-dimensional space as well as a user's interaction with it, parameters are established. Working with a numerical code of 01-59, two sets of numbers define the parameters of a new element. To generate a "random" series [or thread] of numbers, 01-59 is organized in a cyclical pattern. Section cuts are then applied through the circle organization. Using two threads in relation to each other, new paths can be created.

 

These paths can be combined together as well as re-coded numerically. Paths can be combined to form interstitial space, which can in turn become the means to establishing three-dimensional space for program.