Contextual Fit
Analysis & Design of Adding on

In this project, we are asked to create an addition to the famous Smith House designed in 1965 by architect Richard Meier. The addition must show proof that the existing systems and patterns in the house were analyzed and incorporated into the addition to preserve the integrity of the original design.

For this project, we must take into consideration conceptual analogies for adding on and we were also asked to incorporate a meta/idea and narrative to meet the new needs of the owners. This will also create an addition of new systems or patterns that were not found in the original home.

Narrative

The Smith family has recently asked for an addition to their house. The children are musically inclined and extremely talented, but the house is lacking the space for them to develop their talents. The family has requested a music room where they can sing, write music, and practice piano. Since this house is always filled with music, it can get very loud so the parents have requested a master suite so that they can get away from the noise. Mrs. Smith has also requested an exercise room and Mr. Smith has asked for a space on the roof to barbeque.

Hierarchy: Music Room
Meta-Idea: Grand Piano

Sorting of Spaces:

Public: Private:

Loud: Quiet:

Music Studio
Rooftop
Exercise Room

Master Bedroom
Master Bathroom

Music Studio
Rooftop
Exercise Room

Master Bedroom
Master Bathroom

Group: Individual:

Music Studio
Rooftop

Master Bedroom
Master Bathroom
Exercise Room

Contextual Analysis

Existing Floor Plans

Existing Building Systems & Patterns

Conceptual Ideas

Conceptual Meta-Idea

Existing Systems brought into the new addition:

Half Walls

Columns & Girders

Bearing Walls

Glass Curtain Wall

Railings

Window Openings

New systems/patterns used in the new addition:

Appearance of slab "punching" through the main space and master bathroom

Subtractive

Process

Appearance of family room breaking through bearing wall

New I-beam system

Preliminary Designs

The following are three of my preliminary designs which were created by mapping out the necessary masses and circulation path. After observing which one flowed best with the original circulation and which one had the most potential, I decided to go with the third design.