GSD 1101 / Introduction to Design and Visual Studies in Architecture / Fall ’04

Scott Cohen, coordinator
Timothy Hyde
Jeannie Kim
Sam Lasky
Michael Meredith
Thomas Schroepfer
Marco Steinberg

Project #2: Three-Prong Bridge

The project is to design a three prong bridge inside a triangular, uncovered courtyard.

The Context:

The triangular shape of the courtyard is assumed to be one of six basic types: right angle, isosceles, equilateral, obtuse, acute, scalene. The minimum length of any side of the triangle is no less than one third of the length of the longest side. The triangle is extruded such that almost all of the surface area of the courtyard walls is plumb. The way in which the walls terminate at the bottom and top is not known; we are not responsible for describing it, though one may choose to. One corner of the courtyard may be open.

The building surrounding the courtyard is not described but we do know that it is undergoing a radical transformation; its internal corridors are being replaced by open office areas that necessitate a circulatory device crossing and/or meeting in the courtyard.

Presumably, the courtyard came into existence to allow light and air to penetrate the interior spaces of the surrounding building. At the most, it is intended to define an occupyable space and at the least, it provides light and air to its surroundings and air to mechanical equipment below. In plan, 50% minimum must remain unobstructed by the bridge.

Program of the bridge:

Depending on the size and proportion of the courtyard and presumed surrounding building, the bridge may contain circulation space for vehicles, apparatuses (such as escalators or conveyors) or people.

Access Points:

There should be a bridge passing from each side of the triangle to the other two sides. The solution may entail three separate bridges, a single structure in which three trajectories converge inside the courtyard, or a hybrid. The access points for the triple passage are to be considered relative to a planned sequence, though there is no requirement to describe the sequence in its entirety within the vicinity of the courtyard. Bridge entry points can be at any location along the sides including the vertices.

Levels:

Each point of connection is at a different level. The difference between levels can be as much as fifteen feet or as little as two. The maximum level change between any two points is two stories (i.e. if one point is at level two, then the connection point can’t be above level four). One end of a prong may meet the bottom of the courtyard; one end may meet the top. But it is also possible that no prong meets the top or bottom.

Presentation Requirements:

Three plans minimum: one horizontal section, exterior reflected ceiling plan, roof plan; three sections
Model
Scale:
Model: the longest side of the triangular courtyard should be at minimum 18" in actual scale.
Scale of drawings will depend on size of the design proposal.
Descriptive text to be read at the final presentation: 100 words maximum

Project issued: Wednesday, Oct 20, 2004
Final review: Wed., Nov 10, 2004, 1 – 6PM