stairs of convergence
a stair-driven park observatory at the intersection of two paths
ARCH100A
Hans Papke
Final Project
UC Berkeley || Fall '19
The primary goal of the project was to connect spaces in the structure with a sequence of circulatory public stairs, ramps and hallways bridging these paths (these include contemplative viewing spaces, interior and exterior gathering areas and outdoor terraces). A rotating central atrium intersects, carves into, and manipulates the solid mass of the stairs to create a park observatory at the intersection of two paths.
intersection 1
This project built upon Intersection I, in which we negotiated the design opportunities provided by both physical and digital modeling. Through a series of critical, analytical, and material transformation, we began to unsettle the geometric abstraction of a three-dimensional intersection.
Between the forced clunky-ness of foamcore modeling (where we cut, scored, and folded a single sheet of foamcore in order to recreate three intersecting planes) and the precision of digital modeling software, we transformed and abstracted these intersections to create a variety of spatial conditions. From this project, I further developed the idea of an internal voided condition which manipulates and concentrates mass on the periphery of the model.
the drawings
the central void
The concept results from a rotating central atrium that intersects, carves into and manipulates the solid stairs around it. As a result, a revolving path leads visitors along the perimeter of the atrium, and through a series of increasingly private gathering areas and contemplative spaces. These spaces encourage views downwards onto the intersection paths below, inwards towards the complex atrium, and outwards towards surrounding park on site.
