Spiritual Space Project 2a

In my initial exploration of project 2 I have made some decision that will help shape my design and thinking for the rest of the project.

Unlike many other projects where there is usually a methodological process to the design or the concepts of design I have found that when thinking about spiritual spaces I prefer to think first and foremost about the experience and put myself into the space I am thinking about designing. From here space and from emerge along with the sensorial qualities of the space. what does one hear in the space? feel in the space? smell in the space? and see in the space? By thinking of the qualities of the space rather than the physical space itself a design begins to emerge.

 When I first envisioned a spiritual space in the desert I did not think about 1 single space, rather a cluster of smaller spaces. From these individual spaces and unobstructed view of the desert landscape would  be revealed. The spaces would be situated far enough in the desert that only the sound of the wind would be heard. As a person sits in the space the sun would be blocked by a large mass behind them and the shadow of the surface projecting out in front of them. The movement of the shadow along with the open view of the sky and clouds would highlight the temporal aspect of architecture, nature and life. At night the shelters un-obstructive view of the sky would be used to view the stars.

The design I have envisioned plays on the idea of metaphysics (the question of what it means to be in the world). The architecture becomes a individual shelter to view the landscape and the landscape, although tangible, becomes an intangible idea of a bigger force. It is through this placement of ourselves, alone in the larger natural context that creates a contemplative/spiritual space.  

 A powerful architecture experience silences all external noise; it focuses our attention on our very existence and as with all art makes us aware of our fundamental solitude.

Juhani Pallasmaa

Because of the location of the site and my desire to have not only 1 structure but multiple structures I have decided not to work with the idea of architectural procession but rather look to the idea of finding a place or sanctuary rather than being lead to one. By not designing a path to the structures it allows visitors to create their own path to the sanctuary. A pace is not set, views are not focused, rather the individual experience is highlighted.

 
In terms of climatic conditions I plan to use the large mass as a shelter, shading device and for its thermal mass.

I do imagine the building to be open to the air, but if it has to be hermetically sealed then I will explore the idea of cross ventilation.

In terms of materiality like James I thought about using  rammed earth. I have thought of the erosive qualities of stone and the possibility to create a form from rammed earth that over the centuries would slowly change through the weathering process. it could be interesting to have individual structures in the desert made out of rammed earth that slowly because of the wind and other factors begin to take on different characteristics... also it might be interesting to look at the use of the native sand stone rock and if can be implemented as a building material.

Other materials that immediately came to mind was corten steel for its weathering properties.