IM-Archi

 

Project 1 - Precedent studies

 

 

The evolution of Architecture was very rapid and revolutionary during the Modern Masters period as compared to other periods.  We had to examine the principles, ideas and contributing factors that shaped Modern architecture.  The project gives the students the opportunity to work with a group of peers to investigate the Architecture of Modern Masters. The project is designed to increase students’ ability to analyse visual evidence with specific reference to Modern Masters as precedent studies. 

 

Learning Outcomes

• Increase understanding on the principle, ideas and contributing factors of the architecture of Modern Masters

• Ability to analyse and identify specific architectural features in terms of space planning, technology, details, form and the aesthetics of the architecture of Modern Masters

•  Learn how to create understanding in your audience visually by composing factual information and descriptive sketches on a  presentation board

 

In groups of 5, we were assigned a building and conduct an architectural analysis of the given building. My group, we obtained Villa Tugendhat by the great architect Mies Van Der Rohe.

 

We were required to draft a board containing all the information listed:

• Fast facts of the building – building name, location, architect, size, function etc

• The architect / Design Ideas / Concept / Dictum

• Spatial Organization (what is the plan like; it is open, compact or divided?)

• Structure, Materials & Construction (what are the new methods and materials used in the building?)

• Components (What are the types of windows, roof or other elements used in the building?)

•  

  Massing / Form (Does it look heavy and massive as in Gothic churches?)

 

Building Description:

Villa Tugendhat is a historical building in the rich neighbourhood of Černá Pole in Brno, Czech Republic. It is one of the pioneering masterpieces of modern architecture in Europe, and was designed by the German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The main material used in this building is reinforced concrete and it was constructed between 1928 and 1930 for Fritz Tugendhat and his wife Gret. The villa is an icon in the modernism era.

The free-standing 3-storey building is on a slope and faces the south-west. The second floor (ground floor) consists of the main living and social areas and the terrace, and the kitchen and servants' rooms. The third floor (ground floor when seen from entrance) has the main entrance from the street with a passage to the terrace, the entrance hall, and rooms for the parents, children and with appropriate facilities.