003 Composition: Negative (abstract interior model)

Composition of a negative space is an abstract intake into the inspired space from Elcho Castle. Composing such an artifact creates discussions on the appearance and dynamic of the space. This space that inspired me were the bedroom spaces that are connected together via the stairwell. However, the floors have been removed leaving this void space and openings that have some relation to one another, i.e. the window puntures that are one above the other. This plaster cast, 1:50 model is a replica of the negative space of these bedrooms placed together. 
My personal thoughts of the outcome are mainly focused on the emerging shapes that evolve from the block. Its interesting on how this can be related to an actual building and start to place a programmatic setup for the whole object. Another interesting observation is the clashing of the two geometries, i.e the stairwell vrs the bedrooms. The clear outcome gives a second shape or an object to the artifact with the connection of the one curved surface throughout the entite piece.

Casting a negative space of a volume or space, gives a much vibrante outcome to it. It gives a much different perspective of the space, guess in a way this can be another process of recording space, i.e. drawings, models, photos. Casting is another key of record. It composes a much real and truthful aspect of texture and of mass.

002 negativity (inspired space)

The main aim for this assignement was to analyse and to create a negative mould of a chosen space. This space had to have interesting entities to it. Things like wall openings, partitions and even floors that have been removed over this. This is one aspect that interested me when visiting these three castles. It created this room with openings that follow each other vertically thoughout the space. Therefore the space that I chose was taken from Elcho's Castle. It had all these entites and also the exposure of roof details came into play. The space was once three set of bedrooms that contributed to the castle. These where mainly connected with one of the two stairwells within the castle. The reason for chosing this particular space was not only that these floors have been removed to create such an interesting void space but also the negative impact would have an unique outcome. In some cases this negative object could be visualized as a tower with cube-like shapes emerging from its skin. Could this be a starting point to my research in fifth year? Generic/Unique. 

Here are some quick examples of the chosen space: 

Photos taken on the 20.09.10:

As seen in these photos, there is a clear visual connection that these were once a set of bedrooms ontop one another. The alignement of the windows compose a rational sequence that over takes this unique space. One is repeated above the other, creating a sense of continuity. However, the recessed fireplaces and doorways play a very different role throughout each individual level. They have been shifted around each level, giving a sense of a random nature. The one thingy that is the most intreaging aspect about this space is the clash of geometries between the stairwell and the room itself. It composes a much sense of uniqueness to the stairwell, an object within a space. A sense that it gives a clear visual that this half differs from the others. 

Now that a chosen space exists, the analyse of Elcho Castle can begin. 
Plans:

Sections/Elevations:

Inspired Space:

001 Elcho - Edzell - Claypotts Castles

At the start of the course, we were assigned to investigate these three castles, also refered to as stone houses. The whole project was very interesting. It got us to think in a rational sense and mannor, by observing the way on how the programatic of these three buildings evolve over time. What this is meant by is that over time, the essence of the building started to diverge into a much residential environment, while still retaining the natural skin of the building. The beauty about this is that, all the recessed punctures i.e. fireplaces, windows, gun holes are still expressed within the skin, composing a very atmospheric lighting experience. This can be clearly witnessed within the smaller spaces i.e. bedrooms. This experience differs through-out these three stone house type-like castles.

Elcho Castle:

Edzell Castle:
Photos taken on 16.09.2010

Claypotts Castle:

Photos taken on 16.09.2010