If I’ve included in these pages (rather than those of the related discipline) models made by myself, it is because they become objects with a certain aesthetic, intrinsic to themselves and devoid of perfectionism, that beyond their project illustrative purpose, gave me pleasure to make by hand.
They can be seen as works in their own right, to be enjoyed as such. As Kingston Polytechic student in the seventies I had somewhat extravagantly exploited the notion of model-cum-toy as form of architectural representation which could draw inspiration from a variety of sources (teenage BRAMANTE’s false perspective, Richard HAMILTON and Claes OLDENBURG’s Pop-kitsch spatial evocation etc.).
Later I would learn from Aldo ROSSI, who had decked the walls of his office with model and paintings of projects, the power of attraction, again analogous to that of toys, that such works could exert on visitors. Models hung on the walls had pride of place in the rooms of v. Maddalena 1. (At the same period James STIRLING kept his models suspended upside down from the ceiling, quite impressive !)
A basic distinction should be made immediately between volumetric models and spatial models, which I sometimes make to be taken apart.
Revolving LED lamp for sofa-bed, 2018
Full-scale mock-up (1:1) of an early version made from tailor-cut photocopies folded according to pattern, so as to study the effect of the LED strip, whose strong beams would need masking.
Origamibau, Freiburg, 2015
Model of playful intention, in printed and folded paper, in view of the immenent re-opening of Heinrich DEGELO’s Freiburg Universitäts Bibliothek, which provoked comment. By what name would it be appropriated by the townsfolk ? Object of an After Hours Conversation at FRIAS.
Vertical extention, Owendo, Gabon, 2013
The family which hosted me on my second visit to Gabon asked me advice on how to extend their dwelling. So I made a measured survey. When they passed through Paris for a wedding and business, I surprised them with a multi-variant model of ways to build upwards, differing according to the number of storeys added.
EEB, Nice, 2012
Study of potential extension to an existing place of worship, integrating presbytery and disabled access improvements (building regulation conformity). The model, in stiff cardboard from blocks of tracing paper (necessarily acid-free), can be dismantled entirely, floor by floor (from -1 a +4 levels). Restored in 2020, after 8 years loan.
Cité de prière, Angondjé, Gabon, 2011
Made in the locality from thin card and 4mm plywood (which thickness to scale represented about 25cm), site survey, design studies, scale drawigns and model of all the levels were all undertaken in less than six weeks. The packing-case-cum-plinth used up the rest of the plywood.
Villa with corner bays, 2006
Impulsive study of an idea for a country residence, with PV-oriented monopitch, rainwater recuperation, ground floor loggia with terrace above, to examine the plan implication of sliding corner bay windows which were beginning ot appear on the market.
Townhouse remodeling, Sydney, 1999
Partial demolition & reconstruction sketch scheme for a relative’s property, using just a model, due to the play of levels which plans, sections, axonometrics etc. would make cumbersome to represent. In its transportable box, I was able to show it to (now Sir) David CHIPPERFIELD and others when in 1999 I sought work in London .
Retrieval & remodeling, Nanterre, 1992
A small volumetric model in oak for a project involving the retrieval of former agricultural buildings in Nanterre and a new-build portion.
Donnington Bath Houses, 1984
Using the same technique for volumetric models that I learned from Gianni BRAGHIERI, who applied French stucco (enduit gras) to smooth the timber’s asperities and model sharp arrises.
Zitelle convent, Venice, 1981
With the help of Gianni BRAGHIERI, who supplied the dome, determining the scale of the model. An idea of Aldo ROSSI (commissioned, on behalf of the University, for the development of the del Convento delle Zitelle) struck me as brilliant, for its revelation of the Giudecca’s depth, beyond the fondamenta. A small painted model seemed to me to be the best way to commit to History this volumetric idea, bound hardly to appeal to public office-holders.
Progetto di concorso con Aldo ROSSI e Gianni BRAGHIERI, che mi ha fidato il compito di realizzare il cubo di acciaio, le quali pareti ho ritagliato, con grande difficoltà (perché erano temperati e molto resilienti) da utensili in lastra da stuccatori. Si nota che la prospettiva che ho disegnato, mimetizza il fondo gessato (piuttosto che il vero ponte) fornito dal organizzatore.
Perspective model in bas-relief, 1979
Second year architecture school project — a day centre of the mentally disturbed was the theme — illustration of the space dedicated to art therapy, and view from peripheral ambulatory. Model not preserved.
Floating model of a floating theatre, 1977
Precast floating pontoons, of polystyrene and shuttered plaster which actually did float, long enough for me to take these pictures.
Progetto di un folly da parco inglese, 1974
Balsa wood, velvet rags, decorative paper, coloured plaster and glued sand. Just turned 16.
Related pages / pages apparentées / pagine apparentate :
Art, crafts & DIY / Art, artisanat et système D / Arte, artigianato e fai-da-te
Architecture & planning / Architecture et urbanisme / Architettura e urbanistica
Design & bespoke furnishings / Design et mobilier spécifique / Design e arredo specifico
OPUS INCERTUM : Take Your Pick / Faites Votre Choix / Scegliete Voi
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