An architectural study of light establishes a profound relationship and understanding of nature through the understanding of rhythms of people and nature.
Location.
The site proposal is in Lake Ontario, off shore from Woodbine Beach in Toronto, Ontario.
Site Context.
The project is located off shore from a dense urban community that continues to expand like the rest of the city. The current urban sprawl consists of row upon row of identical homes that do not create any culture within the community. The increasing demand for urban expansion is a large concern because of the scarce land near the downtown core. The way communities are designed and built must undergo significant changes so that future generations will be able to live affordably and in a healthy, spiritual environment.
How can we maximize livable space? What will happen in the future?
Goal - Concept.
The project strives to create a new floating community that rids the shoreline as a defined boundary for construction. The project will increase the population but decrease the density in which people live. It will extend the shoreline to include floating communities and re-define urbanism to include building on water as an alternative to the current urban sprawl. The communities establish light as a unifier of cultures and in turn creates a floating cultural center where people may live and interact. The light will serve as a symbol for the growing seeds with roots that extend from the lake bed and that float on the surface. The blossoming of the Lotus petals appear out of the water, embracing the sun’s rays and becomes a beacon of glowing light.
Light in Relation to Concept.
Light is the energy source for all things biotic and abiotic. It is the regulating factor in our everyday lives and can establish mood and tone simply through shadows and intensity. Light plays a crucial role in architecture because it is important in creating healthy and spiritual environments in which people can live work and play. Light is the major design factor for the Title and light is reflected around the building by the petals in an arching manner, instead of a linear fashion. The movement of light throughout the tower, as opposed to experiencing light only on one side, creates a glow of soft diffused light that encompasses the tower. The glow and shape of the tower along with the symbolism of the lotus petals symbolize health and spiritual fulfillment.
Project.
The project consists of a woven seed that floats on the surface but is rooted to the lake bed. The exterior of the residential seed is a precise weave that carefully balances the amount of light that penetrates the windows, as well as the thickness of the strands and the shadows patterns cast within the tower. The shape of the seed and cupped petals is a symbol for embrace and protection. Each petal has the ability to move in and out of the water controlling the amount of light diffusion to establish a comfortable atmosphere. The white petals also have the ability to change in opacity to allow minimal diffused light, or become nearly transparent. The petals are effective in creating the glow and reflection of diffused light throughout the building along with the wind protection and thermal insulating properties. The tower has sustainable attributes that are consistent with the passive techniques of the sun which are critical to the growing process of the Lotus flower.
Floating Community
1 Petal - 1/2 Up
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