To Wonder
Philosopher’s retreat
Philosopher’s retreat
Year 2, 2011
75%, Merit
Studio Brief
Design for 12 philosophers, for them to sleep, to bathe, to study, to dine and debate.
Location
Kilmartin village, Argyll and Bute, western Scotland
Inspiration
Jacques Derrida (July 15, 1930 – October 9, 2004) french philosopher born in French Algeria. Developed the critical theory known as deconstruction and his work has been labeled as post-structuralism and associated with postmodern philosophy. “There is nothing outside the text” (il n’y a pas de hors-texte), meaning that there is nothing outside context. “Binary oppositions”- to expose and undermine the oppositions and paradoxes.
Concept
The concept of this project is based on:
Development
Design is divided into two parts - as a split stone found just nearby. The gap between two blocks of the stone forms stairs on natural slope - journey from the village to the historical sites around. Deconstructed path which follows the stairs brings you to the prehistoric cairn and beautiful view of the landscape. Each side of the building has its own purpose. Private study units to the north with the view of Kilmartin landscape. Debating space to the south, shaded with trees.
There are no parallel lines in the design and strong binary division - day/night areas, private/public, lightened and darkened. Floors in both blocks are on the different levels and are connected from the West and South to ease circulation.