Constructing an optimal protective shelter is a
primordial instinct and an extension of the human form. Beyond being a defense device,
shelter is an expression of basic ergonomics: cooking, eating, socializing and
sleeping all propose specific dimensions and interactions, which formulate
architectural space.
Micro-architecture, as a study of small spaces, stems
from man’s instinctive needs and has evolved into a specific type of
architecture intimately relating body, space and architectural innovation. The
obsession with small spaces has integrated architectural education and the
focal point of many projects looking to succeed where many generations failed:
the manufactured home. Founded on displaying architectural knowledge, craftsmanship
and an ambition to precisely choreograph the use of every cubic millimeter of
space, the minimal dwelling is also the subject of architectural literature
(see Karel Teige minimal dwelling or Le Corbusier’s modulor) and the object of
many inspiring architectural designs.
Rooted in early 20th century values many
modernist prototypes continue to engage disciplinary discourse. Designed in
1937, Marcel Lods accompanied by Beaudoin and Prouvé designed a bent flat plate
light steel prototype mini-house as their examination of a potential
industrialized house. The folded plate easily assembled and disassembled
weekend house echoed automobile technology and suggested a future articulated
to mobile architecture. Perhaps foreshadowing today’s tiny house movement, the
tiny, micro, or small home was showcased as an efficient form of individualized
living. Built on this modernist heritage the recent 27m3 micro-compact home by
Richard Horden or Patkau architects weekend house are part of this conceptual
framework that built the long lasting obsession between architects and minimal
dwellings.
The relationship between Lod's weekend house and its
contemporary descendants exceeds the simple cubic no frills aesthetic as the
three projects seek to relate human dimensions and ergonomic spatial design
through a seamless link between architecture and built-in functional objects. Each
unit of space is optimized technically and logistically. The unified
relationship between material, body and space transforms the house into an
operable furniture piece allowing the user to activate certain components and
become the datum by which the project is defined. The body develops the «tracé
régulateur» regulating trait or force of architectural form.
 |
| Marcel Lods (left), Patkau architects(center), Richard Horden(right) |
No comments:
Post a Comment