Frameworks and Juxtaposition

The thesis is composed of a theoretical and a practical aspect. The theoretical aspect is the exploration of the personal approach of Kazuo Shinohara’s architectural concept, the “Zero-degree Machine”, and urban concept, “Progressive Anarchy”. The practical aspect is the implementation of his architectural concept onto a triangular site in Vienna.

The F-14 fighter jet and the Apollo 11 inspired Kazuo Shinohara to develop the “Zero-degree Machine”. The Aircraft carrier City collage by Hans Hollein acted as my fixed point of reference for an object. It represents a single compact body capable of housing a complex system of programs, while keeping the urban infrastructure in the sky. I perceive the aircraft carrier as an embodiment of the urban machine.\nThe “Zero-degree Machine” is the juxtaposition of primary geometrical elements, where each element houses a single function. These elements are then combined in an impromptu manner. What remains are multiple spatial fragments. The three programs I chose were sport, shopping, and an event hall. The rectangle houses the indoor sport hall and dance studio. The triangle houses the shopping spaces. The circle acts as the spatial generator and link between the rectangle and triangle. It houses the atrium, multifunctional hall, cafe, and main circulation.\nDue to the difficulty of the site, the building can be accessed from either west or east, rather than one main entrance. The west, facing towards the park, allows one to access the indoor sports hall. The east, facing towards the urban residential area, allows one to access the shopping area. Both points then converge in the centre to access the floors above. Next to the entrances, a direct access, an elevator and an enclosed escalator, is offered.\nA large concrete truss runs along the edge of the roof, it acts as a protective layer for the public sport field, market, and event space on the roof. The truss is the crown of the building, but also a crucial structural element that holds everything in place.\nI fragmented the long facade into 3 to 4 parts. Within each part, random shapes are placed together that are unrelated to one another. The shapes function as a form of opening and load bearing element. When combined, they form the outer envelope of the building, while holding the roof in place. The juxtaposed random shapes create a form of visual cacophony equivalent to the context. A fragmented building, in full tension and movement, creating a new dialogue with the city.