Window diary/ Mapping the intangible

Case study/ Casa Poli

analysis of  Casa poli / 

a r c h i t e c t s / M a u r i z i o   P e z o   a n d  S o f i a  v o n  E l l r i c h s h a u s e n

An opening is a beginning. The start or end of something new, of something unseen…captured….hidden. It is by this logic the focus was drawn to the top window and opening of casa poli’s western elevation. The openings are located either side of a narrow corridor / staircase leading to the top floor of the building. They perform an interesting feat. Converting a purely circulatory space to one of occupation. The opening on the exterior façade does not contain any glass, leaving the passage open to the elements, drawing the environment in. The forced relationship between the natural and built environment is strongly emphasized between the brutal and rigid linear design of casa poli and the chaotic beauty of Chiles rocky coastline. The stairwell is an entirely circulatory space. The openings uncover and redefine the boundaries between function, circulation and occupation. The user is invited to stop and experience, to view, to think, to ponder, to sit on the stairs and gaze at the blue horizon. Alternatively the space is further altered from one of circulation to observation offered by the interior window. The window opens into the three-storey void, which occupies the western corner of the building.  It is here the user becomes the voyeur deconstructing the boundaries between public and private, between summerhouse and cultural center. 

manifest for the forthcoming semester

Openings/ Windows / Guldsmedegade 19

 

 

G u l d s m e d e g a d e   1 9

The facade of Guldsmedegade 19 contains a clear contrast in the variaty of window openings, where the divisions between  the different levels are clearly communicated in the classical building. 

As it is situated in a shopping street the ground levels are open for costumers  whereas the first and second floor is either storingspace or private flats and appear closed and abbandoned from the outside.  The picture above catches attention to the eye since the place, used for dining, has chosen to open up the walls facing the street. This creates a transparent connection to the street and makes the place come alive for pedaestrians.

in contrast to the other windows that are cut out of the wall, this place dwells on the existing lines in the building and in consequence makes the interior integrate into the street and appear as a intimate space.