What kind of movement does space have? The motion of a horse has pattern, rhythm, and elegance with fluidity that can also be found in the best of architecture. The rider and horse move with a compelling unity through space. Great architecture can provide the same unity, moving people through spaces that also express pattern and rhythm, elegance and fluidity. This assignment began to explore spatial relationships and organizations. Building on the previous project (Project Poem) of form and space, this project examined a more complex understanding of space in relation to an activity that has spatial characteristics: the motion of a performance horse. We were asked to design a series of spaces based on a specific style of performance through form, rhythm, proportion, scale, and balance.
The performance style that was assigned to me was dressage. This style is both an art and a sport. The horse and rider must share a strong bond in order to perform various maneuvers. It was originally used in Ancient Greek times as battle tactics, both offensive and defensive. Today, it is a challenging discipline as well as an Olympic sport. The main objective of dressage is the harmonious development of the physique and ability of the horse. This makes the horse calm, loose, and flexible, but also confident, attentive, and keen. This achieves perfect understanding with the horse and rider. Skill in dressage lies in the ability to persuade the horse to perform the required movements gymnastically and with power, but without resistance.
Before I explain the meaning of the design, it should be noted that the area with no elements or defined spaces is the northern most part of the site plan. This is also where the audience enters. Now, as they enter, they see the first structure to their left: the horse and rider relationship. You may notice that the thick plane has an element going through the center which supports the overhead thin plane. A closer look reveals that both planes do not actually touch each other, but share a bond with the element. This symbolizes the relationship between horse and rider in such a way that it establishes both as a separate entity united together by a simple cause.
As the audience begins to move from the first space, they will notice a series of smaller elements forming a path heading south. This relates to the canter motion, which is a three-step movement that the horse takes in long strides. Looking at the pattern, you can see that three elements are lined up, leaning in one direction, while another set of three leans the other way. This effect creates motion along a path as well as forming small spaces.
By the time we reach the platform, the elements begin to transition into a structural support on the back of the western wall. This area begins the lateral trot motion. The trot is a two-step movement which can be seen in the overhead plane attached to the wall. The wall itself is actually placed in a way that moves the audience to the right in a lateral motion, where the stairs play off of that movement to enhance the effect (to get a better feel of this lateral motion, go to YouTube.com and look up dressage horses).
The final platform consists of four thin planes arched in a way to represent the rearing motion of a horse. It begins to lift higher and higher off the ground, much like what it would look like watching the horse in slow motion. Elements are placed through each plane to show structural support, as well as create an interesting effect.
Now, most would think that this is the end of the journey and that they can step off the platform to exit. Not so. The idea here is to turn around and experience everything backwards. In design, experiencing circulation, spaces, and forms in a variety of ways begins to effect how we see the area, enhancing the experience and possibly drawing in more interest. You can definitely begin to see different things as you walk through the site the opposite way back to the beginning of the journey.
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