Chapter 1: The Facade as a Veil
Summary: Explores the facade as a semi-transparent layer, allowing glimpses into the interior while maintaining privacy. Details such as perforated screens, mesh, and glass bricks create a play of light and shadow, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Real Example: The Cube House in Rotterdam, Netherlands, by Piet Blom, features tilted cubes with windowed facades that offer outward views while maintaining privacy within.
Chapter 2: The Window as a Portal
Summary: Discusses the window as a gateway that connects the interior to the exterior. Large windows and sliding doors maximize natural light and create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living spaces. Detailing focuses on frameless windows, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and recessed handles for a minimalist aesthetic.
Real Example: The Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois, by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is a glass pavilion with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Chapter 3: The Threshold as a Ritual
Summary: Examines the threshold as a transitional space, marking the boundary between two states or spaces. Details such as entryways, courtyards, and transition zones create a sense of anticipation and ritual as one enters or leaves a space.
Real Example: The Seattle Central Library by Rem Koolhaas and Joshua Prince-Ramus features a grand entry staircase that leads to a light-filled atrium, creating a dramatic transition from the public exterior to the interior space.
Chapter 4: The Wall as a Canvas
Summary: Explores the wall as a surface for artistic expression, showcasing details such as textured finishes, murals, and sculptural elements. Walls become canvases that add character and individuality to spaces, bridging the gap between architecture and art.
Real Example: The Casa Battló in Barcelona, Spain, by Antoni Gaudí, is renowned for its whimsical facade adorned with colorful mosaics, ceramic pieces, and intricate ironwork.
Chapter 5: The Staircase as a Sculpture
Summary: Discusses the staircase as a sculptural element, embracing its functionality while also offering aesthetic appeal. Details such as floating steps, intricate railings, and geometric forms create a dynamic and visually arresting centerpiece within a space.
Real Example: The Guggenheim Museum in New York City by Frank Lloyd Wright features a spiraling staircase that serves as a sculptural focal point, guiding visitors through the museum's exhibits.
Chapter 6: The Ceiling as a Skylight
Summary: Explores the ceiling as a source of natural light, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Details such as skylights, glass panels, and perforated ceilings allow natural light to penetrate deep into a space, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outside world.
Real Example: The Luminous Hall in the Colegio Mayor Francisco Franco in Madrid, Spain, by José Luis Sert, is covered by a large skylight that floods the space with natural light, creating an ethereal and calming atmosphere.
