Research and Inspiration
In my research, I was looking at various architectural forms. I prefer more minimalist forms, such as those of Tadao Ando and Peter Zumthor. What I find most interesting about these is that the form is fully informed by the function of the building, with no unnecessary embellishment to detract. This also means that the form of the building itself is enough to discern the purpose of it. Take for example Tadao Ando’s Church of the Light.
Both the exterior and the interior have little unnecessary embellishment. There is only a simple cross feature, built into the building itself (rather than adding in crosses as decor later), and it serves to define and set apart the whole form. Peter Zumthor uses this concept in a slightly different way in his Therme Vals.
The building itself has no real added beauty. It only compliments the environment and envelops its purpose seemlessly. This is what creates the appeal of the building. The building’s architectural design itself, even without signage furniture, water, or other features, is obviously a bath house. Its intended purpose is announced by the design itself. I really appreciate this forethought in design. For my assignment, i want to make something that is simple, but also that is beautiful in this simplicity.
