WSU EUNOIA Volume IV

DISCRETE RECTANGULAR
CHENLU ZHANG | LUKE NYE | ARCH 4TH YEAR STUDIO | FALL 2022
The link between creativity and schooling has always been a difficult relationship to explain. In the fields of
architecture, engineering, and creation, a heavy amount of creativity is required. Creativity requires boundaries
to be broken and order not to interfere, which is a direct counter to that of modern education. As a result
of the inherent divide between these elements of education and creativity, Discrete Rectangular replicates
this relationship in the physical structure. A cavity-shaped, complex organic structure is present next to solid
traditional interior rooms. This cavity shape represents creativity as the solid routine structures represent the
order that is required in education. For the spaces to work well together, the organic shape is designed to hold
most of the lounging area required in this site while the traditional rooms should be responsible for the more
practical uses of the building. This division of labor further defines the relationship between creativity and order.
To not disrupt the shape of the entire site, we modified the existing architectural topologies which in turn influence
the structure giving it its shape. The load bearing columns at the base of the organic structure are connected to
the structure which displaces the overall weight. A lightweight steel was used for the skin (scaffolding with curtain
wall glass) of the building which increases the sense of breathing. The conventional practice of introducing the
outdoor environment is not adopted, but the shell through its transparency is used to release the interior space
of the whole building giving a spectacle to engage with. Furthermore, the main entrance is equipped with a
similar organic shape to continue this spectacle and desire to be inside.
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