Small buildings have always had a particular appeal. Micro-works of architecture inspire an enduring charm that exceeds their function, even if that function is to just be a pleasing decoration in the landscape. There are a variety of reasons for our infatuation with these little forms, but mainly, the miniaturization of architecture reduces it to a human scale with which we can interact more readily. We are also drawn by the intricacy of their conception and detail by the fact that smaller buildings usually possess a more tactile quality than constructions of a larger scale. The concise purpose of these structures; that they address a single function, simple use, or even a purely aesthetic aim, makes them intellectually as well as physically accessible. This Fall the studio is devoted to the execution of one project- researching and designing for a community garden site in the Avondale neighborhood of West Ashley, as well as fabricating, and installing a Micro-work of architecture, a storage/shade structure for the garden.
The process will include, but is not limited to:
•Working with the neighborhood and the Charleston Parks and Recreation department on the community garden master plan and shading structure design.
•Working with Charleston’s Parks Conservancy on the installation and development of the new community garden and green spaces at the soon to be named Park.
•Working with local architects and engineers on creating a full set of construction documents for the storage/shading devise.
•Presenting the designs before Charleston’s Design Review Committee for approval and ultimately from Charleston’s mayor Joseph Riley
•Fabricating the shading structure parts off site at the CAC.C’s materials lab, and finishing onsite installation before Thanksgiving break (11.25.13).