Hybrid modernity of adaptive bodies - Trushit Vyas, grad thesis, fall'08

The purpose of the project is to examine the complex relationship between form, function, technology, urban contexts and society  with the hybrid building establishing a coherent balance of parts.

The formulation of the project

The task is technique based, process driven, per formative in which open organizations develop a new sensibility of geometric ambiguity and new ways of occupation in space and composite forms.

The motive of the subject is to mix programs to create emergent events, differentiate spaces using structures in continuous variation and apply composite materials to organize experiences that affect the subject.

Thereby the intention is to illuminate the question of between and within relationships – the hybrid – that emerges from the network of interrelated systems active across any site and to promote a design process that respond to it.

The site chosen is the Chase Manhattan Plaza in lower Manhattan financial district, NYC, NY. The reason it being selected is because of it having the density of overlapping contexts of varying scales such as contexts that include public infrastructure, business practices, high speed global connectivity, art and cultural programming among others. Also the linkage creates an accessible public space connecting the subway system, open plazas, through block arcades, glass enclosed semi-private, semi-public lobbies.

Design approach

The complex and composite arrangement of the human anatomy as a concept connects to the subject of architecture in a way that allows new modes for the occupation of space, the organization of programmatic activities and the design of structures.

The idea is not to replace or erase parts of the existing building but change interior conditions and reconfigure architectural qualities, such as apertures and circulation to create spatial effects.