87_Thomas Lanham, Nick Abend and Glenward Fuchs: Forced Grounding
Thomas Lanham
Instagram Username: thomaslanham
University: University of Kentucky
Self Description:
I am currently a 4th Year student at the University of Kentucky studying Architecture at the College of Design going into my last semester as an undergraduate. I work for CGL Companies as a design consultant. The firm specializes in institutional work, but offers multiple management and planning services. I have aspirations in art, and hope to one day bring that interest into the built environment.
Project Description:
The project goal was to develop a space that engages the theoretical quality of relative positioning, while maintaining a visceral connection to architectural typology. Due to the ambiguous nature of the project, and freedom from program, representation was allowed to cast more experiential qualities, and to transverse into a realm of abstraction.
Forced Grounding
Contributors: Nick Abend & Glenward Fuchs
RP - Studio_ Fall 2016_ Mike McKay
Continuing on Mike McKay’s research of relative positioning, our aim as a group was to create three unique aligned views within one non-programmed space. Each group member explored their own individual research, before coming together. Techniques such as camouflaging, color/tonal application, shearing, and scaling objects towards the viewer, were all used in order to achieve the space and views. Through an extensive and vigorous intellectual process, we were able to develop a space that engages the abstract quality of relative positioning, while maintaining a visceral connection to architectural typology. The desire to maintain an architectural connection, drove most of the integrative design (space between aligned views).
The model itself developed a hierarchy of the three views it holds. This hierarchy was based on the views ability to maintain its concept given by each group member’s initial research. The TL view was lowest in the hierarchy. Its concept became a contextual space that could allow for the other two views to live within, while forcing a perspective through the resultant spatial elements. The GF view was the next in line, using a large scale cube (appearance) to break through the levels established by the other views. This move gave us a larger canvas for testing materiality and allowed for a juxtaposition of internal scale. The highest in the hierarchy was the NA view which intended to establish a calm - generic space, which upon non-alignment becomes anything but its perceived reality.
