Program Diagram Revisited

by JP Mays

I have been working on revising my program diagram, and have developed two options.  Version 1 expands both the courtrooms and the level 1 spaces, while Version 2 only expands the courtrooms.  I can’t decide between the two, so I thought I’d ask the class’ opinion.  What do you think?

Version 1

Version 2

 

Beyond this, any other comments?  Does the color read well?  Lineweight/type?

The Process of Programming

by workbymichelletodd

While I have concluded on a desired massing, the struggle now lies within figuring out a programmatic sequence that will allow for comfort and ease within the building as well as create a massing that is similar to what I desire. Because the volumes of each floor are push and pulled, the circulation becomes complex. The logical way to start planning was to create a central core of circulation that includes the elevator, as well as bathrooms, so that each floor has one central node about which the courtrooms are planned. This core begins to function a vertical axis about which the building is planned. The second key aspect that becomes even more complex because of my desired massing is the separation of circulation for the in-custody defendant transport and public circulation. Because these two paths should never cross, they must be developed as their own entities, which makes the programming more difficult.

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Intro to Complexity

by caroothers

Moving forward with the idea of physical lines as a solution to the courtset construction, the program has begun to develop.  The program within this form mimics the overall form of the building, very linear.  With overhead planes which create implied spaces throughout the building, these linear programmatic elements are able to be pushed and pulled to create moments and develop an interaction between them. The ribbons have established a set of rules and created programmatic reference within themselves.  Some begin to become solid barriers, while others attempt to disappear in the light. The building form becomes an icon through its form.  It needs its own set of design rules that must begin to form in the program of the building.

1. Each court room will be made of 3 ribbons/lines, separating the courtroom into three distinct spaces.
2. The separation of the court rooms will be a ‘solid’ ribbon or a ‘void’ ribbon.  Solid ribbons house the court holding areas for the judicially challenged and void ribbons serve as circulation light wells.  this relationship further distinguishes the dark/light solid/void pattern that is developing in as a metaphor for the building.
3. Public circulation will be perpendicular to the ribbons through the interior of the building, weaving through the columns.  (there has got to be another metaphor here for ‘weaving’ circulation).
4. Private circulation will be perpendicular to the ribbons through the exterior of the building, weaving through ribbons.
5. The judge’s chambers will be at the exterior moment of this ribbon to allow for potential views to the exterior and a connection to the community which they serve.
6. Each ribbon will consist of more than one program, however, the programs within the ribbons will be related.  e.g. the courtroom ribbons will house the courtrooms, as well as offices for the people who work in the room.  The Solid ribbons will serve as a utility function and a security function.  Since the judicially challenged people of the court are (in this humble writer’s opinion) a commodity of the court a utility that passes through the courthouse.  This ribbon will be the holding cells, vertical circulation for those people, restrooms, and storage.

The lines themselves become a program specific element that can be defined for a specific use throughout the building.

Program Diagrams

by JP Mays

I have been focusing on relationships of program, circulation, and site. At the entry one passes through security and into a large lobby with access to services, child waiting, and the career center.  A central circulation core pierces up from the main level, gesturing towards uptown and the center city skyline.  An atrium connects all floors, providing a visual and aural connection to each level.  Separating the courtroom volumes creates an intermediate exterior terrace space, with views to the city center and also the nearby community.  The courthouses are stacked and staggered, each with their corresponding judge’s chambers, and shared jury deliberation between them.