Philadelphia University
School of Architecture
A312 Design IV
Project 1

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- Christian Norberg-Schulz, The Concept of Dwelling

There is a distinct difference between the act of existing and the act of dwelling. Dwelling is not only a place that supports the physical needs of survival, but also those less measurable qualities of life. Certain spaces resonate in our memories. We might remember how light enters through a window, a special view, or the happenings within the space. The space can influence what our experience is. In this way, as designers, we can affect the experiences of others.

Project: Coffee Bar / Cafe

The design should not be "thematic", which is the purview of decorators, but rather should be about concepts and ideas. In order to facilitate this, you are asked to respond via your design to "Transparency: Literal and Phenomenal", which is listed below under the required reading section. It is essential to understand the importance of the making of the facade as a three-dimensional design element that has a relationship to the interior experience.

Transparency may be an inherent quality of substance – as in a wire mesh or glass
curtain wall, or it may be an inherent quality of organization – as both Kepes and, to
a lesser degree, Moholy suggest it to be; and one might, for this reason, distinguish
between a real or literal and a phenomenal or seeming transparency.
-Rowe and Slutsky, "Transparency: Literal and Phenomenal", p. 161.

Establish your rationale for choosing a site.
Consider the affect of the design on both the pedestrian and occupant.
Create an interior space that is inviting and allows interaction, physical and visual, with the exterior street.
Consider the three dimensional nature of the façade.

Consider the rhythm and layering of the street façade.

To encounter the city of Philadelphia as a resident and as a designer.
To understand the façade of the street as contributing to the urban context.
To understand the interplay between the exterior context and the interior space.
To understand the role of light, color, texture, scale, and spatial arrangement in place making.
To use perspective as a design tool.

2 exterior perspectives at eye level which describes the approach. These sketches must include the surrounding buildings, context and activity. Consider whether you can see to the interior of the cafe. Ones perspective should be rendered as a day view, the other as a night view.

2 interior perspectives which describe the quality of the space. One of these perspectives should be directed towards the street. Consider whether you can see the activity on the street.  The other two interior perspective are at your discretion.
1 drawing as assigned by your professor
1 model of the façade as assigned by your professor

The medium is of your choosing. However, these drawings must be hand drawn. A suggested format is rendered perspectives on (5) 11x17 opaque sheets/boards. Although on separate sheets/boards, the drawings should be composed with the understanding that they will be pinned up on the wall next to each other. (Remember that this project is a vehicle for introducing yourself to your professor and your classmates. It should be an example of your best effort.)

Norberg-Schulz, Christian. The Concept of Dwelling, pp. 7 - 30. (on reserve and eRes)

This project will comprise 5% of your grade and will be based upon the following:

Comprehension of the problem.

Ability to express architectural ideas

Quality and completeness of presentation