Studio Exercise 4 - Brief

Part 1

- "For a more human architecture in harmony with nature", Book: Hundertwasser Architecture, Taschen, 1997. - Born in Vienna on December 15th, 1928 as Friedrich Stowasser, however, changed his name to Hudertwasser meaning "100 waves" in German for his love of the water. - 69 of his mother's Jewish relatives were deported and killed by the Nazis. - Not into technological invention, the buildings he designs easily realised, at no great expense. - Use of green roofs, wants to feels close to nature. - Is also an artist with a love of visual arts and painting, later in life becomes an architect. - Father died when he was a one year old, raised by his mother who was a cleaner. - At age 21 he started travelling extensively, exploring the world, even living on a boat. - Travels through Europe on a bicycle with a friend, living with next to no money for a year. -Throughout his travels around the world, Hundertwasser incorporates what he sees along the way in terms of architectural style into his designs, e.g. domes from Russian churches, Islamic mosques, Buddhist temples. - Married and divorced a number of times, having no children. - Adapts elements from the earth in his designs, humans should have houses touching or connecting with the earth (dislikes high rise buildings) - Lots of windows, natural light, green energy concepts. - Lots of green space and gardens embedded in his designs. - Likes a simple life, has a philosophy about life which is unconventional. - Soft lines as opposed to sharp lines, like the lines a bicycle would leave behind. - Opposed to "sterile" architecture. - Domes and spherical shapes. - Jewish background, poor upbringing. - Wanted to marry "east" and "west" in terms of architectural style. - Influenced by Antonio Gaudi and Gustav Klimt. - Bright colours (such as gold, cobalt blue, red, yellow, green, etc), mosaics. - Elements of nature (such as trees), environmentally friendly. - "Bend the ruler" - "Citizen" of the world - Open-minded, unconventional. - Drawing stamps, flags, logos. - Believed that humans have three skins ; their natural skin, their clothes, and their dwelling (shelter or house) that protects humans from natures elements. And these should be in contact with the earth and trees and use nature for both insulation and oxygen (trees). - Organic design that blends in with nature, and soft on the eye. Part 2 Brief Hundertwasser's single story house is primarily for his use alone, but with additional rooms for guests. He is a minimalist or a person who lives a simple life, there for large extravagant spaces are not required but high ceilings would be an advantage to provide more space to hang his art. He will need a studio and workshop to practice his art, with plenty of natural sunlight and adequate room to move around. Kitchen will be simple and functional with basic features. He wont need a garage as he uses a bicycle for transport. He does not need a home entertainment area or use modern technology for entertainment (such as TV's) but would rather a room which could also be used for meditation as he is a spiritual person. Decent sized bathrooms with natural sunlight. A lot of odd shaped and different sized windows and doors to reflect his unconventional style. Accessible roof top garden (or green roof) with many trees and grass, and house built as close to the ground as possible. The roof top garden will be hidden behind castle like/tower features which will also provide walls on the roof for the garden beds. Building material will be concrete slab floors and roof, recycled brick for walls, and recycled timber for doors and window frames. These materials are selected to encompass his love and respect for nature and the environment. Orientation of the house will take full advantage of the northern winter sun throughout out the living areas. Eco friendly design and sustainable design will be incorporated throughout the entire house, such as natural ventilation as opposed to air conditioning, solar power, water saving devices, composting etc. Open living design with large openings instead of small doors in main living and socialising areas. Decorative spherical elements will be used on the main facades. Round or curved/soft lines instead of right angles and sharp lines to make up the shape of the house. The style of the house will be unconventional as if from a "fantasy" world. House to be child friendly. Lots of landscaping and trees wherever possible. From a birds-eye view the house will be almost invisible or hidden. Finishings will be plastered walls painted with bright colours, earth coloured concrete and colourful mosaic tiles.                             Shows use of curved lines, bright colours and different materials.                        Large arch-shaped windows of varying sizes and use of bright colours.   Greenery and vegetation climbing up the building. Odd-shaped and styles of windows.      Green roof providing plenty of oxygen and natural insulation to building occupants and also aesthetically pleasing.