Action at a Distance
Spring 2010 | Schrodinger Institute for Theoretical Physics
Site: Vienna, Austria
Instructor: David Bell
This project is motivated by a tension between connectivity and separation, exploring architecturally how something can be simultaneously linked yet separated by a distance. This is done programmatically, visually, formally, and structurally, occurring at multiple scales. There is a shift between the characteristics of the grade level and the rest of the institute, which separates itself by floating above the ground, thus floating above our ‘mundane world.’
Structurally and formally, there is more irrationality to the public level, as can be seen by the angled columns which contrast with the regular column grid of the bars. There is also a tension in program between the separation and connection of the administration, researchers, and post-docs. While their offices are located at each of the two bars, there are intersecting bridges in the center which connect the levels with specific communal programs. Throughout the building there is continual visual connection, but only at specific points are there physical connections happening at significant locations.
