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Architecture · Clyfford Still Museum case study

STILLS

In the fall semester of 2018, as a class we began our first endeavor into architecture by studying the architecture and understanding the design process of the firm Allied Works.

From idea to development, Allied Works employs an artistic approach to aid alongside their design process for each project. After designing only conceptually in my first two years of college, this was an appropriate introduction into real design and greatly influenced the development of my own design process.

Light filtering through the textured concrete ceiling of the Clyfford Still Museum

Site study

We followed Allied Works design process through a specific one of their projects, the Clyfford Still Museum located in Denver. Beginning with schematics, we studied the site and mapped it among its surroundings.

Clyfford Still Museum site plan within the surrounding Denver streets

Materiality & design principles

As a class, we began a case study of the Clyfford Still Museum and went to the museum to observe it from a designers’ point of view. I was inspired by the building’s materiality. I photographed and diagrammed what I saw as critical to the museum’s aesthetic and design principles; such as the use of this material to convey space and transition.

Hand-drawn study: structural connection
1. Structural Connection
Hand-drawn study: ceiling to wall connection
2. Ceiling to Wall Connection
Hand-drawn study: parti
3. Parti
Hand-drawn study: materiality
4. Materiality
Hand-drawn study: diffusion of light
5. Diffusion of Light
Hand-drawn study: connection to exterior
6. Connection to Exterior

A physical study

To be able to understand the use of this material in its distinct application at the Clyfford Still Museum, we built a physical model conceptualizing the research we did on our trip.

Perspective view of the concrete material study model
Back view of the concrete material study model
Clyfford Still Museum gallery and patterned concrete ceiling