will fryer

sometimes the most important part of reading is staring off into space, letting ideas morph and fold and turn into something new. these large scale furniture objects are slices of a six-part whole. the bottom half is sculpted to accommodate a reclined sitting position that approximates the “zero gravity position” that the body takes when floating (in water, in outer space, or in the womb). the top half, inspired by the ceilings of the Alhambra, is patterned with ellipsoid voids. these create smooth, shadow shapes that change throughout the day and over the course of the year. they invite the eye to linger, to fill these small hollows with concepts that are still forming. as the body floats below, ideas float up to incubate in the perceived voids above.

the slices are constructed from hempcrete; an innovative material stronger and lighter than concrete and with no carbon footprint. they are constructed in situ using fiberglass molds, and the inner face is finished in three coats of lime plaster. slices can be combined in myriad arrangements. pushing them together creates an insular space that starts to feel like a room. when located farther apart, they call to mind druid stones - a place to be alone, to observe and join with the pattern of nature.

the competition required a place to store books. originally frustrated by this requirement, i eventually found inspiration in the poetic epigraphy of Ibn Zamrak. at the entrance to the Mirador de Daraxa the architecture speaks, telling the viewer that it wants to be viewed and pondered, just like a water jug wants to be filled. this inspired the hexagonal micro library and the water fountain above it, sharing the purpose of alimentation (of the mind, of the body). come, lock up your bike, fill your water bottle, and choose a book in which to lose yourself.

i was inspired by authors who link literature to architectural space. in the second, third and fourth boards these authors serve as guides, speaking their own words to help the viewer understand the design.