Notes #9: The Dead Units

A simple increase in thickness of the walls and creation of a negative space might suffice for the dead units

The problem is in conveying space which is dead. Its structure may become deformed, limp, dry and shrivelled, though its not the direct architectural translation of dead space.

Above, the original render of a dead unit had a few problems. It didn't convey the notion of 'dead space' that I was trying to achieve. In the render, the positive & negative space is rhythmic, on-off-on-off-on-etc. Breaking up this rhythm could contrast with the buildings sandwiched concrete walls better. Changing its pattern could also work, for example on-off-off-off-on, which would also differentiate itself from the structure. Also, The lines of the dead unit haven't been deformed, they are crisp and angular. something disastrous has to happen to the form, angles and curves have to be introduced to counter the form of the dwelling.

There could be, from the original render, sandwiched between the segmented concrete form, thick glazing distrorting the lines of the concrete.

The dead element could also be pronounced within the building, informing the spatial arrangement of the interior. Changing the 'protrusion' into the interior's vertical profile could be interesting. It could be deformed to allow access to rooms which it might be blocking.