Comprehensive Advanced Studio – taught by Martin Haettasch

In opposition to current development happening in Austin, and at a critical point in the transition of East Austin, we reject the developer strategy of filling an entire site with enclosed volumes of program. Rather our goal is to define primary nodes of specialized program which are enveloped by public figural surfaces. This relationship promotes promiscuous proliferation of program within the compound and induces a dialogue between the private research institute and the general public. These relationships are manifest by separating the program into four functional nodes of private, specific, program contrasted and connected with loose and experiential program weaving through and around the complex. The figural space around the nodes opens up at key moments to reach out to and pull east Austin through the compound, establishing a horizontal datum which only the four nodes break through vertically. This series of gestures animates the public realm to work in conjunction with the rigidly formal nodes in a cohabitative relationship and extends the reach of the institution beyond its property boundary. The result is a compound which is both familiar and intriguing, serving as a model for connecting institutions to a developing city.

Diagram

Site Axon

Perspective 1

Project Axon

Perspective 2

Plan 1

Plan 2

Plan 3-8

Site Plan

Detail 1

Elevation + Wall Section

Detail 2

Collaboration with Philip Richardson