Off Center
In this studio, we explore the concept of being Off-Center, embracing buildings that wobble, lean, or feel a bit imperfect in their balance. It is about questioning what a center means and exploring how we connect and find our footing, both in design and concept. Rather than sticking to a single center, we consider what happens when multiple centers coexist. Center of Centers, an Aquatic Center, an Event Center, and a Learning Center set in the vibrant coastal setting of Malibu, California. As part of my research, I have drawn inspiration from the Tippie Top and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. These references have helped me think about how form, gravity, and interaction play key roles in creating dynamic architecture. The journey begins with Tippie Tops. Yes, the toys! They help us rethink gravity, movement, and balance by studying their squat and sometimes sharp forms, exploring their wobble and tipping motions, and using these dynamics as inspiration for our buildings. The change in axis, their colorful patterns, and how they challenge stability guided the designs. We also explore the relationship between roofs and tops. Like tops, roofs respond to gravity but serve critical functions. From playful roofs to practical roofs, investigating how these elements can push the boundaries of architecture while maintaining their utility. Geometry plays a central role here; spinning tops, whether round, faceted, or multi-sided, offer endless design possibilities rooted in tradition, culture, and gameplay. From studying tops that invert themselves to designing buildings that shift weight unexpectedly, the project explores balance, embracing imperfection, and crafting architecture as engaging and multifaceted as a spinning top. Instructor: Kristy Balliet AT: Tara Afsari
