Monday, February 22, 2010
Oneida Mills Conceptual Images and Context
Endurance for Oneida Mills
Introduction:
The building calls for an insertion plan of design because it needs a dialogue between the old and new. The building originated as a beautiful form and had such an impact on the city for the people who worked there. It deserves a much needed respect that it has not received for the last four decades. With its original moldings, apertures, and such attention to detail, it is clear to see that the designer was diligent in providing a unique space for work. The ultimate goal for redefining this building would be to bring back a sense of community and help reinvigorate the town and its pride for the people who live there. The following four categories describe the conceptual direction for design and function that Oneida Mills will take.
1. Forms and Structure:
The duality of words that emerged from this section was Structure and Construct. In drawing inspiration from the form and structure of the human body, it is important to do an analysis of the systems that make up the body. The most appropriate image to depict Structure was The Vitruvian Man, which is a world-renowned drawing, created by Leonardo Da Vinci around the year 1487 and is based on the correlations of ideal human proportions. “Vitruvius described the human figure as being the principal source of proportion among the classical orders of architecture. Other artists had attempted to depict this concept, with less success. Leonardo's drawing is traditionally named in honour of the architect.” This building will draw upon the human body for ideas of form and structure. The image on the bottom shows an architectural abstraction of da Vinci’s drawing with linear forms converging to show a construct of the human systems and bring about a distinct form. Oneida Mills will draw upon this particular analysis of the human body for ideas of form and structure.
2. Histories and Function:
The duality of words that surfaced from this section was Grace and Agility. Continuing the analysis of the human body it was important to catch a glimpse of how the body was portrayed in history. The image of the Winged Victory of Samothrace carries the essence of grace, which is the very substance that Oneida Mill’s original architecture once had. The second image shows an abstraction of the famous statue that expresses its movement and texture that encapsulates the direction that the Mill will take. Oneida’s formal function was to be agile. It needed to be a space that conducted smooth productivity and allowed for the workers to be energetic and effective. In terms of agility for the future, Oneida Mill’s will be a space that pays tribute to the early function, however it focus more on the behavioral agility of the humans that will inhabit it. Instead of giving priority to just profitability alone, the new design will pay more attention to the needs of the user in the sense of organic elements and human comfort.
3. Contexts and Environment:
The duality of words that unfolded from this section is Endurance and Power. Endurance not only comes from the muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems working together for the body, it comes from the general willpower and mind. The artistic interpretation found in the image depicting the skin, muscle, and skeleton of the human body is in representation of the Endurance and Power duality. It is amazing what the body can endure when it has been trained through conditioning and strengthening. Just like the human body, buildings can withstand a lot of weathering, beatings, and embarrassments. In the case of Oneida Mill and its unfortunate metal sheathing slipcover, the years of wear and tear, and the community’s neglect as a whole, it is time for its rebirth. The second image portrays the movement and power that the building still has beneath its surface. Oneida Mills is a perfect example of a building that has endured a lot and still has the power to move forward and become something functional and beautiful again.
4. Proposed Function:
The final duality chosen for this section is Reinvigorate and Finesse. The Context and Environment category sets up the relationship for this duality because it describes the nature of the Mill’s condition. In other words, the rough context and environment that makes up the Mill currently makes it clear that it needs to be reinvigorated in order to establish a functionality and community that the citizens of Graham can be proud of. To start, the buildings have the potential to be a really interesting and unique moderate-income residential loft unit. Instead of just one level unit it would be beneficial to play with the verticality that these buildings offer. In addition for the commercial space it would be intriguing to see a dance studio. During the day it could be a space that is dedicated to teaching the several genres of dance. At night the space could turn into an entertainment space where people can practice what they learned. For example this space can host swing dance parties or salsa dance discos.
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