Addressing issues of incomplete source data

On receiving the original drawings for the project there were several pieces of information missing. The main problem in terms of constructing the physical model was the fact that of the four external elevations of the rectangular building, drawings for the two shorter elevations were absent. Additionally, several courtyard elevations were missing, as well as the second floor and roof plans. This section of the chapter will discuss the inferences made based on evidence available at the time to deal with incomplete source data as well as serendipitous results that were found as part of the construction process. Finally the projects that Stirling studied whilst designing the community centre thesis will be discussed in terms of how they can be used for inference purposes.

5.2.1 Inferences based on the incomplete information

The problem of the missing short elevations was dealt with using two separate techniques. The first of the two elevations was resolved by manipulating a

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perspective image that included one of these elevations (see Figure 5.3). Ortho- rectifying the image using graphics editing software enabled the underlying geometry of the façade to be made clearer, which allowed patterns and common components to be deduced based on the known elements of the design. This formed a reasonably strong certainty of Stirling’s original intentions in relation to one of the missing short elevations.

Figure 5.3: Stirling perspective (above) was digitally ortho-rectified to gain a clearer indication of the façade pattern (below). Original perspective image from Arnell and Bickford (1984, p.29).

The remaining short elevation proved a more difficult issue to resolve; an original section drawn through that part of the design revealed that the internal floor levels changed from being equidistant to a lower floor to ceiling height on the first floor, consequently making the second floor higher (see dashed lines in Figure 5.4). At this point a detailed study of the existing drawings was required in order to deduce where this change in level appeared on the external elevation. This change was already visible on the rear elevation of the scheme, of which drawings were available, and ended somewhere along the missing short elevation. As the design was based on a formal grid, it was feasible to interpolate based on examining the rear elevation and section. By studying these it became clear that the change in level took place in the library. Therefore by looking at the first floor plan, and locating the library, it was possible to deduce to a relative degree of certainty whereabouts the change in grid pattern ended along the missing elevation (see Figure 5.4). Without this line of enquiry to follow, it is unlikely that someone inspecting the drawings would realise that a change of level occurred in the design.

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Figure 5.4: The interpolated short section: studying the original plan to see where the library was situated discovered the change in grid pattern. Original floor plan from Arnell and Bickford (1984, p.28).

5.2.2 Serendipitous results

The process of constructing the model revealed an inconsistency with the internal columns supporting a promenade deck that runs between the two courtyards in the centre of the design (see Figure 5.5). This inconsistency is not apparent from studying the existing drawings alone, hence the advantage of using digital techniques.

Figure 5.5: Digital representation of Stirling’s community centre design. The contentious columns supporting the promenade between the two courtyards are highlighted in red.

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Two versions of the ground floor plan were available for Stirling’s design; the first being less detailed than the second, suggesting that it was an earlier version (see Appendix A - 5 and Appendix A - 7). The first plan shows the columns positioned centrally in the internal courtyard, which are of the same design as the majority of the columns; circular in section with their diameter increasing as they rise. The second, most finalised plan, employs a different column design altogether; extruded rectangles with rounded corners. When this information was translated into two- dimensional digital representations used to create the physical model, the overriding structural grid of the design informed the position of the columns based on their location on the ground floor plan as described above (see Figure 5.6). Once they were drawn digitally in three dimensions it became apparent that their positioning meant they would protrude past the façade they were supporting above, which is almost certainly an error on Stirling’s part (see Figure 5.7). This is especially true as the earlier plan with centrally placed columns suggests the change in column design was last minute.

Figure 5.6: Two-dimensional digital representation of Stirling’s design showing the structural grid in relation to the columns in plan (left). Zooming into the central section reveals how the column protrudes past the façade (centre right). This was resolved by rotating the columns by ninety degrees

(far right).

After the model was completed, further study of the original drawings revealed that the columns shift away from the structural grid slightly in section, but remain in line with the grid in plan. This indicates that the section was drawn after the plan once Stirling had realised the problem. One can imagine with the deadline approaching, the thought of moving the columns in plan by a barely noticeable amount would have been low on Stirling’s list of priorities. However, this inconsistency meant that a decision had to be made as to where the columns should be positioned in the

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physical model, bearing in mind that at this point their amendment in section was not realised. It was decided to keep the columns in line with the structural grid and rotate them by ninety degrees (see Figure 5.6 and Figure 5.7). This seemed like the most appropriate course of action as the rigorous structural grid underpinned the whole scheme.

This highlights a problem with constructing representations based on partial information, as it is impossible to be certain about such inferences. Additionally, interpreting the source data to fill in missing elements could be dangerous in terms of misinforming the viewer that what they are seeing is entirely based on fact. This issue can be addressed in the way the model is presented as discussed in section 3.5.2; for instance elements of the design that are unknown or based on educated guesses could, for example, be presented in a different manner such as being left empty or shown with less detail than the known elements (Kensek 2005).

Figure 5.7: Digital model showing Stirling’s final design with overhanging columns (left hand images) and amended design (right hand images).

5.2.3 Inferences based on Stirling’s precedent studies

As discussed in section 5.1.3, Corbusier’s St-Dié factory in France and Mies van Der Rohe’s unbuilt IIT library design in America can be used as additional reference

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points and analogies to aid the construction process based on their likely use as precedent studies by Stirling, as discussed by Rowe (1975). Corbusier’s St-Dié factory bears a strong resemblance to Stirling’s community centre design; the core defining element being a concrete grid structure on pilotis (see Figure 5.8). The fenestration is also likely to have been an inspiration to Stirling; prefabricated timber frames that are mirrored and paired to create a façade that links to the modular nature of the grid, whilst retaining variety relating to the various functions of the building (Gans 2006). The scheme provides vital clues of materiality and space as to how the community centre design may have looked if it had been built. Mies van der Rohe’s unbuilt library scheme at IIT also forms a good source of extrapolation for the model offering insights into the possible materiality of the design, such as the use of brickwork between the floor level and windowsill.

Figure 5.8: St-Dié Factory by Le Corbusier. The elevation treatment and use of pilotis bears a strong resemblance to Stirling’s thesis project. Image credit: Gans (2006, p.90).