dutch embassy, berlin

The cut-outs in the facade of this building by OMA - Rem Koolhaas seem to portray the same concept as the wall cut-outs in Villa Muller...both reflect the circulation schemes within

transparency

These images by graphic designer Khristian Mendoza provide for me a representation of what I'm trying to communicate with Loos' feature wall in Villa Müller; that of a screen, a threshold, a transparent barrier between living spaces...

project two: 'program +'

Villa Müller

architectural strategies that will be studied with relationship to program:

1. sequence of spaces; theatricality of building program
   
2. circulation - an integral aspect which enables the strict program
3. Raumplan - articulation of spaces; separation of rooms/transparency of rooms according to functionality, reflection of vehicle for movement between rooms (stairs) in structural elements.

final model

above: final sectional model

above: perspective of NE corner. "The house should be discrete on the outside"

above: roof terrace

above: view through North facade into main circulation areas. "Spatial austerity"

above: view through West facade into main hall, transparent relationship to dining room. "Spatial interaction"

drawings

above: spatial interaction + structure

above: circulation strategy

above: circulation strategy

above: relationship between built area and landscape

philosophy

Nothing quite sums up the architectural thought brought to life in this house than the words of Loos himself...

"My architecture is conceived not in plans but in spaces (cubes). I do not design floor plans, facades, sections. I design spaces." - Raumplan concept

"Searching the beauty only in the form, and making it not depending on the ornament, that is the human ambition" - Loos on his view against ornament in architecture; contrary to what was 'fashionable' in that period of time

"...this spatial interaction and spatial austerity that thus far I have been best able to realise in Dr. Muller's house" - the usage of the terms 'interaction' and 'austerity' in the same sentence to describe his concept of spatial interrelation in Villa Muller illustrates his purpose-built design.

"We should build in a style...that shuts out the outer world. The house should be discrete on the outside; its entire richness should be disclosed on the inside" - This firm belief of Loos' is evident in the lack of interaction between the landscape and the house itself.

Some progress shots of our model...

West facade

The beginning of an interior!

project one: 'to see'

Villa Müller