Architecture is nothing more but a union of disparate systems, and every aspect of an architectural design is part of one system or another. The individual systems can be continuous or discontinuous, and they are all related in some way. As an architect, it’s important that one does not only consider continuity as it pertains to a single system, but also the effects that continuous/discontinuous aspects of different systems can have on each other.The use of discontinu- ity in a single system can be used to create distinctive features in an architectural design if the architect considers its effect on other systems.

In a building, each type of architectural elements creates a kind of spatial continuity or discontinuity based on the way it’s arranged. For example, if we have a row of ten columns, each 10 ft apart, we can say that they are continuous because they form a sequence. If we have ten columns with different shape or orientation, we can say that is discontinuous because they do not form a sequence. In architecture, such local arrangements can be extended into larger systems. Through aggregation, combination, and in relation to other arrangements, they form larger spatial networks and complex material systems.

The degree of continuity and discontinuity can be adjusted to achieve the needs of a particular program. For example, when designing a 600 meter tall landmark skyscraper, one must consider the building’s use for both shopping and as an office. Many archi- tects who design these types of buildings will use focal points such as the arrival plaza, the tower’s center, and the top of the tower to create design features. This is usually done by differentiating them from the rest of the design and creating discontinuity within the overall context of continuity within the space. The quality of an architectural design is reflected in the way it’s discontinuous elements are integrated with the continuous backdrop. Discontin- uous elements can be used bluntly to create differentiation, but a well-conceived design will ensure that they are in harmony with the greater whole.

OPERATION METHOD

Architects use objects to connect and divide space. The arrangement of objects appreciates aesthetic appeal and spatial quality. The goal of this thesis is to showcase a series of experiments in the arrangement of architectural elements, and explore the relationships between architectural components and the integration of various types of sequences. Specifically, these experiments will demonstrate how the arrangement of elements can produce continuity and discontinuity, how different systems are integrated, and how the degree of continuity and discontinuity can be adjusted in order to achieve the design purpose. Each type of element (columns, beams, openings) can create a sequence by similarity. The similarity includes size and shape, spacing and orientation.

For instance, if we have a row of ten columns with similar size, shape, spacing, or orientation, we call it continuity. If we have different size, or different shape, or different orientation, we can say that is discontinuity because they do not maintain the sequence.

CASE STUDY 1

Here are some historical buildings that have utilized continuity and discontinuity to create distinctive features.

For instance, if we have a row of ten columns with similar size, shape, spacing, or orientation, we call it continuity. If we have different size, or different shape, or different orientation, we can say that is discontinuity because they do not maintain the sequence.

SANNA, 21ST CENTURY MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART 2004

CASE STUDY 2

These case studies interpret the relationship between the architectural elements and aesthetic appeal.

For instance, if we have a row of ten columns with similar size, shape, spacing, or orientation, we call it continuity. If we have different size, or different shape, or different orientation, we can say that is discontinuity because they do not maintain the sequence.

JUNTA ISHIGAMI, KANAGAWA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2008

CASE STUDY 3

The following experiments will explore the effect of changes in the degree of continuity and discontinuity in these iconic buildings.

MIES VAN DER ROHE, S.R. CROWN HALL 1956

JUNTA ISHIGAMI, KANAGAWA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY 2008

RESULTS OF MANIPULATION

the comparison of the results of case study manipulation

My Understanding of Architecture

Architecture is nothing more but a union of disparate systems. Every aspect of an architectural design is part of one system or another.

For example, in an office building, the columns form a sequence, the furniture establish the sequence, the repetition of the program as well as the repetition of the elements

a union of disparate systems

My Understanding of Architecture

Different types of sequences can be extended into larger systems. Through aggregation, combination, and in relation to other arrangements, they form larger spatial networks and complex material systems.

The individual systems can be continuous or discontinuous, and they are all related in some way. As an architect, it's important that one does not only consider continuity as it pertains to a single system, but also the effects that continuous/discontinuous aspects of different systems can have on each other.

The use of discontinuity in a single system can be used to create distinctive features in an architectural design if the architect considers its effect on other systems.

a union of disparate systems

DIFFERENTIATED CONTINUITY

Differentiated continuity apply on different scales

a union of disparate systems

DRAWING

Large-Scale

large scale drawings

DRAWING

Mid-Scale

mid scale drawings

DRAWING

Large-Scale

large scale drawings

DRAWING

Mid-Scale

mid scale drawings

DRAWING

Mid-Scale

mid scale drawings

DRAWING

Small-Scale

small scale drawings

PHOTOS

Structure

PHOTOS

Perspective