I was born and raised in Arizona and have been influenced by many of the same Architects that Rick Joy has been inspired by and learned from.  I believe that one of the strongest influences that rings true to Rick Joy’s architecture is the work of Paolo Soleri, and his interest in the exploration of materials and self contracting.  Soleri is most known for his exploration, with cast arches of concrete that seem to defy the laws of gravity.  He would construct these forms with a small crew of workers and mastered his craft by being a part of the construction process.  Rick Joy has a need to construct and experiment with materials with his own hands to really understand the nature and properties of that material.  The rigor and respect for a material has given Joy the ability to understand how it can influence and create space.  His deep relationship with the materials help him to connect the building to not only the ground but also the sky.  The practicality of his buildings seems to go hand in hand with the poetics as balance of synergies that work together rather than disrupt the other.

Till Next Time…

The Nago City Hall building was very interesting to me in the the integration to the site was quite literal, but effective due to its lack of abstraction.  On pg 14 of our readings it is said “You can discover devices and wisdom for creating a comfortable environment when you are walking through the town”.   This approach is very strait to the point as a way of analyzing context, but it is extremely clear and effective.  The moves made as a result of this experiential research is clear and deliberate.  The isulation was created from earth for the top floor, and ventilation of hot and cold air through the building via wind passages.  This Building was built from Concrete block due to its abundance within that city, and it fits well to anchor the building to the site.  Concrete block does not always present itself well in many regions, but due to its high usage in this region it works well to tie this building to the site.

Till next time…