Joy

Rick Joy draws from history and surroundings to inform his designs, as seen in the Woodstock, Vermont home. Even though Joy is known for his desert designs, he was able to design a climate appropriate building for the northeast. His use of materials fits in seamlessly within the mountainous context and also draws upon historical references. The building looks just as if it has been there for hundreds of years, but his attention to details brings in modernity. The form also speaks to the historical reference, but by improving certain aspects, he simplifies the design and makes it aesthetically pleasing.

Not only is this house a good piece of architecture, it’s pleasing in the experiential sense. Joy really took time to think about how one moves through the space. He moved the entrance from the longer side, to the shorter side (which is traditional for the historic style of the house). He did this so that one might experience the act of really entering a space. The entrance is smaller, and is composed of a different material than the living space. It is dark, and heavy. Once entrance is made, the space opens up and the light is embraced.

Joy’s attention to details, context, form, and climate all come into play while designing experientially. His ability to utilize these fundamentals in different parts of the world proves his designs are convincing and are not compromised by his fundamentals.