WEATHER STUDY: A PROJECT BY J.M.W. TURNER

by Olga Smoili

Name

Olga Smoili

Course

MArch Architecture

Through the creative ground of DS25, I chose to investigate the relationship of body, weather and architecture. Over the past century, architecture has attempted to keep the weather out and to establish a controlled environment inside. This attitude towards weather isn't working anymore as our cities experience the results of climate change, and as residents become disconnected from weather’s beauty and utility. My project asks: How could architecture use the weather and celebrate it, rather than keep it out? In my design I explored these topics by adopting a cyborgian character with the consciousness of J.M.W. Turner, an artist who embraced weather through his drawing, painting techniques, and even architectural designs. By looking at weather and architecture through his eyes, I looked for ways architecture could become a constantly-changing environment to impact a user’s realization of architecture and nature. The project, Turner, Weather Study, is located adjacent to Somerset House. The towers, environments, and classrooms in this urban space create unique atmospheres by harnessing weather phenomena. They also produce sustainable energy to power its spaces and for Somerset House, engaging the public to marvel at the weather and learn about its capacity to produce energy. Taking on turner's persona prompted me to use a painterly approach in drawings which helped me immerse myself in weather atmospheres.

The drawing study of the atmospheric qualities of the building on the making. Watch the high quality video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGhO4AdYVtI