Baldi / The Matter of Form in Invisible Components

The Matter of Form in Invisible Components Role of Foundations

Author: Gino Baldi, Politecnico di Milano

Supervisor: Carles Muro, Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design, Politecnico di Milano; Registered Architect, COAC

Research stage: intermediate doctoral stage

Category: Artefact

Abstract

What is the role of form in visible and invisible components? How do hidden structural elements (such as foundations) enable or influence the final appearance of visible elements (form)? This thesis aims to investigate the role of form in its generative relationship with structure in the contemporary Swiss cultural context, focusing on ground connection. This is because the area where structure and ground meet is a point of confrontation, more than ever between exposed and hidden. The purpose is to analyze and show how foundations may or may not become part of the final perception of the architectural body, evaluating their formal influence. For this the intention is to make physical models and drawings of some case studies, imagining to modify the ground line, showing and revealing the components of the foundations.

Keywords: form, structure, foundations