Layering Transparency
University of Toronto, Winter 2018, Critic: Manar Moursi
Site: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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University of Toronto, Winter 2018, Critic: Manar Moursi
Site: Toronto, Ontario, Canada


The driven parti - layering transparency, is to recreate the level of privacy by re-proposing and re-positioning individual glasshouses. The project began with Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House, and the questioning of how to transform the iconic model into a family house. Despite the round of critiques, the transparent house had maximized flexibility for the inhabitants.
Precedent - Farnsworth House
Dating back to the mid twentieth century, International Style has always been among the structuring of architecture as the universal discipline. In the era of technology breakthroughs and industrial mass production, individual spirits were challenged by the rapid development of the society. The Farnsworth House is the answer proffered by Mies, giving freedom to the individual will. New temporal and spatial relationships were created that correspond to the individualistic activities of the client.
My precedent study focused on the qualitative aspects in the trajectories of the house, the transformation from a private living space for Ms.Farnsworth, to a device for exhibitions. When considering a generous space for the inhabitants, the house needs to be open and secluded, levelled and playful.


︎︎︎Site Study and spatial arrangement iteration

The layering of transparency of the house is that the privacy level increases further away from the street. Because of the highly individualized arrangement of the glass blocks, the house allows exchangeable programs with a more open studio, and it invites people into exhibited experience.

Ground level plan drawing
