SCI-Arc 2016 summer thesis: ke li's concert hall redefines building typologies

as part of the SCI-Arc 2016 summer thesis program, architect ke li distorts the typical architectural language of buildings with her proposed concert hall on the east river of new york. the structure reveals a wire-shaped and brightly-colored building floating above the river, looking like a surreal artwork.

SCI-Arc 2016 summer thesis: close up view of the final proposal 

for her SCI-Arc 2016 thesis project, ke li explores the unique way in which buildings communicate to the public — mainly through signs and representations. for example, exterior façades are most often seen as an open dialogue because they act as the first visual layer of the building and reveal its interiors through entrances, windows, stairs and so on. as a result, these ‘indicators’ create transparency and offer a sense of scale. however, li finds it stranges that the need to highlight accessibility is dominating most communications when it comes to buildings. 

side view

following up on her previous point, ke li believes that the  standard codes of ‘where to open the window’ or ‘where to set the doors’ have become a “cliché”. indeed, the use of typical geometries for entrances, the countless windows and clutter facades completetly drown out other qualities with their incessant ‘chatter’. but there is no doubt that a lot of beauty can be found in those archetypal signs and instead of dismissing them, li proposes to deform traditional façades and reconfigure them into new typologies.

back view

the building is composed of three main layers: a golden roof pointed upwards and acting as a public space, the concert hall painted blue and the black bottom floor which represents the entrance/storage level. by defining each part with a single color, the original functions of the architectural elements are completely muted — leaving behind an entrance that cannot be accessed and windows that cannot reveal the story behind them. 

section showing the configuration of the three different levels 

plan view revealing the concert hall layout 

fold perspective: typical typologies are completely deformed and recombined 

site model showing the east river context 

overview of the physical model

the golden roof is pointed upwards, while the industrial section is pointed downwards 

using single colors for each level eliminates the power and functions of the architectural signs 

detail view of the concet hall stage, depicting a ballet performance 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom