Notes for Michael Toste

"I think that one of my main hold-ups in moving my program forward is the lack of a concrete program precedent: I have mentioned that housing may be appropriate for my site"

Michael:

Yes, it is the specific program you are in need of as it was said at your review.. You have mentioned housing since last semester. So it is not new. In considering housing you are off in your thinking that a precededent is the first thing you need (of course that would be helpful at some point). Here are the thinking steps you should undertake now.

1. research housing typology in general (look in Times Savers. Modern Housing , I will bring you that book today) and other sources.

2. Identify the exact site location, check how big the areais, establish the site conditions and the possible footprint of a housing structure and a floor parti.

3. On that foot print as a floor plate, sketch an apartment layout that is broadly possible. Several alternatives on yellow tarcing paper.

3. Check the zonning for the area and establish how high can you build, how many floors.

4. Than you are in a position to roughly establish how many and how big the apartments might be (roughly). If is is for artists they may be lofts...etc.

5. Now that you have a quuatified program you can begin designing.

6. Only NOW a specific precedent suitable to your projects can be selected. Those you mention are OK. The question is what a precedent is used for and how.

I will be in school this afternoon. I can see you briefly and give you the book.
I hope that this detailed guidence will help you catch up. The steps above should not take more that 2 hours. Than you sketch on yelloow tracing paper a typycal florr plate and a diagramatic section through the building.