The objective of the thesis project is to challenge Le Corbusier’s diagram of unlimited growth with respect to his project of the National Museum of Western art in Ueno Park, Tokyo, Japan. The challenge is to identify, critique and ultimately update the diagram and the building. The thesis addresses the metaphoric and geometric rules of the diagram which the building attempts to embody. This diagram is the impetus for initial design and eventual growth of the project.
Le Corbusier believed that the museum should be accessible to all. He believed that the program of the museum needed to be useful for the regular man, the median. The museum should not be pretentious. The collection of the National Museum of Western Art, however, was initially designed for young Japanese artists to come, appreciate, and learn from western art. This is a contradiction to the ideal. Additionally, more program was initially proposed by Le Corbusier, and was denied. The societal and client pressures were in contradiction to the diagram and the ultimate execution of the project by Le Corbusier.
There are a few initial challenges with the diagram and the building. The diagram consists of the intersection of a spiral and a pinwheel. The combination of these two basic diagrams are juxtaposed and create a conflict of circulation, growth, expansion, entrance, and exit. Additional issues occur when the idealized building and diagram are imposed with a non-ideal program and site. The program of the Museum of Western Art began with 19th century art, a very narrow scope for growth. The clash of program and building create an opportunity for improvement in the finalized thesis project.
Entering and exiting the diagram is critical to this project and additional opportunity for scrutiny and potential improvement. Moving into, through and eventually out of the building needs to be clear and organic. The experience yearns to be transcendent. The circulation of the museum must be prescribed enough that each person can navigate seamlessly, but organic enough for self discovery. The path should create opportunity for the program to change and grow throughout time. The diagram of the building is destined to be present on the journey through the museum’s path.
2018 – ピンホイール SPIRALE
You must be logged in to post a comment.