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UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA - PennDesign

Department of Architecture - Design Studio 701, Fall 2006
Instructor: Hollwich Matthias

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PennDesign, ARCH 701 Studio

Participants:
Campbell Amy; Casillas Jean Pierre; Cho Julie; Hopkins
Abigail; Kim Hyoeun; Morong Matthew; Palmer Julie;
Sung Na-Young; Suzda Kristen; Wagner Andrea; Wong
Cheuk Yue; Yoo Jang-Hee
Instructor:
Hollwich Matthias (mailto: m@xpekt.com)
Midterm review guest critics:
Ashley Schafer, Head of Architectural Department, Ohio
State University, Editor of PRAXIS, Columbus
Marc Kushner, Assistant Professor, GSAPP Advanced
Architecture Studio V, Columbia University, New York
Jenny E. Sabin, CabinStudio, UPENN lecturer and
member of the directing team for the Non-Linear
Systems Organization (NSO), Philadelphia
Han Lin, Head of the Design Group at advertising
agency Kirshenbaum Bond + Partners.
Final review guest critics:
Greg Clement, Partner KPF, New York
Matthias Boettger, Co-founder Raumtaktik, Berlin
David Hay, Writer, New York Times, Dell, Metropolis
contributor, New York
Jenny E. Sabin, CabinStudio, UPENN lecturer and
member of the directing team for the Non-Linear
Systems Organization (NSO), Philadelphia
Ashley Schafer, Head of Architectural Department, Ohio
State University, Editor of PRAXIS, Columbus
Peter Jones, Director, Penn-CMREF Center for
Pulmonary Hypertension Research
Associate, Non linear systems organization @
PennDesign
Annette Fierro, Associate Professor of Architectur,
UPENN. Philadelphia

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SYMBIONIC RESORT
The idea of resorts originated in the fifties when
Gerard Blitz recognized the need for a unique escape
from the hardships of postwar Europe. With the first
all-inclusive vacation on
the exotic island of
Mallorca, Club Med was
born. Over the years resort
designs experienced multiple conceptual and stylistic
transformations, but always
used nature as its ultimate
Club Med Resort
asset. Resorts have harvested natural equity through positioning themselves
in the middle of it with more or less strong engagement with the environment. Today nature is becoming
rarer than ever and needs to be protected wherever
possible, but the desire to travel and to experience
extraordinary environments is not going away soon.
Why not developing our own nature?
Bionics is the application of methods and systems
found in nature to the study and design of engineering
systems and modern technology (14th of August
2006, www.wikipedia.com).
Bionic is considered one of
the key inspirational
resources for technical
innovations globally. In
architecture, observations
of nature and thoughts
about its technical appliMorphorest, cloud 9
cations have been investigated for hundreds of years. One potential that is not
fully unfolded (and partially dismissed because of
pseudo organic design) is the transfer of aesthetic
equity of nature to innovate spatial, experiential and
visual concepts.
The Symbionic Studio aims to develop resorts that
transfer not just technology between nature and synthetic construction, but also aesthetic, spatial and
experiential concepts, which mimic the original very
closely or even surpass it. The intentional copying of
examples from natural organisms and ecologies treats

nature itself as a database of solutions and as a raw

model for aesthetic formation. To further accelerate the
discourse, the symbionic resort will be located in environmentally or economically challenged environments
in and around Philadelphia,
and needs to unfold selfsufficient scenographic
equity and kick-start an
environmental renewal
process within context.
Bionic: bionic car

The studio will not be a development of the perfect

definition of the term Symbionic, but a quest for the
widest range of potentials. As initial inspiration, a multitude of opportunities will be considered for maximal
spatial, experiential, and formal potential. Possible categories include:
Scale scenographic archetype (Matterhorn)
Translate biotope
Abuse visual methods (Flower Lotus flower)
Mutate found object (Coral, stone)
Adapt organic material
Modify other species living context (Termites)
Occupy different life form (Wale)
Zoom into micro space (Bone structure)
A sequential process will help to liberate from the
nature inspires structure, form to follow attitude that
is part of the bionic discourse. Over the course of the
studio program, organizational concept and structural systems (which in the
end might even be bionic)
will be adapted and integrated. This process presents a layering of potential
versus finding a single, ultimate solution (Ref. Casa
Casa da musica, OMA
da Msica, OMA / Rem
Koolhaas).
The program and organizational typology will be
based on contemporary resort standards open to be
adapted to the individual concept.

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Nature is the most important equity in

our worlds. But what to do when nature
is missing especially for a program
that in desperate need for it?

Picture courtesy of the Web

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The Students of the Symbionic Studio

have develop resorts that transfer not
just technology between nature and
synthetic construction, but also
aesthetic, spatial and experiential
concepts, which mimic the original very
closely or even surpass it.
Picture courtesy of Julie Palmer and Andrea Wagner

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The intentional copying of examples

from natural organisms and ecologies
treats nature itself as a database of
solutions and as a raw model for
aesthetic formation.

Picture courtesy of Matthew Morong and Jang-Hee Yoo

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The symbionic resorts are located in

environmentally and economically
challenged environments in Philadelphia,
and unfold self-sufficient scenographic
equity and kick-start an environmental
renewal process from within.
Picture courtesy of Matthew Morong

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DIDACTIC STRUCTURE
The studio did not aim to develop the perfect definition
of the term Symbionic, but a quest for the widest range
of potentials. A multilayered design intervention helped
to liberate from the nature inspired structure, form to follow concepts that often fail to answer more complex
programs. The result is a hybrid multi-layered spatial creation, following multiple references that engage and
interact in a determined, author driven fashion.
1. Collection of 10 images of
nature that offer spatial,
experiencial, visual qualities.

Pictures, courtesy of the web.

Picture courtesy of Abigail Hopkins and Kristen Suzda

Picture courtesy of the web

8. Critical analyses and

adjustment of standard
resort program (Motivated
by site specific, design
intent, travel trends, etc.)

14. Development of models that are not about

space and form but program, material, and / or
construction techniques.

Picture courtesy of Amy Campbell

11. Collective discussion

about scripting and how to
position the ongoing
design process on the
review outcome.

Picture courtesy of Andrew Loxley

Picture courtesy of Jean-Pierre Casillas

Diagrams: Reload Robinson

Picture courtesy of Matthew Morong featuring Jang-Hee Yoo

Picture courtesy of Andrew Loxley

7. Schematic design
development of resort
masterplan based on 3
referential images from
initial research.

4. Planting of a 1 sqft
garden

13. Multilayered continuation of design work including experimental space

shaping strategies.

10. Midterm review

6. Group work:
Development of 3 experimental site models based
on an abstract site outline.

3. Research into Resort DNA;

Travel trends; Location
location (Philadelphia);
Bionic heritage.

Picture Matthias Hollwich

Picture courtesy of Julie Cho

Picture courtesy of Jean-Pierre Casillas

2. White room workshop,

presenting and discussing
choices group evaluation.

Picture courtesy of Matthew Morong

9. Development of experimental vision collage and

resort designs.

5. Picture of the garden,

photoshoped to include 10
people in interaction with
the spatial properties.
Keying in translational
methods.

15. Unification of all parts

and documentation in traditional architectural language

Picture courtesy of Na-Young Sung and Hyoeun Kim

12. Zoom in: Focus on

architectural proportion.
Optional individualization
of group work.

Picture courtesy of Na-Young Sung and Hyoeun Kim

16. Preparation for the final

review: Development of a
presentation to a fictitious
client, which is based on a
storyboard, engaging and
explaining all architectural
intentions.
Pictures, courtesy of Julie Palmer

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Inspiration: Sponge

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SOAK
dive into another urban experience
Derived from the aesthetic and spatial potentials extracted by the free
standing sponge, this urban spa
retreat completely removes itself
from its surroundings creating a
completely new ambience in

Philadelphia. Eliminating
all views to the city, SOAK reveals
only the sky, permitting an alienated
experience from congested city life.
A direct translation from its natural
inspiration, SOAK lures curious
locals utilizing water as its

main attraction,
constantly flooding and draining
areas to create programmatic hybrid
spaces which are constantly in flux.

Jean-Pierre Casillas
(jeanpc@design.upenn.edu)
Direct spatial and atmospheric
adaptation from nature with
critical program distribution.

3D Section

Diving platform/ lap pool

Midterm concept collage

Water projection theater

Final review collage: Water garden

Final review collage: Water projection, movie theater

3D Axonometric

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refresh/revive

Inspiration: Water drops

The inspiration for this project was

the richness and sensuality of water.
The refresh/revive resort was
inspired by the use of water for healing and restoration through mineral
baths, spa experience, and vacation
trends towards water, including

Mineral springs

environments such as beach, lake,

snow, or thermal spring. The project was striving incorporate the richness and sensuality of water to
develop a collaboration between a
water-based resort program as well
as an architectural language

Locker rooms

Andrea Wagner
(alwagner@design.upenn.edu)
Space-offering landscape with
floating settlements. Alteration of
the literal formalistic translation to
allow for surprising light and
spatial effects.

that emulated the physical forms of

water surfaces and air bubbles.

Exterior pool

Private rooms

Conceptual section

Interior view

Exterior view: Entrance and Cafe

Interior view

Night view

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Refresh/revive

Inspiration: Water splash

Using the visual, spatial, and experiential qualities of water,

Refresh/revive is a resort oasis in
Philadelphia. The resort is a fusion
of artificial water and natural, liquid
water creating an environment that is
both relaxing and enjoyable. The

architecture of the resort takes the

form of a pool of water frozen in a
moment of gentle turbulence. The
undulating surface defines interior
space without the need for solid
walls, ensuring a free flow throughout the interior. The rolling surface
also contains numerous pools and

aquariums visible from the interior and sometimes accessible from the exterior creating
unique and entertaining opportunities for views
and use. The resort offers a large and varied
selection of water-based activities, thereby maximizing the rejuvenating effects of water and
ensuring that guests are refreshed and revived
during their stay.

Final review collage

Midterm review collage

Long section

Final review collage

Julie Palmer
(jpalmer@design.upenn.edu)
Literal spatial adaptation of water
in the roof-scape with
liberal proactive spatial
organization on the ground.

Final review collage

Final review collage

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aMone

The resort design is based on the

physical and behavioral characteristics of sea anemone.

Inspiration: Anemone

Elements

Midterm review inspiration collage

1. Program Hunting:
the theme of the resort is
Philadelphia; the resort reflects the

city fabric and that creates the relationship between the city and the
resort.
2. Single Surface, Single Volume:
the resort has a total of eight buildings, and each building is connected
to the next building, which creates

mega urban leisure space in a city of

Philadelphia

Julie Cho
(jucho@design.upenn.edu)
Hybridization of tentacle inspired
spatial interaction with skin wrap.

3. Flux +Flex
translates movements and interactions of inside activities and events
via penetrations, deformations, and
overlapping

Elevation

Short overall
section
Lincoln square,

Elevation

Facade

Final review collage

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Club Meditation
invisible but very tangible

Inspiration: Jellyfish

The Club Meditation is the resort for

individual and mental curing. Its
main activities are mental therapy,
meditation class and spa, which are
mainly related to water. Nature inspiration. The resort is based on

inspirations of neuron, jellyfish and

canyon in nature. The whole network
system of neuron was applied at the
master plan of the resort as well as
the layout of spaces. From the jellyfish, the structure and the function of
its skin and organs can be seen

in the filter system and the structure

of space making. The canyon and
the jellyfish were adjusted and
applied in the whole form of it.

Final review collage: Yoga studio

Section

Final review collage: Theater

Diagram: Space creation

Final review collage: Night view

Elevation

Na-Young Sung / Hyoeun Kim

(ysung@design.upenn.edu)
(hyoeun@design.upenn.edu)
Symbiotic relationship between
natural reference, material
properties and spatial intention.

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Erosion

Inspiration: Erosion

Midterm review collage

This project takes a lesson from

nature that is often the enemy of
architects: erosion. Resort visitors
are given a "dense void" of wood
beams and columns when the resort
opens. It is their job to
reconfigure this structure to

meet their programmatic desires and

needs. This project challenges traditional notions of architectural
authorship. While the designers
embed a structural framework in the
original building, it is up to the resort
patrons to decide how to

Jang-Hee Yoo / Matthew Morong

(jhyoo@design.upenn.edu)
(morong@design.upenn.edu)
Natural process simulation.
Architecture and participants are
transformed accordingly.

work with it. The experience of

space-shaping, teamwork, and
construction is the commodity for
sale at this resort.

Plan phase 3

Process elevations

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@amadou

Inspiration: Mushroom

Building on the symbiotic relationship between mushrooms and

decaying forests, @amadou guests
embody the mushrooms which penetrate the decaying neighborhood
and encapsulate change resulting in
a regenerated community and con-

sequently, soul. @amadou is a philanthropic treasure. Here guests participate in neighborhood restoration
projects and community efforts such
as affordable housing, community
gardens, soup kitchens, and
murals..all for the bettering of a community once rife with prestige within

Philadelphia and now part of Philadelphias extensive urban blight.. No need to travel thousands of
miles to make a difference look out your back
door there is urban blight, poverty and homelessness in need of your help. Regenerate your
mind, body and spirit with a greater purpose.
Build and live in the new community around you
while enjoying lifes luxuries of a five star resort.

Final review collage

Final review collage

Final review main collage

Main architectural features

Final review collage

Abigail Hopkins
(ahopkins@design.upenn.edu)
Mushroom-like micro settlement
logic with organic space shaping
outcome.

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Resort Amadou

Inspiration: Mushroom

As the mushroom regenerates the

forest, Resort Amadou regenerates
the Philadelphia neighborhoods
most needing transformation. Resort
guests spend their days improving
struggling neighborhoods through
community gardening, construction

Final review main collage

The site

projects, mural painting, and other

outreach programs. In the
evenings, guests improve themselves through cooking or art classes, live theater and music performances, yoga, or quiet time spent in
the beautiful spaces of Resort

Amadou. The resort itself houses fifteen indoor waterfall and garden
spaces, making it an all-seasons
retreat within Philadelphia that offers
guests the opportunity to transform
their world and transform themselves.

Plans

The challenge

Collective residual space

Kristen Suzda
(ksuzda@design.upenn.edu)
Organic macro settlement with
interstitial space differentiation,
simulating opportunistic the
soft-surface space within the
mushrooms.

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Inspiration: Rock formation

Final review perspective

Midterm review collage

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Genergy
Genergy proposes to capture the
energy produced by athletes during
their athletic pursuits in an effort to
allow the resort to be as self-sustaining as possible. In addition, the
main buildings of the resort are situated near the major highway to

serve as icons of health, sports, and

sustainability. Programmatic necessities and the utilization of rock
formations as visual, spatial, and
experiential inspirations drive the
architectural form at Genergy. The
goal is the creation of spaces that
both serve as an incentive for ath-

letes in training and maintain the

experience of nature.
The gym building is enclosed by a
half-mile running track that mimics
treadmill patterns. The spiraling
track envelopes the exercising that
happens on the interior. The visual
and spatial continuity within the gym

Amy Campbell
(abcampbe@design.upenn.edu)
Natural form inspired space
shaping, formed by a fusion
between program and activity.
For more go to:
www.experience-genergy.com

Final review perspective: Inside spa

Final review perspective

3D Section

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allows athletes to incentivize each

other during their workouts. The two
entrances of the running track utilize
different treadmill patterns to allow
each athlete to choose the type and
difficulty of the track that he/she
prefers. The form of the spa building
is informed by the necessities of the

rock climbing wall that doubles as

the skin of the building. This skin
also serves as the structure of the
building and creates a continous
landscape within of floating floorplates and circulation. Athletes can
choose to rock climb up to the top of
the building where they cool off in

the rooftop pool and then proceed into the

main lobby. Climbers traverse a series of spa
spaces that allows the body to decompress
and rejuvenate after a strenuous workout.
Conversely, athletes can also choose to enter
the building at ground level, particularly relevant when the flexible spaces inside the building transform from a day-spa into a night club.

Final review perspective: View into the gym

Plans = Sections

Final review exterior perspective

Jackie Wong
(cheukyue@design.upenn.edu)
Strategic natural form creation
through applying activity based
spatial needs.
For more go to:
www.experience-genergy.com

Final review perspective: View running track

3D Section

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Final review

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STUDIO:

ERGONETIC MALL
Coming soon to a university near you...

For more information contact Matthias Hollwich at: m@xpekt.com