MICROHOME

The project uses a collage of images based on a primary aerial axonometric which extends across the page and lends a consistent base color to the presentation. The project is well organized, but would benefit from additional hierarchy. While the series of plans and sections are clear and well-drawn, it is suggested that at least one of these images be increased in size on the page to more clearly communicate the design intent. As currently drawn, this series is too small for a reviewer to easily read when viewing the page as a whole. The linework has been well prepared, and so increasing the scale would simply help one to fully understand the material layers and design components included. The text is long and far too small for easy reading. It is recommended that the author reduce the text by half and increase its font size and boldness on the page. The contrast between the white text and the light blue background is inadequate. The comment on contrast also extends to the axonometric diagrams: while the materials have been given colors that convey each element well, the diagrams as a whole fade into the background and are consequently weak in their readability. The large axonometric is excellent in conveying project complexity, materiality and its organic nature at the scale of a community. The use of red numeric annotation could, however, be stronger, as the red text is lost within the drawing and does not clearly correspond to the legend below.

The project successfully makes use of a dense layout with plentiful information on a single-board presentation, balancing extreme complexity with white space, a variety of drawing types and light colors for visual balance. The main criticism is regarding the use of text, which may be received as overwhelming for a single sheet submission. It would be helpful if the author found ways either to insert components of the text instead within drawing annotation, or to divide the paragraphs into smaller, more digestible phrases with the use of bold words to highlight key concepts. A bolder sheet title and increasing the size of one of the images is recommended to improve the sheet’s overall hierarchy. As submitted, it is difficult for a reviewer to implicitly understand where to look first - this suggestion would help a juror navigate the page in a more clearly defined direction that begins with general information followed by a more detailed level of information. The large white floor plan would benefit from more varied line weights to more clearly describe the plan’s depth - which components are cut in plan and which are in projection. The use of multiple scale figures in the plan, however, is excellent and clearly communicates how a user inhabits the space.

The sheet is well organized into four columns, with general studies introducing the project, followed by descriptive diagrams and finally with details. The quality of the drawings is first-class, with sections, diagrams and renderings all beautifully presented with a clear knowledge of linework, color balance and capacity to induce emotional effect. The renderings are especially effective in communicating the spatial experience both within and outside of the project. One wonders, however, the usefulness of repeating nearly identical images - that on the bottom left and that on the top right of the sheet? As is often the case in single-sheet submissions, it is recommended that the author find a solution to reducing the amount of text and increasing its size. While the text is well segmented into easy-to-read components, it requires a reader to spend significant energy to read each text in full. The sheet is slightly off balance due to the fact that the visually heavier, rectangular renderings of color float above lighter white sections. To rectify this, it is suggested either to place the four renderings along the base of the sheet or, alternatively, to strengthen or deepen the color of the soil in the sections - this would help to ground the sheet visually with more of its visual weight located at its base.