Timber
Skyscraper

The project makes use of a simple series of structural model images, structural diagrams, plans and interior perspectives to describe itself as a structural experiment. The layout is strong, emphasizing an excellent rendering of a model that could be perceived as a photograph at its center, supported by smaller diagrams. While there are several plans and interior perspectives to describe variation of floorplates, they are well placed on the sheet so as to not compete with one another. The balance and hierarchy of the presentation are to be commended. Buildner always recommends that scale figures be used to relate the project to the scale of the human body - these would best be placed in the interior imagery and plans to allow a reader to fully comprehend the size and function of spaces. Finally, the project would benefit from annotation in all images, as is done in the structural joint model, to describe the project intent, materials and space types. 

The submission is visually dense yet able to tell a convincing story of materiality and design. The variation in exterior and interior perspectives provides a reader with a full understanding of scale, ranging from the building’s massing to its details and interior spaces. The layout is well-annotated but could use a reduction of text for simplicity, and to lighten the page. The use of scale figures is helpful for the perspective drawings but would also benefit the plans and details. Finally, the use of greenery with the focus on timber material provides an excellent balance of color which is homogeneous across the presentation. 

The submission employs a strong organizational grid, using a series of diagrams, perspectives and line drawings to describe a complex topic. The project does well to use reduced-size drawings thereby providing white space that lets the presentation breathe. It avoids an overly dense layout, while simplifying the individual imagery to express ideas clearly. The color balance and hierarchy are to be commended. The primary criticism for the presentation is the abundant use of dense text - while the topic and concept require text to describe, it is recommended that the paragraphs be condensed and more of the text be incorporated into annotation. It is unlikely that a reviewer will read the current text in full.

The project is beautifully rendered and is organized using images of various sizes to lead the reader’s eye clearly about the page. It uses color, light and shadow in a masterful way to yield a visually complex design that is understood simply. The project would benefit from a reduced use of text as well as dividing the text into clearer individual points. The primary criticism, however, is the lack of drawings to describe the building fully. The project writeup describes a ground floor research facility and elevators for visual access to upper levels, yet the submission lacks any substantial evidence that such a project has been fully considered.