Building Case Studies
Observation, research, and analysis into notable examples of architecture.
Understanding successful designs by recreation, modeling, and drawing. Knowing what works from the past can be used to influence the work of today and tomorrow, building off the skills of our predescessors. In any age, architecture can be considered a method of elegantly solving physical problems, which surpasses the individual style and taste of any individual work.
San Carlo Alle Quattro Fontane
- Type: Religious
- Date: 1646
- Location: Rome, Italy | Quirinal District
- Architect: Francesco Borromini
The design conveys a sense of tension and compression within the various levels, a pulling towards heaven, and light streaming from above. Each quality is meant to create an emotional response typical of the Baroque period. The understanding of classical design principles and motifs is clear, but the rules and elements are manipulated in new imaginative ways. This study was primarily focused on understanding the advanced geometry and forms used in the architectural elements as well as how they all relate to heighten the concept.
Construction geometry and regulating lines. The main themes of compression and tension are demonstrated in the geometry by use of intersecting ovals and ellipses as opposed to pure circles or arcs.
Cross section.
Longitudinal section.
Longitudinal section perspective.
Main facade, light and shadows at various times of day highlight the sculptural detailing.
Main entry view.
Street view showing the undulating facade.
Lantern of the dome admits light from above. This style of lantern is a common motif of Borromini, and is based on the classical Roman Temple of Venus at Baalbek, Lebanon.
Secret window at facade provides light for altar.
View from floor level up to dome.
View from top of dome towards floor level.
View from interior showing intricate coffered dome.
Fisheye views of the church highlighting geometric patterns of the architecture.
St Paul's Cathedral
- Type: Religious
- Date: 1710
- Location: London, England, UK | Ludgate Hill
- Architect: Christopher Wren
Multiple churches have existed on this site over the past nearly 2000 years. When the Great Fire of London in 1666 burned down the previous St Paul's Cathedral, a new rebuilding of the city as well as the cathedral was a tremendous opportunity to showcase the best of English design and power. Classicism, newly popular in England, would serve as the style for a grand new church to compete with other contemporary examples in mainland Europe. This study was based primarily on exploring the structural resolution and expression of the famous dome.
Construction geometry and regulating lines. The design requires the weight of the dome to be transferred to the circular drum, then to eight circular arches, and then to four large piers which connect to the foundations. The classical, English Baroque design of the church keeps the form of the earlier gothic cathedral while using pure circular arches and Roman proportions instead of pointed, narrow vaults typical of gothic.
Elevation and section detail of dome.
Elevation and section through crossing of the church.
3D Panorama view at ground level beneath central dome.
3D Panorama view at crypt directly beneath the central dome.
3D Panorama view at dome drum level looking south towards London and the Thames.
3D Panorama view between inner and outer domes.
The lantern is accessible for use by visitors and maintenance teams.
The outer dome, inner dome, and lantern are supported by a large brick cone. Multiple levels of balconies, galleries, and stairs are used to ascend to the top of the lantern for maintenance and multiple openings and windows allow light to enter the interior of the church as if from the heavens. The outer dome is lead roofing sheets tied to the brick cone by wooden trusses. The inner dome is plaster suspended from the brick cone. The lantern is a massive stone structure resting on the top of the brick cone, its weight transfered to the dome base drum through the cone.
The dome with its ascending tiers served structurally and visually as the inspiration for the dome of the United States Capitol Building in Washington, DC. However, the US Capitol used stronger, more advanced cast iron trusses instead of massive masonry supports.
Crypt housing the Sarcophagus of Admiral Horatio Nelson, hero of the Battle of Trafalgar.
Burj Khalifa
- Type: High Rise, Commercial, Hospitality
- Date: 2010
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Architect: Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill
The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest building in the world. This project fascinated me from an an aesthetic & technical viewpoint, which led to my detailed study of it during architecture school. The skyscraper is the ultimate test of coordination & integration of the various architectural systems needed to make it them a usable building, and this massive desert spire is no exception. Understanding all facets of the project from the surrounding culture, political climate, client, architect, conceptual design, structural factors, mechanical systems, construction logistics, & final use of the building all have helped me become a better & more informed architect on projects of much less daunting scales.
The comprehensive case study package can be downloaded here.
Comparison of the Burj Khalifa to previous & potential future skyscrapers.
The various functional zones of the skyscraper & site complex.
Diagrams showing the critical structural system that drives all other design decisions.
Structural floor plan diagrams showing the continuity & types of structural features at the various floor configurations.
Elevator diagram showing the complex nature of vertical transportation to the various building zones.