Couch Cushion Architecture; A Critical Analysis 2
Part two of Couch Cushion Architecture expands on the known collection of significant couch cushion projects in the western hemisphere and continues the discourse. As with part 1 of the study, the basic DNA of design logic can be observed in these works. At the root of any great designer lies a strong connection to the fundamentals of couch cushion design and construction.
A simple geometry and clear orthogonal moves allow this project to be a three-dimensional extension of Mondrian’s thesis. We admire the subdued palette of materials and ambitious structural cantilever. The nebulous entry, however, confuses the approach and subtracts from the compositional success. Grade: C+
An ambitious architectural statement, this structure takes its design queues from middle-east cave dwellings. The calculated addition of bold colors and rich textures softens the eye and puts one at ease despite the unknown variables in its structural system. Grade: B
The A-frame’s sound structural properties and ease of construction have long since proven their architectural merits. We applaud the use of red shag carpet as a departure from what would otherwise be a mere pedestrian form. Grade: B+
While typically the stacked foundation technique leads to a stable and impressive base, this particular application seems dubious. Fraught with apparent labor strikes the project is rumored to have developed irreconcilable technical inadequacies and unresolved scheduling conflicts. Grade: D-
The clear reference to pole barn framing resonates with us and we found amusement in the tongue-in-cheek dual structural system. The clever siting of the project is finished nicely with a deliberately draped, light-weight roof structure. A warm, modern color palette gives the project a handsome and approachable street front. Grade: A+
Drawing from the saw-tooth roof structures of industrial Europe, the orthogonal volume cleverly employs a swing hinge access door, popularized by the mid-century modern masters. Grade: B+
This whimsical project draws inspiration from the classic Tuscan stone towers of Italy; where a taller tower symbolized an owner’s power and prosperity over neighboring structures. Unfortunately the design falls short of greatness with its lackadaisical cushion placement and poor choice of plaid. Grade: C
Employing a northwest gable frame vocabulary, this structure initially impressed us with its optimal function per structure ratio. Unfortunate structural failures have since played a role in the demise of this particular project. Grade: C-
Although we’ve never been the post-modern movement’s biggest fans, the project is well planned and structurally efficient. Roof caps allow for natural ventilation and at the same time provide a deliberate change to the color palette. Grade: B
The project treads lightly on the land and gains enormous respect as a piece of true sustainable couch cushion architecture. Surprisingly, the minimal structure provides accommodations for a lone inhabitant. Grade: B
A rare example of cathedral buttressing, this project also employs a heavy medieval base. The interior incorporates a steel frame and establishes a “belt and suspenders” structural system. Technicalities aside, the project suffers from an inconsistent material palette attributed to coordination issues with the supplier. Grade A-
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20 Comments
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By Gus, April 24, 2010 @ 10:04 am
I too am quite skeptical of the structural system behind #2 – the cave dwelling.
By Richter, April 24, 2010 @ 10:45 pm
I have a difficult time believing that the clowns in #4 could secure a construction loan in our current economic climate. Completion of a project in such a state of affairs seems unlikely.
By Jennifer Marsh, April 26, 2010 @ 9:43 am
You’re cracking me up…some great commentary. Keep it up!
By donna, April 28, 2010 @ 8:19 am
Will you be exploring the architectural possibilities of table forts, bed forts, or perhaps entire room forts? My children used to construct excellent room forts, which took over the entire living room or bedroom….
By katebart, May 3, 2010 @ 2:45 pm
Makes me want to go stack a few cushions and stretch the blankets to create a cozy reading nook! I’m now a little old lady with a kid still stuck inside of me! But how about the forts we used to build in the empty lots and along the creeks that ran through the neighborhood! After all of these years I can still remember the cool damp earth underneath my feet in the dugouts by the old trees with timbers and cardboard during California summers! Thanks for the memory!
By Barb, May 3, 2010 @ 10:03 pm
These sure take me back a few years! I wish I had pictures of the ones I built. I didn’t just use cushions, but anything else I could get my hands on that would help it stay up! I will have fun teaching my granddaughter how to make them. And I’ll have to take pictures!!!
By Nate, June 8, 2010 @ 9:49 pm
This would be a fantastic exercise for a architecture class. Think about it.
By Sonja, June 9, 2010 @ 1:33 am
I sort of disagree with the low grade for #1, the Mondrian inspired one. It has some multi-level, multi-use sophistication, it leads out to an open-view perch, is is pretty subtle. I liked the bed plus perch plus protected feeling reflected in the upended pillow on the chair. B+
By Susan, June 10, 2010 @ 10:11 pm
My son the trainee architect sent me your site and I immediately got taken back to extensive forts that took over our large master bedroom 25 yrs ago. The tensile roof structure our kids used was similar to #10 in your part 1. but much larger and used crochet blankets and dresser knobs in an ingenious way. It was really a diminutive form of urban planning!
By tina, October 22, 2010 @ 3:39 pm
Dare I admit that my husband and I – with a combined age of 115 years – occasionally construct couch-cushion structures involving displacement of one of two couches so that the two couches face and touch one another, creating a sort of amphitheater effect. Especially useful when the movie is a scary one.
By Peiyouliao, October 28, 2010 @ 6:13 am
專業室內設計團隊 、幫助您夢想實現!!
By Maria Orea, May 6, 2011 @ 12:44 am
The art of Messing it out LOL! I like the number one of part two of the collection. Not so mess up!