Build Blog » Couch Cushion Architecture; A Critical Analysis

APRIL 21ST, 2010
By BUILD LLC

Couch Cushion Architecture; A Critical Analysis

Before we were influenced by Mies van der Rohe or Frank Lloyd Wright, before we had seen the visual delights of Ronchamp, Pompidou Center and the Bauhaus school in Weimar, we were driven by a greater force of design inspiration. More primal and immediate than any of the previously mentioned examples, it was couch cushion architecture that established the basic building blocks of our design logic. Unrepresented and ignored for too long in the architectural industry, today’s post pays respect to the wonders of couch cushion architecture. We’ve rounded up a (mostly) admirable collection of projects, taken from a randomly conducted search on the internet. Join us as we take a critical analysis of the architecture, methods and design philosophies of living room furniture re-appropriation.

[Copyright Jennifer Larson]

A clear derivative of the Miesian box, this handsome project is “informalized” with the use of colorful, freeform roof panels. Taking further direction from the Archigram movement, the project explores architecture as body wrap and propels couch cushion architecture to new and exciting territory. Grade: A

At first glance the composition appears unintentional and the construction shoddy. But further investigation reveals a clear delineation between indoor/outdoor space with a design focus on protection through the use of barrier. Planes are shifted off the orthogonal to accommodate function; as a side effect it relieves inhabitants from a harsh Euclidian geometry. Grade B

Benefiting from the life work of structural engineer Heinz Isler, this lightweight roof shell structure creates a graceful span while fully sheltering the interiors. Massive counter-weights keep the structure taught while an entire façade remains open to the exterior. Grade: B

Mayan in geometry but American barcalounger in function, this hybrid design allows for both formality and comfort. To our disappointment, the plan design could have taken better advantage of the site opportunities and, ultimately, the fact that a roof structure was not included in the programming detracts from the overall project. Grade: C+

The crisp, clean, white planes, drawing clear influences from Richard Meier, are balanced with a splash of color offered by the roof membrane. The disciplined interiors offer relief to the eyes with a subtle yet intentional blue tone. Grade B+

Good God gentlemen, you’re a mess! You need walls, you need a roof. Get to work man! Grade: F

The crisp, orthogonal structure is, in a way, camouflaged by the informality of the landscaping. While a clear bifurcation exists between site and structure, we give high marks to the close coordination of architect and landscape architect in using similar materials to exaggerate the divergent design concepts. Grade: B+

We greatly admire the use of coffee table as lateral moment-frame in this application. The solution is both formal and fun, offering the users a sequence of experiences beginning with the entry to vaulted ceiling to raised deck. Grade A-

While foundation as roof structure may not create the most efficient tectonic solution, we applaud the geometric inversion and fresh perspective on the “form follows function” relationship. As a side note it’s always disturbing to see the finish details carried out with such haste in the presence of true structural achievement. Grade: B-

A brilliant synergy between the weighted foundation and the light tensile structure, this project impressed us with its attenuation of structure and bright interior spaces. The courtyard and formal entry are also well thought-out and provide a clear means of way-finding. Grade A+

For Part 2 of Couch Cushion Design: A Critical Analysis, click here.
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Thoughts

157 Comments

By brad, April 21, 2010 @ 8:46 pm

Absolutely the best post yet.

I hope my wife doesn’t get mad because I’m off for a little design build in our apartment.

Well played boys. Well played.
By brad, April 21, 2010 @ 8:50 pm

oh by the way… I concur with the final project as the clear winner.

I smell a few LEED points for daylighting as well. The diffuse light through the roof canopy is absolutely breathtaking.
By nicholas, April 22, 2010 @ 5:19 am

Superb; we are avid builders in this household, the children have an advantage here in the tropics with tensile structures using a mosquito net! (The remnant tembusu tree in the background doesn’t hurt either)
By Jesse, April 22, 2010 @ 5:37 am

Well done. I follow regularly and despite my enthusiasm for your musings on practice this made my day.
By Ryan Carpico, April 22, 2010 @ 6:00 am

couch forts rock! – thanks for brightening the morning with some brilliant primal inspiration.
By Richter, April 22, 2010 @ 7:28 am

I’m thinking about using that coffee table moment-frame detail in a project of mine. Very nice.
By Gus, April 22, 2010 @ 7:40 am

Hopefully the builders in photo #6 aren’t working on a time and material contract. I see mediation in the future…
By Keiser, April 22, 2010 @ 9:42 am

While I like the last one as well, I smell foul play. The “builders” seem a bit wet behind the ears and I’m suspicious that they’ve contracted with a larger firm with more experience.
By TDI, April 22, 2010 @ 12:49 pm

HA! Brilliant. Thanks guys.
By Jen, April 22, 2010 @ 1:02 pm

Makes me want to submit some our our recent designs for analysis. LOVE IT!
By Build LLC, April 22, 2010 @ 1:21 pm

hmmm, we’re sniffin a couch cushion architectural competition…
By Bob Borson, April 22, 2010 @ 3:51 pm

Absolute genius! This is one of the most clever architectural posts I have ever seen – I’m quite envious actually.
This is definetly worth entering somewhere…
By Donald, April 22, 2010 @ 8:50 pm

this is such a great post, i can’t stand it.
By TBone, April 22, 2010 @ 11:52 pm

I’m 36 years old and ready to start tearing apart my living room to build forts after reading through this post. Hilarious.
By Crompton, April 23, 2010 @ 8:30 pm

I love this–more please!
By Kelly, April 24, 2010 @ 10:33 pm

“Mayan in geometry but American barcalounger in function” – I don’t know how, but I’m using this line in my next design charette presentation.
By Julie, April 25, 2010 @ 1:36 pm

Perfect.
By Jennifer Marsh, April 26, 2010 @ 9:36 am

This post makes me smile! I’m particularly fascinated by the upside-down couch roof structure. Whoa, those parents are way cooler than me!
By Alicia, April 27, 2010 @ 6:14 am

Snow forts next. Please, please.
By raegan, April 29, 2010 @ 7:49 am

hey, the mayan barcalounger kid is MINE! perhaps i should photograph each fort iteration to document his stylistic evolution… love the commentaries.
By Jim, April 29, 2010 @ 9:17 am

Alright, but there’s no way that last one with the A+ was built by those kids
By Beverly Christiansen, April 29, 2010 @ 1:16 pm

Brilliant! The juxtaposition of arhispeak, with folly is inspiring.
By Sharmila, April 29, 2010 @ 4:45 pm

This ought to be required reading for a first year course of Basic Design 101. If only my professors had even a glimmer of your sense of humour. Well done guys!
By Deek, May 2, 2010 @ 1:24 pm

Too friggin’ cool….some great/fun photos too! Love it!

If anyone ever has any cool fort shots, send them my way too (for http://www.whoFORTed.com)- which is still in a fledgling stage….

-Derek “Deek” Diedricksen
http://www.relaxshacks.com
Host of “Tiny Yellow House” TV
Author of “Humble Homes, Simple Shacks….”
By alea, May 2, 2010 @ 5:26 pm

well i could biuld one and everyone of those plus more so i think its rather interesting to see other pepole so interested it makes me want to smile ( and that dose not happen often )
By Louis XIV, May 6, 2010 @ 5:33 am

I have to disagree. As defensive fortifications each of these structures grades F-. Will any of these structures stop the Spanish? Will they withstand a lengthy seige? I think not. Vauban would be appalled.
By Jessica, May 21, 2010 @ 4:50 pm

Brilliant and just what I needed to start my day in creativity.
However, I think it is highly questionable that the final A+ fort was actually built by the architects posing in the photo. note the symmetry, use of color and solid placement of the broom– clearly beyond the capabilities of its inhabitants, and likely a case of Dad getting invovled in the fun and taking over! I move that it be disqualified or a new category of Adult-built forts, started.
By Build LLC, May 21, 2010 @ 5:00 pm

@ Jessica – Touché! Admittedly we had a similar suspicion and foul play may well be at hand here. Opening up an all ages couch cushion review could be scary though…
By plagiarismsfun, June 8, 2010 @ 10:05 pm

ALL HAIL MADDOX
By Peachy, June 8, 2010 @ 10:50 pm

the word genius is throw about to often these days… but this post deserves it fully
By mark, June 8, 2010 @ 10:56 pm

#7 resonates with Stonehengian roots, but is delightfully ambiguous as to the boulders strewn about (did the slave builders give up mid-build or are we witnessing the destructive ravages of time?) It does not matter really since the covering of algae and lichens demonstrates that structures can be internal and external abodes.
By art donovan, June 8, 2010 @ 11:31 pm

Reading this was a sheer delight. Thanks for the post.
By Name Withheld to Protect Family Harmony, June 9, 2010 @ 12:29 am

This is great!

We had the couch that is in the last entry (The A+), and it was the BEST for building. Nice strong removable cushions. My daughter and I were very sad when my wife insisted we replace it. Evil wife, mean mommy.
By Suze, June 9, 2010 @ 1:20 am

These kids are great – far better than many adult Architects doing things with couches but, I noticed that not one of them incorporated the outdoors or nature in their parti. Alas, the Landscape Architect is remiss from this picture!
By Weareight, June 9, 2010 @ 3:13 am

Please! I cannot stop laughing. You have my thanks.
By maurice jones, June 9, 2010 @ 3:24 am

Great Post, but LEED POINTS. What a pile of BS. When will this sham system fall away and real Green Building system be adopted.
By Mike, June 9, 2010 @ 4:52 am

Lovely. The last entry, however, clearly shows an inordinate symmetry for pre-abstract phase… Kudos to mom or dad, but jr is either being pushed into the limelite or kiddie-plagerizing.
By tdamiano, June 9, 2010 @ 5:14 am

I’ll need adult diapers before I return here again, I’ve wet myself laughing.
By Team Awesome Possum, June 9, 2010 @ 12:12 pm

We LOVE what you’re doing with forts!!! We’ve been working on connecting awesome fort projects into a unified for(t)ce to celebrate forts + irrelevance + fun = Fort of July (www.fortofjuly.com)

Any input, architectural grading of the soon-to-come flickr pool, etc – we happily invite y’all to participate

Cheers!
- Team Awesome Possum
By exarch, June 9, 2010 @ 1:33 pm

I didn’t think they could do it, but architecture has found a way to ruin a simple childhood past time.
By Sean, June 9, 2010 @ 2:33 pm

This, gentlemen, is the mint on the pillow.
By melistress, June 9, 2010 @ 2:37 pm

my couch doesn’t have removable cushions. My kids are missing out on so much!
By spark, June 9, 2010 @ 9:52 pm

I love this, for many reasons. Thanks for the great collection!
By g porter hamner aia, June 10, 2010 @ 2:09 am

I remember this class, it was wet outside and mom didn’t want to give us another bath.

gp
Boerne, TX
By Vanessa@GraphisoftAustralia, June 10, 2010 @ 7:11 am

Soooooo love this!
Where did we all go so wrong and start designing on paper
Bring on BIM
I’ll get GS to develop some model cushions!
By Mallory - Miss Malaprop, June 10, 2010 @ 3:13 pm

Hah! How can a post like this not put a smile on your face! It makes me want to go build pillow forts again – I miss the days of fort building!
By Tammy, June 10, 2010 @ 4:55 pm

Brilliant interpretation of classic architecture. Inspirational!!
By Grace, June 10, 2010 @ 8:00 pm

I would love to see photo credits on the rest of the photos! It seems only the first one is credited — I’d love to go back and see these photos in their original settings.
By Randy, June 12, 2010 @ 11:37 am

Proves we are all architects growing. Excellent post.
By mrpeach, June 15, 2010 @ 10:33 pm

A laudable survey of current trends in the industry. We at mrpeach applaud the analysis and request details of when the coffee table book may be published…
By Cynthia Gentry, June 24, 2010 @ 8:04 pm

This is priceless! Although I vehemently disagree with your F! The fabulous colors of that blanket should have upped the grade a notch, don’t you think?
Check out Playable10 International Design Competition at http://www.PlayableDesign.org. Can I link to your blog post? While we’re looking for a little more than sofa forts, you’ve nailed the spirit of our competition perfectly. Well done, contestants!
Play on! Cynthia
By EWE, June 27, 2010 @ 9:48 pm

Reminds me of crits at Yale Sch of Architecture
By coco mckenzie, September 18, 2010 @ 5:20 pm

yay
this is why i want to be an architect
but the last one may have had some parental help lol
xoxo. coco
By cushion london, September 23, 2010 @ 1:16 am

JUst great ideas guys!!
Keep it up.

Cheers
By Peiyouliao, October 29, 2010 @ 8:36 pm

專業室內設計團隊、幫助您夢想實現!!
By kelly cristina leme, November 3, 2010 @ 11:24 am

muito bom adooorei…espero que meus filhos não entrem nesse site e vejam…
By Dorothy Durbin, November 13, 2010 @ 9:35 am

The best!
By bibiboo, January 26, 2011 @ 2:38 pm

I remember the time, when I built something similar myself:)
By Minneapolis Electrician, January 27, 2011 @ 1:49 pm

Thank you for the Greet infomation!
By minneapolis seo, January 30, 2011 @ 3:07 pm

This is my 2nd time your website. I found a lot of fascinating issues in your blog especially its dialogue. I guess I’m not the one one enjoying it! Keep up the great operate.
By Premium Leather Sofas, February 28, 2011 @ 6:09 am

Great pics, I’m sure many families can relate, including my own!

Couch Cushion Architecture; A Critical Analysis

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