A house in Blacksburg

Abstract

What is architecture and to what does it aspire? It is the human endeavor which creates places that stimulate the senses. A touch, a scent, a sound, a sight (light and darkness)—each serves to make one more keenly alive. The senses, too. can arouse memories.

In this house there are three paths. Each path captures a particular part of the natural environment to arouse sensations. The path that goes through the family rooms is the path of light and darkness. Two light-wells above channel the sun onto the path. As one walks down this path, one sees bright spots coming from the light-wells, marking the entrance to the living and dining rooms. Once one arrives at either entrance. one can also feel the warmth of the sun.

The path to the bedrooms is the path of smell and sound. In the spring, one smells the wild flowers as the breeze carries their fragrance across the path through the windows on either side. In the summer. one hears the birds play among the long stems of the flowers. In the fall, the dry stalks brush quietly against each other in the wind.

The path to the studio makes direct contact with all parts of the natural environment. On this path, one smells the air of the different seasons. The orange light gently glows on the walls and the path as evening approaches. In the fall,showers of leaves cascade in the wind.