Analysis
SUBMITTED BY ARA DATE 01 - 23 - 2010

Behind the Screens at Avignon's TGB Train Station While in Avignon, France it was recommended to the group by Professor Les Smith that we explore the TGB train station for an example of a more modern design. I took this advice and was glad I did because what I found was a fun and relatively simple design. Ofcourse, half the fun of the space was discovering how simple the structure really was through the process of an analytical wall section. The initial intrigue of this building is lies in its simple arcing form, but as I explored the space I began to notice how easy it was to observe nearly every element of the building. From its strucutral "guts" to its replicated paneled service, all was visible. Given this, I chose to sketch a wall section through exterior wall. The following are jsut a few of my discoveries: 1. The arced facade consisted of hung fiberglass tiles, each identical to the next making for a uniform curve. 2. The tiles hung roughly a foot away from the wall, creating a gap for condensation to collect and drain. On this wall was a layer of water proof membrane, and beneath that was likely a layer of insulation. 3. From the inside I was able to view in to a four foot deep wall cavity where I could see metal desking whick likely provided framing for the insulation. This metal decking was carried by arched wide flang beams running vertically along the decking. 4. As mentioned, between this shell and the interior wall was a four foot gap. In this gap ran any airducts, wiring, and pipes. 5. Masking these systems were 2"x4" wood slats slightly staggered vertically. This staggering creates visual dynamic in addition to screening. At the top of the wall, however, these slats were oriented with the narrow side pointing out. This enabled hot air to pass through the wall easily, escaping out of the building through vents in the exterior wall. This was an interesting to me. Without spilling in to the topic of design too much, I want to briefly discuss the value of my observsation here at the TGB train station. First, this building exhibits the value of a simple repeating panel. The panel makes for easy construction and repare of the facade. Also, as we begin to alter the shape of the panel (from a flat piece to an arced piece, for example) we begin to create a more interesting canvas. The TGB is a great example of this. A simple curve transformed in to a powerful space. The screening technique on the inside is interesting because it allows air to pass through it while limiting one's ability to see the electrical and mechanical systems beneath it. A reveal of sorts. This adds depth to the space as well as functionality. The slight rotation of this wood unit at the top of the wall near the ceiling allows for larger amounts of hot air to escape the space, thus ventilating the building. Again, a simple idea using this same exact piece of building material. As I develop my design I believe that beginning to incorporate narrative in to these exterior panels will hold real potential. I ofcourse model this idea of panels which tell a story after Gaudi's street pavers in Barcelona. These pavers were repetitious and easy to mass produce, but still have a greater level of significance to the city of Barcelona.