Saturday, October 3, 2009

Samuel Mockbee - Hale County Animal Shelter




Although the more 'typical' project of Samuel Mockbee have a more found object feel with less of a processed material selection. Most of the designs that gain notoriety feature glass bottles in adobe walls allowing light in. Even more examined are the rural Studio's use of recycled foams, paper, and fabric that remains in a very raw, bundled form. The most vivid example that I remember is from visiting a DC exhibit of the Rural Studio that showed license plates used as shingles on the front wall of the house.



Known to locals ad the 'Dog Pound', the Hale County Animal Shelter was the most eye catching to me of the Rural Studio's most recent work. The State of Alabama requires that each county have at least one animal shelter. Hale county approached the Rural Studio and four thesis students undertook the project and raised over money and material donations to build.

This entry, however, is about an extrusion with a very rigid, fish scale like lattice. Called a lamella, this repeating diamond pattern acts as both roof and wall for the dog pound. The covers from the exterior hides the structure that is exposed inside.

Construction method: Identical 2×8 joists were precut and curved by jig. A single pin connection was used to hold the pieces in place. Taking a page from the prefabrication handbook, the students cut down on overall material costs by using a repeatable process.

The consistent, warm temperatures of Alabama allow for a very open structure. The negative space under the canopy barely occupied with the Kennel and office space. Two strips of skylight provides ample ambient light, as well as the openings between the foundation and siding, combined with the open ends of the tube.

Unlike many buildings, this work is not just exterior walls enclosing a space. My interest in this building is in its openness, the large structure that uses a relatively small part of the footprint for living area.

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