Hybridization of the Machiya House and Casa de Vidro
The Machiya house is a traditional townhouse made popular during the Edo period, 1603-1867, Kyoto, Japan. These structures functioned as both residential and retail, which informs the deep and narrow layout in the design. Programmatically defined
private and public space is evident; the simplicity of the design and function of space creates a flexible and ambiguous living condition. The Japanese understanding of the natural world, and the importance of life through a symbolic relation to renewal,
serenity, and continuity is expressed through the incorporation of garden courtyards.
Architect, Lina Bo Bardi, sought to humanize architecture through the amalgamation of culture, life, and nature in her design of Casa de Vidro. This residential structure works with its surrounding conditions; half sits upon a slope and contains private
functional spaces, and the other is an open plan glass box which sits on thin steel columns. This ambiguous public living space functions as a place of aesthetic integration with nature.
These two structures, one vernacular and the other specifically for the site and function, present similar properties which have potential to engage in a hybrid condition. The hybrid design has now come to the stage at which it will be modified to correlate to a predetermined site condition that contains a cliff, grove of trees, and water. The program for this architectural design is a cemetery. In order to convey a deeper programmatic understanding, the site and structure work symbiotically to create an environment and inhabitable pavilion for contemplation, remembrance, and joy.
