The Shed - Moving Architecture #3

The Shed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is an example of operable architecture at a massive scale. This project shows that large scale dynamic architecture is not only achievable but can be both practical and functional. From the architect's website:

When deployed, the Shed's shell creates a 17,200-square-foot light-, sound-, and temperature-controlled hall that can serve an infinite variety of uses. The hall can accommodate an audience of 1,200 seated or 2,700 standing; flexible overlap space in the two adjoining galleries of the base building allows for an expanded audience in the hall of up to 3,000. The shell’s entire ceiling operates as an occupiable theatrical deck with rigging and structural capacity throughout. Large operable doors on the Plaza level allow for engagement with the public areas to the east and north when open.

This is one of my favourite projects in NY at the moment, executed by my favourite NY architects. Watch the video below to see the Shed in action, think about how you could use movement in a similar way to create impressive and evocative spaces for your architecture school. August 2019 Shed Deployment Compilation from Diller Scofidio + Renfro on Vimeo.

The Shed is reminiscent of a famous unbuilt architecture project, The Fun Palace by Cedric Price which was a building which could be responsive to visitors’ needs and the many activities intended to take place there. I encourage you to read more about the fun palace in the link above. The two images below are a section of the fun palace (1959 - 1961) and the Shed (2019). The technological advances around dynamic architecture are making these seemingly impossible spaces possible. How far can you push the boundaries in your theoretical project?