Excerpt: ‘PORTCULLIS – Drifter’s anchor’ is an architecture thesis by Marko Jovičić from the Faculty of Architecture – University of Belgrade, that seeks to create a sail archetype in a new world where conventions regarding civilization are viewed as nonexistent. The functional narrative revolves around the visual depiction of the ship lacking a coordinate position in the context of a ruined world. Apart from the sci-fi inspiration for thought, emphasis is placed on the process of creating a cohesive community, enduring resources, and useful assemblies that are currently accessible.
Introduction: In the context of a ruined world, the visual depiction of the ship lacking a coordinate position invites the functionalist narrative of the potential construction of an amazing structure within actual space. In this architecture thesis, apart from the sci-fi inspiration for thought, emphasis is placed on the process of creating a cohesive community, enduring resources, and useful assemblies that are currently accessible. The project is a social experiment in which the creation of new worlds is motivated by the sense that established civilizational norms are absent.
The project was originally supposed to be located on the Kvarner Gulf coast near the city of Rijeka. However, as the idea developed, it was moved from its strict location and given a more general one in an imagined future.
Design Process
Sketch: Sailing City – Plan ViewSketch-Photomontage: Disposition of the Elements
Beginning with the fundamental concept, the building was meant to serve as a benchmark for characteristic coastal cities, adding a unique element to the city’s character. As the design process progressed, the concept moved away from the city, to directly address the studio topic—the Adriatic’s interpretive centre—by showcasing the social concept of sailing.
Dynamic Form SystemSketch: Sailing City
The project’s central idea was the sail archetype, which was chosen based on graphic considerations. Three building elements of a harmonised external form were then combined to create a dynamically changing form. The internal form and function of the project were dynamic and indefinite due to their dependence on multiple influences. The design process began with sketches and continued with 3D models. After the idea development phase was completed, the physical model was created.
Final Outcome
Site Plan – Contact with the CoastNautical chart – Conglomerate of PortcullisPortcullis Section – Interrelationship of Units
The stranded city is more than just a phenomenon that can be explained by human observations and understanding of the environment in which it exists. The notion of a city (fortress) unscathed by natural disasters that might threaten humankind is superseded by the social and technological aspects of the emerging global society.
Plan View – One unit (PortCullis)Floor Plan (R 1:1333, R 1:444), Elevation – Steel Sailing Ship and Realistic section – Closed membrane
The development of these dimensions, erased from all maps, is like a transatlantic ship that never made landfall; however, its capacity for technological and creative self-sustainability—the capacity to become a port unto itself and endure changes in the outside world—makes it a viable model for new typologies.
Final Physical ModelPortcullis section 1-1 (residential segment), Final Physical Model and Realistic view – Twilight
The notion that it is inconsistent and cartographically elusive, therefore, is based on how one searches for it; it is comparable to an electron in an atom that can be either a particle or a state, depending on the experimental detection method chosen. As a result, a city that gets stuck somewhere will need faith and pilgrims travelling a challenging, hazardous path to get there. Here, the journey to the destination, visions of the promised land, and trust in the personified object’s symbol become the true measures.
Final Physical Model
Conclusion: Altogether, the project is a social experiment in creating new worlds based on the perception that there are no established norms of civilization. It succeeds in creating an efficient community, sustainable resources, and beneficial assemblies that are accessible.
[This Academic Project has been published with text submitted by the student]
Site Context
Design Process
Final Outcome
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