Concept 4: Superimposition University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006)

University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006) Concept 4: Superimposition 4.1

Concept 4: Superimposition

When Bernard Tschumi approached Jacques Derrida to confront extreme importance. Modernist Post Modern has a preference
his work, Derrida responded thus: for the figurative over the abstract. Modernist Post Modern
attempt to do away with dualism but the dualism is reinstated
“ But how could an architect be interested in again by trying to do away with it, creating another dualism.
deconstruction? Deconstruction is anti-form,
anti-hierarchy, anti structure – the opposite Dualisms found in traditional architecture include: form/ Deconstruction
all architecture stands for”. Tschumi’s retort: function and abstraction/figuration among others. The
“Precisely for this reason”. (Tschumi 1997:18) implied hierarchy would be for example: form follows function
or ornament is subservient to structure. Deconstructive
The concept of de-structuring was interpreted as an thinking is based around the space ‘in between’ the dualism,
interrogation of the physical structure of the building. That acknowledging the dualism but not preferring the one concept
is to say if we were to question structure in general, it can to the other. This is an attempt to do away with dualism and the
imply the structure of many things. The word structure can implied hierarchy by destroying it from within. Deconstruction
be conceived as the questioning of construction, organisation, is true to its own willingness to be ‘in between’ or else it would
formation, arrangement, building, shape, etc. This lends itself be creating another dualism.
to a particular debate in contemporary architecture, namely
deconstruction. The ‘in between’ is the precondition for the dualism to exist or
else it will be impossible to distinguish between the two. The
Dualism and the Hierarchy in Philosophical/ Western thinking is based on dualist thought and the various space ‘in between’ makes dualism possible and simultaneously
Architectural History movements, in architecture and philosophy. These movements makes it impossible to exist. With no in between there would be
can be distinguished and categorised according to the specific a collapse of identity.
position the movement has on dualism.
Tschumi (1997:17) discusses the application of deconstruction
Modernism and Modernist Post Modern thought Modernism is based on a dualist mindset with an theory and superimposition is used as a key device to
acknowledgement of hierarchy. The most common dualism acknowledge both dualisms and neither nor. The dualisms
found in modernist thinking is the preference for the abstract between, structure (frame), form (space), event (function),
over the figurative. Purity and hyper functionality are of body (movement) and fiction (narrative); are blurred by
using superimposition, collision, distortion and fragmentation.
Dualism: According to the Collins English Dictionary dualism is defined as
a two fold division; the belief that two separate elements co-exist in the
universe, namely spirit and matter; the belief in the existence of good and
evil as separate entities.
4.2 Concept 4: Superimposition University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006)

Deconstruction dismantles concepts and it becomes a architecture parlante of form while the second group the
remarkable conceptual tool for the architect. ‘deconstructivist neo-modernists’ saw fiction and scenarios as
analogues for program and function. (Tschumi 1997:18)
Tschumi’s own work grew out of a critique of architecture,
and the nature of architecture. The Collins English Dictionary The formal properties of the buildings are not manipulated by
defines architecture as ‘the art of building according to the deconstructivists, but they look at what really happens
certain well-defined principles of proportion and symmetry inside a building and city relating to the:
so as to form a harmonious whole; a distinct style of designing
buildings’. Deconstruction is wrongly called a style by some, as – The function
it was exactly what the architects tried to avoid. – The programme
– Proper historical dimensions of architecture
Notes on Deconstructive thought derives from challenging the idea of a
deconstruction single unified set of images, the idea of certainty and the idea of
an identifiable language in architecture.
The principles of geborgenheit that the Post Modern mainstream
was trying to promote, lead to the questioning of those principles
by a small number of philosophers and later architects.
Multiple interpretations are given to deconstructive theory,
readings and architecture among which are: dissimulation,
fragmentation and displacement. Nietzsche is quoted as
saying: “there are no facts, only an infinity of interpretations”
(Tschumi 1997:17). Deconstruction challenges any single
interpretation, crossing the boundaries between film, literature
and architecture.

Function, programme The role of fiction and narrative in architecture has fascinated
and proper historical many architects. There are two interpretations of the role
dimensions of of fiction in architecture. The ‘historicist postmodernist’
architecture saw fiction and narrative as a realm of metaphors, of a new
 University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006) Concept 4: Superimposition 4.3

Superimposition Superimposition will be used as a conceptual tool to Function implies certain actions that can change over time and
juxtapose events relating to the function, the programme can differ from user to user. Form implies something static that
and the historical dimensions of architecture. The form has a lasting time element to it. Deconstructive theory offers a
of the sports administration building is not to suit a single solution: that the one cannot generate the other but that there
function but a complex problem using crossprogramming and should be interaction between the two.
transprogramming. The interchangeability of form and function,
will be considered during the design process. It is possible to elaborate on the interaction of form and
function in the light of Michael Faucoult’s statement: “Here
Function From a theoretical point of view, form and function has been the are events in the space we construct ourselves to inhabit:
topic of discussion among architects for many years. How do Heterotopia’”(Tshumi 1997:18). The phrase implies that the
we decide if form follows function, or whether function follows form is not generated by the event (function), and that there
form? is no hierarchy between form and function. The phrase further
suggests that we build places for ourselves where events
If a building is designed for a specific purpose and fitted can take place and that the building sets the stage for a rich
accordingly, that building becomes very costly to refit for collision between event (function) and space (form).
a change in function, it being energy expensive or futile.
The technology of the twenty first century is moving at an The function of the buildings is to aid the development of sport FUNCTION OF THE 3
alarming rate and the way in which we use certain spaces has in the north of the City of Tshwane. There are few facilities BUILDINGS
changed dramatically over the past years. In terms of sports towards the rural areas in the north, and the new 2010 Soccer
development, a single apparatus has replaced numerous others World Cup developments will place sporting facilities in easy
by combining it into a single machine. As the World Cup event reach for all.
is only in 5 years’ time, we have to investigate the technological
advances, in order to design spaces that will only be utilised The functional concept for the facilities is to promote a healthy
in 5 years time and of which the prolonged use will mainly be lifestyle in the community, and to create the necessary
Heterotopia: a condition in which cohesion is achieved ‘through adjacency, after the event. Robustness of buildings is of key importance in infrastructure for the development of sport on a community
where edges touch, where the fringes intermingle, where the extremities sustainable development. We can no longer cater for buildings as well as on an international scale. The facilities are divided
of the one denote the beginning of the other, there is a hinge between two that have been custom-made to fit a sole purpose. Buildings into three buildings. This dissertation focuses on the main
things and an unstable unity appears.’ (Frampton 1998: 52-53) need to be adaptable. administration building.
4.4 Concept 4: Superimposition University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006)

The Facilities: The main sports administration building, houses the formal can live, eat (according to their dietary requirements for
components of facilities including conference facilities, lecture optimum performance), practice and learn. Lastly, the facilities
rooms, offices, sports retail and a restaurant that also caters are contracted out, and the community can join and use the
4.1 Immediate Context
for the dietary requirements of athletes. The facilities in the facilities, as they require. The facilities are located within the of the Site
building will be contracted out to private institutions. This will sports grounds/park to promote community interaction and
make branding possible and it also increases the feasibility of integrate the facilities into the landscape.
the project. The administration building is on the main road,
with the rear of the building having an interface with the sports American architect Louis Kahn held that the objective Programme
grounds/park. This building is the focus of the dissertation. organisation of functions were not enough in itself to produce
a meaningful building. He aimed at transforming the program
The sports rehabilitation centre: aids the recovery and of a building into an essence which he called ‘the builidng’s will
rehabilitation of injured athletes. The rehabilitation centre to exist.’
is located between the main building and the Apies River.
It is connected to the administration building and sports ‘ The nature of space reflects what it wants to be
performance centre by a covered walkway. Is the auditorium a Stradivarius or is it an ear
Is the auditorium a creative instrument
The sports performance centre: is there to aid athletes and keyed to Bach or Bartok
teams in boosting their performances. The facilities include played by the conductor
a gym and outdoor training, making use of the park that or is it a convention hall?
surrounds it. The centre is located closer towards the Apies In the nature of space is the spirit and the will to
River and is connected to the administration building and the exist in a certain way
rehabilitation centre by a covered walkway. Design must closely follow that will’ Louis Kahn

The facilities firstly cater for young aspiring athletes, giving

them access to professional sporting facilities, sports
coaching and sports education. Secondly it caters for veteran Program: A determined set of expected occurrences, a list of required
athletes and teams to improve their performance and aid in utilities, often based on social behaviour, habit or custom (Tschumi
the rehabilitation of injuries in an environment where they 2000:13).
 University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006) Concept 4: Superimposition 4.5

‘ In Kahn’s view the building’s ‘will’, regarded as the essence

of the program, together with that of the building material,
generates a form. The essence of the program not only reflects
that which is required for efficient use but resonates with the
deepest desires and wishes of people for freedom and security’
(Leupen et al. 1997: 92).

THE PROGRAMME OF THE MAIN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

Accommodation schedule (Although allocated
specific functional names most of the spaces allow for
crossprogramming)

Primary space Secondary Space

Ground Floor Ground Floor
Sports Retail Toilets: Ladies
Restaurant with Patio Toilets: Gents
Kitchen Storeroom
Café Small Kitchen

First Floor First floor

Auditorium with Entrance Lobby Toilets: Ladies
2 x Lecture Rooms Toilets: Gentleman
Lounge Circulation Space
Office Space Reception area (Mezzanine level)

4.2 Superimposed
Total construction area of the building 2428 m² Photograph of a
Sectional Model
4.6 Concept 4: Superimposition University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006)

Superimposition The first part of the Superimposition chapter explains the

thinking behind deconstruction, there are however architects
that are not slaves to these theories but use certain elements to
inform their work. This dissertation similarly aims to produce a
project, by using deconstructive concepts to free the designer’s
mind from pre-conceived ideas. Miralles and Pinos’s are two
architects whose work reveal a noble sensibility. ‘Their work
is different from their distant deconstructivist cousins in their
understanding of the necessity of an underlying gestalt – which
is then expressed through several formal hierarchies’ (Curtis
1999:17). The result is that their interventions within its context
is not as obtrusive as Zaha Hadid or Coop Himmelblau, their
work is more communicative (Zabalbeascoa 1992: 158).

In retrospect, the sports administration building’s form was

continually influenced by the events (function) that will occur
within the building. Simultaneously the form of the building
allowed certain functions to happen within. There was a
constant interaction between the two.

The process At the conceptual stage, the programme of the building was
translated to the relevant events that they could generate.
SUPERIMPOSITION ON PLAN
These events were intentionally superimposed for unexpected
events to occur between the various types of users in the
building.

For example:
4.3 Hostalets Civic
Centre, Barcelona by
Enric Miralles and Carme
Pinos
 University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006) Concept 4: Superimposition 4.7

Accommodation translated to events that might occur:

Ground Floor Ground Floor
Shopping Freshening up, chatting
Eating, meeting, relaxing Taking a break
Cooking Storing
Drinking, meeting, interacting Taking a break, relaxing,
eating

First Floor First floor

Thinking, concentrating, learning Freshening up, chatting
Relaxing, waiting, talking Taking a break
Working Moving, rushing
Communicating Waiting

The design process involved a continual communication between

the superimposition of spaces, design, intuition and physical
requirements. (See diagrams for design development from
concept to final product.)

The majority of the corridors were manipulated in section so VERTICAL SUPERIMPOSITION

that the building could achieve visual superimposition. This
was achieved by visually connecting corridors with other
functions of the building. For example: a person arriving for a
conference will be able to see people shopping or others eating,
as he circulates through the building. A person waiting on the
mezzanine level above the café will be able to smell the coffee 4.4 Conceptual Ground
and First Floor Plans
Used to Postulate
the Possibility of
Unexpected Events
Occuring
Concept 4: Superimposition University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006)
 University of Pretoria etd – Harcus, K (2006) Concept 4: Superimposition 4.9

4.5 Opposite Page: Final

Ground and First Floor
Plans Demonstrating
Events within the Sports and hear the chatter from the café. He might even be able to simultaneously columns and beams, structure and ornament.
Administration Building catch a glimpse of a famous soccer star having lunch in the The in-situ concrete slab on the first floor is not simply floor
restaurant. Another example is the glass wall in lecture room nor just wall or ceiling alone, the slab is all of them.
2, where shoppers or visitors will be able to see students
learning. The glass will make the lecture space appear bigger. Superimposition has been a valuable tool for organising events
The students will face away from the activities so as no to within the building. In turn it informed the design of the building Evaluation
distract them. through events, consequently creating a dialogue between the
function and the form of the building. Each space created
SUPERIMPOSITION OF DESIGN ELEMENTS OF Through the application of superimposition in the design of consists of a different set of images and experiences of the
THE BUILDING the building, the ‘in – between’ nature of certain elements space.
were emphasized. The structural steel structural frames are
neither simply structure nor simply ornament. The frames are

4.6 Left: A Typical Cross

Section of the Sports
Administration Building