Florida Altar
Design 4, Spring 2024
Cedar Key, Florida
Professor: Gabriel Gonzalez Depalo
Florida Altar is about the intricate interplay of spirituality, death, nature, temporality, and of course, the Florida landscape. Our site, Cedar Keys captures the essence of old Florida, characterized by lush vegetation that frames water and sky. Cedar Keys, positioned along the “forgotten coast”, faces the threat of sea level rise. This impending temporality guides the idea of forming a space that embraces its eventual submersion and unification with the sea.
Diagramming the Elements
I started by diagramming the elements: fire, water, air, and earth, as it felt suitable to begin with the natural components that define Florida's landscape. These diagrams served as the foundation for a matrix that would influence our modeled spaces and architectural forms.
Fire
Water
Air
Earth
Holograft
Drawing inspiration from Florida's natural elements, I created a holograft that essentially narrates the story of Florida, evoking the essence of Cedar Keys. I then introduced architectural elements through basic floor plans and sections.
Site Analysis
Creating a site analysis and marking key features such as vegetation, water levels, existing structures, and pathways helped determine the size and positioning of my structure.
Cemetary Point Park, Cedar Keys
Ground & Roof Draft
Since the given programs were spirituality, long-term dwelling (death), and environment, I created parti drawings based on the Japanese characters for death (æ») and god (神). These partis influenced the design of the ground and roof models.
Floor Plan
Programs
Place of Spirituality
Beginning at the eastern boardwalk, visitors are guided along a wooden walkway to the main entrance and reception. A small hallway leads to contemplative spaces, like the chapel and private lounge overlooking the bay. These intimate areas foster a spiritual atmosphere, fitting Cedar Keys' small community.
Environment
Moving west, a spacious hallway descends into the ground, encouraging visitors to appreciate the tranquility of the southern gardens and water before reaching the cemetery. This east-to-west progression mirrors the sun's path and symbolically represents life's journey.
Dwelling
A secondary wall of urns on the southern side respectfully holds the ashes of the departed, allowing visitors to honor them before continuing to the cemetery.
Section Plan
Perspective
Model Photos
