Heart House
Heart House
The heart is the universal symbol for human emotion, which is why notions of closeness and vulnerability are expressed through this trope. Anything or anyone we adore is often referred to as “close to the heart.” One’s home is the most intimate built space that can be experienced, and Heart House is an architectural and sculptural allegory for this feeling of belonging. Each space in the house is a metaphor for the different members of the human heart, reflecting their functions and roles in oxygenating and recharging blood. The connectivity between the rooms of the house and their circulation paths are also akin to the movement of a blood molecule through the oxygenation process. This network generates a labyrinth of unique spaces, with both private nooks and expansive moments.
The heart is the universal symbol for human emotion, which is why notions of closeness and vulnerability are expressed through this trope. Anything or anyone we adore is often referred to as “close to the heart.” One’s home is the most intimate built space that can be experienced, and Heart House is an architectural and sculptural allegory for this feeling of belonging. Each space in the house is a metaphor for the different members of the human heart, reflecting their functions and roles in oxygenating and recharging blood. The connectivity between the rooms of the house and their circulation paths are also akin to the movement of a blood molecule through the oxygenation process. This network generates a labyrinth of unique spaces, with both private nooks and expansive moments.
Heart House
The heart is the universal symbol for human emotion, which is why notions of closeness and vulnerability are expressed through this trope. Anything or anyone we adore is often referred to as “close to the heart.” One’s home is the most intimate built space that can be experienced, and Heart House is an architectural and sculptural allegory for this feeling of belonging. Each space in the house is a metaphor for the different members of the human heart, reflecting their functions and roles in oxygenating and recharging blood. The connectivity between the rooms of the house and their circulation paths are also akin to the movement of a blood molecule through the oxygenation process. This network generates a labyrinth of unique spaces, with both private nooks and expansive moments.
Heart House 2020, exterior isometric drawing
Path of Blood Molecule
1a. de-oxygenated blood enters the heart through the inferior vena cava
1b. de-oxygenated blood enters the heart through the superior vena cava
2. de-oxygenated blood enters the right atrium
3. de-oxygenated blood is pumped into the right ventricle
4. de-oxygenated blood is pumped to the lungs through the pulmonary arteries
5. oxygenated blood returns to the heart through the pulmonary veins
6. oxygenated blood enters the left atrium
7. oxygenated blood is pumped into the left ventricle
8. oxygenated blood is pumped through the aorta to nourish the rest of the body
Proposed Path of Inhabitant
1a. inhabitant freshens up in the washroom
1b. inhabitant is immersed in a long night of creative work in the study/studio
2. inhabitant changes clothes in the bedroom
3. inhabitant descends to lounge to check the weather and daily news on the television
4. inhabitant ascends to gym to exercise
5. inhabitant descends to the conservatory to relax among plant life after work-out
6. inhabitant proceeds to kitchen for a bite to eat
7. inhabitant descends to lobby to use powder room and receive mail at front door
8. inhabitant ascends to kitchen garden to tend to vegetable plants and herbs
The heart is divided into two sides: right, handling de-oxygenated blood, and left, handling oxygenated blood. Heart House is divided similarly, with the right side encompassing private rooms, and the left side comprising bustling areas. A comparison can be made to de-oxygenated cells being tired and in need of rejuvenation, with oxygenated cells being more active and nourished. The right side reflects privacy through the warmth of materials such as wooden floors. The left side uses colder materials like marble and terrazzo, as well as more glazing and openings.
The inferior vena cava brings de-oxygenated blood into the right atrium. The washroom allows for a space to refresh.
The right ventricle receives de-oxygenated blood from the right atrium. The lounge provides a recreational space to watch television and play games
The superior vena cava brings de-oxygenated blood from the body into the right atrium. Working in the studio/study produces a tired individual who descends into the bedroom for rest.
The left ventricle receives oxygenated blood from the left atrium. The lobby provides an entrance into the home as well as a seating area and powder room for guests
The aorta pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. The kitchen garden produces nourishment for the inhabitant.
The pulmonary arteries pump de-oxygenated blood to the lungs. The gym provides space for physical activity
The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins. The kitchen and dining area are a place to cook and store food
The lungs oxygenate the blood which returns to the heart via the pulmonary veins. The conservatory acts as an area for rejuvination by providing an indoor forest bath from plant life.
The form of the house takes after the anatomy of the human heart, as a slanted, bulbous shape, expanding at the top with tubular structures representing veins and arteries. To add a layer of identity and cultural familiarity, elements of North-Indian typologies are present, such as tilework and mosaics, onion domes, and arched windows. This gives personal identity to the home, the same way a heart poetically holds a person’s most authentic traits. There is no prescribed placement, as this structure can be positioned on a number of sites and still hold cogency.
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Upper Floor Plans
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Perspectives
*see corresponding eye on floor plan for location of point of view
Heart House combines traditional and functional elements of a home, such as a lounge and bathroom, with more luxurious spaces such as a gym and conservatory, providing the inhabitant with a comprehensive living space to rest and recharge.