DESIGN FACTORS: Negligent Symmetry

Remember the two reasons why you would likely find symmetrical buildings? For those other disadvantaged sections unaware, Section 2 knows that symmetry is often found in buildings tied to classical order/formalism (for example, ancient houses of worship or landscape art) or (in the contemporary studio) in weak design projects. 

Really - why would you need 4 stairs within such proximity? Worse still, if you made one awkward and terrible set of stairs, why make the occupants suffer 3 more of the same? Palladio had a focus on order but it reflected an inability to consider other forces.

Similarly the Burj Khalifa (as with many projects in the Middle East and Asia) is also devoid of true contextual factors which renders the plan such a problem (though admittedly SOM realized that there had to be nuanced asymmetry to make this project work). Think about how the sun would hit the building in the morning versus the evening and you automatically realize that symmetrical treatment is nonsensical.

That there are a multiplicity of forces emerging from a site such as solar orientation, major axes and circulation, and adjacent buildings all demand a response that goes beyond symmetry. It makes no sense that a building sitting adjacent to a path with different surrounding elements (such as trees, seating areas, and other anchors for social activity) would be symmetrical in its design. 

Yes, a building may have some symmetrical components (for example theatres often have symmetrical performance spaces on account of acoustics) but the entire building would unlikely be symmetrically split along some major axis. It is in the nuances of the differences that show thoughtful design.

3 Things NOT to DO:

• Do NOT feel compelled to mirror a design simply to fit the space or "make it look right"; the human mind tries to find patters and symmetry but that does not necessarily cater to creating a good design
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• Do NOT second guess your design in the instance you do have symmetry; such a design decision may be the most appropriate choice
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• Do NOT sprawl; corridors and mirroring components in the current final project exercise would not be conducive to this project nor to one's architectural education

3 Things to DO:

• DO think about the space from a person's perspective as opposed to "God's View" from plan; mirroring and symmetry often emerge from the weak designers who only see the 2D plan
• DO consider a range of factors that impact design such as solar orientation, circulation, adjacencies, attractor points, etc. and integrate them as part of the design discussion
• Do think in 3D and you will realize that it is extremely difficult to justify mirroring design elements