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14. In search of Foundation

  • Writer: Nicole Rivera
    Nicole Rivera
  • Jul 4, 2017
  • 2 min read

With or without a construction/ architecture degree, we can probably all agree that the foundation of a building is most important. Without it, everything else is moot. Roofs are second in my mind, but without a secure footing, will it serve its purpose? Our clinic's foundation consists of 4 physical parts: 1. a base of concrete in the trench which is tiered for drainage and to manage the existing slope of the land. 2. Stacked quarry stones that puzzle together strategically with largest at the bottom and smaller at the top. 3. Mortar (cement, sand, and water) to bind the stones together 4. On top a concrete leveling pad to ensure all our walls will begin at the same leveled elevation. These components set the groundwork for the entire project and we have been thinking ahead about what might need to be considered while working on the foundation. For example, a framed wall will need to somehow be anchored to the foundation's leveling pad- we will have to cast some metal assemblies in strategic spots in order to connect the framing members. This physical and literal process of a building's foundation has lead my thoughts to stray (of course) to a conceptual foundation for one's future. How many layers do we need? How do we know when to stop the foundation and start calling it walls? How much foresight is necessary to anchor your future decisions to the ones you've already made. Is your foundation solid and continuous? Or is it made of parts and pieces that can be removed and replaced in the event of structural damage? Is your foundation your childhood that someone else has shaped for you? Is there a defining moment, layer, or material that sets you apart from others? Surprisingly the analogy of a building to a life is one I have not really pondered so far. I am now so curious how many parallels I can make and what these look like, both in my mind as ideas and as diagrams or illustrations. Should I find myself with some spare time, I would like to stew on this. But for now, here are some pictures from our first day laying the quarry stones. 

 
 
 

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