Week 4-Final Submission of Drawings

Porches of Can Feliz
Porche Plan above: I used black ink-Rapidograph pen to fill in the walls; and pencils to express the enclosures -from dark tones to midtone greys to white.


Section-One above shows a cross-section of a Bedroom space flanked by two courtyards; with the doors to the bathroom in Elevation.
Section-Two above shows a cross-section of the Dining space and its adjoining part of the arcade in Section. The profile of the front entance is in Elevation. The darkened door to the right is a corridor running through the entertaining areas-Living, Kitchen and Dining.

Parti Drawings of Can Feliz

The First Parti highlights the Corridor running through the body of the Villa-it is the Central circulation system-a fast means of conveyance.

The Second Parti shows the series of Matrixes in the entertainment quarters, central to the Villa, strung together by the Corridor. These provide a meandering path, interconnecting the three spaces, and heightening social interaction.

The Third Parti focuses on the Central part of Can Feliz. This parti explores the relationship between the Entertainment spaces and the Courtyard. Allthough the courtyard has no walls, it forms natural boundaries given by the different levels and orientation of vegetation.

The four Matrixes reveal a thrust and tendacy of the Building to lure its occupants towards the Centre, hence portraying Utzons' value of a more healthy interactive lifestlye in the sun. The bottom Matrix then connects the spaces into a continous loop, encouraging a return indoors.

Week 4 Submission-Final Model

Claiming an undisturbing, yet undispensible presence in the Majorcan landscape, Can Feliz establishes such connection to the site via a thoughtfully developed platform. From afar the Villa looks no more than a pile of sand, and as much like an Ancient ruin as a Greek Temple.

Detailed Views of Model:


Above photograph shows sandstone steps leading up to a covered entrance, connected to the sheltered arcade. The low eaves of the Arcade, in summer provide shade against the harsh sun. And in winter, acts as a buffer zone against the strong winds, while providing warmth for its residents.

The Colonades are a bold statement to accentuate the distinction between the open central courtyard from the secluded indoor space-Living, Dining and Kitchen. They also bring a sense of peace and rhythem to the Villa, as the Classical Columns did in Ancient Greek temples.

Can Feliz has a range of spaces from the most brightest and must abundant in sunlight, to the darkest and most sheltered. The secondary living room shown above is a Comfortable space, acheiving a balance between this dynamic range. Shaded by the closely gathered Colonades, it is a cool and shady place for one to repose. This then leads to the most solitary and quiet of spaces-Utzon's Study behind.

Drawings Pin-up on Day of Submission:

Week 3 Progress

Group Model In Progress:


The group decided to make the section cut longitudinal so that all the pockets of spaces can be viewed in Section. The Section cut also follows the broad horizontal spanning on the land.

The Section cut is almost midway between the Villa-through a bit of the roof and straight through the central terrace.

Another attempt at Section and Plan Porches. After some discussion with the Tutor, I gathered a clearer understanding of Porches. I learnt that only Sections can be porched as they are Enclosures and can thus be expressed with an atmosphere. Elevations cannot be porched as they are flat, they can only contain shadows. Section lines still apply to Porches as the subject matter remains a Section.

The Tutor suggested I imporve on this Plan Porche by trying a different technique of Shading, with the side of the pencil and moving down and across the page. Below is an example of what she intended.


A more presentatable Parti diagram showing Circulation. Ways of improving gained from Anu's feedback included using more varied line weights, no blocking out of walls and double lines to symbolise Corridors and Matrixes. Below is a mock-up of what can be done in the Parti.

Week 1 and 2 Progress

A first attempt at Porche exploring possible light and dark areas in Can Feliz plan. Copic markers were used on Yellow trace. A more detailed and refined study is needed for later.
Anu explains the difference between the circulation systems-Corridor and Matrix both present in the Villa. Corridor must convey the occupant from one point to another, and branch out to various rooms on the way. Matrixes allow an interconnected relationship between rooms, they encourage social interaction.


Initial attempts at Section Porches, exploring the effect of pencil on yellow trace. And below-A first Parti diagram. Consequently after receiving feedback, turned out to be a slight confusion between Parti and Porche. This was quickly cleared up by the Tutor.



Parti Above exploring Can Feliz Circulation when all doors to rooms are closed off-The result was a Central Corridor running thourough the heart of the Villa. Parti below, allows all spaces to be left open, the result was a Central Circulation system of a Corridor with matrixes gathered to the left of it. matrixes allowed free flow between the rooms.

Further explorations of Martix and Corridors in Can Feliz, after tutor's feedback.

Villa Can Feliz by Jorn Utzon

Villa Can Feliz is situated on the Island of Majorca, Spain. Its meaning in the local tongue is "Light-Filled Joy"; and it is a residence Utzon had built for himself and his family as a retreat from the hectic schedules of Urban life. A place that he calls his "altar", rich in its simplicity, a pattern of open and closed spaces, fitted with many courtyards; where he can comtemplate the sun, and confront the unspoiled nature before him.

This house is more than just a Building, it is the means through which Utzon expresses himself. Within the Architecture, so thoughtfully designed and constructed of local sandstone, embeds his values of a strong family life; centralised and nurtured in the heart of the Villa within the connected dining, kitchen and living spaces.

His great love for nature, and his untamed desire to be connected and apart of the natural landscape is exemplified in his use of the Platform in Can Feliz. Here he builds a home that is timeless, an Architecture so integrated into the landscape that it is like an ancient Acropolis.