The Cenotaph, designed by Etienne-Louis Boullée has greatly influenced contemporary architects; he was a visionary French Neoclassicism designer, and so it is important to consider his intent in creating the Cenotaph. This design explores geometric forms that are used at such a scale, that the architectural boundaries are pushed to stamp a bold statement. Each element that is used in the design, help explore the importance of the environment it’s placed in. The Cenotaph’s purpose and intent is complimented by an array of simple elements, such as the importance of strategically placed trees counter parted with layered tiers, and the significance of texture and curvature. All ingredients that suggest a form of elegance and classism. Boullée promoted the idea of making architecture expressive of its purpose. The elements and techniques that the Cenotaph employs are dedicated to the English scientist Isaac Newton. Memorialising his work as a physicist and also immortalising his life and influence in life, in space.
The Cenotaph that has been re-created in Crysis explores a degree of movement of two worlds. A classic style building situated inside of a natural environment, that being Regents park London. The second being our virtual interior solar system.
Our intent was to contrast these two aspects of the design and hence create an impact. The initial impact, when one walks in view of the Cenotaph and appreciates the sheer size of the building in a natural setting and then, again as they enter the confines of the building. A captured virtual night sky/solar system. The building fully expresses itself in the daytime as one walks through the familiar park lands in sunlight, then dramatically enters a mystifying world of stars, comets and an illuminating sun globe. The atmosphere articulated through the internal space, outlines the buildings performance to create an interactive experience. The dome and sphere is a main focal point both as an exterior and interior element. The roofs punched holes allow for the sunlight to shine beams of light and reconstruct stars above you, immersing the public in this unrealistic world in such a normal setting.
The Cenotaph is placed in a milieu of significance, memorialising the fact that Isaac Newton himself is buried in London. Regents Park takes on a persona that helps to provoke a feeling of belonging and monumental importance in providing the utmost appropriate environment for this design. The site is boarded by London itself. A skyline of the city can be seen from the Cenotaph. The cityscape encroaches into the park and the Cenotaph’s position in the heart of the park and also the heart of the city encourages for the building to paint a significant influence as an architectural piece.The trees that are placed surrounding the building help to create a reference point for people to appreciate the impact and scale of the Cenotaph.
The natural vegetation of the site also form a sensation of peace and tranquillity that helps prepares people as they walk into the design. Inviting the public to explore the night experience inside.
The textures and form produces a design that unites classism with sophistication. The textures that were used are considered to be weathered natural materials with earthy tones providing a realism of the building once coming from the Earth.
Up until now Boullee’s vision has forever been left unrealised, leaving this pivitol work in the imagination of all those who admire it. Here we have tried, at least in part, to realise this building virtually in a contemporary context so that it might finally have a life in the virtual world if currently it is still practically impossible to realise physically.
Final Crysis Environment:
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