Peric / The Hidden Potential of the Dvor

The Hidden Potential of the Dvor Reshaping Semi-private Spaces in Moscow

Author: Bogdan Peric, Politecnico di Milano

Supervisor: Alessandro Rocca, Professor Dr., (Polimi), AUID, DAStU, Politecnico di Milano; Camillo Magni, Politecnico di Milano; Yuri Grigoryan, Prof., Moscow Institute of Architecture

Research stage: Intermediate doctoral stage

Category: Extended abstract

DDR Statement

The idea of the design driven research is fundamental for the architectural studies, as the drawing represents a universal language of the design disciplines. However, I strongly believe that design is not only a tool of communication, but also a meaningful method of investigation and analysis.

The design driven research can be compared to the scientific laboratory studies, involving experiments of different kinds. Starting from the considerations and strategic hypothesis, this tool allows the architect to simulate various scenarios, exploring the proofs and consequences.

In my case, I am studying the typology of an open space using the advantages of this approach in order to describe the meaning of the unique semi private spaces established between the residential buildings in Moscow called dvor.

Generally, the typology studies are based on drawings, dealing with plans, sections and the geometrical shapes. In my research, I decided to start working with the hypothesis assumptions designing utopian projects in order to raise the research questions and illustrate the imaginary social relations.

The design driven research allows me to create different scenarios and simulate the several “realities” supposed to draw the useful conclusions in terms of the quality and the potential development of dvor typology.

The design driven research becomes a starting point of my work, able to invent a nonlinear vision of the subject of study. The graphical visualization of the assumptions enables to comprehend the research questions and dig deeper into their definition, therefore helping to explore the architectural qualities of selected typologies.