J. Jih

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Oblique Figures

  • Residential
Boston, MA
2019

Oblique Figures inherits an empty cubic space and inserts a stair as fulcrum, pivoting new spatial and perceptual relationships around a central, curving figure. Connecting three scales and orientations of space, the stair differentiates and domesticates its context by transforming in perspective — appearing as a domestically scaled slim column from the kitchen, a publically scaled grand stair from the entrance axis, and a perspectivally exaggerated dramatic figure from the dining.

Fig. 1

Living space

Fig. 2

The stair stitches together an entry axis at 0 degrees, a spatial axis at 90 degrees, and a mezzanine level set at an oblique.

Fig. 3

View from below

The stair is inscribed within two implicit cylinders. With different vantage points, these two cylinders swap foreshortened relationships, and shift the proportions of the figure.

Fig. 4–6

Perspectival shifts

Fig. 4

Perspectival shifts

Fig. 5

Perspectival shifts

Fig. 6

Perspectival shifts

The stair differentiates and domesticates its oversized cubic context by transforming in perspective — appearing as a domestically scaled slim figure of single radius from the kitchen, and publically scaled grand stair from the entrance axis, and a perspectivally exaggerated receding figure from the dining.

Fig. 7–10

Perceptual Model

Fig. 7

Perceptual Model

Fig. 8

Perceptual Model

Fig. 9

Perceptual Model

Fig. 10

Perceptual Model

Fig. 11–13

Stair views from dining room, kitchen, and through entry

Fig. 11

Stair views from dining room, kitchen, and through entry

Fig. 12

Stair views from dining room, kitchen, and through entry

Fig. 13

Stair views from dining room, kitchen, and through entry
  • Team: J. Jih
  • Photos: James Leng
  • Millwork: Roberts Design Construction
  • GC: Roberts Design Construction
  • Structural Engineer: Andy Harris Engineering

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