Taqasim Music School
Musical Euphoria
Music school and Center for Eastern music
Independent Thesis Study - 2 Semesters
My Role:
The Inspiration
Playing an instrument is good for the brain
and the bay area doesn't have a school for Eastern music
Music education in elementary schools has declined dramatically in the last 50 years, especially in compact cities such as San Francisco. Music is essential for language development, as well as for the young brain’s commitment to work harder.
The Goal
Add a music school to the master plan of an existing art district
Hunter Point’s district is in the planning of a major urban development, creating an exciting neighborhood
that is both engaging and comfortable. This art neighborhood will allow for convenient accessibility,
it will optimize the waterfront setting, and it will reflect San Francisco’s built form and character in a contemporary way.
Research
San Francisco Demographics Competition Site Analysis
Choosing The Site
Site Constraints
1. Recovering from toxic waste
2. Diversity in the area is limited
3. Redevelopment of area is only
in the planning stage
4. Not directly on busy streets
Site Opportunities
1. Will be toxic-free within 2 years
2. New neighborhood will attract more diverse population
3. Once redeveloped, entire district will be new including art
4. Minimal traffic noise and odors
5. Directly on the bay, offering great views of downtown SF
6. Area has highest percentage of children 10 and under in SF
Personas
Music education during the early childhood years promotes a rapid growth in efficient activity
of a developing brain, and teaches persistence and order.
This project targets students, such as Natalie, considering their brains are still in early stages of development.
Taqasim Music School will also be perfect for the casual players, such as Mo,
welcoming them in to take their skill to a professional level.
Concept & Program
As a symbol of the middle east, I took inspiration from the dynamic form of Sand Dunes
Interpreting music notation as a linear progression of intervals (or notes),
I translated it into a language of stripes by scoring and bending the material
to represent the fluid forms of Eastern Music - overall resembling the desert sand’s ripple effect.
Between the individual instrumental verses, Taqasim are played: these are solo pieces for only one instrument at a time, which enables individual soloists to demonstrate the full range of their improvisational skill. Finally comes in the dominating element of song, closely intertwined in dialogue
with the instruments and backup choir.
Diagrams
Wasla Diagram
A "Wasla" is a progressive composition of music made of multiple parts, connected by contextual bridges.
The composition begins with an instrumental piece, played by the orchestra acting as an introduction of the song.
