honey farm

mit architecture design fundamentals ii
prof olga mesa
spring 2013



Each student chose a different flower to draw and study. A model was created based on the organizing principles identified in these studies. In order to create a simplified petal, I dipped balloons into melted wax. These petals were then nested according to the spiral, overlapping rule found in the Ranunculus. The nesting studies made out of beeswax were then digitally modeled.

For the final phase of the project, the previous construction was transformed into a honey farm. Extensive research was done on the topic of harvesting honey aiding both the design and narrative for this facility.

In this honey farm, visitor and worker program start at opposite ends, merging in the middle. Visitors have the option to enter the building at either entrance.

If they choose to enter through the worker entrance, visitors take a tour that allows them to see the honey harvesting process firsthand. Visitors can also choose to skip this experience and enter through the visitor entrance. There is still an opportunity to learn about the process, yet in a classroom setting. This allows visitors to avoid the presence of actual bees, which might be uncomfortable for some.