Platforms throughout Can Feliz:

After analysing the plan of Can Feliz, I noticed the significant level changes and use of platforms throughout the building. Further research was necessary inorder to discover the purpose behind all of these platforms and after reading Jorn Utzon's 1962 article "Platforms and Plateaus", I had identified numerous reasons and explanations.

"The platform as an architectural element is a fascinating feature. I first fell in love with it in Mexico on a study trip in 1949, where I found many variations, both in size and idea of, the platform, and where many of the platforms are alone without anything but the surrounding nature. All the platforms in Mexico were positioned and formed with great sensitivity to the natural surroundings and always with a deep idea behind. A great strength radiates from them. The feeling under your feet is the same as the firmness you experience when standing on a large rock."

Utzon makes many links to Chinese and Japanese architecture and the significance platforms hold within both traditions. "Chinese houses and temples owe much of their feeling of firmness and security to the fact that they stand on a platform with the same outline as that of the roof or sometimes even of larger size, depending upon the importance of the building."

There are many reasons behind the use of so many level changes and I believe that one is to control the movement and form boundaries for visitors and other individuals who are not residents of Can Feliz. Once an individual occupies a public space on a platform that is at a lower level than the other private areas of the house, I believe that one would begin to question their authority and invitation to enter a space at a higher level.

The use of raised levels, creates a seperation between public, private and semi private spaces whilst creating an obvious circulation path. The use of platforms not only controls the circulation, but also diverges and detours guests away from private spaces and back to their designated public areas.

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