where my thoughts come to life

Trace Ink Branding

2011-04-16T20:08:00.013-04:00

Trip to Atlanta

2011-04-16T18:03:00.023-04:00

My trip to Atlanta for ProPractice class was amazing. We visited Interface Flooring showroom, TVS designs, Gensler, Cooper Carry, Herman Miller, and ASD. From this trip I gained the confidence to enter in the design work field. I realized that the design process we have developed in school is exactly what is done in the professional world. This trip was reassuring and restored faith that I had in the economic downturn. Each firm told us that the economy is getting better and the work keeps coming in, so people will need to be hired.

It started with a beautiful sunset on our road trip down to ATL

Had to get a picture of Ikea! (visible from TVS designs)

leave behind- self marketing

2011-02-19T16:37:00.002-05:00

I designed the leave behind card based off of my portfolio. I put a sample image from one of my projects, along with my logo.

logo designs

2011-02-19T15:45:00.003-05:00

I worked with Danielle Waye on the mock firm logo for Trace Ink.

portfolio preview

2011-02-19T15:36:00.004-05:00

Single Page Summary Portfolio. I chose to represent one project from Third Year Spring Semester. It was a mix used project with the concept of a hub. I worked on this project in a group and was assigned to design the first floor market, cafe, and entrance area as shown.

First Floor Revisions

2011-02-19T15:04:00.003-05:00

Branding

2011-02-19T14:58:00.002-05:00

[Re]visioning 614-618 S. Elm St.

2011-02-19T14:53:00.005-05:00

Multipurpose Space and Amphitheater

2010-12-12T15:27:00.005-05:00

The re-design of the Vance Chavis site, building, and interiors will reinforce and strengthen the library's commitment to life long learning, to community enrichment, and to environmental and social sustainability.

Datum Line
Crossville Tile Echo Glass Listellos in Wave Clear
The datum line that wraps around the multipurpose space is made of the Crossville Echo Glass Tiles Texture has a slight variation between tiles, made to the same high standards as the finest porcelain, the colors are deep in the tile, not just on the surface. 9/16" x 7 11/16" Actual Size: 9/16" x 7 11/16"
Thickness 9/16”

Design Process

2010-12-12T14:07:00.004-05:00

First Renderings of the space

The datum line relates to the concept of life long learning this datum line is represented through glass tiles at chair height.
It leads your eye all around the room and continues to follow towards outside. It encourages one to go outside and continue to learn in the amphitheater and possibly perform.

First start at 3D modeling figuring out space allocation and placement of storage

Vance Chavis Precedent Study

2010-12-11T17:15:00.003-05:00

The Site Analysis for Vance Chavis was conducted by Christyn Dunning, Lily Glover, Missy Wicker and myself. I studied the Solar Orientation of the building and the amount of windows that allow light to fill the space. After I had studied the space I built a small model to represent the way light inhabits the rooms of the library.

Precedent Study of Central Library and Stockholm Public Library

2010-12-11T15:36:00.005-05:00

Widenheim, Cecilia. Utopia and Reality- Modernity in Sweden 1900-1960. Stockholm City Library.

Elevations and Floor Plans for diagrams found at:

Svenska Arkitecters Riksforbund. Gunnar Aspulund Architect 1885- 1940. Stockholms Stadsbibliotek.

Floor Plans courtesy of Central Library

ROOTS IN TRANSLATION

2010-12-11T15:04:00.003-05:00

Roots are defining and supportive of the growth of a new life. This new life is the revamp of the courtyard area between grahm and gatewood. nature is beauty in it’s own. stripping away concrete and revealing nature’s true foundation is the purpose of this design. The land is now free to roam and a pathway leads you to the many innovative spaces to rest.

The copper tree is the main feature of the design it’s materiality ages with time and patinas revealing its true
material. the roots become seating which bend and fold into the ground. the roots pop up thoughout the space creating more seating for pedestrians.

Preliminary Sketches!

2010-10-05T23:05:00.003-04:00

Precedent study!

2010-09-30T00:34:00.004-04:00

I chose my reading room to be outside between the Gatewood Art Studio and the Graham Building.

Issues to adress... The slope! The generator and transformer on side of building! The concrete courtyard not very pleasing to the eye..

What are things I aim for.. places to sit.. an appealing inviting space.. more natural environment! something to mask the generator

Daylight Model

2010-02-02T20:14:00.006-05:00

Exhibition : The Hatchery REVISIONING RETAIL STUDIO

2009-12-07T23:44:00.006-05:00

ORCHESTRATE

2009-12-07T21:32:00.008-05:00

Below are pictures of my model showing the Sculptural ceiling fixture reflecting light into the space.

Salvation Army Select

2009-12-07T21:04:00.010-05:00

This semester our Retail Design Studio focused most of our time on the Salvation Army Select project. In marketing and preparing the store for it's grand opening. We as a class designed the displays for the Window (large scale), End Display (medium), and the Jewelry Cases (small display). With our minds in design gear and excitement for the project we helped Debbie, and Matt (the designers of the store) prepare for the Opening on November 12th.

News and Record - 'THIS IS GOING TO WOW PEOPLE'

Branding Logo

2009-11-22T16:24:00.002-05:00

This is my logo for the Hatchery Project. It shows the linear elements that relate back to my concept and space, along with the presence of light.

My ideas on paper

2009-11-06T11:15:00.005-05:00

Images of inspiration ^

In keeping with my concept orchestrate I thought lines and conducting. In the above inspirational image the sculpture of lines inspired me to suspend my walls and have the barriers seem afloat. Like I drew above a ceiling feature is mounted by cables which connect towards the floor creating a separation of space without actually having a wall.

Here I showed an example of suspending the walls.

I then moved on thinking of the curves of music notes, and the flow of sound waves. I was inspired by Vivaldi's Four Seasons particularly Autumn. Having these curves which display a moment.

Here is an example of integrating the column along with the ceiling.

This is an add I cut out along with my concept of Orchestrate it inspired me to push and pull walls in order to convey my concept of music.

Here maybe a little to literal I showed how the flow of music jets from wall to wall, the lines of the music become shelving units in the retail space to display student work.

Lastly I kept the idea to suspend walls. Here cables suspend from the ceiling pulling the wall up when not in use and hiding it in the ceiling. I also am doing research on the Juxtaforms which can hide the cables and help reduce the acoustics.

Free Your Mind

2009-10-28T13:08:00.003-04:00

It started with a concept. The Hatchery had to be a space where all forms of art collaborate into one building. Research was first done on the city of Greensboro on a large scale meaning history, weather, population, income etc. The area was then focused on which is Greene St. and Elm St. surrounding stores were taken into consideration of the design, and the demographics. On a smaller scale spaces within the Hatchery were separated and given a number of occupancy and a way to enter and exit the space. Finally the materials were studied that would inhabit the interior of our space.

A precedent study was underway while we as a class researched the activities that could be performed within the hatchery. From that knowledge I narrowed down my findings and constricted them into 10 different inspirational businesses. One stuck in my mind which was the school of Juilliard. The amount of talent that flows through the halls and inspiration onto each student is very moving. I feel this can be imitated on a smaller scale in our Hatchery. From my findings I developed the concept ORCHESTRATE.

I took two meanings for the word orchestrate to develop an idea of my space:

-to compose or arrange for an orchestra

-to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired maximum effect

I envision my space taking on the elements of an orchestra having a bass, tenor, alto, and soprano level within each room. A continuous flow needs to be kept like a piece of music. I would love for the architecture to resemble instruments in some way. If I were to relate my Hatchery to a composition it would be the Four Seasons by Vivaldi for every change in music would be a change in room.

When one first enters my composed hatchery they would first encounter the gallery. I would like that to be first because it would be the most inviting. Work would be showcased by student artists among the free flowing walls. Everything will be light and airy from the material down to the architecture of the walls. I would like for each temporary wall to not actually touch the ceiling so that natural light is dispersed toward the back of the store. I would also like for there to be no doors and have the manipulation of the walls to create that pathway. I pictured the space with the sky light open and the balcony accessible. The light well given onto the Retail area will be interesting from the bottom and the top floor. Material investigation will help with the acoustics of the space.

Past the Retail space is the Client and Performance areas these are parallel to one another. In back is the Collaboration space which can be accessed from the back also. Light will play a great part within the building. I am trying to get as much natural light as possible by opening the staircase and making it almost free standing. From the upstairs the balcony needs to be open to the 2nd floor in order to have the nature from the outside poor onto the inside. Upstairs I envision to be a painting, poetry writing, reading, relaxing area. Along with all those fun activities a coffee bar. Customers can watch people shop below through the light well in the floor, which would have railing around it to make sure no on falls through. Onto the outside I would love to have a Veranda with plants native to Greensboro dispersed and displayed everywhere from the planters on the sides to hanging arbor overhead. Cobblestones will take place on floor along with mosaic among the walls.

My building needs to have a harmony and a melody to accompany one another. I feel I can achieve this by the placement of the separate sections. Where is the eye led to? What is more important? Those questions are answered with the melody of the space. What is the bass? What needs to exist for the melody to shine? These few questions I am currently researching in order for the concept to translate well.

Orchestrate... my concept in process

2009-10-26T14:13:00.006-04:00

Orchestrate

-to compose or arrange for an orchestra

-to provide with orchestration

-to arrange or combine so as to achieve a desired maximum effect

How I interpreted the word orchestrate:

-harmony

-balance

-melody

-bass, tenor, soprano, alto

-different instruments flute, violin, clarinet, cello, piano, french horn etc.

-elements within the space to reflect the concept take on the shape of music

-have a composition of music translate into architecture

Image found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rob_birze/3029925778/in/set-72157594152043528/

Image found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/michael_boyet/3230436750/

Image found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/7256795@N05/3292267712/

Image found at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/34341983@N03/3753831552/

Programming Bubble Map [The Hatchery]

2009-10-19T12:27:00.003-04:00

The front of the store has huge showcase windows that I would like to be used as display of student art. The gallery should be entered first so the customer can get a sense of the space and all that we as students do. A pathway towards the Retail store is taken next and small hallway separations lead to the Client and Performance spaces. Finally students can either walk through the whole Hatchery or come through a back entrance to the Collaboration space.

Week 7 Taking Stock Precedent Research

2009-10-19T00:25:00.013-04:00

To further my research for the Hatchery I personally visited stores down town Greensboro to get a feel of the demographic. Shops like Just Be, and Elsewhere. The Green Bean coffee shop is another to add to the list. Last weekend I visited The Moma and also saw a show on Broadway. I was able to see how people react to observing, acting, enjoyment, and meeting. All are qualities which reflect the feeling of The Hatchery. In order to have this collaboration of fine arts a great organization of spaces must be created. Here is my research to begin this journey.

Let's take a walk downtown...

Picture taken from link : www.greensboro-nc.gov/.../streetscape/

My first visit was to Just Be : 352 S Elm St Greensboro, NC 27401

Just Be caught my attention since the moment I approached the store. The whimsical writing and display of hand made cards in the window fluttered character. I love the way local art was displayed around the store that was on sale. Just Be gave me great ideas for the retail side of The Hatchery, and how to piece together art made by students.

Picture taken from link :commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Soap_bubbles-

My second stop was Elsewhere: 606 & 608 S Elm St, Greensboro, NC 27406
This store showed me how much you can do with found objects. Some "exhibits" were interesting like the ties hanging in bunches and others were a little frightening. I did love the separation of colorful objects in separate boxes. I found that a good way to display objects in the gallery or retail shop.

Picture taken from link: www.davidpetersenartworks.com/page/2/

The Moma 11 West 53 Street New York, New York 10019-5497
My visit to the Moma brought lighting and organization to my attention. How to display items in a fashionable manner and create transitional spaces. Along with traveling different exhibits, and viewing completely different forms of work. The Moma clearly expressed talent and all shapes and sizes. I enjoyed my walk through art and hope that The Hatchery reflects this sense of collaboration and different types of art working together.

Picture taken from link :tedmikulski.wordpress.com/.../

Los Angeles Center For Digital Art
107 West Fifth Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

A new take on art and graphics here is where our designers come into the picture.

Picture taken from link : www.abouttheimage.com/date/2006/02/

www.shaunachurch.com/detail.html?gallery=Rece...

On next to dance:
London Contemporary Dance School

Picture taken from link: www.ballet-dance.com/200402/articles/mercecla...

Another great dance school is in Lincoln Center : Juilliard

Picture taken from link : www.bgawebsites.org/.../mollysaint/nyc.html

Picture taken from link: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Juilliard_School_-...

My next study was on the Tate Modern in London
Relating to the Moma the Tate Modern exhibits contemporary art and large installations. I see The Hatchery as a prospective space to have large installations due to the buildings tall ceilings and open front windows.

Picture taken from link: www.infobritain.co.uk/Tate_Modern.htm

Picture taken from link : http://garethjthomas.wordpress.com/page/2/

Picture taken from link : https:/.../SusongS/theatre_appreciation.htm

East Broadway Theater Stage

Picture taken from link :digital.library.louisville.edu/cdm4/item_view...

For the exterior of the Hatchery I view the balcony as a usable space and the skylight open to the first floor with a surrounding banister. I would love for the outside balcony to be this oasis of secret garden studio where students can paint, read, practice, or write poetry. I would love for the arts to extend towards the outside, and for the terrace to become a secret garden.
Here is an example by Kaffe Fassett Studio

Picture taken from link : www.kaffefassett.com/Mosaic.html

Finally we need a space for our CARS department. A fashion studio in collaboration with the mix of artists and talent.
Here is an example from the Royal College of Art

Picture taken from link : www.rca.ac.uk/.../F&T_fashion.studio.jpg

The MOMA! [ART]

2009-10-14T23:02:00.004-04:00

Pablo Picasso

Vincent van Gogh

Jackson Pollock

The MOMA! [SCULPTURE]

2009-10-14T22:15:00.004-04:00

The MOMA! [LIGHTING]

2009-10-14T14:51:00.004-04:00

The MOMA! [CHAIRS]

2009-10-14T14:12:00.003-04:00

Photos taken by Diana Stanisic and Danielle Waye at the Museum of Modern Art

More Precedent Studies!

2009-10-14T12:52:00.002-04:00

This weekend I spent four long days in NEW YORK CITY! I visited the MOMA and saw many ways of displaying art in a unique style. For the HATCHERY project I see all forms of art coming together almost like a performance of the arts school. I spoke to my friend in the CARS department, at the moment there are no big projects they focus more on individual assignments. I think the students from the fashion design department would be great to offer their skills in costume design or dress designs for up coming productions. Fashion shows can be scheduled in the "auditioning room" or showing collections of pieces for their upcoming designs. I also have a roommate in a poetry club. They perform shows in the EUC at the moment. I think this HATCHERY space would be great to have late night poetry shows. The talent at UNCG is amazing and we have a lot to offer. With the design and collaboration of spaces THE HATCHERY can be our home for art and birth of new ideas.

Precedent Research Lead me ELSEWHERE

2009-10-08T21:27:00.004-04:00

In researching stores for the Precedent Analysis Josie and I took a trip down to Elsewhere. It was my first time in this artistic explosion. I found a lot of items I could relate to. Toys of my childhood books memories all in one store. I liked the sense of freedom the store expressed. I feel that we need to keep that in mind for the HATCHERY. Freedom, talent, and expression.

Precedent Analysis Welcome to the Hatchery

2009-10-08T21:14:00.004-04:00

While I was on the floor sticking my hands in spider webs to measure the floor plan, I handed my camera to Lily. So these wonderful photos of the interior soon to be HATCHERY are complimentary from Lily. Our class split into groups on Wednesday
1.Measure the floor plan
2.Exterior windows and door
3.Ceiling heights
4.Temporary structure

I was surprised with the tremendous space we had to play with. The colors were a bit of a shock, I can honestly say I never saw neon barney crown moldings. I do love the coffered ceilings however. The wood floors are in great condition and so are the two front windows. I think this space is perfect for our project it has great potential and room to grow.

We're Painting the Roses Red.. Not Blue Not Green Not Aquamarine!

2009-10-08T20:11:00.005-04:00

Our group spent the weekend dipping and painting over a hundred shoes! The end result was amazing! The shoes raised a lot of attention around studio, people kept walking by laughing and asking what's up with the shoes? I then explained our project to them. If they make people this curious in studio I can't wait to see the reaction of the public :)

Reuse Group

2009-09-24T19:34:00.003-04:00

Here are some recycled solo cup bow ties I made for the male mannequins.

This one has two little shields as the ties.

Here is my interpretation of the sign for the front of the store. We as a group would like to use recycled reclaimed fence and cut the shape into a shield. After encasing the fence we will pop recycled solo cups through. I would like to fill most of the shield, and leave some negative space to spell out the word GIVE.

more designs to come!

New Display Ideas

2009-09-23T23:31:00.003-04:00

The time has reached to start the display ideas for the new Select Salvation Army store! My first idea was to suspend used paint buckets stained w/ the red paint on the inside and have them pouring out red scarves onto the red shoes that are suspended from the ceiling. Under neath the shoes paint buckets and reflective crystals a mannequin dressed in red holding some scarves sits underneath.

My second idea stemmed from Josie and Denise's blogs. I chose to keep this display neutral so you can add various colors depending on the changing seasons. A neutral dress will be placed on the mannequin which sits on top of cinder blocks stacked in a pyramid below. Pebbles and glass stones are scattered around the bottom of the display reflecting the light and bringing focus onto the floor so the display is read from top to bottom. In back a shear curtain is hung creating a separating element from the window and the store. Crystals are also suspended from the ceiling catching the light and reflecting it onto the display.

My third idea is for the child's section. It is more of an interaction piece. I created a wheel displaying the shoes for our marketing project. While the parent shops for the child, the kids need something to do. I thought it would be fun to create this spinning wheel of red dipped shoes. Kids can touch and play with the model while keeping entertained. The model can be made out of MDF board painted white, or plywood. It will also be at the child's reach supporting their needs.

My last idea plays off of my first. It is to keep the shoes in the design however, being tied to the scarves. Giving the effect of the shoes being poured out of the bucket, or the color saturating the shoe.

What Inspires Me

2009-09-20T18:46:00.002-04:00

This weekend our assignment was to go out and get inspired. I took a trip to Home Depot and AC Moore here are some images I captured that caught my eye by its beauty and texture.

Dipping shoes = Fun on a rainy day!

2009-09-17T15:59:00.005-04:00

shoes...ShOeS... SHOES

2009-09-16T11:55:00.005-04:00

This week we were assigned to market our new coming Salvation Army Select store. I hopped on the idea of getting more donations and how to market it in a clever way. The idea of shoes came to mind. We broke into groups Josie, Nacarra and I came up with the idea of placing hundreds of shoes down a side walk. Walking side by side whether they be glued to the pavement or loose. Everyone walking aside the shoes would follow where they were headed. At the end of the road would be a huge red donation bin for the Salvation Army Select store. I then discussed this idea with my classmates and a second proposal came about. What if we scrounged up a bunch of mismatched shoes and spray painted them red with either the logo in black or a website on the bottom. I think if students were walking down Tate st. or Spring Garden they would follow the shoes curiously. We as a group can volunteer our time on a busy afternoon and take the donations. This idea can also be repeated for the grand opening. Aside from the shoe idea drawing footprints on a side walk with the logo was another way I could take this.

Lost in Time

2009-09-14T11:24:00.006-04:00

In these showcases I took a time piece and interpreted towards the music side of my store. Each display box has a different play list to go with the product on the inside of the display box. Where the gold labels are play lists will be in place and show the amount of time for the song. Shoppers get to choose their style to their liking of music.

Time becomes part of the mural in this piece. The ipod being held by the girl becomes an actual clock with l.e.d. lighting time is shown directly in the back of the store.

In this last piece I showed many views of the installation I would give to the store displaying my time piece. Clocks are positioned at different depths all over the back wall above and integrated into the mural. Each clock displays a different time. They can either be set to different time zones or left at random times. The objective is to get lost in the groove of time and enjoy your shopping experience without worrying about when the store actually closes.

Time Pieces

2009-09-14T10:23:00.004-04:00

This week our studio was assigned to design pieces of time. In relation to my concept groove I continued the feeling of the store within my pieces. Here are my ideas of a time piece.

The first image was to keep the mural of the girl with the ipod, and to have the ipod become a 3d clock.

The second was to have time reflect onto the lacquer ceiling. Instead of the time remaining in place it would move up and down the ceiling as if time was about to fall down the wall.

Here is my third idea. It was to incorporate time within the mural of my back wall and have l.e.d lit clocks of different time zones.

My fourth was to have all size clocks set at different times, at various depths from the wall. The objective was to get lost in time while you shop and fall into the groove.

Finally I designed a showcase for my bags. It is the installation for the left and right hand walls. Instead of actual time being represented small play lists are set under the product. Each set with a different song. Shoppers choose the song they like which reflects the style of the bag. Time is represented not literally but how much time is remaining in the song.

Rock Your Groove

2009-09-04T16:06:00.004-04:00

This store was designed for customers who love music and who are unique in style. The market that is targeted ranges from teenagers to young adults. The atmosphere in the store is upbeat and allows the customer to let loose dance and shop all in one store. The floor is lit from beneath along with overhead l.e.d. lighting. The bags and hats are displayed among the left and right hand walls within the bamboo grooves. Chaboo benches are located among the front of the store for those resting during their shopping experience. The products sold in the store will vary by brand being that this store is offering hundreds of styles to the consumer. It is all about the customer, custom designs and airbrushing will be available to personalize one's style. Come enjoy and get lost in your groove!

Material Investigation [case study]

2009-08-30T23:53:00.015-04:00

In taking part in this case study, I narrowed down my selection of brands to the stores that allowed photography. A brand influences our daily selection of clothes, food, etc. I studied these five retail stores to get behind the scenes of how we are controlled in our decision. My first case study was Toys & Co. Located in Friendly Center of Greensboro, this colorful shop is nestled in and waiting for customers to occupy it's fun environment. The bright yellow and red hues are continued onto the inside of this magical toy shop. As soon as I walked in I felt like a kid because of the height of the ceiling, the walls towered over you with toys and stuffed animals. My eyes shifted from wall to wall of color. Lights flooded the space along with objects hanging from the ceiling. The floor was carpeted and easy to sit down and enjoy your self. Every texture was covered in toys showcased and ready to buy. This brand is set for a child's imagination to run wild, and for a parent to enjoy and relive their childhood experiences of a great toy store.

Next onto one of my favorite stores Pier 1 Imports. The blue and white sign was calling my name as I crossed the parking lot. I'm sure many can relate with so much on display it is hard to walk out with empty hands. Pier 1 enables you to select different styles of objects because of it's layout. You first walk in and smell pumpkin spices mixed with vanilla and see everything. The lighting isn't focused on single objects it is evenly spaced among the ceiling allowing you to focus your attention and what catches your eye. Wooden shelves complement the many pieces of furniture. That is one thing I do enjoy the furniture on display becomes the showcasing stacked with chairs, vases, and embellished pillows.

image found at : www.giftcertificates.com/shop/item.aspx?item_..

Up next was The Limited. The huge glass windows displayed the mannequins dressed sophisticated. When I envision The Limited I always think of the black encased doors and marble flooring. A polished look for a sleek brand. What I observed within this store was the attention to detail and making the clothes come to life. Like the new fall display of the colorful scarves pouring out of a paint can. New items were highlighted with spot lighting and displayed separately. The walls were white leaving the color to be filled by the apparel. I love the organization of this store everything neatly folded and hung on wooden surfaces complementing the marble floor. This brand is serious and enables a customer to trust the product and people will take them serious by the way they dress.

Onto the next store Claire's. This store is filled with goods overflowing from the walls onto the floor. Teenage girls envy this store and I know I could spend over an hour browsing over all the products. When I first entered the store a huge neon sign saying ear piercing caught my attention. So besides the many choices of chap sticks and jewelry you can also get your ears pierced. One thing about the store is everything is accessible, earrings spin on displays in the middle of the store and everything is all at arms reach. Lighting highlights the walls bringing attention to sales and products among the sides. Carpet is the floors surface which is smart being that many of the items can break if dropped on a hard surface. This space is youth friendly and enjoyable.

Lastly was Chuck E. Cheese's. Immediately the atmosphere changed as soon as the doors opened. The sound of chaos came blaring from the game section. Children ran past me with balloons and crowns. This brand slogan is "Where a kid can be a kid" what I experienced didn't fall short from that. Every surface was covered in lights and color. Towards the back the lighting dimmed and the walls were painted black. From what I observed that is where you reserve your birthday space. The face of Chuck E. Cheese's was posted everywhere from the walls to the games even a life size standing rat which was motion censored. In this case branding came with the experience of the space because the atmosphere was just as animated as the children within it.

photos taken by Diana Stanisic

The Empire State Building... precedent analysis

2009-05-11T23:38:00.001-04:00

Hipster Haven...Balance to a Fast Paced Life

2009-05-10T22:46:00.011-04:00

Coming Full Circle ... Opus 14

2009-05-06T16:30:00.004-04:00

Community = People, Planet Profit. The Seattle Public Library: Koolhaas is a great representation of community. This coming together to lighten and enlighten one another in an educational building. The libraries structure causes you to interact with the structure by its organic form and shifting walls. The colors used and dewy decimal system imprinted on the floor makes circulation easy and creates this flow within the interaction of community. “The return on a public structure is not merely the task that it facilitates. It is the whole pleasure that it provides the community” (Roth 137). This pleasure and support that a building alone can provide a community is meaningful. A great relation to community is our second year studio Community by Design. I feel that our year still has this sense of community among one another. We are open to each others ideas and appreciate the work exhibited by each other. One great design was the bus shelter. It did evoke a sense of community especially since I was involved in the events committee and interacted with everyone outside of IARC. Putting together that final presentation and having it go so well was an ample moment in my design schooling.

Stewardship is related to sustainable design, giving back to the earth. Buildings must have purpose and be built to last. Like the pyramids lasting over 10,000 years, builders today should keep this sustainability in mind. Using natural resources and materials is a great step toward sustainability and better stewardship for one another. “The lifecycle of materials must also be borne in mind, and acceptable levels of disposability or recycling attained” (Massey 219). In light of the end of the semester reusing materials is essential not only because a ran out of money, however to recycle and reduce waste. I would like to continue this sustainable approach to my following projects. Reducing the amount of materials I purchase for each project and substituting it with material I already own.

Innovation is clearly what designers live for. An innovative impressive project would be the Water Cube in Beijing. This sense of water and luminous effect among the walls take innovation to a new level. The idea that plastic bubbles inflated become walls to a National Aquatics Center is immeasurable. "A sustainable approach to materials is enhanced by the careful use of energy" ( Massey 222). Following this the inulation that the Water Cube has, cuts energy costs and is a sustainable structure.

en.beijing2008.cn/.../headlines/n214241555.shtml

Authenticity meaning something being genuine, not copied is very rare for today. Buildings like the Disney Concert Hall by Gehry is something new. Due to the choice of material and use of curves. However architects have so much history and design to fall back on for inspiration that design begins to repeat itself. This sustainable design movement hopefully will convey a new sense of design. With better use of materials and building multi functional buildings to last I believe this authentic look that we all yearn for will come fourth due to green design.

wvs.topleftpixel.com/08/07/28/

Coming full Circle I believe that history especially in design is influenced since the beginning of time with the creation of the pyramids and stone henge. However, we have come a long way. Builidings representing new things like flight or victory are being built. The use of materials and inventions of new technologies helped influence design. Like the nautilus shell I believe originality will be coiled within history. It will take a new evolution of designers to break away from "the box" break rules, at which point they will become the authentic.

Unit Summary: Explorations

2009-05-05T16:49:00.010-04:00

What inspires me to design?

My favorite flowers are orchids. They are beautifully sculpted and organic shaped. The luxurious colors influence me to design.

http://www.fabiovisentin.com/photos/world/17_277/Rose-Orchids-bouquet.ashx

Here is a view of Napoli and Mt. Vesuvius. My mother grew up in a small town over looking this beauty when I had visited this image of mixed terracotta and tiled roofs always sticks in my head.

www.theodora.com/.../italy/italy_photos_31.html

The Paris Opera House. The attention to ornate detail and lavish design.

forum.galacticwatercooler.com/showthread.php?...

Espresso the color smell and taste of it. The art of making espresso and perfecting the right pot always intrigued me since I was little.

www.aspetto.com/html/housewares.html

Almost everything I design has a resemblance to the Fleur de Lis. Mainly for its curves and flowing shape.

http://www.courtneydesign.com/catalog/pages/Fleur%20de%20Lis_jpg.htm

I first visited my father's home town Petrcane, Croatia when I was five. Since this age I drew homes identical to the picture. I knew I loved this style and was greatly inspired by this little town on the Dalmatian Coast.

www.drago-apartmani.com/html/petrcane_eng.html

Here is a view of Little Italy in NYC. The sights sounds and atmosphere is unexplainable. I feel at home when I walk down this street eating a gelato.

www.myspace.com/new_york_city_tours

Whenever I see this bright blue my face lights up. I am obsessed with IKEA. Half of my furniture is from here. I enjoy their concept of building and their innovation. As soon as the word IKEA is mentioned I immediately smell cinnamon buns and wood. I love IKEA.

upload.wikimedia.org/.../b/b1/IKEA_Singapore.jpg

The hall of mirrors in Versailles. This overdone beauty is breathtaking to me I enjoy every bit of the design of Versailles.

www.verngator.com/paris2001.html
Barcelona, Cathedral Spain. The hierarchy created with the stretched stain glass windows is beautiful.

www.tunliweb.no/SM/English/sights2.htm

WPA Poster

2009-05-02T18:29:00.004-04:00

Here is imitation of a WPA poster addressing college drinking, and the risks of getting drunk at parties. I used Adobe Illustrator to create this poster by filling in an original picture of the beer cups and glass pitcher.

Object Persuasion

2009-05-02T18:25:00.003-04:00

Here is an advertisement I created using Adobe Photoshop. This is an oak table I designd for my dining space. Our objective was to create a clean designed add to appeal to the consumer.

Urban Pathways

2009-05-02T18:21:00.001-04:00

Created with adobe illustrator.

Our assignment was to take an urban pathway image off of the internet and trace the image in illustrator and fill it completely with color. Here is an image from Fashion Avenue N.Y.

Action Verbs.. Opus 12

2009-04-21T15:13:00.001-04:00

Speculate meaning to meditate on a subject or reflect was great for this week. Taken from the lecture I pondered this quote “a house is a machine for living-- it should be as practical as a typewriter, a telephone, an automobile” Corbusier. This machine for living Corbusier mentions is exactly what architecture evolved into. Architecture relating to commodity, firmness, and delight use to represent all three. However this evolution of design has me speculating if it fits all three. A great piece of architecture to speculate is the Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 1929.The building became the artifact to view however being an art showcase. Reflection and thinness of planes runs throughout the design. This idea of floating and reflecting details flows in and out of the structure. Less is more according to Mies van der Rohe, however, the attention to details in the marble wall make up for this simple design. After the pin up I speculated the design of my building in comparison to the Chrysler Building. The completion dates aren’t far off and neither is the height of both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Like the two major car manufactures Chrysler, and GM both had this concept of speed and racing towards the sky. The material use of steel and glass towering up above the skyline was impressive.

www.eikongraphia.com/?p=111

Impose is always used in a negative context, however can mean differently. An idea can be imposed upon one another that can be innovative and create a new design. The Villa Savoye: Poissy: Corbusier for example imposes this idea of floating. The significance of color directed to specific spaces shape the building and impose this onto the reader. The curves direct the viewers eye. Another interesting fact is the car imposes the dimensions of the Villa which is shaped for perfect proximity of a human to car relationship, “At the Villa Savoye, the turning radius of an automobile determined the curvature of the glass wall on the ground floor“ ( Roth 532). This idea of imposing is related to my stairs. They guide the viewer to either follow them up to the second level or stay on the ground level. This choice and split in levels is imposed onto the structure.

travel.webshots.com/photo/1182357174059059605...

Energize to me means to come alive and enlighten spirits. I think the perfect example that relates to energy is the Twa terminal :Eero Saarinen. This representation of flight and taking off the ground is exactly how I perceive this building. Especially interacting with it in person. The fluttering of the roof gives the building life and enables the viewer to get excited to reach their destination and actually take flight. “Saarinen decided to make a building that would suggest the miracle of flight” (Roth 554).

www.architect-swc.com/Sketches.htm

Shape guided me to the St. Louis Arch: Eero Saarinen. This beautiful arch rising from the ground is a moment of celebration of victory for the Louisiana Purchase. It’s materiality of stainless steel can last for decades maybe even thousands of years. This translated new form shapes beauty in St. Louis. “Saarinen was an architect who spared no effort searching for the unique form of each one of his commissions” (Roth 491). Unique is a great word for this stainless steel arch that clearly stands out from its’ surrounding architecture. Shapes have a great deal of importance to design. It can show strength and hierarchy like the arch, make a design more masculine or structural, or even give it a sensual appeal. For me curves and lines are always attractive in design. It helps me appreciate and understand a design. For example San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane. This beautiful piece of architecture represents shape so well with its delicate curves and alluring use of lines.

stlcin.missouri.org/history/displayimage.cfm?...

The Dulles airport: Eero Saarinen is a great figure for the word stretch. The appearance of wings celebrating flight is inspirational. The huge sweeping sides like birds wings are stretching outwards and creating this curvature balance. It’s as if the wind carries the roof form preparing it for flight. Explaining the structure “between these two elevated parallel beams, cables were suspended. Concrete slabs were placed on the cables to create the roof deck” (Roth 47). In other words this concept of flight although carefree and balanced was hard to create. Relating back to my precedent analysis project this concept of stretch supports this idea. The Empire State Building to me stretches upwards towards the sky. Especially standing underneath it is almost impossible to see the top. This massive structure seems stretched for hundreds of feet towering above New York City.

www.mygtv.net/?p=15113

Road Trip... opus 11

2009-04-14T01:20:00.002-04:00

The roots of the arts and crafts movement come from borrowing parts of designs to create a whole: finding the American Style. The home made look was kept in designing but the embracing of the machine took place when this style developed. The surface decoration was holistically designed leading into the art nouveau style “art nouveau was indebted to the Arts and Crafts for its flowing line, simplicity in furniture design and rejection of academic models” (Massey 33). However, another way to view roots is through eclecticism “borrowing of historical building forms and details, rooted in associational” (Roth 470). This “borrowing” of design from Roman and Greek structural logic might be seen as taking a step back however, they were perfecting it. For example Gothic Revival took apart of this eclecticism movement and the design was later developed.

www.custommade.com/gallery/WilliamDoub/Art-no...

Congruence meaning the agreement harmony conformity or correspondence is prominent within all design “the two buildings are much the same in their free organization of space” (Roth 527). Congruence develops a good design and is a well representation of balance. For example the Unity Temple by Frank Lloyd Wright shows well balance. The lines of the structural columns on the front façade are then repeated onto the interior of the architecture. This sense of protection and balance is perfect for a temple and is well designed to fit the commodity of it’s use. We have been working with composition lately in my visualization class. What is appealing to the eye and how we read advertisements. With congruence I was able to create a balanced harmony for my object persuasion add. I kept a certain amount of distance from the border and made the picture intriguing.

www.bc.edu/.../cas/fnart/fa267/FLW_churches.html

This is the poster I created showing congruence.

Concept being the intent to understand or explain to others your reason for design composition. A perfect example of designing with a concept in mind would be the Crystal Palace by Joseph Paxton. This glass structure was greatly influenced by the impact of industry. As of the result of technology, Paxton was able to clearly design relating to his concept “it’s cast-iron members were painted predominantly blue, so they tended to merge with the sky” (Roth 487). The concept for my hipster haven studio project relates to the fast pace lives of the x & y generations. My plan relates to movement and allows mass circulation within the hall ways. However when one enters their apartment the subtle relaxing colors and horizontal lines are geared to slow the pace down.

www.dl.ket.org/humanities/arch/crystal.fwx

Perspective relating to the concept of slowing down a face paced life.

The study of materiality within architecture as it evolves is interesting. As technology evolves the use of materials broadens. Following Joseph Paxton’s concept of the Crystal Palace, he also made it evident that steel and glass was a possibility for a structure. From this we saw building like Bauhaus with curtain walls. This good design for all inspired by Bauhaus has continued onward. Materiality quoted from Robert “should come first in design”. I keep in mind materials from the beginning I design it is a habit I acquired due to having FF& E specifications. From the start I write down my ideas and materials I am thinking about. Within my Hipster Haven apartment I kept all the material sustainable. Recycled concrete, sustainable paints for the wall and natural light. This great step that humanity has taken from the use of woods, to stones and marbles onward to glass metal and steel is inspiring. With technology I believe new materials are yet to be discovered.

Here are some of the materials I used for my apartment project.

This gesture of compression: release can be seen in the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. For example the Robie House in Chicago Illinois. The structure seems compressed or flattened into the ground. The horizontal movement is released and expansive onto the property however not exceeding a boundary. This use of lines enables the viewer to understand Wright’s design. Wright finds a way to think outside the box however following the rules creating good design. In relation to this gesture I took the words compression: release and designed differently. For my assignment we were compressed or given an assignment to design a WPA poster. From this I found a release in the possibilities of the design. I concentrated on college drinking and the effects of underage drinking. Like Wright I stayed within the guidelines however touching upon a subject that wasn’t an issue during the mid 1900’s.

Between Silence and Light

2009-04-08T14:43:00.000-04:00

The craft that Frank Lloyd Wright took in designing each home exterior and interior was meticulous and renown. For example the Frederick C. Robie House “at every point, the horizontal line is stretched and emphasized, internally as well as externally” (Roth 497). I was inspired by this extreme use of horizontal lines within the prairie home. Within my design for studio I incorporated horizontal lines to guide the viewers eye and create a calming environment to regulate the home owners face paced life.

In the study of the Biltmore Estate the public/private space was essential to the design. The placement of the chimneys and bedroom quarters was different from this central idea and was moved to a more private location in the design of the home. “Around the mid 19th century, American architects began to attend the Ecole des Beaux Arts, beginning with Richard Morris Hunt in 1845” (Roth 133). From what we learned European design was about private/ public spaces. Morris then adapted this idea and introduced it to the United States of America. This idea of public/ private spaces is now adapted and taken into consideration in every design of a home. Like I had mentioned in my studio project I have to create this sense of public/ private space including a loft. I have an open floor plan and the use of the stairs and linear architectural features act as my separation. The loft upstairs counts as a private area that overlooks the public area. With a set of screened doors it is able to become private.

The technique that Frank Lloyd Wright conveyed in the House of Fallingwater was expressed through his minute details. Wright’s use of steel framing to support the house to sit over the water and engage the design with the water that flows from beneath the house. He also polished the stones in the home to represent the glossy reflection of water. However, the hearth of the home his famous fire place was solid to express that it is dry. This technique of representing water throughout the house supported his concept for his design. “Frank Lloyd Wright and other American designers could not accept the restrictions of the Modern Movement, rejecting its characteristic use of pilotis and regular blocks. In the 1930s Wright continued to develop his own personal style which he considered more expressive of American values, cumulating in Falling Water at Bear Run, Pennsylvania (1936)“ (Massey 85). Technique is something we learned in Jake’s visualization class. The project is called object persuasion, we had to develop an advertisement add that was attractive and represented a good layout. I learned the technique of balance and simplicity. I applied this technique to develop a well designed add.

Language is expressed well in the development of the skyscraper. The result of the Chicago fire led to the design of these massive constructed buildings. The use of space was developed the higher the floor the smaller the square footage of the building. When seeing a sky scraper standing underneath a towering piercing building into the sky the language represented is expressive within the architecture. The hierarchy, and empowerment speaks to the reader. In light of the population growth designers had to support the needs of the population. In order to fit everyone architecture had to be built up instead of out.

Due to the growing technology the virtual curtain wall of the Bau Haus was made possible. Instead of walls acting as support the architects Dessau and Gropius designed this machine inspired building. This good design for all was virtually changing the way of design. After WWI the designers came over to America and shared this new design. The curtain wall design was adapted to sky scrapers and is still used today. This system of virtual transformation of how we perceive a building wall is completely turned around and something that should be supportive and strong is now a floating glass structure supported by a steel structure. “This exciting use of space was described in 1924 in Van Doesburg’s ‘Sixteen Points of a Plastic Architecture’ where he writes of De Stijl theory: ‘The new architecture is anti-cubic, that is to say , it does not try to freeze the different functional space cells in one closed cube. Rather it throws the functional space cells (as well as overhanging planes, balcony, volumes etc.) centrifugally from the core.’” (Massey 71). To support this quote space being virtually changing of a room is desired in design. Us as designers are challenged to rethink the use of space in either an existing, or developing design.

In summary this section revolving around the arts and crafts movement up to Modern design was relatively similar. With the introduction of Frank Lloyd Wright using craft and technique it is evident that the design world was continuing to evolve. This use of machinery and embracing the industrial era was a new idea. Spacing was also rethought and this sense of public/private space was redesigned and floor plans changed from then on. Virtually the language of the overall section was speaking towards the future. This desire for modern, new and simple architecture was beginning to emerge and leads us into the next section.

Analytical Essay : The Empire State Building

2009-04-08T11:30:00.002-04:00

In an event between John Jakob Raskob (General Motors) and Walter Chrysler (Chrysler Corp.) seeing who could build the tallest building the birth of the Empire State Building emerged, during the depression. March 17, 1930 construction began on the Empire State Building. The architects for the project were Shreve, Lamb and Harmon Associates. The labor was about 3,000 men the project was finished in a year. It was actually ahead of schedule.[1] “The building itself cost $24,718,000 to build (nearly half the expected cost because of the Great Depression). Including the property on which the building sits, the total cost for the Empire State Building was $40,948,900 [2].”
Designed in the Art Deco style the Empire State Building was actually designed in the 1920’s, however on St. Patrick’s Day of 1930 construction to this building brought hope and jobs to Americans. On May 1, 1931 President Hoover officially turned on the lights to the building. The building has 102 floors, and stands 1252 feet, 381 meters high. [3] The building's sleek limestone and stainless steel design rises in a stunning series of setbacks ending with a bold seven-hundred foot tower. In 1950, the addition of a television antenna added another 225 feet to the building. [4]
The Empire State Building was the tallest until 1972 when the north tower of the World Trade Center was constructed, later then followed the Sears Tower. However, the terrorist attacks on 9-11 destroyed the world trade center leaving New York and the rest of the country devastated. In term the Empire State Building is again the tallest building in New York City, however second tallest in America. The first use of the lights atop the Empire State Building was the celebration of the election for Franklin D. Roosevelt.
The Empire State Building has 6,500 windows and 73 elevators. There are 1,860 steps from street level to the 102nd floor. It has a total floor area of approximately 2,768,591 square feet (257,000 m²). The base of the Empire State Building is about 2 acres (0.8 ha). The building houses 1,000 businesses, and has its own zip code. As of 2007, approximately 20,000 employees work in the building each day, making the Empire State Building the second largest single office complex in America, after the Pentagon. Its original sixty-four elevators are located in a central core. Today, the Empire State Building has 73 elevators in all, including service elevators. It takes less than one minute by elevator to get to the 86th floor, where an observation deck is located. The building has 70 miles (113 km) of pipe and 2,500,000 feet (760,000 m) of electrical wire. [4]
After all these years why are we still drawn to this building? Is it the mass attention it gets in movies like King Kong. The history and pride the Empire State Building has completes New York. It is sad to say the Twin Towers are gone however the “Big Apple” wouldn’t be the same if the sky line was empty of this monumental piece of architecture. This wonder of the world built in a year, rising high 2,500,000 feet into the air sums up our addiction. It is impossible to view the Empire State Building and not wonder how was it done? The Commodity and frequent business leasing space is forever changing along with the colors that gleam off it when it lights up the night. The Firmness of this giant piece of architecture is still standing tall. The Delight one gets when they approach this monstrous tower reaching towards heaven is unexplainable. In conclusion The Empire State Building is a great piece of architecture and is well spent the attention to detail and prolonging praise.

1.”History.“ Empire State Building Official Site. 5 May 2009
2. About.com:20th Century History. About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. 8 April 2009. [http://history1900s.about.com/].

3. “Empire State Builiding.” Great Buildings.com. 5 May 2009
4. “Empire State Building.” New York Architecture Images.

Scenes of Discourse

2009-04-01T16:36:00.002-04:00

Smooth and Soft

Energetic

[re]actions opus week 9

2009-04-01T11:30:00.002-04:00

Rotation this process of turning around was made clear by our change of styles. This revolution of trade and expanding boundaries completely changed the style. An introduction of East to West made that possible. Another form of rotation was the idea of reviving styles. As we studied the Houses of Parliament in London this Gothic Revival or new building designed to emulate the old was prevalent. "The Gothic Revival worked very well, for the reinvigorated architecture fitted perfectly with the buildings' renewed function" (Roth 481).This rotation stays true to most situations. For example in studio I always return back to the skills I learned from my first year and apply my knowledge to the newest thing I am taught or learn.

The arts and crafts movement was the introduction into authentic meaningful style. During the late 19th century and early 20th century this movement changed design with the great debate hand crafted or hand made? Homes like Frank Lloyd Wright’s prairie house, and the Metropolitan Museum of art adopt this style. It then flourishes and becomes the way one should design. This eclecticism and repetition of following the past and not being innovative now has a turn with the century. "Where Wright held fast to the Arts and Crafts ideal, however, was in the firm belief that all parts of the modern house had to germinate from a single design idea, that there be unity throughout the whole" (Roth 496). Relating to the arts and crafts movement within my visualization class we have been creating adobe photo shop images of layers of pictures. Each picture has to follow a sequence of words and relate through the design. My words were smooth, soft and energetic. From there I found images off the internet and made layer upon layer of images and faded the pictures together to come across as soft, smooth and energetic.

A reflection onto the past is how we can advance forward to improve upon what has been done. For example our government buildings instead of them being modeled after Romanesque style, the architects look back into Greek architecture where it all started. This sense of power and government found in the vertical pillars and architectural pediments was kept and developed to become our judicial symbol. This reflection relates to many subjects and instances this week. One reflection is in my materials class with Robert. We are drawing sections of a wall. We first learned about structure, then flooring, following that was wall structures, and now we are learning about the roof. Reflecting back to the structure and how this form was built is extremely important when building. How much weight can the structure support? Visiting the site of My Sister’s Home we were able to see the construction from the foundation up. I think it is of great importance to reflect back onto the beginning steps of a process of any kind.

Source, meaning any thing or place from which something is derived from, had a great meaning this week. Learning about all the chinoiserie styles within the 18th and 19th centuries. The Europeans sourced their dressing after Turkish and Chinese styles, exaggerating the look and making it more their style. They wanted to express the exotic, and stage their wealth with foreign fabrics, and knowledge about different cultures. In my studio project my source of the design for my apartment is sleek industrial. I was inspired by an image I found in Dwell, and Architectural Digest. These two pictures one of a beautiful sleek loft open and lit, the other of a balcony over a tall ceiling with metal floating steps. I immediately envisioned my design.

Immediately after we studied the Crystal Palace I referred it to illuminations. This glass structure unable to consider architecture because it can be moved creates a jewel box of light within. The way Joseph Paxton designed the structure out of iron and glass was impressive for the technology of the 19th century. It was later copied and redesigned by many who followed. We still use this structure today for example the mall. It gives you an open feeling as if you were outside the sun is able to illuminate throughout the structure and pour light into the building. Illumination is greatly considered in my studio project. The rooms we have to design barely have a window, so I am extending the structure beyond the beams 14ft above the ground, and creating a loft on top of the structure. Here is where I can play with light and give each room a full lit bedroom loft, pouring light down into the 1st floor.

My [re]action to this week was noticing a pattern. It dealt greatly with rotation how we started out with Greek architecture and kept going back to the classics. Each movent showed that reflection back to the past. Our source is to this day taking the old and trying to find a new. We are also lucky to have so many sources of architecture and styles to reflect back on.

Scenes of Discourse

2009-03-31T01:30:00.005-04:00

Smooth and Soft

Energetic

Alternatives Unit

2009-03-27T12:00:00.002-04:00

The Alternatives unit was composed of focus on Venice, the Renaissance, and the Baroque era. It took an organization of government to get out of the middle ages and gothic movement. Through this organization architects incorporated geometry within architecture and landscape designs. This process over centuries played its part to develop society, and to leave a lasting impression throughout design.
Venice was a highlight of this section. The development of this city on water was technologically advanced for its time. The fact of Venice still standing today is impressing. Venice was highly designed suitable for it's environment. Through the periphery of the water the canal system lead Venetians through the town and allowed them to live properly. The influence of Palladian villas was greatly used even onto today. We developed our idea off of Andrea Palladio’s designs and have created our own style. This process of rebuilding and influential design towards the future was of abundance in Venice. The beauty of this little city can greatly be appreciated by all who visit.
Moving onto the Renaissance the rebirth took place. The revival of rationality took place through out the 14th and 16th centuries. The Piazza di San Pietro was a start of giving Rome a facelift. The unification of the facades of the colonnade and design of the Vatican was of major importance. This idea to bring Rome together through boulevards connecting attractions, pulled rationality into the audience of the Renaissance.
The introduction to the Baroque era was abundant of character. This sense of enlightenment was seen in Versailles. The idea that the King could control everything including the landscape of nature was new.

Grammar : Syntax

2009-03-24T23:46:00.008-04:00

[Re]visions for this section would be the revival of rationality. Throughout the 14th and 16th centuries transition took place. The world revolved from medieval to modern within this time frame. With the order and clarity represented by Piazza di San Pietro, the state of the church reclaimed power. Bernini’s “face lift” of the medieval city conformed to unity and it’s architecture welcomed Catholicism with literally open arms of a colonnade. Like Bernini I have an assignment to give a 40,000 sqft warehouse a face lift. In order to do so I have to create 900 sqft living units within the interior. Keeping in mind, I stick to universal design for four units, and working with sustainable products.

Photos taken at the Becher-Weaver Center/main floor warehouse/currently owned by UNCG

The audience that the city planning of Rome adhered to continues to affect us today. During the Baroque movement, the connection of major tourist points of Rome were easily located through boulevards. Fountains = water were restored to civic places. The transformation of light, within the fountains in the center of piazza’s created movement. Like I mentioned the Rome of what we know today this organized antique city would never have existed so orderly if it weren’t for the Baroque city planning. Organization is key when it comes to an audience. How will a viewer, read your composition? What message are you trying to convey? Through organization it is easier to understand a design concept, or final perception of a project.

The character, or features of an individual nature of a person or thing was elaborately shown through the Baroque style. It’s character was ornate and over decorated. This sense of enlightenment was greatly seen in Versailles. Reflection was an important characteristic for this palace. From the reflecting pools upon the landscape intricately detailed. Creating this fairy tail world overlooking a vast amount of property, continued into the interior of the hall of mirrors. This reflection creating space characterized the King. He is the most important, and controls the design of this massive manipulation of land, grounds, and space. Character for me is my style. My character is shown through design how I perceive something. It is also how I incorporate design into my daily activities or how I make it my own. This week in my visualization class we had to manipulate an urban landscape picture inspired by a Victorian pattern.

Here is the Victorian pattern in which I was inspired to create the design below.
Image found at <http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs29/f/2008/048/3/1/gothic_victorian_wallpaper_by_photodash.jpg>

Here is the design I then created from a scene of Times Square.

The transition from the Renaissance to the Baroque era took much elaboration and attention to detail. The organized rebirth of the Renaissance set a clear slate to lead up to the Baroque movement. With the growing use of technology new design was made possible. It was the use of technology that aided this transition of movements. When you compare the Giardino di Boboli to the lavish landscaped gardens of Versailles there is no comparison. Everything had to be bigger and better, and too much at that fact. This transition had me thinking when I was assigned our new project in visualization. We have to use technology in this case the Internet to transition the words soft and smooth texture into energetic. So through the use of description and movement language we have to find images to represent both. The assignment is to incorporate the two and express these two words through images instead of physical language. This relates to the language theme of the last class.

Datum is a fact or proposition used to draw a conclusion or make a decision. I believe it is clear to say the Place de Vosges ca. 1605 is a prime example of societies advancement. Before the Renaissance commoners had no choice they were controlled, had little money and had no opportunity to progress in life. The conclusion drawn from the Place de Vosges is that freedom was finally given and growth had taken place. These town homes set in an open square area were quaint living space for the middle class. Each façade was the same to unify the look of the homes, appearing to be a palace from the street. This sense of “belonging, or looking like ones neighbor” was born. Middle, and lower class citizens looked up to the wealthy and imitated their influence of design and unification. From my floor plan of my studio project, I have developed individual units that conform to a whole. There will be 24 living spaces and a community area that is centralized. Like the Place de Vosges I want to give the home owners that open space when they exit there apartment. Creating these safe havens and a place to rest is what makes one feel better about coming home.

In summary the grammar: syntax of this week was the language portrayed through the changing architecture from the Renaissance onto the Baroque era. The [re]vision of the Piazza di San Pietro this order made clear through unifying the Colonnade was an adjustment to the architecture. The audience this change adhered to made the Romans's locate through the streets easier with the new boulevards built to link major landmarks and churches. The character represented through the architecture changed drastically from the Renaissance to the Baroque movement. Through the use of technology this transition paying close attention to detail was made possible. The datum that can be proposed from the change of the rebirth of the Renaissance into the Baroque era is stretching boundaries, and elaborate design was made possible through the use of technology.

Pattern Perception

2009-03-24T00:20:00.004-04:00

For this assignment on Pattern Perception I was inspired by this Victorian pattern.

Image found at <http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs29/f/2008/048/3/1/gothic_victorian_wallpaper_by_photodash.jpg>

The original picture of the urban landscape of Times Square was a lot more detailed. I cropped out a center part that I thought represented that center detail of the Victorian design. From there I rotated and adjusted the size of the image and created a pattern to resemble a detail from the original Victorian pattern.

Deliverables Articulation

2009-03-20T01:31:00.002-04:00

I. Introduction to the Empire State Building
1. Introduce why it was built, during the 1930’s depression.
2. Architects, cost, time, and facts about the build

II. Write about historical points of the building
A. important dates
B. when businesses inhabited the space
C. how it helped the economy

III. World’s Tallest Sky Scraper
1. Describe how long it held the place for the tallest sky scraper
2. Write about the influence it lead upon building skyscrapers
3. Lighting up the sky (write about how the bulbs are changed and what the colors represent)

IV. Conclusion
1. Why are we still drawn to this building? Write about the greatest tourist attraction in NYC
2. Representation of Good Design (Commodity, Firmness, and Delight)
3. Sum up main points with a cohesive statement

References: I will use some internet sites, of course making sure the site is legitimate. However, I need to use a lot of books for information.

Concerns- I am having trouble finding good dimensions for my drawings, due to the server it will not allow me to access plans on the internet.

Views of the Empire State Building

1. Elevation of North Side - done with ink on vellum (light use of colored pencil and prisma color marker)
2. Elevation of South Side- ink on vellum (light use of colored pencil and prisma color marker)
3. Elevation of West Side- ink on vellum (light use of colored pencil and prisma color marker)
4. Elevation of East Sides - ink on vellum (light use of colored pencil and prisma color marker)
5. Floor Plan - Ink on Vellum
6. Drawing of Entrance ( marker, or colored pencil)
7. Perspective of top half including the lightning rod (colored pencil)
8. Sketch in charcoal
9. Interior Perspective of Entrance
10. Aerial View of Empire State Building (deciding media)

Concern- Can I draw my elevations and floor plan in C.A.D.? and afterwards trace and render?
How small are we aloud to scale these down to? Can I draw the Elevations and Floor Plan at 1/8"=1'-0"

P Week...Opus Week 7

2009-03-18T00:11:00.009-04:00

The periphery of Venice is clearly the Sea. Water surrounds this merchant city and creates a culture run by the tides. It’s beauty is embraced by all who see this unique floating city. I never understood how it was created until class when Patrick described the structure underneath. I found it incredible that the trees pushed into the earth underneath haven’t rotted or cracked from the pressure of buildings, people, and cars. This boundary of water became a part of life and the canal system became the route of life for Venetians. Periphery being the external boundary of any surface or area is also present in my new studio project. We have to design 4 units within 900 square feet including stairs, and a coffee shop/ community center. The periphery (boundaries) will actually be the surrounding walls. I have to design an innovative way to create boundaries and separate spaces for four different young couples to live in one renovated warehouse. I think it would be fun to somehow incorporate Venetian design into this renovation.

Here is a perfect picture to show the periphery around Venice. Surounded by water having no land is there boundary.

Image found at <http://z.about.com/d/goitaly/1/0/b/F/-/-/venice-island.jpg>

The term portfolio can have many meanings, from a physical carrying case, to a collection of a person’s work. In this case I believe portfolio is a final display of ones work. A single example of a portfolio display on one surface is the Palazzo Medici 1444. As it was mentioned in the chapter Rennaisance Architecture "The palazzo that Michelozzo then designed combined sobriety of traditional medieval Florentine residences with a sense of gravity and proportion and attention to Classical Roman detail" (Roth 376). The roughness decreases upon each floor. The three floors are a display of class and hierarchy. The rustic bottom is for the lower class moving upward toward the terzo piano where the delicate façade transforms. The series of arches leads your eye and conforms unifying the palazzo. Sitting on top is the huge overhung cornice “shadowing the city” as Patrick mentioned. This truly is a masterpiece of portfolio by Michelozzo di Bartolomeo. In my case my goal is to have a seamless portfolio by the time I graduate. Something to walk away from school with pride and perfection within one briefcase or these days one website. I take parts of work from each semester where I surprised myself with design and skills I’ve learned. Some pieces of work I’ve kept close since last year. Like the Palazzo Medici my rough work is at the bottom and my delicate perfection will be on top. Working from the foundation my skills will grow and so will my portfolio.

This is one image is one that I cherish It was for my drawing class last year and is very influential to my portfolio.

Process always leads to something whether it is creation, or decay. Anything has to follow a process for an end result. For example the base of the Campanile was rebuilt three time. It was a process for the piece of architecture to stand next to the Basilica di San Marco. With process comes faults set backs and then progression. For me design is one big process leading to a final design. My last process design was a place to bath like I mentioned in my last opus. I had to figure out what worked, last minute changes always happen and that’s what helped me design my final. I completely changed the way my ramp flowed, I also changed the entrance to the spa. The process of design starts from an idea moving forward and tons of sketches later I have something. Something that hopefully works and in the end it all pieces together.

This is part of my process developments for my shelter bus project from last semester. This whole project was a process of ever changing concepts and design ideas to make the bus innovative and different.

Perspective is another term that has many meanings.The physical form of perspective is described "The practice of drawing, as described by Vitruvius, also sounds remarkably modern, for he writes of ground plans (ichnographical) being laid out with compass and ruler, of elevation drawings (orthographia) being 'a vertical image of the front', and of perspective (scaenographia) with shaded and retreating lines converging at a vanishing point,” (Roth 122). Taking Santa Maria della Salute 1631 into perspective visually, and putting myself in the Venetian’s place I can understand it’s beauty. After surviving the plague this offer to the Madonna (Santa Maria) was there thanks for health. This quaint beautiful church atop the water and stairs, stands tall. It’s fresh white paint is exuberant and sings life. Each statue is raised circling the dome. I find this church remarkable and for it’s time it was brand new to have a church in a rotunda. It represented the Virgin Mary in many ways. Perspective is something to take in detail. It is either drawing a perspective to show the reality of the design, or it could be taking a situation from a certain point of view. In my case for studio we have study the generation X-Y so I’ve been researching a generation that I am in. Taking the generation into perspective to do an analysis of character is interesting. I found reasons why the X-Y generation act and think and what they expect in design. This isn’t an easy to please cookie cutter generation. We expect new and sustainable design. Taking things into perspective and minute detail tell the story to the big picture.

Here is a drawing of the literal term perspective.

A professional building is the Doge’s Palace 1424. It’s look is delicate with lace infused within the architecture. The detailed clean façade has a qualified look to represent Venice. I find it interesting that this is what represented the government in Venice. This very elaborate façade and fresh color. It’s arches and window designs alone are beautifully decorative. However, it compliments the architecture of Venice being professionally outstanding. From my point of view being professional is acting with class and being a good listener. This can be related into design, how far do you go outside of the boundaries? It is like thinking outside of the box following guidelines. This relates to my new studio project in which we visited a warehouse and must incorporate 900 square feet units within the space. How can I make this interesting to a young buyer? How far can I step outside the boundaries to make something innovative and cool? These are the questions that are running through my head in order to design a well built professional space.

This was a professional moment for me it was my critique for my drawing class.

In summary this week we studied Venetian architecture in keeping in mind that this was built on top of a salt marsh. I found every building remarkable especially the Piazza San Marco. It’s a beautiful culture run by the sea and the ways of the water. In sticking with periphery the Venetians live their daily lives along with the water in their house surrounding their stores, and in their homes. However the process it takes for them to live is all made easy with the canal systems, and the sidewalks, along with gondolas for transportation and bridges. Taking their lives into perspective is the only way one can design for this city. How do you walk through water? Raise the sidewalks. What happens when the tide comes in? Travel by boat. Everything is thought out, down to the color of the building these exuberant beautifully colored homes lead your eye down to the canal. This little merchant city is inspiring I think to anyone. It is professionally designed and takes each detail into consideration. I believe Venice itself is a portfolio tucked away off of the Adriatic waiting for each visitor to view it, and critique it’s beauty.

Constant Fluidity

2009-03-06T12:39:00.005-05:00

In a perfect world everyone is equal. However we are not all perfect and must accommodate to one another. In my design I adhered to everyone including handicapped. In this fluid plan clients enter a passage way from the lobby behind a glass wall and enter the spa area. With a modern take on Roman bath houses you first enter the Tepedarium, following this is a Caldarium, and finally is a Frigidarium bath. The ramp is incorporated into the floor of the spa. The continuation of the railing is a glass block 2' wall hiding the view of the client in the spa, however creating a peaceful environment within the bath. The walls are a continuous pattern of glass blocks which flow up to the domed ceiling. The blocks are translucent blue tinted glass in back are l.e.d. lights set up to flow in a pattern as if waves are running down the walls. There are no breaks or pauses. This spa gives the client the freedom to move as desired and continue in the recovery to true revitalization.

Floor Plan 1/4"=1'-0"

Elevation A 1/4"=1'0"

Elevation B 1/4"=1'-0"

Reflective Ceiling Plan 1/4"=1'-0"

Section Cut 1/4"=1'-0"
Model at 1/2"=1'-0"

Tepedarium

Frigidarium

Caldarium

image found -

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/24/41514857_7a65cc4984.jpg

FF& E Specifications

Walls- Glass Blocks

L.E.D. lights behind

Floor- Marble (rough finish grade)

Foutain seating area and walls- Mosaic tile

Foundations Unit Summary

2009-03-02T11:54:00.005-05:00

(Foundation) The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.

In this unit of Foundation it was essential that we learned the first forms of architecture by mankind. In every established structure a foundation must be set firmly for it to flourish. We began with studying Stonehenge which lead to Egypt where the concept translation and scale arose. Following Egyptian architecture was Greek and Roman structures, in which we studied hierarchy and presence. Through commodity firmness and delight all three must be present for a structure to be good architecture and not only art. Within the foundations unit the main themes set a base for the next units to come.

During our study of Stonehenge the development of structure was the first recognizable form of architecture. Using patterns of circles and finding a way to lift tons of weight vertically was amazing for their time. Which clearly shows why Stonehenge is still a world wonder. The translation of the message Stonehenge is sending us can be interpreted in many ways. Stonehenge sets the base for the proceeding development of design.

Egyptian architecture is renown for it’s massive scale. The Pyramids of Giza are great examples of masculine architecture. The scale of the pyramids gets the concept of power across clearly. Their visibility beyond the vast flat land shows their importance. These perfectly symmetrical forms engulf the land around them setting boundaries. These boundaries are done through scale, the lustrous finish is blinding, and in conclusion they are designed with traps on the interior. Another prime example of boundaries within Egypt are the guards lined up against the Temple of Hatshepsut. The temple is considered feminine architecture being more flat, and incorporated into the earth and backdrop.

Greek architecture is developed among the landscape. Its beautiful structures are perfectly placed among the Acropolis. The hierarchy of the Parthenon is clearly visible being it is the center of attention among the Propylaea, the Erechtheum, and the Athena Nike. Order is another rule of the Greeks. This is shown through their development of structure and columns. Starting from the Doric, to the Ionic, and leading into the Corinthian the columns are a prime example of Greek progression. They found a way to make the structure visibly appealing by spacing and curving of the columns.

Roman architecture is a beautifully developed style. This is because it’s architecture had a foundation to build from, pulling ideas from the East and West in the development of the Empire. A prime example is the Pantheon it’s façade has columns on the outside, on the interior is a central dome with an oculus at the center. This importance of light and visibility of the sky and god plays a major role within the design. Later developed was the Gothic style cathedrals. The beautiful hierarchy and verticality illuminated throughout the church. The strong presence of the spirit of Christ among the commoners echoed through the beautiful stained glass windows down the nave onto the altar.

Throughout time the architecture developed at a steady rate. The great foundation of it all brought us to the development of new ideas. How to build better, higher, stronger and faster. Commodity, firmness and delight is a guideline for these structures. The function of the building, how well does it withstand and how appealing these structures are. Learning about foundations during this unit I was able to understand the process of creation for architecture. Egyptian, Greek and Roman architecture truly support the three main rules they all served a purpose, they outlasted thousands of generations and they are all greatly appealing even in the 21st century.

Picture found at http://www.city.quintewest.on.ca/photos/boulder2.jpg

Voices... Opus week 5

2009-02-25T02:18:00.010-05:00

The presence of the power of the church is displayed within the architecture of the Hagia Sophia. It’s elaborate surface decoration within the inside shows the wealth and importance of Christianity. This power is “bathed in a mystical, suffused light issuing from the hundred walls and mosaics” (Roth 290). This light illuminates presence of the spirit of the Lord. This phrase presence had me thinking since Ash Wednesday and the first Friday where Catholics can't eat meat are this week, it is leading up to be a sad time of the year in Catholicism. The night I get my ashes there is always a sad presence within the church most of the time it is cold and raining outside and the mood is completely sullen.

Image found at <http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/hagia-sophia-photos/nave-general-view.jpg>

In doing my precedent analysis last week for my justification, I took into great consideration the gesture that The Empire State Building puts fourth among New York City. Its great hierarchy rises above this City bringing hopes and values back to the American life, especially since it was built during the depression. This concept of the Empire greatly impacts the work force. New York is an empire itself, in America it holds the stock exchange and power of money within one city. This brings me to my studio project I am working on. I am doing my precedent analysis for a place to bathe for people who are handicapped and in a wheel chair. My culture is based off the Romans, “Roman life focused on temporal comforts and pleasures, as the Roman bath well illustrates” (Roth 275). In doing this analysis I am studying circulation especially since my clients are handicapped. I am also interested in keeping the materials and finish similar to a Roman Bath house. The use of natural and artificial light will also impact the clients experience in their place to bathe. Like the Empire State building brought values and hopes, I also want my place to bathe to do the same for my clients. To have them in full relaxation revitalized and happy.

An aspect of a moment is something to take in with appreciation. Moments are placed throughout architecture like secret messages. One that sticks out boldly is in the Church of San Marco in Venice, Italy. A huge cross hangs from the center before the apse. Through this beautiful cross you are able to see the altar “the walls are covered entirely in gold-backed mosaic, presenting figures of the apostles, saints, and angles“ (Roth297). I find this moment beautiful to lead your eye to the heavens which above is placed a dome. This is something I find interesting being an iarc student. The exterior concept of this dome to open up to the sky is brought onto the inside where the surface decoration elaborately frames this architectural masterpiece. In my design of a bath for a wheelchair I would like to take these moments of revitalization and have the clients experience them as if there was no hassle. To do this I will have to manipulate how the client enters the water. For each tub I would like them to experience something different. Each slight move of the ramp can change the design. Within these moments I would like to stick to code to keep my clients safe.
Image found at <http://www.shafe.co.uk/crystal/images/lshafe/Venice_San_Marco_Interior.jpg>

Here is a moment inside the bath where the client can lay down or sit around the fountain to experience the space.

The duality of San Miniato al Monte is represented through the physical church, and the geometrical order of chaos. After the Roman Empire ended, a form of chaos was brought among the people. To solve this architects incorporated geometrical patterns to bring control back to the church. During this time it was crucial to be "united by a common culture and language" (Roth 325). This language was geometry. Not only does a church serve a purpose of duality, however any space can. A good design has commodity, firmness and delight in other words the commodity can be manipulated and still contain it's elements. For example our dining space that I am building in 3d max. Not only is it a dining space, it can be transformed into what is needed of it.

Every piece of architecture took metric into consideration. The golden section was the rule of thumb in the design process for each masterpiece built. For example in San Vitale the symmetrical balance of the apse leading your eye to the altar is breathtaking. Everything is to scale and planned perfectly. "San Vitale also has a double shell of two octagons, with an adjacent atrium" (Roth 288). This metric balance leads me straight to my problem this week. Designing a ramp that has to submerge into a bath. This ramp must meet metric code for the ADA and be creatively placed.

Here is a model that shows how the ramp flows into the bath to submerge the client into the water.

In summary this week I've payed close attention to the architecture of the church. The presence of spirit and power within the great height. The precedent study before anything was done and what the church now represents. Each space contains a moment and a message to the reader. Every church has duality yes it serves a religious purpose, but it is a meeting place, it can be used for marriage, or funerals. This space is relative to everything and everyone. This duality conveys its metric measurement. Everything is balanced and planned from the flying buttresses to the rose window it all ties together.

a place to bathe...

2009-02-23T02:00:00.002-05:00

http://www.myswitzerland.com/en.cfm/interests/wellness/offer-Activities_Excursions-Winter_Relaxing-26726.html

Many cultures have different bathing rituals. The ultimate goal is relaxation and revival. I am doing research on Roman Bathing Rituals. I find it interesting how open and comfortable people were to bathe around eachother. However, I would like to take the idea of the roman bath house and modernize it. In sticking to the main functions of Roman bathing: a tepidarium, which is a warm pool, a frigidarium, which is a cold pool, and a caldarium, which is a hot room. I feel that not only is water a main focus for this project, but the human interaction and the sense of touch. Whether this be a massage or a guide to help these customers into the water. More research on code standards and comfort needs to be done.

Cucina Rustica...a place to dine

2009-02-21T16:18:00.010-05:00

La Cucina Rustica

(Rustic Kitchen)

La Bellezza Delle Montagne Incontra la Pasione Della Cucina

(The beauty of the mountains is introduced to the passion of the kitchen)

My concept was to incorporate the natural beauty of Tuscany, the passion for food and togetherness of the family. In doing my precedent analysis for this project I felt it necessary to design for the culture. In Italy the main meal of the day is lunch (pranzo) in which everyone comes home from work or school during siesta time to be together with the family. This room is designed mainly for eating and gathering during mid day where natural light is abundant. Afterwards users of this space can converse over espresso and comfortably enjoy the dining experience.

I first started out with the design of my table. I wanted it to be a rustic butcher block style. The table is made of oak wood and coated with a heat protectant. I didn't want it to have a gloss finish so no stain was necessary.

The structure of the table is supported with a cross beam holding the weight of the table top. It is 10'x4' and 2'-6" tall. The table seats 12 people.

Scale for both models is at 1"=1'-0"
The side buffet table follows the rustic concept. It is designed with two drawers for commodity. The side server dimensions are 5'W x 3'H x 2'D.

The Floor Plan shows the layout of the room. As you can see neither of my windows or doors are closed. Purposely I have kept the space open to the exterior. This is an "outdoor" eating space, there are four walls and a roof, however there are openings to the exterior space. I imagine this space to be off of a kitchen which contains a wood burning stove to roast lamb of other cultural foods. The finish of the floor is slate tiles, and a border of ceramic tiles. The room is 26'-6"x 15'.

In the reflective ceiling plan the viewer is able to see the placement of the three chandeliers. Scale is at 1/2"=1'-0"

Elevation A scale 1/2"=1'-0"

From this view the viewer is able to see the significant height of the ceiling which is a vaulted cathedral ceiling. From the floor to the roof it is 20'. The main chandelier is centered with the table and lowered to emphasize the dining area. The other two are off set lighting used to create a softer lighting.

Elevation B scale 1/2"=1'-0"

This elevation shows the placement of the crossbeam, where the chandelier is centered on. It also shows a frontal view of my side serve table within the space.

This is a section cut for Elevation B it shows the conection from the roof to the support beam, and the connection into the concrete.

Here is a perspective demonstrating the space filled and interacted within.

Building Selection + Justification

2009-02-19T23:52:00.006-05:00

The Empire State Building

Project began January 22,1930 and ended May 1, 1931

Shreve, Lamb & Harmon, William F. Lamb as chief designer (&Gregory Johnson)

350 Fifth Ave., bet. W33 and W34

The Empire State Building standing at 1250 ft is the most influential building to the design of skyscrapers. Built during the depression this masterpiece of hierarchy broke records and gave opportunity back to this country. Not only was the Empire State Building a symbol of strength, but it was also a statement that we were recovering as a country and our financial crisis was picking up. Since I was a young girl driving into the city was my favorite trip. The Empire State Building is very influential to me among the midst of the skyline it sticks out right on top claiming it's space among Manhattan. The beauty of this building still lights up the New York skyline and is frequently changing colors. This great form of architecture will always be a piece of me and my design. It's influence onto the world of design impacted greatly, why waste space builidng horizontaly when vertically structure can test gravity and soar to the heavens 1250 ft above the ground. Cities were changed from that point forward. I don't think architecture of what we know a city to be would have been the same if it weren't for the building of the Empire State Building.

information found at <http://www.nyc-architecture.com/MID/MID073.htm>

image found at <http://www.nyc-architecture.com/MID/MID073.htm >

A Place to Dine

2009-02-17T09:26:00.003-05:00

Week 3 Opus Project

2009-02-10T19:13:00.012-05:00

The importance of scale is a major focus this week, from the Pyramids of Giza into this weeks lesson on Greek architecture. Scale is empowering and conveys a message without saying a word. The Pyramids scale is miraculous and to this day is one of the world's wonders. How were they built? As stated by Blakemore "The enormous scale of the monuments was due to the nature of the material and the methods of excavating the stone blocks, transporting them, and lifting the blocks into position" (Blakemore 2). The scale of the pyramids gets the concept of power across clearly. Their visibility beyond the vast flat land shows their importance. Scale is also related to the social hierarchy of the Pharaohs. In relation to scale our studio project designing a place to dine plays a great part. My space has an a line cathedral ceiling. The scale of the ceiling in the dining room is important to its design. It enlarges the room and creates a natural open setting.

Image was created with Sketch Up 7

The unity of power and architecture is expressed through the Temple of Hatshepsut. It is feminine architecture and integrated into the landscape. "Hathshepsut gave her architect and administrator, Senmut, the task of building a terraced mortuary chapel complex next to that of Mentuhotep, to serve also as an earthly paradise for Amon, with a myrrh tree garden recalling those of Punt" (Roth 202). Hatshepsut made sure her monumental tomb would contain parts of her accomplishments along with unifying herself with nature. This is true unity. This relates to the concept of my studio design. Unifying the beauty of the mountains with the passion of the kitchen. The true beauty in natural stone and woods comes out and is placed in a manner that the space is enjoyed.

Boundaries come in many forms they can either be physical or intended. For example the pyramids had boundaries being that they were massive and reflective surrounded by nothing but sand and had set up traps on the inside to keep thieves out. The Temple of Hatshepsut had physical stone guards aligned with columns on the outside. The Lion Gate: Mycenae was also a literal boundary set up to ward off or prepare you for what you are about to enter. Boundaries are set to show commoners or those who are not of high superior where they stand. "The Egyptian temple, the most important public building by the time of the Middle Kingdom, was far more than a church as we might imagine. It was the residence and training ground of the immense bureaucracy that ran the country" (Roth 203). In other words these temples were boundaries for society and controlled the balance of hierarchy during those times. Boundaries for me are guidelines or rules. Something that isn't necessarily physical. For example in designing we are given boundaries as to how far our project can go. You can always think outside of the box but following the rules and staying within the boundaries always creates a balanced well designed project.

The first thing that comes to mind with section is our meticulous drawing of a sectioned wall for Robert's Materials class. We had to translate french descriptions into english, and trace a section of a wall. Sections are great for a description of a project. It should always be cut to show the most interesting part of the project, or to explain a space fully. Sections also show the orientation of the design. Stated by Blakemore "Fenestration was not a significant factor in wall design, particularly on the first floor, where the emphasis was on inward orientation" (Blakemore 37). Again the orientation or placement followed importance especially in Athens. The placement of each building was in sections to discover and experience something different when approaching each one. In particular sectioning off to unveil the main attraction the Parthenon.

When I see pictures of the Parthenon the vignette I envision is the columns disappearing into the surroundings. My focus is on the columns always because they lead the eye towards the massive structure. As Blakemore writes "The role of the orders was significant in defining spaces of the Greek interior; not only did they divide spaces horizontally but they were also instrumental in creating visual interest by the attention drawn to them vertically through decorative detail in the capitals and in the entablature" (Blakemore 28). This weekend I was out by the fountain studying and my eye was lead to the lampposts and the trees. The significant height captured my attention. Not to mention how gorgeous the weather was. I chose to sketch a vignette of a lamppost and tree which were the landmarks to guide you down the path to either the Atrium or the E.U.C.

In summary, this week was focused on Egypt and Social hierarchy. This speculates from the world around me into my own work. It creates a sense of scale with the columns relating to balance, it unifies every part to make a greater whole. It sets boundaries by dividing a space into separate places and setting guidelines. From that we are able to create sections from that architecture, and use vignettes to highlight a focal point.

Different Points of View

2009-02-05T01:27:00.003-05:00

Here is an introduction to my studio project a place to dine. I chose these beginning views of my dining room due to complications with my previous project shelter bus.

Opus Entry Week 2

2009-02-04T11:26:00.012-05:00

Illuminate is a word that has been used frequently this week. Our new studio project is a place to dine and the study of light was a major part of my project. Whether it be natural or artificial, light is one thing that can make a room. Roth reflects upon this "Because our visual pleasure in architecture arises from our perception of it, we must start by considering how the human eye and mind receive and interpret the visual data of architectural experience" (Roth 67). Aiding the eye to perceive a space is illumination through light shaping the space.

graphics.ucsd.edu/~henrik/images/global.html

Idioms are misinterpreted. Studying stone henge I came to the understanding that culture develops a purpose that needs to be taken out of context to understand. "What was it for? The effort of many generations, extended over so many centuries, was undertaken for some compelling purpose." (Roth 173) The purpose of Stonehenge is interpreted many ways. One being a burial site. One recurring idiom is you can't have your cake, and eat it too. In other words don't expect everything including perfection. Like stone henge we are left with this magnificent wonder, with a story behind it. A story we might not ever know.
http://archaeologydigs.blogspot.com/2005/09/stonehenge-mysteries-explored_18.html

Commodity Firmness and Delight are elements I view in each project I design. Including my manifesto project which was our interpretation of design. My manifesto was an intricate detailed ornamentation of how design affects my thought process. My inspiration is the Baroque and Victorian movements, and my manifesto was modeled in this detailed style. “In architecture as in all other operative arts, the end must direct the operation. The end is to build well. Well-building hath three conditions: Commoditie, Firmeness, and Delight.” Sir Henry Wotten, The Elements of Architecture, 1624 ( Roth 11) In the end a well built design is something that reflects my style and puts fourth my best effort.

Material relates to my materials class. On Thursday we visited the building site for My Sisters’ House. I was introduced to a new sustainable insulation which is filled with concrete. On site Robert taught the class about the pricing of a commercial build including materials, labor and permits required. Another study of materials was during my studio class. Our first project is to design a place to dine. For the past week I have been studying different types of wood to design my table and my side buffet table. Material must be studied in every case relating to weather and usable functions. Roth mentions "The dwellings were preserved because they were covered by a landslide incorporating clay, which sealed the building remains and prevented oxygen from getting to the wood, leather, and fiber materials, thereby thwarting their decomposition" (Roth 159) Even 5000 years ago humans were studying material and how it could be protected. We are now developing the technology to build out of any types of material, however material study is the most important step of a project.

Models of table and side buffet table are designed for my studio project a place to dine...

Opus Entries

2009-01-28T16:44:00.003-05:00

Here is a look into my first week of classes and a fresh new sketch book. Following these Opus entries are notes from my classes and words that stuck out to me.

Time Line 550 B.C.E. and A.D.

2009-01-28T09:38:00.003-05:00

550 B.C.E.
INSTITUTIONS:
550 Seven wonders the Temple of Artemis “Diana” at Ephesus built
563 Siddhartha Gautama “Buddha” founder of Buddhism is born
550 Athena, Perseus, and Madusa (Relief art)
550 Temple of Apollo, (Doric columns)
550 Hera Temple in Paestum, Italy
550 Nike form Delos was created

GOVERNANCE:
551 China Confucius is born
553 Cyrus the Great of Persia leads a rebellion against his over lords, MEDES
550 Byzantine Empire begins
559 Cyrus the Great built world’s first large empire

COMMERCE:

TECHNOLOGY:
550 Doric columns
550 Electricity is discovered by Greek physicists
Magnetism was found is the region of Thessaly
6th Century the game Backgammon is invented
The board game Chess is invented
Mathematician Pythagoras said the Earth is round

550 AD

INSTITUTIONS:
554 The trinity version of Christianity has won against Arianism, the Pope and Catholicism now reign in Rome in central Italy

GOVERNANCE:
Tiwanaku Empire was established 550 a.d. in Bolivia, Peru

COMMERCE:
India and profitable trade with Roman Empire has ended
India and trade with Persia has declined
550 AD. the first Slavic tribes arrive to Czech bassin from the North-East (north Baltic coast)

TECHNOLOGY:
Lacquer was discovered in China from tree sap

Citations
http//:dintimelines.com
www.About.com
http://www.historyworl.net/
www.fsmitha.com/time06.html
http://www.mzv.cz

Manifesto Detailed Functional Elegance

2009-01-26T09:18:00.004-05:00

The inspiration for my manifesto is from the Baroque and Victorian movements. The detailed, ornate brilliance is what moves me. The patterns alone within the fabrics and wall coverings give me great ideas. When I design, the first that comes to mind is details and curves. I then decide on how this product can be put together or made. My passion for baroque architecture started since I was young and studied music. When I see baroque architecture for example Salon de la Princesse, one of my favorites the details and curves sing to me. It is as if walls can talk. This style is beautiful to me and within my design I couldn't see anything else. I am aware that many people are sick of this overdone perfect style but to me this is good design.

Computing in Architectural Design

2009-01-25T17:06:00.002-05:00

The use of computers currently is vernacular. Every morning we as a society wake, computers run our day. From our alarm waking us in the morning, or the T.V. showing the weather forecast. Life as we know it would be extremely difficult without computers. It is amazing how far we have come since the development of the first CAD system. In design our process is started with an idea. Which, we further develop into a reality. The use of computers aids us in developing a well planned form of our design. Since the first system of sketching on a slow computer to develop straight lines and shapes, we can now design an amazing gravity defying design solely on a computer system.
Without the programs that designers use everyday I would find it almost impossible seeing how much design as a whole has matured and evolved. In the future I believe the programs that will be developed will amaze us. As each decade goes by more and more details are brought out through computer programs. I think our programs of the future will allow us to experience the space almost life size through laser projections. Programs will allow us to develop a form of a building through an idea just by plugging in a couple of measurements. It will be almost as if your brain was attached to the computer and can assume what your design was intended to be.
I see positive advances in the future through computers. Through aiding us in the development of good design and helping us to build sustainable. It will help us be able to see what materials and weights can with stand and last. I feel that cheap and quick design will terminate, and long lasting quality will finally break through. It is through computers that design for the future will be possible.

Seeds for Change

2009-01-04T17:04:00.008-05:00

Shelter Bus Final

2009-01-04T16:59:00.002-05:00

The shell of the bus radiates outwards as well as reflects light due to the metalic materials the bus is designed with. Natural light bounces off of textured walls and aluminum appliances, along with artificial lighting. This bus is designed to transform into an infermery, a teaching area outside, and house 4 hurricane relief workers.

Shelter Bus Process

2009-01-04T16:37:00.009-05:00

The following pictures show my process to develop a floor plan to be cohesive with my concept Radiating Transformation.

My first concept was Radiating Retention, sections of the bus pushed outwards and were able to move back in expanding the bus.