Why Design? My name is Fernando Arana. I am in my
I initially decided to study architecture after high school because I thought it was a good way to be an artist without having to use the traditional mediums that artist use. However, as time went on I realized more and more the power that design has to
and
wide ranges of groups of people.
I hope to be able to be able to reach people in a way that makes them think about their environment .
Background I was born in Guatemala and raised in West Palm Beach. I speak Spanish and English, I have two siblings and three dogs (Only two are pictured here).
I initially decided to study architecture after high school because I thought it was a good way to be an artist without having to use the traditional mediums that artist use. However, as time went on I realized more and more the power that design has to ÆŁÆ
and
wide ranges of groups of people. I hope
to be able to be able to reach people in a way that makes them think about their environment
.
Guatemala
I was born in Guatemala, I left when I was very young therefore I don’t really have any memories here. Here stories from my family and researching online have let me get a glimpse of the rich culture and traditions that live here
Landscape
It is believed the word Guatemala derives from the indigenous Nahuatl word “Quahtlemallan,” meaning “land of many trees.” Agriculture contributes a quarter of Guatemala’s GDP. Coffee, bananas, and sugar are their main products. Its climate allows for the farming of many different types of goods for most of the year. The landscape is coursed with caves, caverns, sinkholes, and underground rivers. Nonmountainous regions of the country include the narrow Pacific and Caribbean coastal plains, and a limestone plateau in the Petén, which is geographically part of the Yucatán.
Food & Clothing Guatemala’s food and drink are influenced by its Mayan and Spanish cultures. The climate also enables them to produce an abundance of tropical fruit. Lunch and dinner are usually then based around corn, beans, rice, cheese, and tortillas. Guatemala capitalizes on its vast local goods in order to create a variety of colorful plates. Rice and beans and tortillas are very common in dishes so there are a lot of white, black, and neutral colors throughout different dishes. In more populated areas around Guatemala, the clothing is more contemporary with similar styles found in the U.S. However, there are still towns in Guatemala where people still wear traditional native clothing pieces that are hand-made, characterized by the colorful zig-zag pattern and the embroidered collars and sleeves, often adorned with small rhinestones. The regional differences began as a dress code implemented by the Spanish colonial officials to identify people by their community of origin for tax collection purposes.
Sweden
Sweden is a Scandinavian nation with thousands of coastal islands and inland lakes, along with vast boreal forests and glaciated mountains. Known for its rich geography and climate, there are some similarities between Sweden and Guatemala but at the same time, there are many differences that make Sweden one of the most unique places in the world.
Landscape
The Swedish countryside is dotted with thousands of lakes, freshwater streams, mountains, and rolling hills. Starting up north, villages are few and small, nature fills in. The landscape is very dramatic, and rolling hills rise into mountains. On the way south, you’ll pass by endless numbers of lakes, streams, and pine and birch trees. Sweden is filled with forests and open landscapes and one of the unique joys of living in Sweden is allemansrätten or the right to public access. It allows anyone to roam freely in the countryside, swim and travel by boat in someone else’s waters and pick mushrooms and berries in the forest.
F od & o Clothing Swedish cuisine in modern times is influenced by global cuisine, traditional Swedish dishes are still hugely popular in the country. Significant differences in the cuisine of northern and southern Sweden are also visible. Meats like those of the reindeer and other game are highly popular in the North while dishes rich in fresh vegetables are common in the South. Although most Swedes wear modern clothing that is internationally influenced, traditional Swedish folk costumes are occasionally worn. The Sverigedräkten is one such costume that is worn by royal women on some formal occasions. Different regions of the country have their own folk costume designs. Like Guatemala, there is still traditional clothing found that is hand-made in order to continue and celebrate certain traditions.
Sources https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/culture-in-sweden.html https://borgenproject.org/womens-rights-in-guatemala/ https://www.milmilagros.org/story/indigenous-clothing-in-guatemala https://www.feedthefuture.gov/country/guatemala/ https://sweden.se/climate/nature/weather-and-nature https://www.britannica.com/place/Sweden/Climate
M.2
Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment
Color +
Th eory
Color theory is the study and practice of a set of principles used to understand the logical relationships between color and light in our visual experiences of art and design. Color is an intangible, powerful sensation that has the ability to enhance our physical environment, influence our personal experiences of space, and provide a greater sense of health and well-being. The key factor that determines a color characteristic in the interior environment is the light source Natural light produces an emotional and behavioral response to our environments that affects our perception of color, space, and material texture.
https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-color-wheel-3-color-exercises-beginner-painters https://www.designpoolpatterns.com/understanding-color-theory/ Reed, Ron. Color + Design: Transforming Interior Space. New York: Fairchild Books, 2010. Print.
Luis Barragán Born March 9, 1902 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico He was first educated as an engineer and graduated from the Escuala Libre de Ingenieros in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1923. Afterschool he traveled around France and Spain, where he self-taught himself architecture skills. During his travels he attended Le Corbusier’s lectures and was inspired by native architecture in North Africa which would later influence some of the work he did when he practiced in Mexico. Barragán would begin practicing in his hometown in 1927 and would continue practicing there until he passed away. His style was heavily influenced by European modernism. He would use raw materials combined with the use of light in order to strive to achieve “emotional architecture”.
“any work of architecture which does not express serenity is a mistake.”
Sanctity
Barragán was a devoted religious man. His faith was always an influence in his work. The color yellow was a color he used to allude to the feeling one gets when in a monastery. The image on left is the entrance hall is painted a bright yellow to give a preview to the visitor of the type of color and material palates that will be seen throughout the house. This narrow space is also a space to pause before entering the larger vestibule room. The image on the right is the workshop, where Barragán brings back the yellow but this time to paint the wooden ceiling and structure. Here yellow is used to reflect and enhance the natural light. The directionality of the structural planes is also used to draw the eye outside and towards a new color, the blue of the sky outside.
Vestibule
This is one of the next spaces one experiences after going through the entrance hall. The use of raw volcanic stone helps create the sensation of entering an internal courtyard. Transitioning from a narrow entrance hallway into a double-height space with natural light allows for the visitor to feel relaxed and admire this almost relaxing space. The only function of this room is to use the telephone but this room is a great example of the types of transitioning spaces that Barragán is so famous for.
Landscape
Barragán said, “ I don’t paint greens. I leave those to mother nature”. He would often call himself a landscape architect because of the emphasis he placed on the exterior of the projects he designed. The space given to the garden is almost the same size as the space given to the house. This was because Barragán wanted the main focus to be on the private garden to make the environment of the house more viewed rather than direct use. The garden was almost like an escape from public life to promote the feeling of serenity and singularity.
Conclusion
Barragán was an expert in the use of color in architecture. His ideas on how color can influence not only spaces but those who experience said spaces were what made him so unique. His house is one of the best examples of how his use of colors and materials could feel so personal. The design decisions made by Barragán make his house feel contemporary despite the house being over 70 years old.
http://www.casaluisbarragan.org/eng/en_index.html https://www.archdaily.com/102599/ad-classics-casa-barragan-luis-barragan https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/24/t-magazine/luis-barragan.html
M.4
Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment
Color + Perception
Color is a critical element and must be considered at the beginning of the design process Preparation and planning beforehand help to identify the needs and goals of your project Programming is one of the stages within the design process where you begin the data collection for a particular project Color’s effect on mood is ever-changing as perceptions of our environment change Color interactions in three-dimensional spaces have the ability to affect the size, shape, mass, and volume of interiors.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/230246599671549686/ https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-color-blindness Reed, Ron. Color + Design: Transforming Interior Space. New York: Fairchild Books, 2010. Print.
Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment
Color + Enviroment
M.5
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Directed by: Ӯ 2004
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a movie about trying to forget someone you don’t want to forget. A lot of times we wish we can just forget things or people in order to feel better but this movie explores the idea that forgetting memories can hurt just as much.
4:7 Most of this movie has a lot of cool, monochromatic colors. Early in the movie, we see Joel (Jim Carry) is a single male who works a mundane job and he chooses to spontaneously call off one day. In this cold environment, we see someone who stands out to Joel. This person, Clementine (Kate Winslet) is wearing a bright red hoodie which brings vibrant color and a sense of warmth to Joel’s cold world. This theme of Clementine being the brightest/ vibrant person in Joel’s world is present throughout the movie emphasizing how Joel sees her as almost a beacon of light.
34:19 This scene takes place when Joel is remembering a part of the treatment he undergoes to forget Clementine where they show him a series of objects that Joel associates with Clementine in order to create a map of memories to later erase. Here he is flooded with the color red to signify all the memories of Clementine hitting him at once and engulfing him in this red light that then overwhelms Joel. In this instance, the warmth that Clementine brings him appears to be harmful to Joel but this is when Joel begins to retake control of his memories and fights the treatment, it’s almost as Clementine wakes him up and Joel realizes he does not want to forget her.
54:54 After Joel realizes that he does not want his memories to be erased he then goes on the run jumping through different memories with Clementine in order to try to save them so that when he wakes up he does not forget her. Here Joel and Clementine are shined on with a spotlight, the spotlight is representing the professionals who are chasing Joel throughout his memories to continue with the treatment properly. The spotlight acts as this overbearing figure that is bigger than life. Even in the fading world of Joel’s memories, Clementine remains the most vibrant figure.
1:14:52 The movie ends where it began, at the beach where both characters originally met. This time determined to work it out again knowing the risk of possibly ending up disliking each other all over again. Joel and Clementine are enjoying their moments together again, they have a new appreciation and understanding of each other. They are both flawed humans but they are willing to help each in order to grow as people.
M.6
Color +
Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment
Health
Certain colors we are exposed to may contribute to our mood, mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, which indicates that the qualities of the space we design can influence positive or negative human behavior Health is defined as “the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit” and well-being is the “state of being happy, healthy, or prosperous” How we apply design to our surroundings, and in particular with color, may affect our health and well-being When spaces use blue, the color can help reduce anxiety and stress Cultural norms and associations that are often developed early during childhood may contribute to the mood and color association rather than actual physiological responses
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/15/7965/htm https://www.boex.co.uk/tag/healthcare-design/ Reed, Ron. Color + Design: Transforming Interior Space. New York: Fairchild Books, 2010. Print.
M.7
Color + Balance
Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment
Balance refers to the relationship of different hues to one another when each is perceived to be equal in perceived visual weight Without balance, the remaining principles and elements get lost, and a lack of cohesion in the finished design results The addition or subtraction of color in the interior space will improve the impression or perception the designer intends Interiors, at a minimum, should attempt to contain a three-value scheme
http://julieharrisonrealestate.com/interior-design-tips-how-touse-pantones-2019-color-of-the-year-living-coral/ Reed, Ron. Color + Design: Transforming Interior Space. New York: Fairchild Books, 2010. Print.
M.8
Retail
Colr
Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment
+
Contrast of Hue
This is a Kettal showroom in Barcelona that was designed by Studio Urquiola. The goal of the space was a celebration of Mediterranean outdoor living The walls of the showroom are light colors to allow for the furniture and the different colors offered to be prominent. The main things in focus are the respective furniture pieces and the existing masonry ceiling that has been brought back to emphasize it. The cool colors of the furniture in this area of the showroom attract attention
Contrast of Value
The newly built elements are kept in light neutral colors to not take attention away from the pieces on display. However, some of the elements such as the wooden screen wall are colored in order to define the different spaces as well as to emphasize the double-height space as well as draw the visitors’ eye to the masonry ceiling. The warm features break up the white space to define different spaces
Contrast of a Design Feature
Maintaining a clear sense of visibility throughout the showroom was an objective for the designer. The use of glass, stairs with open risers and wooden screen walls were elements used to keep this detail constant throughout the showroom. The stair with open risers and glass banisters allow for transparency between levels
Contrast of Texture
The wooden wall and colored swinging couch allow for the furniture piece to be emphasized as allow for the wall behind to create the The furniture pieces contrast with the cold white structure surrounding them.
sense of being in a different location that is not the showroom.
Focal point
Along the walls, there are shelves that have different models of seating that are offered. Placing these pieces on shelves brings attention to them and gives them a different feeling as just not furniture but as pieces of art that would also be displayed on shelves. This untraditional decision to put chairs along walls on shelves gives them the appearance of being more decorations or art pieces rather than furniture.
Sources Retail Design Blog. (n.d.). “ Kettal showroom by Studio Urquiola, Barcelona – Spain. Retail Design Blog. Retrieved April 2, 2022, from https://retaildesignblog.net/2017/04/26/kettal-showroom-by-studio-urquiola-barcelona-spain/ Ali Morris • August 31. (2017, August 31). Kettal. Contract Design. Retrieved April 2, 2022, from https://contractdesign.com/projects/retail/ kettal/ Morris, A. (2017, May 14). Patricia Urquiola’s Showroom Interior for Kettal celebrates Mediterranean Outdoor Living. Free Autocad Blocks & Drawings Download Center. Retrieved April 2, 2022, from https://www.allcadblocks.com/patricia-urquiolas-showroom-interiorfor-kettal-celebrates-mediterranean-outdoor-living/
Workplace
Colr
M.9
+
Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment
Line
This Pandora Media INC. office in New York City does a good job at not making the very rigid U-shaped building plan felt. There are two main axes in this workplace, the image is showing what is more like the service axis that spans along the north side connecting two branches where all the workstations are located. The lines on the ceiling and the exposed structural members allow for the directionality in this space to be very strong.
Texture
The client wanted to celebrate and show the texture of the original structure so a design strategy used by ABA Studio was to strip all finishing on the structure. To complement the strippeddown structure, wood glass, and other glossy materials were implemented in order to create a sense of warmth within the space.
Pattern
Millwork louvers are found along the main service wall of the workplace in order to conceal the different rooms and booths. The different louver systems make up different images of a variety of famous artists throughout history.
Shape
The location and color of these small conference/ meeting spaces break up the otherwise plain workstation layout. These rooms are enclosed in glass and act as opportunities to temporarily escape from being in the open office space. The location of these rooms also acts as a tool to make the circulation more dynamic and encourage different forms of interactions as people maneuver around them.
Sources
https://www.archdaily.com/530917/ pandora-media-inc-new-york-officeaba-studio
M.10
Color Theory and Application for the Built Environment
Color + Variety + Design Elements
Shape The Edition hotel in Miami does a great job at utilizing different organic shapes in the lobby to create a welcoming environment for its visitors. Highlighting the original columns from the 40s with an interesting circular, almost halo-like cutout where the columns and ceiling meet really softens the space.
Form Soft drapes add a sense of privacy within the spa area without completely blocking out the view of the entire space. These drapes establish rooms without the need for walls or heavy materials to maintain a serene feeling. The Edition hotel does a great job in establishing the form of the spa with the use of different materials.
Pattern During the day the lobby completely changes from what it looks like in the dark and the patterns that are throughout the lobby are brought to light and fill up the space. Subtle textures on the white columns, tile patterns on the ground, and the shadows cast by the plants all come together to fill up the space with a range of different patterns that fill the space without being too visually overwhelming.
˙˙ŁØÆÆÆ ÆºªŒÆŁÆÆÆÆ ÆØÆÆ¡˙ØŁÆªÆŁÆÆØŁ ŒŁÆºÆªª¡
Sources https://www.editionhotels.com/miami-beach/gallery/
Conclusion This class has been very insightful and I feel that I have learned a lot and the things have learned will help me improve as a designer.
Color is a very important and powerful tool that has all the capacity
to influence how a space is felt and how different people could react within an area
A lot of thought should go into choosing the colors that will go into a space in order to maximize the experience and emphasize a designer’s idea and concept
There is a lot more than just color that goes into designing a space. Designers must consider the form, shape, texture, and pattern
options that can help set a specific atmosphere in order to create a specific environment
This class has made me want to be more aware of the different
color and design element choices that make up spaces and try to
think about why these choices were made and if there were specific types of reactions that are meant to be felt