Isabella D’Alessandro
I.
What’s Your Sign? I. Collage of personal characteristics
II. What’s Your Sign Redox I. Constructed Design II. Perpendicular Wall design III. A journey of Discovery to a Local Place of Wonder I. Discovery with Paloma II. Presentation Power Point Form IV. Make a Wall and a Window to Evoke Wonder V. Make a Place Which Evokes Wonder VI. Story board –revised model VII. Kit of parts VIII. Tension model IX. Tension model 2 X. Site analysis
The beginning of this project we were asked to identify qualities within ourselves and make a collage from it. I brainstormed many different words and narrowed it down to the words I thought best described me. (Please see the following collages on the next page to see which words I chose.) But while brainstorming I chose the following: v v v v v v v v v v v v
Nurturing Free spirited Adventurous Blissful Gentle Curious Peaceful Joyful Mysterious Good-humored Bouncy Lively
v v v v v v v v v v
Playful Open-minded Mischievous Loving Carefree Faithful Natural Honest Elegant Confident
v v v v v v v v v v v v
Serene Witty Influential Independent Clairvoyant Intuitive Hopeful Optimistic Positive Bright Intelligent Enthusiastic
What’s Your Sign: Collage NO. 1 (Abstract Design.) About My Design Process: For this collage I selected the words mischievous, adventurous, and curious. The dragon represented my mischievous side; cat the curious side; the enclosed planet for the adventurous side. The shape of the sign was purposeful, I could have stuck to the traditional size of the paper however, I wanted to construct a sign with strong bold edged to represent that these qualities are the most prominent. Also not show the traditional sense of hierarchy by making the triangle upside down.
What’s Your Sign: Collage NO. 2 (Abstract Design.) About My Design Process: For this collage I designed a mixedmedium collage which creates a whimsical design. Again with this design I steered away from the traditional design of an 8 ½ by 11 paper and I shaped it in the way of a flower. This is also supposed to represent my nurturing spirit and love for nature. There is a multitude of things going on in the center of the “flower” so I thought it would represent my adventurous spirit. There are so many things that fascinate me and this is an excellent choice of a photo to explain my very wild imagination.
What’s Your Sign: Collage NO. 3 (Literal Design) About My Design Process: This is my literal design for the collage. I chose several words and displayed them in varied fonts and sizes. I chose a lot of dierent fonts because I feel like it represents my randomness and need to be unpredictable. The varied sizes represents importance. The scale in this collage is the only indicator of importance. I attempted to keep a pattern with it not being too random. Keeping the white background by default made this poster my least favorite of all three of the designs.
v There were several strengths for creating an abstract collage it was a lot easier than I anticipated. I managed my time extremely effectively and created a truly unpredictable design that reflected the words that I chose. v The weaknesses I encountered this week was creating an aesthetically pleasing literal design. I didn’t know how to produce a beautiful design with only using words. Additionally, my craft could have been a little more precise. v There were several opportunities, there wasn’t really a restriction in what we could and couldn’t do therefor it made it extremely difficult to chose material appropriate to what I was trying to demonstrate, however this left many opportunities such as reusing materials to which were virtually garbage. Also, since we could do abstract designs it left the opportunities open for creativity. v Threats of this first project was keeping faith in what you designed as the class went through the designs and expressed the ones they likes. It is very intimidating to show your designs to the class with fear they may be looking at it with skeptical eyes. v None the less I learned you need to and have to love your work and have an open mind
1st Constructed Design : What’s Your Sign Project About my Design Process: For my design I stuck with my love for nature and the idea of playfulness. I chose to make an A symmetrical design so it couldn’t easily be figured out. The different hues of yarn are used in an unpredictable pattern which creates wonder. Yet the color pallet sticks to natural hues. The center of the design is a photo of trees to represent my in touch with nature persona. The feather is intended to represent balance, tranquility as well as elegance. This was quite challenging for me, we had so many opportunities in what materials we could use but we were also limited by the fact we had to use push pins to mount our project. However I felt so extremely limited in what to use in order to demonstrate the love for nature. Threats arose when I mounted my sign and realized that I needed more pushpins than intended to keep it up.
v Strengths in my design was my though process and clear
conceptual design. All of my intentions were meant and heartfelt, none of which were arbitrary. My design was made out of all the materials I wanted to use e.g. the branches and yarn. v Weakness arose when I had to use several pins in different places just to keep this sign up on the wall. Additionally I did not create a perpendicular design on first attempt because I didn’t know how to use my material which is heavier than paper and mount against the wall and gravity. v Opportunities popped into my head during critique when I looked and compared my sign to others. I saw ideas on how to mount my design against the wall and additionally I saw the skill level story line and material others were using which helped clarify certain questions. v Threats was gravity, was my design going to fall off the wall or stay up, also it was scary because I didn’t know if I misunderstood the directions because they seemed so open ended.
My Design Process: For this design I attempted to: a) Keep a similar design for my perpendicular formation of the sign with the overlying theme of my love and exploration of all things in nature, no matter how far I may be I will dangle from the edge and dance in the dust of defeat. (as shown by the feather dangling from the edge of the branches. b) The branched represent structure and strength. The colorful yarn expresses playful and grounded qualities within myself. c) The color scheme stays true to the original intent, keeping everything natural and balanced d) The copper material represents rarity and continues that rhythmic pattern of natural organic qualities that lie within myself.
² Strengths for this design was keeping a linear thought
from the 1st to the 2nd design. When comparing the 1st design to the second it was easily understood that they were apart of the same design. Additionally my sign stayed up against the wall so integrity of my design was strong. ² Weakness of the design was that the materials I used wanted to combat with gravity so it was really hard to keep it mounted against the wall for a long period of time, if someone bumped into the design it could topple over. ² Opportunities, it was really neat that I got to use the same material to express myself through my sign, I felt it connected me and the material together. ² Threats, when everyone in class hung up there final iteration of these designs it was threatening to be so vulnerable but I felt like my design clearly illustrated who I am so there was no debate about that.
Isabella D’Alessandro
ARCH 101 Spring 2016
Journey of Discovery: Melancholy Melancholy: a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.
v Feeling of Melancholy because I don’t get v Openness, yet safety because of the barrier
v
v
v v v v v
to spend too much time exploring the lovely outdoors. Also there has been definite human intervention. I felt like I need to make more time to v experience nature, like when I was more curious and open-minded about v exploring Sight: One of calmness and a sense of loss (the trees that have been there before were cut by humans) v Sound: The slight rustling of the trees, shrubs and whispering of the wind. Touch: Wet grass and soft delicate v flowers on the ground. Smell: Wet grass, fresh air not polluted by bus, or automobiles. Taste: freshness v Major physical aspect contributing to these feelings are large open spaces
of trees that align and define the space around it.
Darker hues of browns and greens cause a sadder mood. The sun was in the midst of the sky so in some areas large shadows formed in response. This park is so gigantic yet finding small little spaces like this makes the space feel so special. This place is so large it makes you feel harmless, yet lurking in the back of your mind is the idea that humans do have a severe impact on the environment. All together the feeling of Melancholy is brought up because of the abandon and cut down trees and surrounding dark area.
v The feeling was very
v Smell is woody and natural
energetic and electric, it and slightly damp maybe evoked curiosity. I love from the morning. seeing trees with unusual v The texture creates an features, collects interest unpredictable pattern, the and electric qualities of kid scale is human friendly. like curiosity Sticking your head into the v Sight: unending branches tree it creates a fearful that twist and turn in v However as soon as you multiple ways. remove your head you v Sounds of birds chirping realize you are safe. and rustling through the v Natural elements with stiff yet flexible branches. interesting natural qualities v Touching of the smooth give a mysterious and branches yet pokey at the wanderlust adventure. same time.
Journey of Discovery: Mellow
v Feeling that this photo evokes
v It is also beautiful because it
within myself is mellow and creates a real life moving portrait inviting, playful sense of wonder that is constantly changing. what is going on? v The natural elements that grow v What animals live here? and create areas of natural beauty make you feel calm and v I just want to lay down in the at peace that this area is not foliage. extremely maintained yet it is v Sight: The vibrant, bright hues of taken care of by the natural green soothe my eyes, while cycles. keep my eye continuously v The scale and pattern of this moving though the design. space makes it extremely safe v Strong scents of wet mud and and comforting because nothing dirty water infested my nose. is extremely large, its easier to v The framing of the space that the process and understand that you tree creates also evokes a playful are not in danger. sense of wonder within myself.
Journey of Discovery: Thankful
The feeling this photo reminds
me of is the feeling of thankfulness.
This tree made me remember a
The smell of this area is
extremely sweet and perfumed..
You can hear birds chirping, bees
pollinating.
tree that I fell in love with as a The beautiful pale colors of the little girl, so it made me feel flowers are reminiscent of a thankful that I had a feeling like small delicate child . this in my past. Note: If you leave an area to develop and create itself it will I saw beautiful pink clusters of create a wonderful, and beautiful pink flowers dispersed in the place that humans will want to foreground and backgrounds explore, and feel extremely which felt all too familiar and thankful for. comforting.
Journey of Discovery: Peaceful
This photo evoke peace within
creates a peaceful and soothing myself. When looking at the sound that you can close your reflection in the water it reflects eyes and imagine exactly what is and glistens and sparkles when happening. looking at it. The light that frames the space in Sight you can see a clear this area is incredible, the rays of pathway that leads down the the sun penetrate through the river bed into a place that makes tree canopy and create a you wonder where it is going, beautiful bright environment but doesn’t cause any panic. that isn’t too harsh or too dim. The smell is of wet rock, mud Mother nature creates a well and plant material. balanced ambience that made me feel at peace within myself. Sound of the water splashing against the rocks so gently
Make a Wall Window to Evoke Wonder 1st Wall Design:
My ďŹ rst wall construction is intended to be an indoor and outdoor area, where the interior correlates with the exterior. Both plants wildlife and breezes come through the interior and exterior to create an experience that connects the two separate spaces experiences. The windows are cut out in a hexagonal shape. The geometric quality will connect directly to nature. Looking out the window you will see a huge tree which the windows will frame various parts from the trunk to the roots and parts of the canopy. This space is intended to make people feel connected to nature not helpless in the company of it. This space will also have a living wall in order to connect the landscape with the architecture that embodies it.
1st Wall Model SWOT Analysis: ² Strengths of this first wall construction design
was the idea that my concept wasn’t completely understood especially by my material and the design principles not being present in my model, although some were used while constructing.
was the fact that I had such a clear idea and a notable place to start in beginning my project. ² Weaknesses : Well the craft level of my project
was notable terrible. I was notified that you do not need to create textures, everything will mostly be implied and mostly using the same material. You don’t need to make “little stones” and little mini trees. Some of my design ideas seemed a bit arbitrary when attempting to explain them. Not having enough time to complete the project, while going to work. Not having the correct and proper workspace and material. Not being able to clearly model trees!!!!!!!! ² Opportunities was that I could change the
material to something a lot simpler and use my ( Photo above is the inspiration for my living wall imagination to create implied meanings and design construction) * sited textures. Also, I could go various directions with Jetsongreen living wall » Jetsongreen living wall this project by adding additional side. Threats
2nd Iteration Exploring: Parallelism For this design I am still exploring the idea of ruins. By which I explain that what is existing now is just as beautiful as what was existing before. There is an axis that leads to no where which should imply that the path that used to exist has been blocked by falling structures. For this design my strengths was the construction and keeping the model standing up without having a base. My weakness was that although my piece was conceptually viewed as ruins, it isn’t apparent what was existing before, there needs to be a way to connect the space together without just putting another wall or ceiling. Opportunities, I found that I should create a longer connecting base in order to connect the space more. Threats, conceptually that I won’t be able to keep one linear though process and have trouble proving my design exactly how I want.
3rd Iteration With Walls, Windows and Floors That Correlate to The Narrative ² Strengths: This time
² Opportunities, we have the
around I felt although my design efforts were quite simple they were understood enough to get the main concept about aesthetically beautiful things. ²
Weakness: my craft for this week was not good, not ² only did I forget to take multiple photo’s but I also ruined my project so that it doesn't’t work that way it did originally.
opportunity to put in ceilings and floors to give it a different set of experiences, I think I need to consider putting in some so that it can feel like one whole structure instead of pieces of a sculpture. Threats: It is very difficult to explain your thought process to other people and have them clearly be able to feel your thought
process.
It is hard to create a design that is translatable amongst peers while still being original.
1st Narrative for Design
Most significant aspects and qualities of my design would be the shape and form of the structure. If one were to cut (a) section(s) through the space, one would see that most of the planes would repeat; the shape of the contour lines would be very apparent. Rhythm and repetition is very significant although this piece is in “ruins” it still needs to feel like it is one cohesive piece, therefore, keeping some of the same shapes links the design together, and helps for easier imagination (of the piece all together as one). Though the hierarchical portion of the design would be categorized by its complexity and shape, and very prominent in the design but relation of size to the other objects. The Viewer at first may see a bit of chaos however, after closer observation they will see ruins of a place that used to exist. Walking up the contoured structure they will be stopped abruptly only to find themselves at the end. The top of the structure will over look the disconnected material. Then they will be face-to-face with the focal point of the structure, and left to piece together those materials in a puzzle-like fashion. My design represents the need for exploration of aesthetically pleasing abandon designs; it is primarily the idea that what remains is just as beautiful as what was first created. Scars can be left on the body but ultimately one survived; this runs parallel to my idea of ruins, although there was a beginning there is still a continual lifespan although it doesn’t resemble what is may have in the beginning. You can apply this to what all living creates undergo, the process of aging. The audience will experience large vast areas of disconnect, where edges and axis(es) don’t meet, in addition, symmetry will not be apparent at all. Part of the space may be missing entirely; moreover, they may have implications of something that used to be there. This will relate to my metaphor because it will represent areas of interest, things that may have not been vastly interesting such as contoured walkways and a parallel wall may become more interesting when distorted and broken.
4th Iteration of the Wall Construction Strengths: It was a lot more clear my sequence of events for this version of my model. There are different eddies and corners where people can go inside. This was very much so easily translated when my project was presented. Weakness: this material I used was very difficult to cut round shapes in with still keeping the material crafty in a descent manner. It also isn’t very great that my project is so disconnected in its assembly. Opportunities, with the next model I can be a lot looser in construction for my next design so I can focus on what is important to display and what shouldn’t be. Threats, I fear that I chose a concept that is too hard to visually understand, although at first it seemed like an simple idea it became extremely complex.
Inspiration for this design is that feeling evoked at Sutro Baths and the ruins that remain within that boundary.
Narrative Design #2 The ruins of this space are from a multitude of causes, weathering, lack of maintenance, abandonment, and deliberate acts of destruction. As newer spaces are created sometimes older spaces are forgotten and neglected. I want those who are exploring the area to think and imagine what this space would be life if it were complete, and then compare what is left. Some will see the space with the glass half full and others the glass half empty. This space is an area full of positive potential and astonishing scale to leave you wonder what could have possibly happen, maybe a the movement of tectonic plates, maybe a small or large scale battle or war, it is up for interpretation. This design, with its complexities and large scale should make the visitor feel helpless and little yet free with all the openness. Again, they should also channel and accept that although things are essentially ruined it doesn’t mean it is the end. Most significant aspects and qualities of my design would be the shape and form of the structure. If one were to cut (a) section(s) through the space, one would see that most of the planes would repeat; the shape of the contour lines would be very apparent. Rhythm and repetition is very significant although this piece is in “ruins” it still needs to feel like it is one cohesive piece, therefore, keeping some of the same shapes links the design together, and helps for easier imagination (of the piece all together as one). I want one to be able to imagine the missing link, and have hints and evidence of things that could have existed. That’s what makes the dinosaur age so interesting because you use a combination of imagination along with physical evidence. The Viewer at first may see a bit of chaos however, after closer observation they will see ruins of a place that used to exist. Walking up the contoured structure they will be stopped abruptly only to find themselves at the end. The top of the structure will over look the disconnected material which is in poor condition which suggests lack of maintenance, weathering and deliberate destruction. Then they will be face-to-face with the focal point of the structure, and left to piece together those materials in a puzzle-like fashion. Looking at the large-scale piece you can imagine this would be a piece that connects back to the Neolithic period, at the time Stonehenge was creates. Also in addition, the fact that material was not as permanent as they are today could also be a clue as to why the structure is not in tact still. My design represents the need for exploration of aesthetically pleasing abandon designs; it is primarily the idea that what remains is just as beautiful as what was first created. Scars can be left on the body but ultimately one survived; this runs parallel to my idea of ruins, although there was a beginning there is still a continual lifespan although it doesn’t resemble what is may have in the beginning. Maybe in the beginning of the construction of the space, it could have been strong, new and beautiful. As time, outside forces such as weathering and other factors came into play this slowly starts to ware away at the structure. In my design there are suggestions that walls do line up however some parts of the walls are slightly tilted, the roof and or ceiling is missing, etc…You can apply the wearing away of material to what all living creates undergo, the process of aging.
5th Iteration of Ruins rough model
Strengths: I feel like I did a great job implying surfaces with the methods I used and how I manipulated the material. I also feel like I am making a move forward where there are notable experiences and events that you can enjoy. Weakness I need to somehow create or think of what used to exist in this space so that I can create something that can be pieced together and make more sense. Opportunities, I could keep with the same theme or switch it up yet still use the idea of ruins just maybe explore it in a different way. Threats: I don’t want to steer to far away from what I first came up with, I want my models to look like they are steaming from the same and or similar ideas, and not just something random. (Looking back at this I feel like I didn’t have a clear and concise direction in where I need to go, I think I was just focusing on the form and couldn’t actually put a cohesive piece together, I also see that the pieces are completely disjointed which is a bit too much for whom ever is trying to experience it. There is no clear path way although at the time I had “designed one” it is not obvious. There is not a climax by which is discernable, but I am proud that I continued with the same idea, because I was extremely determined to do this and get at least one successful model of the idea for ruins…..)
Rough Model For Creating a Space This go around I had a little more of an idea conceptually where I wanted to go with this project. Strengths where that I was not going to give up on this idea and continue to work through the challenges. Weaknesses: I still had some unresolved problems such as axis's that were kind of awkward and windows that could be aligned better. Opportunities was that I could see more of where I was heading. Threats was that this idea may still not be working conceptually and that I am wasting time trying to do something that just won’t work.
Inspired from mid century castle ruins.
Side note, this is the turning point in my architectural journey, this is the moment where something clicked in my mind and helped me design my next design I had more of a clear idea of what to keep in tact in order to make the ideas of ruins.
The Ruins Model: Destruction of Anotomy
SWOT ANALYSIS FOR NEW RUINS MODEL v Strengths: Definitely my most successful model, I have clear access points and paths to walk
through. Additionally I attempted to not make my model symmetrical. I kept the building more in tack, but with the intentions of explaining what natural disaster happened to it, (an earthquake, hence the crack through the foundation of the structure). I also think I represented the trees in a more natural and abstract manner that are easy to interpret as trees. v Weakness: I now have a little too much building in tack, so ruins may not be evident. I also
need to have more events to happen it is just a one story structure that does not have much to do in it. It would be a little more of a dull event. v Opportunities: This gives me the opportunity to expand and create a more in depth
experience. I need to include some kind of hierarchical point where the view will be attracted to reward their experience. v Threats: I am worried that this isn’t exactly going to scream ruins. Additionally I am worried
that I am not going to create a captivating experience. With creating an experience I don’t want to lose the point of direction in where I am going.
Walking through the swirling path to an unknown area where you have never been, you are lost and want to continue forth in order to meet or find someone to help point you in the right direction. The beautiful hues lure you forth, dazed and confused you don’t even hesitate or question your choices. You find a house that is not completely intact but you are curious to see if there is anyone in the area to help point you in the right direction so you cautiously approach the house.
When walking up to the house you are interested and astonished at the fact the there is no one around to witness this with you, you also wonder what kind of people live here in the middle of no where? You sense of cautiousness is completely disregarded and you enter the eerie house. You come into contact with a set of stairs that are quite beautiful but scary at the same time. Some part of you tells you to go ahead and just go see where the stairs leads you‌..
Alas, The Climax!
Psychotic Insanity
The light at the end of the tunnel
Relief and lost wonder
The stairs leads you to the climax a scary single room that is falling apart and overwhelms your senses, which makes you feel uncomfortable also. You begin to let go of your senses and accept what you are seeing, you begin to understand your surroundings and what this place used to be. You need to hurry its beginning to get dark. Leaving the building you are left with a cold and empty feeling, but still the feeling of curiosity, you don’t know what it is that draws you into such a dark and gloomy place.
Celestial View
Psychic Powers
The view opens up and the worlds collide right in front of your eyes and as soon as you blink it all goes away. You leave through the same path in knowing exactly where to go and what to do, all without meeting one single human.
Storyboard Jerry Lum ARCH 101 Isabella D’Alessandro
Entrance Aerial view I added a room with only a skylight to replicate the idea of the room with just a little bit of light peaking through the top. (As seen in my story board.) I also made a small sketch model above to see how using dierent material will help with the idea of ruins
Strengths: This week was a good one for me. I felt I really succeeded in my story board and replicating an idea in my model. The kit of parts at first seemed a little hard to do but once I did it I was surprised with how I did it so easily. I feel like I am improving in my design language as well and my design criteria is definitely improving also. I want to now improve on transforming my ideas and elevating each new model. I feel like I am beginning to develop stronger and more clear understanding of intent and design language and I can link them together in my designing process Weakness: I need to keep my head up and continue through my journey, I also need to find ways to demonstrate foliage and terrain in my models. Threats: I fear that my storyboard wasn’t like the others so I was a little timid to share it with the class. Also I get really uncomfortable with the idea of drawing something out. But I THINK I am getting better and working on it. Opportunities: there are lots but I think there are a lot of areas by which I can explore landscape and incorporate it into my design. I also have so many resources which I can use and gain more knowledge in. I also have the ability to get feedback from my peers which helps with further development and insight in the projects.
First and foremost procrastination is not a good idea. After one
of Jerry’s speeches about walking yourself slowly off a cliff I decided I needed to step up to the plate and make a lot more of an effort. Fear is not an acceptable excuse for failure. Secondly, just relax and don’t over think things, child like wonder is something we need to instill back within our minds. Having a “child-like-wonder” as Jerry says is something that great designers need to have. Thirdly, research actually is inspirational. It does help and will give you great places to start, even if it seems generic at first it will develop into something eventually. Lastly, hard work is HARD WORK, there is no short cuts in studio classes the sooner you come to that conclusion and just start crafting with your hands you will be one step ahead already. For the second half of the semester I want to keep improving and impress myself more with my ideas and also become better at group work. The next project will definitely challenge me and I hope to challenge others.
Folding: a process that turns a two-dimensional surface into a three-dimensional one to produce both surface and structure. Example: Bloomberg Pavilion Project by Akihisa Hirata Come up with inspiration A. Pick a foldable material B. Draw and design a pattern C. Fold and or cut one by one D. Complete folding process Sectioning: a series of profiles whose edges follow the lines of surface geometry are assembled as serialize and parallel sections to produce both surface and structure Example: Exo Structural Tower by Do/Su Architecture: A. Create different units that follow B. the same structural pattern and vary in size. C. Assemble or interlock units whose surfaces produce D. a balanced and solid structure. Tessellation: A collection of pieces that fit together without gaps to form a plane or surface. Example: corrugated Cardboard Pavilion Create repetition of shape A. Edges of shapes may vary to create no gaps. B. If you want to create overlap, it would have to have a repetition of overlap and have some joints Tensioning: structure and surfaces primarily formed by components in tension rather than compression, e.g. tents, suspension bridges, suspended roofs, pre-stressed membranes, tensile structures, and pneumatic structures) Example: http://design-milk.com/chaise-lounge-by-luca-gnizio/ A. Pick a stretchy fabric B. Shape/ manipulate your frame for structure C. Pull fabric over structure D. Fasten your fabric E. Lastly, pull/stretch material in shape you want around the frame/structure
Resources &Provocations: Examples of formations
Tensioning
Folding
Tessellation
Sectioning
Design intentions: For this design I attempted to use tensioning to create a space that is deďŹ ned by the tension of the fabric that surrounds it. I wanted a structure that was open and airy as well as ďŹ lters light in some sort of pattern. Research Inspiration.
Strengths: I know for the tension model that I connect to the idea of creating
a space from material. I also feel I created a nice tension which is represented in my model. Weakness: Although my model may look appealing, when it comes to actually reproducing the model in real life, it may be hard to replicate something similar to it. Additionally I will have to think of ways to stretch the material and keep the integrity of the design in mind. Opportunities: With the tension model there are endless opportunities, I can
stretch many different materials, I could also make various shapes and extend and stretch the fabric around it. Additionally, I have the opportunity to really make a very interesting model, which could be touched by the wind and humans.
Threats: How am I supposed to build something like this and keep the same
idea I have in mind. I could use rope of some sort and stretch it around a metal pole. How do I keep the structure the shape that I want, without it warping and pulling in places that aren’t pleasing. I am really excited to see how all of my ideas as well as the ideas of others will evolve and be combined together.
SWOT ANALYSIS: This model was really fun for me. I started by picking inspiration from the profile of an elephant, because I thought it was a neat shape. Strengths: I quickly shaped this model and pulled the fabric in many different directions, this will be good because it will be very cost efficient when it comes to building the real size model to scale. Weakness: I need to have a little more intention to frame space and create and mystery in my design, it may look cool from far away but it may be a little lack luster when inside. Opportunities: This will have lots of opportunity if I use existing structures like the trees to pull and shape the design. Threats: I fear that I am not going to successful frame my experience's and have enough unexpected surprises.
Above is a plan view of Batmale court- yard
Location: Batmale Hall, CCSF Site Analysis: Weather/ Climate Sun rises: East at 7:08 am 88° E Sun sets: West at 7:25pm 273° W Meridian: 1:16pm 180° S Sun Direction: 263.28° W Sun altitude: 11.08° Distance of the sun≅ 92,676 million mi Daylight: 12 hours and 17 mins
Weather:
Visibility 10 mi Pressure: 30.29” Hg Humidity: 63% Dew Point: 48°F Wind 21mph è W Below is an aerial view of Batmale hall and surround area
Climate: SF CA Annual High: 63.8°F Annual Low: 50.8°F Average temp: 57.3°F Rainfall: 23.64 in/yr Days with rain: 68 days Annual Hours of sun: 2950 Hours
On the top to the left is my number one choice for the final project. Factors to consider: Climate: Sun path, rainfall, wind, temperature. Geography: Lay of the land and slope. History: Cultural Infrastructure: existing physical conditions In both of these sites chosen the slope isn’t too extensive so it wouldn’t be impossible to level the structure. Additionally both locations get about the same amount of sun exposure however choice number 2 gets more filtered exposures through the trees. I ideally would love to frame the trees and the surround habitat. Main focus is to add and not take away from the surroundings. My first choice there is a Risk that the wind may not be my friend, there is a lot of open space which could be an advantage or disadvantage when it comes to the weather and wind currents.
Strengths: the site analysis went well, I got a firm grasp on the
weather and climate, as well as a general survey of the culture and population of the area. Additionally, I know the sun path and wind pattern for the specific sites. Weakness: I don’t have a full and clear significance for each site that I chose to make is specific enough. I know I need to get more specific in order for my design to be more successful. I don’t need a general site design I need something that is going to be designed only for that area. So with this upcoming week I will keep that in mind. Opportunities: There are lots of different opportunities especially with the combination of people and ideas. I am excited to combine my idea with some of the classmates to make a cohesive design! Threats: I am threatened by the program analysis, I hope that it turns out well and I can clearly determine thematic places and overlap design concepts. I am also worried about the limitations of the sites that I have chose, I am sure that there will be a lot that is unaccounted for.
Beauty
Beauty
Beauty
1
3 2
Unexpected
Unexpected
Unexpected
2
1 3
Inexplicable
Inexplicable
Inexplicable
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Program Analysis: Thematic Places 1) Beauty: I want the beauty to be the first thing you encounter, the space will be a beautiful space to sit and collect your thought. The whole site should be evenly beautiful however I want the entrance to be the most compelling. 2) The Unexpected surprise: The idea is that since it is so close to the floor you might have a few insects crawling on you and not even notice. Activities to be supported: 1) Framed View: Trees and Native plant material this is city college where this is plenty of integration even of the natural environment. 2) Place to sit and reflect: Inside or leaning on the trees and becoming one and grounded with the outside world. 3) Place to accidentally encounter: Inside or around the structure This will be a place where you will accidently encounter people unexpectedly, we will have lots of defined space to mingle with people.
Program Analysis Diagram u
Unexpected
B M
Beauty
B U
M
Mystery
Pros: This site we didn’t have to battle for! It has the same view of the flowers and agriculture around it. We can use the tree canopy as the roofing for the site. We have the sturdiness of the trees to use for structural support. Cons: It has a slight slope, there isn’t as much sunlight, and it gets really windy up here!
Strengths: So, I really liked and appreciated the thought of verbally
identifying the aspects of the design in diagram form. I felt like I could see and understand the idea of why this would be important. Weakness: Actually putting together an organized plan of thematic events along with activities to support is a lot harder than it sounds. It seemed like it could be easy however, I realized as young designers a lot of our concepts are arbitrary and don’t always make sense. When thinking about these deeply it is hard to associate paths and nodes with beauty, and so on and so forth. Opportunities: This difficulty is a chance to improve my weaknesses. This is something I should be working on and studying in other designs and architecture. Threats: This is hard and threatening because of the idea that I may not succeed in supporting my thoughts and train of activities. I want so badly for my intentions to be justified and make sense however all I keep getting is confused. Conclusion: In my next models I will try to have more intention and address the following site programs in order to fulfill my project requirements.
For the next design we decided to make a new representation of this one!
Model intention: For this design we decided to come up with an idea using tensioning where the pathway was a small threshold where you enter and are enveloped by dierent magical spatial qualities. We liked the idea of the meandering pathway that are wrapped around the trees. Weakness of this design is that we don’t have a full and complete design, it would just be a pathway around two trees. However, our next iteration we will try to resolve these issues. This was a great start to our group projects lots of positive feed back and great ideas that were very strong and could be potentially compelling if properly demonstrated.
This is my model, along with my groups model
SWOT analysis: So this was the first attempt of individual group designs, the strengths of this design is to use the trees natural structure in order to secure a lot of the add on to the trees canopy. Weakness of this design is that is doesn’t have any element of authenticity, it is really simple and doesn’t have much elements of surprise. It will also be really difficult to build into the slope and keep a level functioning bench. Opportunities: We can use this idea to transform it into something more mysterious and unpredictable. This is a good brain storming start but I think we need something more complex and abstract. Threats we will not create a successful design..
Keeping your work area safe: free of potential hazards and keep
it well lit neat and clean no clutter. Make sure you have good ventilation, dry with no moisture or aerosols. Be aware of your surroundings, no pets, kids! Electrical safety: make sure you mate the plugs to the proper outlet don’t manipulate any of the plugs, therefore if you alter the prongs you may cause yourself harm. Never pull a plug out of a socket. Proper tool use and care never change the use of a tool if it isn’t meant to be used in such way. Common sense: if something looks faulty and not reliable don’t take your chances and let the teacher or supervisor know, its better to be safe than sorry. Develop good common sense, don’t take a risk by altering your state of mind by using drugs. You need proper clothing, no long hair around. You can’t forget about safety goggles and gloves. Minimize serious injury they can be prevented!
The final design of the project is going to mimic the natural surrounding and
frame the environment that encompasses us. Shape: The shape of the design is similar to that of the tree, a leaf. We are going to replicate a space by which is similar and can relate directly to the tree.
Site specifics: This design is centrally designed around the two eucalyptus trees, which makes it extremely site specific because if you remove the trees it will impact the design severely. We use the trees distances to help create walls (the tree trunk) and a ceiling (the tree canopy) for the design and emphasize the space by creating posts that correlate to the tree and tie in the linear properties. The view: We don’t want our design to impact the surrounding environment so we wanted to use more natural materials and compliment the natural environment. Also, we wanted to frame the plant community that surrounds the space. The unexpected: The mystery: The shape of the rope
We wanted to attempt to contrast the order of nature, to show as little of a
human impact as possible but still showing that we do have a tremendous impact on our natural environment by introducing our built one. Area of interest would be the bird’s eye view/aerial view to see the ropes and connect them to the veins of the leaves, and the posts are the strength and trunk of the tree conceptually.
Kit of parts: For the framing around the exterior
we will need approx. 60 pieces of 2x2 strip board. We will also need for the implied ceiling 400 ft of rope. We will need 60 + fasteners to help reinforce the string board in the ground. Approx.= 60 2x2x8ft of strip board $1.87 ea. Available at Home Depot at Lake Merced Approx. $150 Rope=5 bunches between 5.54-9.98 per 50ft-100ft