LEARNING PORTFOLIO Highlighted Projects ARCH 20 SPRING 2016 JASON TAPIA
Table of Contents Floor Pattern Study. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Plaza
Home- Existing Conditions . . . . . . . . . 12-15
inspired by Piazza del
Campidoglio
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6 Home-Revisions . . . . 16-20
Geometry of Space Studies . . . . . . 7 PHoto match Rin's Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-22 Paper Airplane Flotilla. . . . . . 8-9
Final Project Plan #446-9: Modern Ranch House
Folded Lattice . . . . . . 10-11
. . . . . . . . . . . 24-37
Floor Pattern Study
OVERVIEw;
In the Floor Sample exercises, volume, texture, and shade are utilized to create rooms with unique characteristics and moods. Modifying color and light, while using pre-existing floor and structural lines, grants endless versatility to the simple shape of the room and patterns. The use of light and shade allow the rooms to feel spacious and light, intimate, or warm. Strengths: Crafting the floor from simple lines was simple., in addition to selecting complementary colors for walls and floor patterns. Adding finishing touches to add a human aspect to the spaces was enjoyable.
Weakness: Replicating patterns was a challenge. Often walls and floors would disappear. Altering inserted objects was difficult as well, as many of these items were created in great detail. Tree placement also led to challenges, making spaces too dark, or completely washing out all surface detail. Opportunity: Further practice with SketchUp will make these simple building basics easier. Threats: Creating floor patterns is time consuming. Had to limit my desire to “decorate�.
Plaza
inspired by Piazza del Campidoglio
Learning Reflection: To create a plaza inspired by the Piazza del Campidoglio, that incorporates steps, multiple textures, and a statue. Strength:
Mastered copy and rotate function to make a multiple diamond pattern. Easily added elements from the 3D Warehouse to further expand and explain the function of the plaza, in addition to adding interest. Weakness:
Difficulty creating steps. Ultimately had to copy the entire base, measure and scaled each section, and used the Push/Pull function to create the different levels. While the pattern of the plaza resembles the desired plan, it does differ. I could not identify what step I had overlooked or altered, however, accepted the design, after several attempts produced the same results. Opportunity:
With such an intricate design, perhaps a focused study on copy and rotate would be beneficial. Threats:
Since the plaza incorporates many techniques, any mistake along the steps could change the end result.
Geometry of Space Studies Learning Reflection: To create a spiral staircase, existing within a multilevel structure, demonstrating the mastery copying in SketchUp.
Strength: Building stairs was easier than I anticipated. I followed instructions from a youtube video, and it was enjoyable. I created an interesting structure, which I used as a centerpiece of my fountain. Copying the different levels of the structure was fairly routine.
Weakness: I had difficulty building railings around the stair openings, (Follow-me tool did not “follow� all the banisters, and wall ledges blocked stair access). In reality, one would have to be careful not to fall through the floor.
Opportunity: A larger structure could be created using the same method and style. Initially wanted to create a open retail space.
Threats: Falling down several flights of spiral stairs.
Paper Airplane Flotilla
Paper Airplane Flotilla Learning Reflection: To demonstrate folding skills in Sketchup using the Rotate tool. Strength: I really had a lot a practice with my folding using the Rotate tool. I was a bit unsure before, but after a hundred-thousand paper airplane attempts, I am fairly confident that I am an expert folder. Weakness: This study was by far the hardest assignment. I initially missed the class with instruction on folding the plane, and I assumed that I would simply follow the instructions, as I had done with others: it would have been easier to read a schematic for the International Space Station. I have spent hours, with multiple attempts, trying to fold little planes in SketchUp and in reality, and I came to the disappointing realization that I cannot make a paper airplane. Putting the instructions aside, I was able to find some variations and instructions on folding a plane online, and I finally had made one that I believe is adequate. Opportunity: A video tutorial would be helpful for those who might have missed a class or two. Also step-by-step images in the instructions would be helpful, as I had to view other students learning portfolios guidance. Threats: Without guidance, it might be difficult for some to make a paper plane in Sketchup: this may damage their confidence as a designer, have them reconsider their hopes and dreams, bruise their ego, cause sleep deprivation, and ultimately lead a life of solitude.
Folded Lattice
Learning Reflection: To solidify folding, copying, moving, and rotating skills in SketchUp. Strength: Created and copied lattice to make multileveled structures, and placed them on different planes. Proficient in making groups, copying, and arranging the structures. Enjoyed adding elements from 3-D Warehouse to create a urban park, cafe, and pool. Weakness: Experienced difficulties in creating ramps and stairs on a human scale; ramp might be too steep. Also had trouble placing ivy on lattices. Using draping in Sandbox might have been more efficient in retrospect. Opportunity: Left one lattice structure without additional design. Threats: Creating a usable space from the structure is time consuming. Also, structures are vulnerable to outside elements.
Home- Existing Conditions
Overview: To draft and measure the floorplan of my living space (studio apartment), and create a virtual floorplan in SketchUp. Strength: The draft of my apartment was fairly accurate from memory. Since it is a small space, measuring and drafting in Sketchup was simple. Much of my furniture and fixtures could be found in the 3-D Warehouse, saving a lot of time. Also using the Overview tool in SketchUp made hiding objects and walls easier than the Layers tool. Weakness: The bathroom wall measurement was a bit challenging, since I did not take into account that a part of one wall was recessed. Opportunity: It was interesting to learn the square footage of my apartment; the apartments are listed at 420 square feet, but my calculation was at 296 square feet.
Threats: When measuring the walls by hand, there is room for error. I had to measure some walls twice, as they would not form rectangles in SketchUp with attempting to conjoin them with other walls.
Home-Revisions Overview I have always enjoyed my apartment; nestled away in the midst of new high-rises, offices and businesses that I cannot afford to patronize, it has been my sanctuary for many years. I had taken great care to meticulously organize and decorate my space in a way that works well for me; neat and functional, which is no small task in a studio apartment. I had attempted to rearrange my furniture in a way that that may seem more cohesive. This is tricky due to the size of the pieces I own, and the overall flow of the space. When initially arranging my apartment, I had organized the living in the front (closest to the entry) and the bed in the back. I found this arrangement unusual, as I did not like my sofa next to my closet, or my bed under the window, facing into the kitchen. I opted for the “motel style� arrangement, with the bed at entry, and seating under the window (also helpful for smoking out of the window, as one often does in a motel). I am content with the arrangement of my apartment, (one might argue that I’m overly pleased with myself) so in lieu of rearranging the space, I have renovated it. In this hypothetical world where I have carte blanche to do as I please without the worries of money or building codes, space surprisingly is still a confine, so the size of the apartment has not been altered: it has just been modified to efficiently use the space and possibilities it possesses.
Modifications Flooring Hardwood floor is added to replace the wall-to-wall carpet, to make the space feel larger and diminish the “one big bedroom” feeling. It extends into the kitchen for one large open space. Tile has been added to the bathroom, because no one likes apartment linoleum. Entry The entry is a great and rare space to find in a studio apartment. Since it backs up to the only closet, which is quite large, I have sectioned off part of it to create a separate hall closet, for a better division of coats and linens, thus eliminating the need for the drawers that currently hold these items. ( A hall closet is also handy in storing visitor’s belongings). Moving the bathroom door creates a small nook, for more storage, or in my case, a small work area. The entry can potentially be separated by a door or screen for additional privacy. Hall While not a traditional hall, the small walk from the new bathroom entry to the kitchen has been expanded with the removal of the drawers. Instead of having the mirror and television on top of these drawers, a recessed space has been made in the wall for the television, while a full length mirror find a place next to the bathroom. Kitchen & Dining Capitalizing on unused space in the kitchen, the doorway is expanded to allow for a dining/ food preparation area. This is also a benefit while entertaining, as guests are not divided by rooms (because everyone always ends up in the kitchen). The refrigerator is moved, and counter space is added. A cutout above the doorway allows for better lighting and flow. Bathroom The door has been moved from the entry to the “hall” which removes any unevenness from the wall. Instead of a tub, a glass shower was added to maximize space, and removing the division that a shower curtain brings. Living & Sleeping Aside from the removal of the drawers, no major changes have been made. I had considered a column or partition, but it would make the spaces seem segregated. A retractable bed, if done properly, could be added to make additional space for entertaining.
Interiors Living & Sleeping
Kitchen, Dining, & “Hall”
Kitchen
Living & Hall
BaTHroom
Nook & HAll
PHoto match
Rin's Gallery - Kôbe 1981
Learning Reflection: The purpose of this exercise what to copy and expand on a photograph of the RIn’s Gallery, that had been inserted directly into sketchup. Strength: I feel as If i had a good grasp of the exercise. I was able to build walls and stairs, as well as the many small twists and turns that the space had. I was able to expand the space, using other photos for reference,, to create a rendering that is fairly accurate. Weakness: The roof was a bit tricky. I had copied it as the picture had shown, but when compared to the actual space, it was difficult to interpret where it actually ended . Also, although I had followed the image when drawing my lines, many of them did not intercept, and when they did, they did so two dimensionally, not creating a 3-D space. IT took a lot of editing to finally make a 3-D representation. Opportunity: Perhaps visiting a space, and then doing a rendering with pictures that were taken could enrich the experience, and make it a bit more conceptual for those who have trouble with depth. Threats: Mainly not having a grasp of the image or the space would make this exercise difficult.
Final Project Plan #446-9: Modern Ranch House
Plan #446-9: Modern Ranch House Overview When selecting a home to render, I had many considerations, mainly complexity, size, and aesthetic. I had mulled over many homes, starting and abandoning those that I found too complicated, or uninspiring. When I came across Plan #446-9 (a modern cottage: which was described as perfect for empty nesters and vacationers), I wondered “what can I do with this to make it a more interesting, dynamic, and fun place to be?”. What if I were to live there? I love a one bedroom floorplan (detracts overnight visitors), so I began. I liked the initial layout of the house: it was roughly about 850 square feet, with plenty of outdoor living spaces (if you’re into that sort of thing). A house with that much focus on the outdoors, should be enjoyed in a place with the weather to oblige. While listed as a “cottage”, with its pitched roof, clerestory windows, carport (it could be converted into a garage, but with no good place to place an internal door,, a walk around the house would still be needed), and single-story layout, it resembles a modern ranch style home. When thinking of the treasures of a ranch home, nothing works as well as the small scaled furniture of mid-century Danish, with a bit of 60’s and 70’s kitch. A touch of Brutalism with concrete walls, with a splash of modernity with wooden siding and poured concrete floors, make a bold statement, and a familiar look that would fit effortlessly in any of the best desert neighborhoods.
Plan #446-9 (https://www.houseplans.com/plan/872square-feet-1-bedroom-1-bathroom-1-garagecontemporary-cabin-modern-cottage-39280)
Floor Plan 1
Floor Plan 2
Exterior FRONT
BACK
RIGHT
LEFT
Interior Floor PLan
Interiors
Dining ROom
Living ROom
Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Bedroom CLoset
Patio
Laundry / Hall
Learning Reflection: Overview To create a house, following plans found on the www.houseplans.com. Strengths Building in SketchUp I mastered. Pushing, pulling, rotating, drawing; all worked well for me. I also very much enjoyed the 3D Warehouse, and I was able to find coordinating pieces easily. I liked the way my images were captured, and I think it really represents the space well: it seems much larger than it actually is. I love the astatic and overall feel of the space, and while some might regard concrete walls and floors as being “cold” I think they really transform the space from how it was originally represented in www.homeplans.com. Weaknesses Originally, besides liking the house plans overall, I thought it would be simple to complete. Regrettably, I was deceived, as minutes turned into hours, and then days, as I desperately tried to erase every errant line, match every corner, and coordinate every colors perfectly. SketchUp worked diligently against me by crashing now and then, deciding to “fix” my design (and by fix, I mean make it into a jumbled mess), and erase roofs, floors, and eventually my sanity. The roof was particularly hard, and the Outliner tool made it very difficult to hide. I had to delete it, and work from the inside out, and finally place the roof on at the end. I really wasn’t satisfied with the people placed inside the room for scale. It looks like the worst family reunion in history, but having almost completed the project, I hadn’t the time to redo it. Opportunities If I could devote more time to the exercise, I would have, but I think with such a simple space, it is easy to over decorate or design. Also I would have like to remove any slight errors or peculiarities, but perfect is difficult when using SketchUp. If time permitted, I would have liked to added more to the landscape (I attempted to insert a background image, but it just didn’t seem right) ,and maybe make it textured. The outdoor areas are also lacking, and I think a pool might have been a nice addition. Threats This exercise was a labor of love: a very long, painful, and difficult labor. I liked so many things about this project, like creating a cohesive space, it was difficult not to get obsessive about the minutia of every detail.