City College of San Francisco
Architectural Design Studio I
Architectural Design Studio I By Luis Gris Instructor: Jerry W. Lum Spring 2013
Midterm Learning Portfolio
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Architectural Design Studio I
City College of San Francisco
CONTENTS Introduction: 3
Iterations 1: Icebreaker Constructions I
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Proportional Studies II
Iterations 5 Kit of Parts II
Iterations 2: Icebreaker Constructions II
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Proportional Studies III 16
12
6
A Tectonic Journey of 3 Diverse Spatial Experiences I 21
17 12
A Tectonic Journey of 3 Diverse Spatial Experiences and Site Responses II 23
Proportional Studies IV
Iterations 7: Written Narrative 7
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10
Iterations 6: Written Narrative
Iterations 3: Kit of Parts
Inspirational Projects
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4
2
Proportional Studies
Iterations 4: Kit of Parts I
A Tectonic Journey of 3 Diverse Spatial Experiences and Site Responses III 25
A Tectonic Journey of 3 Diverse Spatial Experiences and Site Responses IV
27
Conclusion 29
Architectural Design Studio I
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Introduction When I started this class, I was afraid that I was not going to do a good job since I have difficulties in some areas of design. Also, I was so intimidated for the number of concepts that my instructor presented in every single class. After the first iteration, I was ready to quit, but I decided to try my best. A comparison with football players is that I was ready to sweat the T-shirt even if I do not get all my projects perfect. I remember that my instructor told me that after I finished this class, I will start thinking differently. After that conversation, I had a goal that I will stay and will work as hard as I could, and if I have obstacles, I will try to pushed them a aside. Also, my goal was not obtain an A. My gold was to do my best.
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Icebreaker Constructions I Insight: From the design point of view, I learned how to incorporate different elements, materials, shapes, colors and textures. Also, from the psychological point of view, I learned more about myself by representing in a model constantly dreaming, patiently innovating, and ungracefully working self.
Issues and Challenges: It was hard to incorporate different elements, shapes and forms to support three of my characteristics. It is not common to do this kind of activity, so that makes it hard from the beginning.
The fist activity was to make a sketch, so I could have a better idea where my project will end up. 4
The cubic pieces represent the unbalance that I have inside, so I do not consternate totally to preform carefully in my project. The five curvilinear elements, representing feathers, are the symbol of imagination and dreaming, which rise to the top of the project, and the circular element at top represents the joy when you reach your new innovation.
In my sketch, I had the idea of incorporating ascending circles, but I could not preform this in my original plan.
I incorporate circles in my model on different levels.
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The use of five different materials in my iteration is to follow the instruction to use a minimum of three different elements.
Application of concepts, principles and approaches:
eration in class, I felt frusThe arbitrary arrangement of rectangular cubes was following the instruction to trated because I didn’t not use symmetry in the iteration. follow several of point in the instructions, and I did In this first iteration, by not followed not because using a step-by step- proce- I did not care. Basically I dure (algorithm), I was go- didn’t not read carefully. ing to create my first model The overall process was carefully crafting by using very enlightening because three different elements that I could conceptualize a best describes myself. The set of ideas and translate it model was planned to be no into something tangible. In bigger than my palm and not addition, the design model have a base. I was supposed and choosing the different to use the three elements in materials, it arose other a hierarchical way. challenges as to complete my work and to meet the Learning process deadline. Finally, I learned development: that I should plan with plenty of time to avoid sur- I made my feathers my dominant element or primary element, and the circle is competing as a secondary element by its size and location. After evaluating my itprises.
The arbitrary arrangement of cylinders also follows the instruction to not use symmetry in the iteration. 5
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Icebreaker Constructions II Insight:
elements.
I learned to be pragmatic in order to scale down my model and to chose three elements that could still hold the essence of my three qualities. I also learned to work in more detail to differentiate more precisely the hierarchical between the three
Issues and Challenges: The biggest challenge was to reduce the size of my model. Another factor was to choose three different elements that could be together, and the last one was to chose the dominant element.
My third element was a square which became more an element of composition rather that an obstacle.
Application of concepts, principles and approaches:
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My second element in a hierarchical order was the curvilinear form.
new concepts and incorporating them into the new model without forgetting about the previous ones In this new assignment, I was challenge. Also, it was was suppose to use other so motivating to share technics as unity, juxtaposi- in class all the work. It is tion of elements, penetratan extraordinary learning forms and spaces so they ing process where all the could heighten interest and feedbacks from the classcomplexity. mates and the inspiring was instigator. It is true Learning process that we learn form our own development: mistakes, but it is also true that we learn from the sucThe process of learning cesses of the others.
The dominant element that I choose was the feather that for me represent freedom and imagination.
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The curvilinear as well the square elements are repeated with more carefully.
Icebreaker Constructions III
Even though I use cooper wire in my dominant element, I use different sizes to apply the concept or hierarchy.
My third iteration bring me back my confidence that I could be craft models even though it is hard for me. In the photo, light plays a good role to project more shape to the model.
Insight: To continue working in the same project limits sometimes to welcome new ideas. It is easy to explore new concepts rather than to innovate the old ones. Issues and Challenges: Crafting with detail was
my challenge and again to incorporate new concepts as abstract verses literal, rhythm, balance, and unity on top of the previous ones. Application of concepts, principles and approaches:
one it was less crafted. Also, I tried to have rhythm in the way the curvilinear element was form with less capricious turns. I continue using the concept of penetrations, uniformity, as well to use the shade of the object as another way to transmit a message.
Learning process The concept of unity was more development: implemented in this new iteraBy crafting a little more tion because in my previous
my model, I transform my iteration into a sculpture which was not the original objective, according to my instructor, who emphasized that architecture models respond to some specific needs rather that to respond in abstract. I also continued learning from my classmates’ iterations, comments and suggestions that bring so many good ideas.
By using different metal and better tools, I was available to craft better. My third element was a square which became more an element of composition rather that an obstacle. 7
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Kit of Parts I Insight:
Application of concepts, principles and approaches:
By selecting the minimum number of parts, I was available to generate a model so The new concepts here was to crate a kit of parts, and form colorful and dynamic. a few elements to produce a model that contains balance, Issues and and rhythm. In addition, I had Challenges: to use three colors. The limitation knowledge of Learning process using the program Google development: SketchUp slow the performance and lake of creativity. By drawing in Google Also, it was required to presSketchUp, I was available ent a model as well its drawn to construct my model with representation, which reduce confidence. Also, repetition the creativity and I put a lot of hours in this new iteration, was an other element that made may crafting job more which included more than easy. I am not forget that the 100 pieces cut by hand. Also, use of colors and by different because we have to continue using our precious iteration as angles of my elements help a reference, it was hard to move me a lot to give the idea of movement to my iteration. to a new concept.
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Complex Model
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hile we have two simple elements in our design, we can developed a complex model using repetition, displacement, and color. To the right, we have the elements used in this project.
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The feather continue to be my primary element, and I use a combination of curvilinear an line by using cylindrical wood elements. By rotating al the elements in different angles, I was capable of give movement to my new iteration.
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Kit of Parts II Application of concepts, principles and By searching the definitions approaches: of my elements like the The concepts that I use in my word feather, liberty and model was hierarchal organifreedom, it gave me more ideas to create a new itera- zation, penetration, repetition tion with the same concept in groups of three, rhythm, vaof repeating the form of my lance and unity. The approach was the concept of freedom basic kit of parts. and liberty. I used the biggest feather on the top to give the Issues and sensation of elevation almost Challenges: like a flame. Although the concept of Learning process repetition and having a development: kid of parts sounded as an easy project. The fact It doesn’t matter if the that I need to keep ustask looks intimidating, if ing my list of concepts: I use my imagination and unity, rhythm, abstract, literal, complex, curvilin- freedom, the creation will ear, dense, dynamic, jux- start to follow around the concept of concepts that taposition, mesomorph, I want to represent. The oblique, perpendicular, guide of my instructor proportion, hierarchical, parallel, proportion, also help me a lot in other tangent, transparent, and to see other possibilities. uniform, without forget- I cannot forget the inside ting to stay away of sym- from my classmates and their incredible models metry, and geometrical, the job was intimidating. that inspired me a lot. Insight:
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The use of colors and several materials helps to differentiate the several groups. Even the small elements form a part of a whole.
I use five groups of three elements, which they from a whole unity.
Architectural Design Studio I
City College of San Francisco Repetition helps to work quickly in a project, but at the same time by changing the size of the same element can help to create a new concept.
Complex Model
With the lack of knowledge of Google SketchUp, I decide to draft my project and trying to finish with care. On the top, it is my draw made in SketchUp. To the right, I have the three shapes that I used for my Kit of Parts, and finally ant eh center is my final proyect.
Even in the same group of elements, you can define hierarchy.
In order to not use a base, I was supporting my model with an opposite element to make valance. 11
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My Inspiration While my design has multiple interpretation because represents freedom, movement, and perseverance, my project represents the process of flying. When I was just thinking about my first project, I was imagining how to repeat the image of a feather, so the audience will perceive the sensation of freedom and movement. To open my imagination and to simplify the idea of flying, I used a feather, which helps birds in flight, to have thermal insulation, and to serve as waterproofing. In a way, these feathers’ characteristics are reflected in myself because they help me to get courage, to protect me from harm, and to fuel my imagination of new ideas.
The symbol of the feather represents freedom that everybody should have.
When my classmates see my project, I hope they can see that I am inspired and also I got inspired from their work. After all, we all want to learn how to developed our design by learning new concepts. When they also see my project, I want them to see that my ideas are evolving with my imagination, creativity, and hard work. My design first represents the freedom that anybody can obtain by flying so high in the sky, and when we reach a high level, we start experiencing freedom and discovering many incredible views. Many times I had dreamed that I could fly. I have to admit that is an incredible experience. It is moving to any direction slowly or quickly just as you wish. This is how my project will try to move. I want to feel emotion when I am 12
Since my first project, I feel the need to use my imagination.
doing the job, and there will be no boundaries as I reshape or redo my work. The feathers remain in me that these elements help birds to fly. Also,
metaphorically the indigenous people in my country, Mexico, used to represent wisdom. The Aztec dancers use feathers in their costumes.
In the Aztec culture, the feather represents wisdom.
During their dances, they dance with rhythm and coordination. The other elements in the metaphor are the line and the curve. These two simple
elements can generate infinite figures, and can also represent the different challenges and difficulties that each of us one face during life.
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Proportional Studies Insight: In my first iteration of proportional studies, I learn to enhance my design just by applying some of the harmonic, golden, and Fibonacci properties. When I was applying arbitrarily with no apparent reason, my composition lost its balance, but by applying the proportion properties, my design was in shape again. Issues and Challenges: The lack of precision in Google SketchUp was a big frustration because I had to expend a lot of time and just getting basic designs. I was hoping to use curvilinear elements, and some penetrations between elements. Unfortunately, I just explore a few concepts.
Application of concepts, principles and approaches: By using proportional transformation based on the Golden Section, repetitions, rotation, rhythm, re-orientation, addition, subtraction, overlapping, penetration, balance, coherence, precision, unity, I felt confident of my results. With only three elements on my kit of parts, I was available to create a very complex design that did not lost its beauty.
My kit of part was formed just by three basic elements.
Learning process development: This class revitalized my imagination by making decisions thoughtfully. For any change in my design was a concept behind. I felt like a kid with a new toy.
By repeating and making careful arrangements my design was building applying forms.
Although I expend a lot of hour in this simple project because I was not capable enough to maneuver in Google SketchUp, I felt so confident at the end. 13
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The Fibonacci Series is the one I learn faster than the Golden Section.
Proportional Studies II Insight: In this second iteration of proportional studies, I was feeling more confident in making changes or additions to my design. Issues and Challenges:
I had to try colors and different angles to brake the habit of using to much geometry.
lenge was memorizing well the Proportional transformations.
The lack of knowledge of the program SketchUp once again was my big obstacle. I could not use curvi- Application of conlinear forms, and my chal- cepts, principles and 14
approaches:
Fibonacci series.
I continued using repetitions, subtractions, rotations and applying mainly the
Learning process development: I really appreciated
that our instructor took the time to expend time in class to give us tips on how to use SketchUp.
I was experiment with the Fibonacci Series by going on a scale 1, 2 and 8.
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By repeating and rotating one group of elements I constructed the base of my project. Three group of repeated elements conform half of my base. My kid of parts was constituted basically by one element, but thanks to the proportions rotations and repetitions I got this comples design. I formed the base that support the biggest elemet.
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Proportional Studies II and IV
Insight:
These two session open to infinite of possibilities to chose in terms of shapes of space and spacial experiences. Issues and Challenges: The biggest challenge was to understand how a matrix works. After that the next obstacle was to practice and to absorb all the different new concepts in order to crate basic models and later to be more creative. Application of concepts, principles and approaches: By combining base, elevated, depressed and overlapped planed in combination of vertical lines, single, L-shape, 16
parallel, U-shaped, planes, full closure, open at corners, open at midterm, and open between columns, I had the selection for make endless possibilities from makes spaces. I also learn how to crate spaces that have centralized, linear, radial, clustered, and gird organization Learning process development:
The repetition and the combinations of possibilities, gave me the tolls to design a with varieties of different spaces. What was also important to these sections was to incorporate these new elements, so in one small space, I could have a very diverse space, which will be full of different plane, shapes and forms.
Here are 36 examples of different spaces generated by the graph below provided by my instructor Jerry W. Lum. In the next page, I present in more detail four examples of the 36 combinations from the matrix table.
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25 Base Plane and Open at Corners
26 Elevated Plane and Open at Corners
A lthough we are restricted by four vertical planes, we can use open corners to have the sensation of sem i-open s pace.
We can developed a com plex design by incorporating spaces and shapes. In here, by using an elevated planed with som e Lshaped Linear Planes, and living open corners, we can generate as m uch as four spaces.
Top View
Front View
Left View
Isometric View
27 Depressed Plane and Open at Corners
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W ith m any planes and form s we can get a com plex design. In this one, we have a depressed plane and open at corners.
Top View
Top View
Front View
Left View
Isometric View
Left View
Left View
Isometric View
Overhead Plane and Open at Corners
A little variation from 2 7. Just b y adding a overhead plane and m aking the whole base plane, crate a different environm ent.
Front View
Left View
Isometric View
Top View
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City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain Calatrava uses geometric forms whit a simple elements that repeats with rhythm. This huge complex was built in the bed of the river Turia, which was diverted after a devastating flood in 1957. Shortly after, the riverbed was converted into a park to showcase the work of the Valencia native, Santiago Calatrava. The park has one of his bridges and his signature egg shell structures of white concrete, steel, and glass for which he is well known. (PlaNYourCity)
Inspirational Project technics that I have not see jet. a few weeks working in an architect studio class. I was exponentially inspired by Issues and Application of concepts, the design of three well know Challenges: principles and architects: Santiago Calaapproaches: It is easy to be inspired trava, Zaha Hadid and Eriko Horiki, who used many of the by the magnificent archielements of what I have been tecture designs of famous The famous architects use all of the concepts that we architects, but what it is seen in class, but in a more have been learned in class, presided way, and they incor- hard it to try to imitate their ideas by just having and the once my instructor porated other elements and Insight:
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has prohibited like symmetry, but sometimes the clients are the once they insist in the symmetry. Learning process development: It is going to be a long process for me to be like one of the architects I saw.
The train station by Santiago Calatravav Gare do Oriente (Portuguese pronunciation: [ɡaɾ(ɨ) du oɾiˈẽt(ɨ)]) or Lisbon Orient Station is one of the main transport hubs in Lisbon, Portugal. Incorporates a kit of part of a few elements like single lines with a hierarchical elemets. Calatrave uses influence from Gothic architecture can also be found. Oriente Station is one of the world’s largest stations, with 75 million passengers per year which makes it as busy as Grand Central Terminal in New York. (Wikipedia)
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A Defunct Factory In Downtown Belgrade
Galaxy Soho A new 330 000m2 commercial icon in the city of B eijing composed of five independent concrete volumes wrapped in insulated aluminum panels and connected by a series of stretched bridges, the fluid vernacular eliminates all corners in an integrated seamless structure. taking cues from the chinese architecture, pockets of intimate courtyards create quiet internal spaces, found also in the interior providing smaller private areas during the conceptual phase. (DesignBoom).
Architect Zaha Hadid has revealed her latest design, for the former Beko factory in downtown Belgrade, Serbia. The curvy new Beko Building sort of looks like a wild slide. The Beko Building is set to be a city center with residential, retail, and commercial space. It will also have a convention center and five-star boutique hotel. The complex will be within walking distance of the historic Kalemegdan Castle wall. The bendy parts of the design help create “one continuous unit,” according to Architizer. (www.businessinsider.com) ZAHA HADID: Arts Centre in Abu Dhabi We’re gaga over these renderings of Zaha Hadid’s proposed Performing Arts Centre in Abu Dhabi. We haven’t heard much about how green the building will be, but we’re excited to see more and more star architects inspired by natural and organic forms (check out the leaf-like windows!). The Performing Arts Center will be part of a multi-billion dollar cultural district with other buildings by Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, and Tadao Ando. In her own words, Ms. Hadid describes the structure as a “biological analogy” whose primary components (branches, stems, fruits, and leaves) are then “transformed from these abstract diagrams into architectonic design.” We can only hope that such poetic biomimicry will be translated into green functions, materials, and technologies as well. By Emily Pilloton
Opera house by Zaha Hadid in China Recesses in the walls and lines of sight within the entrance area, and the way the building opens up are intended to play with the visitor’s perception of space. (HI-MACS® Fabricator: Gooday International). 19
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Poltrona Frau Group Miam
The two-story building is geometrically daring, featuring boldly colored, dramatically angled exterior accents and a stunning rooftop terrace it is a creation of Eriko Horiki and Associates.
Large-Scale Paper Creation At her studio in Kyoto, she invented a modern technology, which is still based on its traditional method, to create largescale Japanese Paper. With this method, she now creates three dimensional paper sculpture as well as 20 meter long gigantic piece of paper. Rainbow Light
Seven gates are illuminated by seven different color lightings. Washi is also made using seven different color threads. Seven colors of the rainbow symbolizing “hope�. Pathway toward Hope. 20
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Welcoming and Comfortable Awesome and Monumental Intimate and Tranquil I Insight: I learn how incorporate three elements in a space such as include a welcoming area, in which by the form will invite the people to enter to
the space. Second, I include a transitions place that the person can fell comfortable. And finally, I incorporated a monumental space where you can also find and tranquil area.
The welcoming area include two parallel over head planes and an access ramp.
The transitional space included a niche, so people can stop momentarily to get a rose and feel the peace of the place.
The great height of the walls provides a shelter for the visitors.
The entrance have an angle as a symbol of opening.
The monumental area include a place with benches, so the people can enjoyed the view before visiting the tranquil place.
Finally, people can walk around into a small garden which has a fountain. 21
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The section does not include a central ramp, so in class the instructor indicate me that it is important to bring elements that give good information to the site.
Issues and Challenges: Because I had to made a side cut to my design, the challenge was to do build a model that had enough information. Application of concepts, principles and approaches:
omitting all the accumulated concepts from the first iteration plus the technical journey od three diverse spatial experiences, I had to build a spacial space. Learning process development:
The garden area is the tranquil space in the journey.
give us an example. In this case, the concepts of monumental, The concepts of monu- intimate and tranquil may sound mental, intimate and familiar, but to integrated in the With the help of the pro- tranquil came more sequence order that was assigned portional studies without clear after my instructor was complicated. 22
Many cathedrals and museums are high to bring peace and recollection to the people, so they can feel in harmony.
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Welcoming and Comfortable Awesome and Monumental Intimate and Tranquil II Insight: I learn how to use the sand box in Google SketchUp, which was handy to create a small mountain. I also lean to respond to a site by competing the tectonic characteristics of the site. Issues and Challenges: It was hard to do the drawing design and the
physical model because require a lot of hours. Application of concepts, principles and approaches: With the use of different planes, I was available to respond to the site. I used a similar model from my previous iteration, but in this case, I try to incorporated with the site. I omitted the garden and instead I use a small terrace. Since in may previous and in this iteration I use similar models, it was interesting to adapt the same model to different sites.
The main entrance is right to the street and includes an small horizontal window.
The transition place has a small wall to divide the place but also to block partially the vision from the street to The monumental area has low wall, so people can adcreate privacy. mired the view.
The tranquil space is a small area so people can have privacy. 23
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My second iteration was smaller that the previous one, and also I was using parallel overhead planes.
The three openings in the roof give the chance to the people to have more the sanitation to be in touch with Mother Nature.
Learning process development:
Also, the new model was a little more complicated that the previBy trying to rep- ous one. Finally, it was nice to see resent a site, it the final result was a little frustrated to find out even though I made the mistake that I expend many hours to do to skip accidently to build the modmy site with no too good results. el as a frame. 24
In this second iteration, I use again a main ramp to change from one space to the next.
From the entrance you can see all the way to the end of the building, so it is a partial block of the view.
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I remember my first model since I had to draw my sketch.
This iteration was a scale, and the site had a cardboard frame also.
Welcoming and Comfortable, Awesome and Monumental, Intimate and Tranquil III Insight: I learn how to use different materials to do the site and to respond to tis one without competing so much. I was lucky to find material in my classroom because I had a supper reduce budget.
Issues and Challenges:
Application of concepts, principles and approaches:
with the site. Learning process development:
The gibbets obstacle was the limited time that I had I use parallel over hear to finish my project. planes and a irregular geom- I try to use very wisely the etry in order to not compete few hour that I had. 25
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The roof was another challenge for me since I was running out of time and because I had to work in a small area. The cardboard that I use for the site,it did not gave me the flexibility to really represent a hill.
A big challenge for me it was to work with small elements. 26
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I used a box and cardboard to give form of my site.
To respond to a site in not an easy task. Also I build my site arbitrary, and the challenge for me was to respond to that like in a real life situation.
Welcoming and Comfortable, Awesome and Monumental, Intimate and Tranquil IV Insight:
Challenges:
I learn how to build a site and to cut wood with the right tools.
Time was also a big factor since I have to be creative to build a realistic site and to keep in mine that I had to respond to a site tectonic characteristics.
Issues and
Application of concepts, principles and approaches: Try to use the centralized, linear,
radial,clustered and gird spacial or- development: ganization. In my iteration, I try to use a centralized and linear special Like in my previous iteration the roof was the aspect that I left at organization. the end, so I was not working so Learning process precise in it. 27
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i decide to use long hall pathway in my structure to represent the monumental aspect of my project. I had planned to start the roof at the top of the hill , so the whole structure will look like a continuation of the hill.
I use waned to use an hangover surface to my structure. 28
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Conclusion
Definitely, it was worth it to stay in Architectural Design Studio I. It is amazing the amount of information that I have accumulated since the beginning of the semester. The class has been so enlightened, and my design concepts has been increment so much. I really appreciated all the comments and suggestions from my classmates as well as from my Jerry W. Lam, my instructor. I started with the task of representing three of my characteristic all the way to construct a structure according to the tectonic characteristics to the site. Also, this class change the way I think, and I am applying many ways of learning that I learned.
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