WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION

Recently incorporating both A&D mindsets but the result is not as satisfying as if I were to apply a fully Dionysian design thinking to my architecture studio work. It’s a challenge but I intend to find a balance to integrate the two.

R E F L E C T I O N

On preparation for Week 1, this required us to think about what kind of designer we think we are. Personally I was confused at this because architecture design and illustration (part-time outside of my studies) were always kept separate in my mind, similar to ‘keeping work separate from personal life’. Brainstorming the prompts helped close in on specifics and which decisions I make; this was then reinforced with the homework, realizing I take vastly different approaches for architecture-related tasks. I tend to rush through these whereas for illustration, I take my time in order to build the narrative.

This is likely because architecture focuses mostly on technicality whilst art uses storybuilding more closely. On later reflection, I believe I have a Apollonian approach to architecture and a Dionysian one to art (despite writing I am in general, leaning toward Dionysia). I acknowledge restraint and logic is what makes an architectural design feasible, and that, although somewhat forced, does not affect my work efficiency, only influences my decisions. To research further on these types helped me study for different design characteristics and currently I am content maintaining a barrier between the two.`

As for the lecture 1 exercises, designing this felt very spontaneous but I was calm despite the time limit given. The less time given, the more simple I tend to make my decisions. Because of the current Covid-19 situation, I immediately drew to what was a self-sustaining small bunker-like building with a basement level, for a small family and caged greenhouse above (to keep the family in but keep outsiders out). For time-based tasks, where the amount of time is short, it’s easier to make decisions based in ongoing issues in society or disasters stated in news and draw accordingly. This could help in future studio work approachers wherein inspiration is quickly drawn from current events. This could help my design thought process to adapt to situations more efficiently whilst still making rational decisions.

Lecture 2 was slightly overwhelming due to the amount of information but ways to ‘achieve the voice’ made me realize the ‘mortality’ aspect motivated me to feel I should be less complacent about the way I work for architecture studios. Whilst efficiency has never been much of an issue to me, I feel I sorely lack the same passion for architecture as I do for concept art and illustration. However I can’t deny every tutor’s teachings has helped me this far and has accelerated my learning process and decision-making for art itself as well.

I’m very grateful for this lecture and subject overall since I’m being informed of new ideas to help accelerate my art and also assist with pushing myself to be a better anatomical and building-focused designer. Nailing down the info from the lecture, I mentally fare better with a Jack-of-all-trades mindset though I intend to further master other aspects of my art outside my field of study. Discipline is also something I would like to continue to enhance and amplify further, especially through this module and my main studio, for current and future clients.