Foundations of Design : Representation, Sem 1, 2017 PORTFOLIO Wing Chun Ng
826182 Studio 26 - Emmanuel Alexander Cohen
MEASURED DRAWING OF A CROISSANT
How to measure a Croissant? The construction of an axonometric representation of a halved croissant began with the capture of the croissant’s elevation and plan views, as well as the cross-sectional views of the further dissected half croissant. By overlaying a calibrated grid over the cross-sectional drawings, a mathematical relationship was obtained and subsequently transferred into a projected grid to form the resulting axonometric drawings of the half croissant.
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NEW MARIO WORLD
The making of new Mario world. Proportionality is greatly emphasized in this work, not only to acurately depict the placement and spacing of objects and characters from two planar Mario world scenes into a combined three-dimensional projection, but also retain the authenticity of the final work as a homage to the gaming enterprise. Hidden space that suddenly appeared in the projected drawings was filled back with the distinctive Mario tube axially placed to the seabed, along with additional characters from the Mario franchise that suits the underwater theme.
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Measurement. The dimensions of objects featured within the scenes were measured and recorded for reference.
Progress. Objects were sketched on an angled projection to acurately notate their three-dimensional representation.
Hand-drawn sketch of the Mario world setting
Details. A closer look at the sketch drawings. Note the parallel lines projected from an imaginary base.
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PAPER LANDSCAPE
The making of new landscape Distinction between the planar surface and the modular three-dimensional pattern was achieved by the deliberate patternization of the whole landscape that resembled a huge “X” in the middle. This arrangement was chosen to emphasise the gradual elongation of the modular pattern from the edges of the landscape until it peaked in the centre, supported by the contrasting tilted surface filling the gaps created by the “X” trails.
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A closer look at the transition between surface and pattern
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Mesh. The initial landscape was meshed to simplify rendering procedures.
Loft. The mesh surface was lofted to prepare for the overlaying of grid points.
Modules. Customized three-dimensional modules were tested and evaluated before settling down with this design.
Details of physical model as viewed sideways Rendering. The virtual model finalized for template production and physical model assembly.
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INVISIBLE CITY
Andria - Cities & the Sky 5 The city of Andria was described as a place where activities and progress were dictated by celestial movements and changes, resembling mechanical gears that “cogs in a meticulous machine,” as well as a place that saw new buildings and structures being instated as often as they could. Thus the two perspective renderings were purposely choreographed to visually highlight these two features, as well as hidden messages that conveys minute moments mentioned in the fictional writings. The spatial limitation imposed by the Old Quad encouraged the division of the available space into two halves to differentiate spatial, time and thematic changes featured in the two perspective views. A framing device was incorporated in the boundary separating the two areas, namely a “suspended street ... over a bamboo grove,” so that a clear distinction could be identified between the two spaces.
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Perspective 1: Buildings, structures and infrastructure of Andria, as governed by celestial activity.
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Perspective 2: “The astronomers, after each change takes place in Andria, peer into their telescopes and report a nova’s explosion.”
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REFLECTION
The completion the projects in this course has allowed me to explore my personal artistic preference in ways I have never experienced before. Although the course seemingly served only as an introduction to the architectural world, the technical and theoretical aspects discussed during lectures and studio sessions, as well as occasional guest lectures given by leading figures of the architectural industry, have opened up a whole new set of design approach that inspired my design conceptualization and execution in the course of completing my projects. For instance, I was given a guest lecture on the importance and means of framing a scene, which fueled my decision in consciously dividing the Old Quad model into two by placing the representation of a “suspended street ... over a bamboo grove� as a framing device to capture my desired perspective views.
On the other hand, the technicality required in completing my assignments had posed an unprecedented challenge to a pupil with limited knowledge and hands-on involvement with computer design software such as InDesign and Rhino. Though it was a tough learning curve to handle, the involvement in these software allowed me to practise with the tools and functions of these virtual workstations in the real context of design, in which the skill set acquired would be of fundamental significance for my career development in this information age. In my opinion, all of my modules have successfully achieved my aesthetic intentions, but in terms of time management, I could have done a lot better. Unfortunately I missed the deadlines of the submission of modules 2 and 3, contributing to the grade reductions of my final submissions. I believe better prioritization of work could improve the situation, but extra practice with design software and seeking assistance from peers would also improve it. Amendments were made to the final product of module 2 by the addition of extra characters and the boosting of transparency of the water surface.
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