Foundations of Design : REPRESENTATION, SEM1, 2017 M4 JOURNAL - FRAME vs FIELD Mingjie Zhang
910787 Junhan Foong , 18
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WEEK 9 READING: PERSPECTIVE AS SYMBOLIC FORM
Question 1: What are Durer’s rules for perspectival projection? (Maximum 100 words) Durer’s conception of “perspectival projection” embodies several rules. Firstly, all perpendiculars are to meet at the central vanishing point; the horizontal line through this central vanishing point is thus called the horizon. Secondly, all parallels have a common vanishing point, with horizontal planes converging on the horizon. Thirdly, the distance between the eye and the picture plane is equal to the distance between parallel’s vanishing point and the central vanishing point if they form a 45º angle. Finally, dimensions progressively diminish as they become further away.
Question 2: Describe homogenous space? (Maximum 100 words)
Homogenenous space is described as a functional space as opposed to a substantial reality. The independent points within a homogeneous space are mere determination of positions that create a basis for perception. They do not create their individual contents. In this sense, homogeneous space does not create space itself - the function is given to construction.
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THIN CITY: Octavia
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OLD QUAD ISOMETRIC
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2.5m
5m
In this isometric drawing of the old quad, I have enhanced the legibility of objects by toning down the opacity of the vaults as well as
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adding a thicker outline around the scene.
OLD QUAD ISOMETRIC WITH NOTATIONS
Key Mood/Feeling Heavy
Light
Stare
Glance
Direction of Viewing Camera Position Perspective 1 Perspective 2
People Fewer
More
Slow
Fast
Movement
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2.5m
5m
Dark
Brightness
Light
Through using a range of symbols, the city of Octavia is depicted as having a dense and enclosed central space, while the outskirt is brighter, lighter in mood and less populated.
Custom Symbol: Waterdrop Houses
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QUAD PERSPECTIVE 1 + 2 Perspective view #1 linework. Line weight is adjusted to be thinner in the distance, so that the effect of fading is enhanced.
Perspective view #2 linework. As above; this perspective is adjusted to be symmetrical in order to emphasise the grandeur of the old quad.
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PERSPECTIVE SCENE 1 + 2 Perspective view #1 collage. A variety of objects are added to the scene, including wooden plank bridges, dumbwaiters, rope ladders, waterdrop shaped houses, a small network of cables and two figures performing “flying fox”. Those objects are added in order to simulate Octavia, the spiderweb city, which is described as having its infrastructures and inhabitants hanged in mid air between two steep steep cliffs. Zipline is the major method of transport, while dumbwaiters deliver goods around the city. Therefore, the overall movement in the city is portrayed to be linear and risky.
Perspective view #2 collage. Most of the objects are retained in this perspective. The columns, vaults, background and the ground are textured, applied with the “multiply” overlay effect in order to retain shades. The vaults are textured with cobwebs as to mimic the “spider web city” - a literal approach of interpreting the city’s web-like planning. The background is meant to represent cliffs of a canyon while the ground is textured with cracks to represent bottom of a chasm. Clouds are also added to suggest the height of the scene.
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WEEK 10 READING: PRACTICE: ARCHITECTURE, TECHNIQUE AND REPRESENTATION Complete your reading before attempting these questions:
Question 1: What is the difference between autographic and allographic practice? (Maximum 100 words) The most distinguishing difference between autographic and allographic practise is their abilities of being reproduced. Whereas autographic practices are expressed through artistic mediums such as painting and sculpture, which require the direct contact with the author, allographic practices refer to music, poetry and theatrical performances that could be re-interpreted and thus re-imagined.
Question 2: Why do architects need new representational techniques? (Maximum 100 words) Architects are in need or new representational techniques because the current methods are disconnected from them. For example, drawings and plans of buildings are only focused on developing the surface, and they are difficult to be interpreted like other mediums such as music or performance. New techniques are meant to be more instructive in aiding others with their understanding of the design and structure.
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FINAL DRAWINGS Thin CiTies 5: OCTavia
Overall, I believe a sufficient number of objects and details are put into this scene in an effort to replicate Calvino’s concept of Octavia. Plank bridges, network of cables, rope ladders and other real life objects are directly taken out of the story, while the “houses made like sacks” are given a creative spin to resemble gigantic water drops. Other nuanced aspects of the perspective scenes, such as shadow, texture and depth of field have also been put into consideration.
Key Mood/Feeling Heavy
Light
Stare
Glance
Direction of Viewing Camera Position Perspective 1 Perspective 2
People Fewer
An improvement that could be made is the texture of the vaulting: my interpretation of the “spider web city” could be viewed as too literal, thus lacking depth to portray the intricate planning network of Octavia.`
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Movement
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1m
2.5m
5m
Slow
Fast
Dark
Brightness
Light
Custom Symbol: Waterdrop Houses
Perspective 1
Perspective 2
A collage of isometric view with two perspective views. Mingjie Zhang, 910787
Completed with scale bar and keys.
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APPENDIX
Left: Creating the waterdrop houses in Rhino 1. Intersect a sphere in the middle with a planar surface. Before applying textures and enhancing shadows.
2. Create a hemisphere using “trim”.
3. Create single point, Use “extrudesrftopoint” to form the waterdrop.
After applying textures and enhancing shadows. Plan view of symbols on old quad.
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