a walk in the park nancy tariga architecture 21 midterm learning portfolio spring 2009
a walk in the park Just building up a vocabulary of emotive adjectives was a challenge for this exercise. It was difficult to identify the physical elements that evoked certain feelings. Though we tried to unify our presention board with the theme of duality, the layout was not descriptive and did not carry out the theme effectively. In the next iteration of the boards, I worked on my craft and layout and think the presentation was much clearer and visually pleasing than the previous board. I seem to be very fixated on grid layouts and would like to explore other presentation methods Lessons learned - Always seek to exceed the stated minimum requirements and exhibit a high level of craft in whatever I create. Research non-grid layouts for presentations.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park Making the selected places into abstract diagrams made me really think about what was essential to the essence of a place and how to show this with simple forms. I was suprised at how effective some of the diagrams were at conveying the intending feeling, in particular enticing and protected. However, I stripped some of the diagrams too much and without the use of elevations, the intended emotions were unclear. Elevations would also have been helpful to see the environment with respect to the human form.
Lessons learned - Abstract drawings are a good way to learn what is essential and will form the basis of primary structures. Both plan and elevation are necessary to orient ourselves within a place. Relationship to human scale is essential.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #1 Learning how to use the materials and how to secure things in place was frustrating but necessary. Making such a tiny model was hard to manuever but good practice. I failed at making it appear more abstract and instead it looked more like a wire frame replica of the cove. However, I learned a lot and think this shows how much progress I made over the course of the semester.
Lessons learned - Listen to directions and look at your notes before starting. Thin gauge wire is tricky to use because it shows every flaw clearly. I should learn how others use wire effectively so that it promotes my work instead of detracts from it.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #2
I chose the adjectives protected, secluded, and private to describe the cove on the beach. One of the main ideas that I thought was essential was the idea of contrast between protected and danger, secluded and open, private and public. By projecting sharp daggers towards the cocoon opening towards the sky, I thought it conveyed a sense of protection. My craft, however, was severly lacking and my choice of material was not wise. While I chose the plastic for the hard, translucent surface, it is not easily bendable and as a result, I wasted a lot of time trying to make it bend to my will. This was a bad decision.
Lessons learned - Contrast is a good way to emphasize and exaggerate. Working with new materials is something that should be tested well beforehand and though it may be beautiful, some things just don’t work for certain applications. It’s easier to change to a more suitable material than to change the design.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #2
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #3 Instead of elevating the protected area as in the previous iteration, I chose to hide it among darker, menacing pieces, like a hidden treasure. The path leading up to the inner structure is only visible from one angle and the doors gently opened up like a blooming flower. While I think my idea was good, I think the design and materials for the centerpiece were not executed well. I became so caught up in making the surroundings that I neglected the more important focus piece, which ultimately undermined the whole model. Furthermore, the circle design was too simple and lacked complexity and interesting-ness. However, I thinkthe implied center and the sense of enclosure without being stifling were successful in conveying a sense of protection and seclusion.
Lessons learned - Devote more time and energy to the main structure, the surroundings are secondary.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #4 I noticed that it was at iteration number 4 that I started to really sketch some concrete ideas in my notebook. Before, the concepts were floating around my head and resulting in an uninspired model. Once i started to create different options on paper, I feel things really got started in motion in me. My initial idea was the sea anemone that Nemo lived in, surrounded by tall, wavy seaweed. This morphed into a semi-transparent sphere that would be both closed and open at same time. I also played around with various kinds of sphere covers and plan views to create spaces within spaces. Lessons learned - Sketching is the easiest, quickest, time-effective, cost-effective method to produce many idea with the least amount of effort. Identifying an inspirational item helps to move the design along. arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #4
This model looked better in my mind than it did when built. It reminds me of a giant octopus disguised as the Epcot center but I wasn’t able to see this until it was built. Also, producing the trace panels were extremely time consuming and still looked like they were badly crafted. However, I learned the value of using appropriate materials with this iteration. The wood pieces were perfect for contorting into the curved shapes while the trace was a bad choice.
Lessons learned - Good materials make a huge difference in the end quality of a model. Things that seem good in my head can turn out very bad when built. Very time-consuming tasks end up in poor craft elsewhere, eg. masking tape everywhere. arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #4
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #5 While I liked the spiral entrance of the last iteration, I needed something different for the main structure. I was really drawn to curvilinear lines and explored various manifestions of this, keeping in mind the idea of a node. An overhanging C-shaped section gave me a feeling of protection and seclusion from in the inside versus the outside so I decided to incorporate that idea into my next iteration. In this model, skin, surface, and connections were supposed to be fleshed out. I was focused too much on the overall design that I failed to put a frame on the inner structure. The outer shell has a strong bone structure but lacks the connections to take it to the next level.
Lessons learned - Seemingly random sketching can lead to worthwhile ideas so sketch often and a lot. Remember to work on all aspects of a project and to not focus in on one particular part at the expense of the whole.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #5
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #5
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #6
I realized to get to the next level, I would need to choose the right materials for the job so I went back to basswood to create the curvilinear shapes I wanted. I spent a lot of time sketching ideas and researching different structures that can support a curved cantilever. I bought a Calatrava book about his bridges that gave me a lot of ideas about using tension to keep the structure in place. In particular, his drawings of how he came up with designs based on the human body were really inspiring. I used this idea to sketch some ideas of my own.
Lessons learned - Researching other architects and designers to see where they get their inspiration from is a great way to end writer’s block and produce some interesting ideas I never would’ve thought of.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #6
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #6
This was my first model to have a strong sense of skin and structure. However, it lacked connections and the three parts were very disjointed from each other. A tectonic language is starting to develop but the lack of connections makes the design seem very simple and boring. Complexities need to be added and more spaces within spaces would add more interest to the model.
Lessons learned - Design as a whole and not in pieces. Think about how things relate to one another and to the user. Simple = boring. Connections are like the seasoning of a dish - they add that needed spice to the overall dish. Always think about spaces within spaces. arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #6
The tension cable I tried to create did not turn out as successful as I had hoped. I think a thicker thread would have worked out better. However, it did add a layer of complexity that I liked. I connected the entrance piece with the larger outer shell by having it weave into the outer shell as a secondary element. I think this was my most important breakthrough for this model. arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #6
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #7
At first, I didn’t really understand the point of the narratives. However, I think it is a good way to attack the problem from a different angle. It made the space come alive and pointed out areas that still needed more attention. For example, I focused on the idea of a dangerous outside area but this idea was not shown in my model. Also, my story turned out very short because I realized my model had a very short journey to get to the goal. So, in my next iteration, I extended the path to include more points of interest.
Original story: As night began to fall, I realized I had lost my way. I ran from tree to tree, searching for some clues, something to help me find my way back. It was then I saw this strange cluster off in the distance. It seemed to rise right out of the landscape but seemed so foreign. I was drawn to the gentle curves of the structure, tumbling out of the forest like a giant wave. As I approached, the object was larger than I expected. I was mesmerized by the spirals, drawing me into their folds. I followed them as they swept up into the ceiling. I noticed an opening ahead of me and wondered what lay beyond. As soon as I entered, I lost all sense of time and was content to have finally found my place. Revision 1: Everything around me seemed to be growing, multiplying, hungering for more. Their appetites were insatiable and I could feel myself slipping away. As the darkness took over, selfishly stealing even the slimmest strips of light, I saw it off in the distance, its flowing, gentle curves reminding me of a warm embrace and beckoning me from afar. I wrestled myself out of their greedy claws and approached the structure, ready to explore its mysteries. The giant wave, rising triumphantly from the ground, seduced me, inviting me into her folds. As I made my way in, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by the spirals above and below me, sweeping upward and over me higher and higher towards the sky. I found myself transported to a place that was unfamiliar yet undeniably comforting at the same time. As I delved deeper, I spotted a break in the wall ahead of me, compelling me to come in. I turned the corner and knew immediately that I had finally arrived.
Lessons learned - Writing and creating stories and lives for things we create can help us see what is important and what is still missing. It is also effective at abstracting a design into its necessary elements.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #7 Inspired by the weaving of the entrance and outer shell together, I wanted to incorporate it into my tectonic language by using it on the outer walls of the model as well, which I felt were very bare and needed some sort of veiling. Also, for this iteration, we were told to exploit parallel layering and I tried to use this idea in all of my elements. The other shell has the greatest amount of layering with the addition of a structural truss that added a good deal of layering and interest.
Lessons learned - Once a tectonic language is developed, it makes designing other elements much more natural and fitting. Parallel layering is an excellent way to add instant interest if used correctly. Structural elements adds visusal interest. arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #7
Some explorations of different structural systems for holding up cantilevered curves. I chose the curved truss because it evoked a calmer feeling than the other two which were made completely with straight members.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #7 My most current model has incorporated things I’ve learned and ideas I’ve had over the course of the last 6 weeks. I have come to realize that the level of craft is equal to the amount of time spent on building it. Right now, I seem to be very inefficient with my model making time but I think I am getting the hang of it. When I choose my materials, I select things that will work with me and not against me. This has mainly been achieved through trial and error. While there are still many areas to improve upon in terms of craft, I am pleased at the level I have reached in such a short time. Lessons learned - Craft level = time spent. It is difficult to get a feel for a material unless you try it out. Patience and attention to detail are key in good craft.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #7
The development of the tectonic language for this structure is based on curvilinear lines and the different scales, shapes and rotations of the curve vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. The curving path I created gives it a sense of flow yet the implied centers let the user know when to stop and take a breath. I tried to imbue a sense of wonder and welcoming in the journey throughout the structure through tension and release of spaces by varying the scale from intimate to grand and back again.
Lesson learned - Tension and release is a key principle to create interesting spaces.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #7
The fact that my model looks completely different from each angle makes it visually compelling and makes you want to explore it more. However, I still think my model is still too “pokey� and I think this can be cleaned up in my next iteration. I still feel that there is a lot of do and there are a lot of spaces that can be developed. A conversation between the inner sanctum structure and the fence-wall can be made clearer and more relevant.
Lesson learned - Asymmetry is interesting.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #7
I designed with the human scale in mind. I wanted to create a space large enough and grand enough to feel safe in (the outer shell) but also spaces that were smaller and more intimate to give a safe, secluded feeling. arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park model iteration #7
Smaller details such as shadows and panels that relate to human scale add depth and complexity to the model. Though there are many other facets to work on, these elements give the model a believability. arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009
a walk in the park
In conclusion, I believe the constant push to critically think, sketch, experiment, and build again and again is vital to success in this class and in future design studios. The iterative process is successful when diligently applied. However, this is not the only key to success. Seeking out constructive feedback, tackling the process in unexpected ways, becoming familiar with tools and materials, exposing yourself to varied stimuli, and experimenting with ideas whether you think they are relevant or not are all essential to good design.
arch 21 | midterm | spring 2009