Final Learning Portfolio
ORIOL ROYO OBREGĂ“N Arch 101. Architectural Design Studio I Jerry W. Lum City College of San Francisco
A.1
What’s my Sign? Concept Generation + Collages Pg. 6
A.2
What’s my Sign? My Sign 1.0 Pg. 8
A.3. What’s my Sign? My Sign 2.0 Pg. 10
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B.
A Journey of Discovery Pg. 12
C.1
Make a Wall 1.0 Pg. 22
Table of Contents
C.2 Make a Wall 2.0 P. 24
C.3
C.4
Make a Wall 3.0 P. 26
Make a Wall 4.0, 4.1 & 4.2 P. 28
C.5 The Storyboard. The evolution of the Cocoon. P. 32
C.6
The Final Wall. P. 34
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D.
Precedence Research. Seeking Inspiration. Pg. 36
E.1
Sectioning as a goal. Models 1 & 2. Pg. 38
E.2
Sectioning as a goal. Model 3. Pg. 40
E.3
Sectioning as a goal. Models 4 & 5. Pg. 42
F.
Program and Site Analysis Pg. 44
Table of Contents
G.
Sectioning as a goal. Final Model 1.0 P. 48
H.
Sectioning as a goal. Final Model 2.0 P. 50
I.
J.
Iterations, Variations and Inspiration P. 52
Computer Aid Modeling and Budgeting. P. 54
K.
Final Project. The Viewfinder P. 56
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The first collage I created consists on adjectives that describe who I am.. I decided to organize them following the shape of a redwood tree. By using a natural element I incorporated my passion for the environment into my description. I have intentionally chosen a redwood tree since to me, they represent wisdom, longevity and a they provide a solid structure. The adjectives are placed in the tree with an intention. I placed the adjective persistent in the roots of the tree since it represents who I’ve been since I was a child. On the trunk of the tree I placed attributes of me that made me take very important, challenging and scary decision during my life. The lower –and older- branches have qualities that I have since I was born, the medium branches include adjectives that I discovered about myself overtime through life changes and experiences. The top branches include adjectives that even if they are part of me, I still have to develop. The second collage is a compilation of images that represent persistency, adaptability and capability. The images are personal pictures, images from artists such as Andy Goldsworthy and Rebecca Johnson and images found on the internet. I created the third collage just as a way to organize my ideas and images and to be able to create a final and more abstract collage full of symbolism.
SECOND COLLAGE
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THIRD COLLAGE
A.1 What’s my Sign? Concept Generation and Collages
FOURTH COLLAGE
FIFTH COLLAGE
For my fourth collage I used a black and white manmade rock wall that seems to be unbreakable. I placed in the middle what represents a crack, an explosion that breaks the unbreakable wall. . For the explosion I used colors with warm hues and high saturation to call the attention of the public and make sure that they focus on the dark and small picture of the middle.
For the fifth collage, by using oblique directions I wanted to create a tension between destruction, pollution and degradation and an alternative future, a green future in which human beings embrace nature.
The central image represents how the current type of human development is pushing away and destroying the natural environment that sustain us.. The picture has a lot of symbolism and even if it uses dark colors, the part in which nature has been removed looks dirtier and darker than the part in which nature is still present.
For the alternative future in which I included green walls and roofs, wind turbines and an organic design from GaudĂ I used bright colors. In this collage bright colors represent an awakening.
For the destruction, located in the top right -which to me represents an aggressive and abusive position- I used dark colors with the exception of a forest fire.
In the middle of the collage I used a plain (representing human development) and a snake (representing sin) colliding and creating an explosion in which nature is freed again.
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For my first sign I used reclaimed barn wood to represent persistency, the persistency of wood to be s t ro n g ove r t i m e , wa x e d string for adaptability and brass metal for capability.
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I n o rd e r t o c re a t e a n attractive combination I used red, white and gold colors.
The next step was a little bit tedious, it consisted on attaching the nails to the wood board.
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To create the sign I started by choosing a word that scares me but that has always been a motor in my life, change.
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I n o rd e r t o m a k e i t attractive I experimented with different fonts until I found one that was attractive for my sign.
O n c e t h e n a i l s we re i n placed I had to remove the paper that I used as a reference.
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The last step consisted in adding the waxed string to the sign.
I properly sized the font according to the size of the wood and I clean the contour of the letters in order to be able to proceed with the next step.
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Fo r t h i s s t e p , i t wa s important to keep a small and homogeneous distance between the nails to avoid the sign to look ‘pixeled’ when adding the string.
In order to create a crisp word I started and finished adding the string to the contour of my word.
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A.2 What’s my Sign? My Sign 1.0 REFLECTIONS • Strengths: a. The sign was within the required parameters and it was solid and stable. b. The sign is attractive and unique. c. I managed my time properly. • Weaknesses: a.
At first it didn’t cause impression in the public.
an
b.
The small details were not appreciated from the public.
c. I can improve my design method by organizing my ideas since the beginning. • Opportunities: a.
Create a sign that can be placed parallel to the wall. b. I can create a more interesting, architecturally pleasant sign. • Threats: a. The new sign needs to be related to this sign and I am using heavy materials.
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The second sign was more challenging since it required to be more abstract and to have two sides.
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I decided to use a circle to give shape to the sign. In order to create a ‘perfect’ circle I used a dish as a reference.
I n o rd e r t o r e p r e s e n t “change” in an abstract way, I used a symbol composed by three spirals. S i n c e t h e s i g n h a s t wo fa c e s , I d u p l i c a t e d t h e symbol.
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I am lucking of resources such as hammers and a saw but I managed to ask a friend to use his tools.
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Since I knew about the second sing, I already had another piece of wood for it.
I experimented with different ideas and designs i n o rd e r t o c re a t e a n appealing symbol.
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I adapted a long piece of the same type of reclaimed wood to create the sign structure.
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W i t h a n a t u ra l s t r i n g , I balanced the weight of the sign and its structure to ensure that it was stable on the wall.
As with the first sign, the last step consisted in adding the waxed string to the sign. In order to create a crisp word I started and finished adding the string to the contour of my word.
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A.3 What’s my Sign? My Sign 2.0 REFLECTIONS • Strengths: a. The sign was within the required parameters and it was solid and stable. b. I made drawings and research about how to distribute the weight of the sign. c. I used heavy materials and only two pins to sustain the sign because of the thoughtful design it was structurally sound.
but
d. All the materials are part of the sign including the string that supports it to the wall. • Weaknesses: a. I only experiment with the sign once, I took too much of a risk but not placing the sign in the wall before the class. b. I could had experiment with new materials. • Opportunities: a. Learn more about structures and forces to make a more paradoxical sign. b. Improve the level of detail by for example sealing the wood and using two string colors that create volumes. • Threats: a. Not experimenting with other techniques and materials. b. Maintain a high level of energy to continue improving myself.
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MISSION BAY
MISSION DISTRICT
POTRERO HILL
DOG PATCH
MY JOURNEY, THE AREAS THAT I VISITED AND THE SPOTS IN WHICH I TOOK PICTURES
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B. A Journey of Discovery
EMOTIONS: MISSION Charming and intriguing BAY feeling characteristics
of old places.
Overwhelming amount of c re a t i ve p i e c e s o f furniture and art. The history smelled.
MISSION DISTRICT
POTRERO HILL
can
be
There is an organized chaos that makes you feel comfortable inside DOG the space. PATCH It is like a toy store for adults that produce us surprise, excitement, desire of discovery and adventure.
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MISSION BAY
MISSION DISTRICT
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POTRERO HILL
DOG PATCH
B. A Journey of Discovery
EMOTIONS: MISSION The BAY
reflection of the olive tree with the lights produced me a feeling of calm and tranquility. The size of the mirror and lanterns make you feel small but calm, protected.
MISSION DISTRICT
POTRERO HILL
The warm color of the lights look like candles that bring warmth to DOG you during that cloudy PATCH day. The material palette – metal, stone, wood- are noble and strong, the place has a sense of eternity.
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MISSION BAY
MISSION DISTRICT
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POTRERO HILL
DOG PATCH
B. A Journey of Discovery
EMOTIONS: MISSION BAY
The perspective of this pier and the next door building create a sense of infinity and distance. It felt like a place in which you will go to say goodbye, maybe because you are leaving or maybe because somebody is leaving you. The sound of the bay was very low but constant and captivating, it surrounded you and knocked out the sound of the adjacent street.
MISSION DISTRICT
The aged posts of the pier seem strong but deteriorated like some older people that once was POTRERO DOG part of my life. HILL
PATCH
There was something else special about the place that at the beginning I wasn’t identifying. It was the smell of ocean that even if it was not great, it was brining me back memories of my childhood.
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MISSION BAY
MISSION DISTRICT
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POTRERO HILL
DOG PATCH
B. A Journey of Discovery
MISSION BAY
MISSION DISTRICT
POTRERO HILL
DOG PATCH
EMOTIONS: This two independent discoveries were a surprise to me, they seem to be related but because of their locations I don’t think they are related. Both reflect and inspire the
power of nature in completely different ways, once represents the power of nature cracking a concrete floor, the second one reminds me to the terrain of mountain or the bed of a river.
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MISSION BAY
MISSION DISTRICT
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POTRERO HILL
DOG PATCH
PIER 70 DISTRICT HISTORICAL SHIPYARD
B. A Journey of Discovery
MISSION BAY
EMOTIONS:
This building seems taken from a pace in which a war just took place.
MISSION DISTRICT
POTRERO HILL
It creates in my a feeling of loneliness and sadness. The destroyed windows and overgrowth nature make you feel that the DOG stop by in that space. time PATCH
To me it seems unbelievable that in a city as expensive as San Francisco, it has not been restored.
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For my first wall design I decided to create an outdoor pavilion. My idea was to place the outdoor pavilion on the edge of a plateau. The covered space is facing the hill and will have stunning views of a valley. The back wall will be facing the plateau and giving privacy to the entertaining area. By creating a heavy and tall wall I wanted to produce intrigue and wonder to the potential users. Seeing that wall with an opening will make you wonder what is behind. Once behind the wall you will feel protected because of the roof and with a big feeling of privacy and intimacy. I wanted to add a narrow and long windows to frame the views of the plateau. For this outdoor pavilion I wanted to use earthy materials such as rammed earth for the walls and wood and metal for the covered area. For the outdoor pavilion I was inspired by the Hamel Family Winery building designed by Gould Evans. See image below. In created a model with SketchUp in order to understand proportions of the structure and to help me building the model.
the
In order to built the actual model, I scaled the SketchUp divided the building in layers with the thickness (that is what I though) of the cardboard that I was going to use. The different colors of the model represent different shapes of cardboard that I had to draw and cut.
Gould Evans
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C.1 Make a Wall 1.0
After drawing the pieces, I started cutting them with a cutter and a metallic ruler.
The first step w a s t o d ra w the different units that form the structure in cardboard.
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My SketchUp model was e x t re m e l y useful to e n s u re t h a t I was not missing any piece and to glue the model.
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Late night I started to glue all the pieces together
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Besides all the preparation, I made a huge mistake. I didn’t measure the thickness of the cardboard properly and therefore the proportions of my structure were not correct. Since it was late night, I decided to proceed with the model to see how the model will look with distorted proportions in the z-axis. The first wall experiment was very interesting, I never build a model before and even if it wasn’t perfect (or close to perfect), I was happy to create a sturdy and realistic model.
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HAND SKETCHING
SKETCHUP DESIGN SketchUp was very useful to create two different final designs. Because of time and materials I had to select the most simple of the two designs.
For the second version of the wall, I started by sketching by hand different parallel wall experiences.
CONSTRUCTION
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For my second wall I used a similar yet different building technique. Instead of piling pieces of cardboard I fold chipboard creating hollow rectangles. It was a fun but messy project that filled my kitchen with glued walls
C.2 Make a Wall 2.0
REFLECTIONS • Strengths: a. My wall was sturdy and it played with parallels walls as required b. The proportions of the wall were correct. • Weaknesses: a. The design was too symmetric, even if I enjoy symmetry. b. I spend too much time designing and building the model. c. I have a clear tendency to lay with straight lines • Opportunities: a. I can create more playful designs. b.
Even if I like symmetry, this is a good exercise to experiment and learn about non symmetric designs.
• Threats: a. I tend to create monumental structures, I am not experimenting with smaller structures. b. I create pretty big models, which require more details than smaller models.
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Instead of upgrading my previous wall, I decided to take a higher risk and create a third wall. The third wall I created was intended to be more playful and create a different type of structure that had a deeper meaning. For this wall I went back to a previous sketch I made in which I designed a p ea cefu l a nd q u i et ro o m l o ca t ed between walls and with benches on each side of the room. The room has two means of egress that meander through long and narrow h a l l wa ys t h a t i nv i t e t o t h i n k a n d meditate. I named Cocoon.
my
structure
the
Dialogue
The Dialogue Cocoon is located in the hill of a mountain and it just has walking access. It is meant to be a place to solve discussions in small communities. Similar to a Greek agora.
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C.3 Make a Wall 3.0 When in a small community or in family there are two different opinions about an issue, the people will go to the Dialogue Cocoon to discuss about it. They will go towards the building and they will take a different path depending on their opinion about the topic. The path is the beginning of a journey of reflection in which they are invited to think about reasons that support their opinion; Inside the cocoon there is a meandering hallways that will bring them deep to their thoughts. The first step will be a small room in which they will gather with the rest of the people that shares their though in order to share their point of view and strategize how to approach the issue with the other people. After that first step they will access to a bigger room in will sit in benches in front of the opposite group. In that room each group will present their thoughts to the opposite group. After the first discussion, the individuals are welcome to change groups if they change their mind. They can also go back to smaller rooms in which they can individually meditate. During the second round of discussion they are invited to reach a solution or an agreement with the rest of opposite group. Sometimes problems cannot be solved but the cocoon is meant to create more sensitive communities that are aware of the needs and interests of other people. The Cocoon is a monumental structure but not aggressive because of its openness and connection with the outdoors. The meandering shapes of the cocoon invite to peacefully think and disconnect from external discussions.
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When building this wall, I focused all my attention in creating a structure without straight lines or angles. I have a clear preference for straight lines and formal forms so I decided to challenge myself. The main issue in my design is that I didn’t pay attention in creating an structure with different e x p e r i e n c e s . M y b u i l d i n g wa s t o o p l a i n a n d symmetrical and without a hierarchy between different elements/spaces.
To me, my wall/structure had good bones so for my new wall iteration I decided to use the same structure but incorporating new elements that break its symmetry and add new and interesting spaces. For this new iteration I also decided to work in the landscape since it is part of the story of this wall.
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In order to decide how to modify my wall I worked in some small and fast design areas such as the tower and two potential substructures that were not a success.
C.4 Make a Wall 4.0, 4.1 & 4.2
The new design met some of my structural expectations. The new building was more appealing, less symmetric and with different elements organized hierarchically. My next challenge was to experiment with different materials and to build the exterior, the skin of the structure and the landscape. This new challenge almost end up in a complete fiasco. I tried to create a roof for the main structure (the ‘cocoon’) made of metal wire but because of its irregular shape it was completely impossible to make the wire go through the chipboard layers. I wanted to experiment with a narrower and more flexible wire but at that point I was not engage in that idea. For the landscape I experimented with panties, another mistake. My structure presented two main issues, the landscape shape is too irregular and the panties didn’t follow its contour homogeneously. The second issues is that the structure was not strong enough and the panties were pressing the landscape structure excessively. For my next iteration I decided to go hard and experiment with more tuff materials. I gave shape to the landscape with something similar to paper mache, for my version of paper mache I used wood glue and chipboard. For the main structure I decided to use plaster. It was very interesting and enriching to experiment with new materials to give shape to my building. Notice that I made use of SketchUp to quickly sketch some of my design ideas.
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The use of new materials created a very interesting version on my structure. For this new version, a left a hole opened on the top of the dome of the main chamber of my structure. The dome will allow natural light and rain to reach the interior of the structure and create a felling similar to the Pantheon of Rome. The oculus of the dome allows for the main chamber to be completely lighted without the need of artificial light. The new structure iteration is more sturdy and created a building more similar to what I envisioned at the beginning of my wall journey. It creates a monumental and memorable structure with a mystic feeling such as the one reached at the Tulach a’tSolais Memorial or the dome of the Casa do Condo in Portugal. The next step of my wall will be to add vegetation and texture to the landscape and to the tower. I am still debating in between opening square windows in the main structure or just leave it enclosed with the open dome.
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C.4 Make a Wall 4.0, 4.1 & 4.2
REFLECTIONS • Strengths: a. I use several different techniques to build my model, I experimented with a lot of materials and even if some of the experiments were not successful I learn about new techniques. b. I
created an asymmetric building w i t h c u r be d s h a p e s a n d a n architectural interest.
° Weaknesses: a.
I spend too much time experimenting with shapes. I should had either make a better use of S ke t c h U p o r u s e pa p e r t o experiment.
• Opportunities: a.
I can work in some of the different events that I created and give them more detail. .
° Threats:
b. I spend a lot of time designing and building the model.
a. I am still not experimenting with smaller structures.
c. The building didn’t cause the impact that I was expecting.
b. I don’t think my building can be build at the end of the semester.
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ANCIENT TIMES‌
In ancient times, the cocoon was used as a place to discuss family and community issues.
The design of the cocoon was something mystic, it was designed to make people d i s c o n n e ct f ro m t h e exterior.
It was a monumental place that invited the users to reflect and meditate. The main chamber was lighted with natural light coming from an oculus The Pantheon, Rome, Italy.
Tulach a’tSolais, Ireland
Over time, with an increase of population and a change in the way people communicated and resolved their issues the cocoon was no longer in use. The main s t r u ct u re , m a d e o f s t o n e , deteriorated but it survived the passing of time. Abandoned Cooling Tower, Unknown.
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The tower, once used as a kitchen to feed the users during long discussions and to give them shelter in case they needed to sleep or relax, was made of wood and the years damage its structure. Abandoned Water Tower, Poland
C.5 The Storyboard. The evolution of the cocoon. MODERN TIMES‌
The new times created a population with a high level of stress and without time to relax and enjoy the solitude.
The time changed and after many years of neglect, the cocoon found a new use as a meditation center. Constellati on Tower, Qatar
Casa do Condo, Portugal
Relaxing indoor/ o u t d o o r s pa c e s we re c re a t e d . The new spaces re s p e ct e d t h e shape of the cocoon
Shell, ARTechnic Architects, Japan
Blossoming, Dubai
Covered outdoor spaces that invite t o re l a x a n d m e d i ta t e we re build.
The cocoon undergo a major renovation to host a new use. GrodShell Toledo, Italy
The tower undergo a m a j o r r e n o va t i o n because of its bad shape. Nowadays the kitchen, the guests bedrooms and a spa are located in the t o we r . T h e m a i n structure is c u r re n t l y h o s t i n g workshops and meditation rooms.
The cocoon is back!
Marin County Civic Center, CA, USA
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The cocoon had evolve one more time, besides preserving the existing events, two more events had been added. The first event, the cocoon skeleton reinforces the idea of theme and repetition. It creates a formal or main entrance to the cocoon as well as an indoor/ outdoor area. The second event is created by the new openings in the main structure. The windows have d i f f e re n t s h a p e s b u t t h e y create a formal pattern that mimics the pattern of the windows in the main tower. If the cocoon was able to evolve again, it will be interesting to create a path towards the skeleton to define a more clear entrance. Another feature that will reinforce the idea of theme and repetition will be the addition of a wired but smaller tower. A wired cupola on top of the cocoon or a wired gazebo to the right end of the gazebo with a floating deck are future ideas/options that I would like to explore.
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C.6 The Final Wall.
REFLECTIONS • Strengths: a. I experimented with several materials, successfully and unsuccessfully but it allowed me to learn methods and techniques. b. The building has elements organized hierarchically, and there is a theme and a variation between the different elements. • Weaknesses: a. My crafting can improve, with more practice it will get better but I could had been more careful with the plaster. • Opportunities: a. II can explore building another tower and creating a more inviting landscaping. b. With more time, the cocoon windows can be improved and with patient I could also add windows similar to the ones from Marcel Breuer. • Threats: a. I have to be careful with the risk of creating a model full of structures that don’t relate to each other.
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A new chapter just started for Arch 101. We are getting ready to built a real size model! The first step is to seek for inspiration. There are several places to find examples, the l i b ra r y , a rc h i t e ct u ra l bo o k stores and of course the internet.
Sectioning. This picture inspired me because using sectioning the designer created an interesting and beautiful sitting space.
Fist of all Ays e , o n e classmates i n c re d i b l e purchased at
I want to thank o f o u r Tu r k i s h for sharing an book that she William Stout.
For my research I used mainly the internet. I started by following the links shared from our instructor and then I start my own research using Google and Pinterest.
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S e c t i o n i n g a n d Te n s i o n i n g . T h i s structure created from students of Barcelona called my attention because of its simplicity and the repetition of the structures.
Sectioning/Forming. The above structure is created with just one type of material, probably 2x2. It is an intriguing structure that even if made by straight components it creates a curvilinear form.
I found Pinterest a very useful tool since every picture that called my attention brought me to a new and more exciting discovery.
D. Precedence Research. Seeking Inspiration.
REFLECTIONS • Strengths:
Forming. This structure remind to the ruins of a roman water tank that can be found in my home town in Spain. It remind me to my childhood and created an unexpected feeling of home inside of me.
a. I made good use of the tools provided by the instructor as well as the internet. b. I found creative structures that inspired me to create my own. • Weaknesses: a. I was exhausted with mid terms evaluations and I didn’t do as m u c h re s e a rc h a s I wa s supposed to do. • Opportunities: a. I can easily do more research in my spared time, I found very pleasant to use Pinterest to find inspiration. b. Exploring the site in which our structures are going to be built can inspire me to create a site specific design. ° Threats: a. I have to keep ownership of my designs and creations, with all the information that can be found in the internet, it is easy to reduce my creativity and follows someone else design.s.
Sectioning. As the image shown in the previous page, this structure has been created with simple materials. It is pretty big and therefore cost prohibitive for us but the way they played with the lights and shadows is very inspiring.
Tensioning. This new age and open structure teepee called my attention. I haven’t been able to know what type of material has been used to built it.
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For my first two models I decided to experiment with a foldable and easy to handle material, paper. I didn’t experiment with paper for any of my previous projects. I was happily surprise with it. The first structure that I created represents short of a wave that increases its radius and width of the wave. It creates short of a feeling of infinity. For my first iterations I decided to play with Sectioning to create my models.
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E.1 Sectioning as a goal. Models 1 and 2.
While building the first model, I realized that it will be very difficult to built a real size model with that shape and structure. I wasn't able to find a material that was going to keep the shape and be safe at the same time.
For that reason I created a second model with straight lines. This model can be built with 2x4 materials but it didn’t quiet follow a pleasant and intriguing shape. The material used for the model, paper, didn’t hold well the shape of the model and the scooter ride.
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I created a third iteration with cardboard, a familiar material to me because of the experience gained during previous assignments.
I did some rapid visualization drawings in order to better understand my structure, its components and the overall structure that I wanted to create.
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E.2 Sectioning as a goal. Model 3. REFLECTIONS • Strengths: a. I created appealing structures that full filled the requirements of the assignment. b. The structures were simple yet interesting • Weaknesses: a. I
should have done more rapid visualization exercises and use sketchup to better understand the overall shape of my design.
b.
I decide to move forward with the design made of straight structures because it is a more realistic structure (building-wise). The problem is that the overall shape of the s tr u ctu re was no t q u i et co r rect, th e different components of the structure had some discrepancies between them.
• Opportunities: a. I can use sketchup as a tool to visualize my structure. b. I can easily create an structure that has a better flow. c. The overall structure has potential and can be built. ° Threats: a. I want to be able to integrate more surprising and unexpected elements in my design but I am not sure yet about how to do it.
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The fourth iteration approaches the weakness of my previous designs. It also adds an interesting element, c o l o r . T h e c o l o r c re a t e s t wo d i f f e re n t s pa c e s w i t h i n t h e structure, the exterior and the interior. W h i l e i t s e e m s t o be a c o l d structure when approaching it, once you get inside it has a warm and cozy feeling. The back and solid wall creates a p ro t e ct i o n f ro m w i n d s a n d ‘wandering eyes’. The open front can frame and create some interesting perspectives of the surroundings.
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E.3 Sectioning as a goal. Models 4 & 5.
For the fifth structure I decided to go outside my path. I wanted to create short of a bridge that plays will curvilinear lines creating a sense of spiral, of traveling. The reality is that the bridge will require some structural studies in order to make it safe. This design doesn’t really fit within the site constraints of our project but it was fun to experience with curved lines.
SITE SPECIFIC. Respond uniquely to the context of the site. Identification of significant site aspects.
CREATE EXPERIENCES. Support accidental encounters. Create a place that promotes human interactions.
Unexpected & Surprising
BEAUTY
UNFAMILIAR
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AWAKEN EMOTIONS. Reflect Narratives of Human Condition. Create a place and a journey that creates emotions.
BE CREATIVE. Avoid the obvious!!!!
F. Program and Site Analysis
Average High T (째F): 64 Average Low T (째F): 51 Average Precipitation in inch: 0.71 Days with Precipitation: 4
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A B C
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F. Program and Site Analysis
I did a very detail analysis of the courtyard in order to find a site that inspired me and included all the minimum requirements that I wanted to incorporate for my structure. A, B & C (previous page) represent my three ideal sites for the final project.
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SELECTED SITE
INITIAL MODEL
After discussing locations and availability of sites I was able to choose my first preference. Three of my classmates, Theresa Bernardo, Ignacio Ortega and Arnel Asor were also ineterested in the same site so we decided to join forces and create a team.
FINAL MOIDEL. VERSION 1
SELECTED SITE FROM BELOW
The main attributes of my site, and the reason why I selected it as my first option are: 1. The stunning views of Excelsior and McLaren Park. 2. The amount of sun. One of my goals was to create an structure with interesting shadows and light patterns. 3. As it can be appreciated from the Site Analysis, even if there are prevailing winds coming from the Northwest, because of the topography, the site is more protected. 4. For my design, and because of my interest for landscape architecture,. I wanted a location in which nature could become part of the structure. 5. The existing retaining wall and big drop of the site added an element of risk/tension that I wanted to incorporate in my structure.
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SOME OF THE PROPOSED MODELS. LOWER LEFT CORNER: THERESA. TWO OTHER MODELS: ORIOL.
G. Sectioning as a goal. Final Model 1.0
IGNACIO DESIGN A VERY APEALING MODEL BUT TOO BIG FOR THE SITE
THERESA ALSO PRESENTED AN INTERESTING MODEL
In order to decide which model or approach we wanted to use for the final structure, as a team, we discussed about our design intentions and how each model could fulfill them.
We also went to the site to discuss about the different models, how realistic, buildable and site specific were they. I put a high level of energy, interest and pre-elaborated arguments to defend my structure. After all the discussion we decided to go for my idea. The simplicity of the design but elegancy seemed to be one of the strengths of the structure.
THE ON-SITE DISCUSSION WAS CRUCIAL TO MAKE A FINAL DECISION
THE SITE SPECIFICITY AND SHADOW PATTERNS OF MY MODEL ENCHANT ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE GROUP
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DESIGN INTENTIONS: 1.
SECTIONING
2.
To create a SIMPLE yet ELEGANT structure
A. Develop an efficient and effective DESIGN PROCESS
that meets the program requirements
B. Develop a meaningful DESIGN LANGUAGE
3.
to take advantage of the SHADOWS of the SUNNY LOCATION
To build a COMPELLING & SITE SPECIFIC structure
to take advantage of a location that has a WIDE
COMMAND over the south-east part of the CCSF Campus. 4.
To CHALLENGE the viewer
avoiding FAILURE due to or construction skills & schedules of completion.
5.
To play with REPETITION & VARIATION
allowing us to create an appealing structure that has
CONNECTIVITY but creates DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES. 6.
To take advantage of the OPEN LOCATION
using the SIX DIRECTIONS and CENTER.
7.
To design a REALISTIC MODEL (cardboard & SketchUp)
8.
Detailed KIT OF PARTS
to create a precise BUDGET and KIT OF PARTS.
reduce TIME expend in PURCHASE & DELIVERY and design a TEAM WORK.
Besides creating a list with or design intentions, I was very interested in ensuring that our temporary structure was going to integrate the design principles learned during the course.
USE OF SYMMETRY… AND ASYMMETRY
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USE OF HIERARCHY: COLOR AND ELEVATION
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RHYTHM & REPETITION
USE OF SIMILARITY & CONTRAST
PLAY WITH SCALE & PROPORTION
G. Sectioning as a goal. Final Model 1.0
Based on our discussions, agreements and achievements, my goal was to create a final design for our particular site.
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With a better understanding of our budget, knowing more about our team members strengths and weakness and keeping in mind our design intentions I created a final model with card board. The physical model was very useful to play with orientation, shades and to have a better understanding of the impact of the existing vegetation.
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H. Sectioning as a goal. Final Model 2.0
On site studies reveal some of the issues of our site, the changing slope, the light posts and the concrete shapes needed to be integrated in our design‌ or at least they needed to become unnoticed. Drawings and discussion in the whiteboard became part of our design evolution tools.
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One of the goals was to create a very participative process between the members of the group. Each member of the group added, with more or less success, their opinion for every step, including the decision of the group name and structure name.
Jerry also wanted to participate in our creative process, always coaching us and giving us ideas and tools but respecting each member’s creativity.
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I. Iterations, Variations and Inspiration
We had a very consistent structure but we kept experimenting with new ideas and options during the whole process. Some of the ideas were more successful than others but each of them helped us to achieve a final design.
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Creating the kit of parts….
… using the SketchUp Model.
Double checking information….
… and measurements.
Sun path and site issues were discussed
The physical model was very helpful to understand the structure.
On-site double checking.
On-site discussions.
J. Computer Aid Modeling and Budgeting Team Name
Primus
Project
The Viewfinder
Space
Materials
Notes
Floor
2x3
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$1.98
$101.44
Wall A
2x3
14
$1.98
$30.21
Wall B
2x3
13
$1.98
$28.06
Ceiling
2x3
13
$1.98
$28.06
1
$29.94
$32.63
Screws - 300
Quantity
Cost
Total
Eye bolt - 100
refunded
1
$7.25
$7.90
String
refunded
1
$11.97
$13.05
1
$38.73
$42.22
2
$5.97
$13.01
1
$6.91
$7.53
2
$3.11
$6.78
Paint Brushes Blue tape 2" paint brushes Return Remaining from gift card To be added TOTAL To be added by EACH MEMBER TOTAL COST OF THE VIEWFINDER
-20.96 -$39.93 $39.93 $9.98 $289.93
The generation of a very detailed and with real measurements Sketchup model, allowed us to create a very accurate kit of parts. Before we went to the store, we already new the total cost since we were able to check on their website not only the cost of the materials but their availability. We used Google drive to share all the documents and to be able to work remotely at the same time. Using a simple spreadsheet, we created a budget that we brought with us to the store.
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CONSTRUCTION PROCESS – FROM A MODEL TO A REALITY
Blue print and list of materials.
Getting advice from an expert.
Chain process. Selecting the boards 2.
Chain process. Selecting the boards 1.
Chain process. Selecting the boards 3.
Beginning of the construction.
With a blue print of our model and the list of materials we went, as soon as we received the gift card, to the store to purchase the materials. The first step at the store was to ask for advice. We explained our structure characteristics, purpose and goals to an expert to get advice about materials and costs. As a team, we established a chain process for the different steps of construction. The chain process allowed us to work at the same time, thus saving time and engaging all the members of the group in the process. At the store we applied that method when selecting the boards. One of our concerns was the use of tools provided by the school. We didn’t have a personal saw so we wanted to start with all of our cuttings before any other time to avoid having to wait in line for the saw availability.
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K. Final Project The Viewfinder: Framing the Poetic from the Mundane
Beginning of the process 2.
First module started taking shape quickly.
Beginning of the process 1.
Three hours of non-stop, well coordinated work had a very encouraging result.
Double checking angles and measurements.
First module initial details. We were the first team starting construction. That was a huge advantage for us since it gave us an unlimited amount of time to use the tools and we were able to use the concrete patio as our shop. For this step we followed the same assembly process approach. All of the members of the group worked at the same time in synchrony in order to efficiently and with a very small amount of time create our structure. For the structure we also decided to follow a “prefab� approach. We divided our structure in pieces that were built separately and then assembled on site. The prefab approach worked great and the fact that we were able to see results since the beginning of the process, kept us excited and engaged with the construction.
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Modules reinforcement. Module 1&2 under the overhang, protected from the coming rain
Modules 1 and 2 were successfully installed. The shapes that they projected were already interesting.
Leveling the 1st module was hard more than necessary.
Preparing the modules for their installation.
Modules assembly.
Once we had the first two models built, it was the time to start preparing the foundations on site. That was the most challenging process since we had to create support that were strong enough to support the modules and to make sure that they were leveled. Attaching the modules to each other was not a problem since we created different temporary structures that facilitated this process.
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K. Final Project The Viewfinder: Framing the Poetic from the Mundane
Support structures from structure to retaining wall.
First section of the third module after installation.
Detail of the temporary structures being leveled
The Viewfinder was taking shape.
By the end of the day, our structure was already in place. Its monumental shape was easy to be seeing from the distance. Distance, weather and space were efficiently integrated in the design.
In order to attach the rest of the structure, we created a temporary support running from modules 1 & 2 to the retaining wall. Those “beams� were very helpful since they took away the issues related with weight and allowed us to focus on properly assembling the modules and creating the pillars that were going to support them. By the end of the day we had the structure place on site, only the color details were left.
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The last step of the construction was to paint the structure creating a datum. The idea of the datum was not originally part of the design but my team members consider it to be a good idea and the we also got positive feedback from Jerry and other instructors.
K. Final Project The Viewfinder: Framing the Poetic from the Mundane
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THE VIEWFINDER: Framing the Poetic from the Mundane. Semi-elevated from the the landscaped area along the Batmale Hall retaining wall and with an extensive view towards McLaren Park and its surroundings, the Viewfinder rises from the ground. It is meant to be an extension of the existing courtyard and once entered and experienced, it forms a visual bridge to the distant space beyond.
BEAUTY
INEXPLICABLE
UNEXPECTED
The Viewfinder is a pergola-like structure that plays with the number three. Three main cubic forms made of 8 feet long 2x3’s (uncut standard stock dimensions) that are separated on 3 of its sides (both walls and ceiling) by a gap that is 3 times wider than the 2x3. The simple structure and components create a minimalistic shaded and protected area from which observe the views of McLaren Park and its surroundings. Because of its design, the structure creates a series of informal spaces with step seating that invites visitors to relax or enjoy a conversation. The repetition of three imparts both a sense of unity and consistent logic to this environmental installation.
The cubes, 8 feet tall by 8 feet wide, create a formal structure that breaks the irregularity of the terrain but that is integrated on it. The gaps in the floor create an intriguing experience since they allow the viewer to look beyond the floor and see the existing ground and shrubbery that is both hidden and revealed. Thus, the natural and the synthetic, the existing and the new are synthesized into a new and multi-layered whole. The three cubic forms create a passage-like experience. The first cubic form, placed in the ground level, elevates the visitor and starts the beginning of the interior experience of the Viewfinde.r. The second structure has a small platform that makes the visitor to stop and have a first experience of the views. In that platform, the visitor is placed in the middle of the structure and it also experiences being surrounded by the structure. The third cube, located at the higher point opens up to the views and creates in the visitor a feeling of openness similar to the one that one experiences when facing a cliff. At this terminal end, there is an appreciable difference in elevation between the final platform and the existing road below and beyond the already in-place retaining wall. Reasonable danger is an intentional experience to be evoked!
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The wood boards of the floor are set with a board-wide gap. They create a solid structure with a little bit of movement that triggers in the visitor a small feeling of fear, danger and keeps him/her awake throughout the visit. The sides and ceiling are made of the same type of material but with bigger gaps between them created using custom made spacers. The bigger gaps create smaller gaps that act as frames of smaller views, they also create a feeling of semi privacy. When there is direct sunlight hitting the structure, the alternation of gaps and boards cast interesting shadows within the structure and in its surroundings.
K. Final Project The Viewfinder: Framing the Poetic from the Mundane The visual and spatial experiences are further enhanced by the application of color, which relates to the distant horizon and forms a datum from which changes in elevation can be measured. Black and white represents a set of absolute oppositions, the way some people desire to see their world in order make it appear to be simple – which it is not! Yet this simple contrast can help our audience to perceive specific environmental aspects that are ordinarily ignored. The boundary between black and white can be used to differentiate that which is below and above. Where black ends and white begins splits our world into two parts making it easier to discern the details that exist in these two realmsThe top edge of black applied to each stud in our three arrays of structure align and correspond with the imaginary horizontal line which simplifies the undulating ridge line of the distant hills beyond. We can see the difference in elevation between where we are when entering our structure within the neighborhood of Balboa Park and the higher one beyond to the east in the Excelsior neighborhood, thus tying together these two adjacent communities divided by Interstate 280. Often we ignore what is below our feet and the ever-changing sky above – afterall, it is part of our everyday mundane world. Through the slatted openings in our floors, the existing flora can be seen below, connecting our natural world with the built one. Through the sectional gaps in our structural frames, we can not only view the sky above, but measure the passing clouds against the static edges of our beams. Here, we make the connection between earth and the heavens. Perhaps we can also then sense ourselves as mortals who inhabit the earth and imagine the gods who dwell the heavens. In this way, we represent Heidegger’s Fourfold, which in turn represents the human condition.
The repetitive vertical elements that form the structure, while different from its surrounding because of its size and color, are integrated within the vertical elements of the retaining wall and stadium fence. The Viewfinder is informed by its particular and unique location, it is a heavily present when approaching the Batmale Hall from the lower parking and stadium but also when coming from above or from the side courtyard. The viewfinder integrates the surrounding landscape, the views and the vertical elements while breaking with the North-South and East-West angles of the Batmale Hall building. The perception of the Viewfinder changes constantly depending on the time of the day, the sun’s positions in the sky at any time; and the direction taken as the visitor approaches it. Sighting the Viewfinder from the parking lot adjacent to the soccer field is different from that from the adjacent courtyard, but from any station point, it begs those who see it to experience it.
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K. Final Project The Viewfinder: Framing the Poetic from the Mundane
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