CaitlynLyle

TEDx Process!

2012-01-27T02:24:00.000-08:00

I'm currently participating in an internship with four other classmates in which we are designing, building, and installing a stage design for a TEDx Talk at Wake Forest University.

Tubes, galore! Here's the project after all the tubes were cut down to one foot.

I swear we're swimming in cardboard.

This is our first mock up of one modular piece of the stage design. We plan to have plenty of these stacked up and around the stage.

The Beginning of Professional Practice...

2012-01-27T02:20:00.000-08:00

Our first assignment for Travis' Pro Practice class was to create a resume, summary portfolio, and a cover letter. This was the first time I have ever dipped my toes in placing graphics on important documents such as these. After finishing the assignment, I have realized that I want to dive deeper into the possibilities of a resume and cover letter and branding my documents with my personality. More to come, I suppose...

Cultural Self Portrait

2012-01-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

For this assignment, we were instructed to create a self portrait filled with information about our families and origin as far back as we could find, how I ended up where I did and how my ancestors did the same, and what it means to be an American.

Lighting Sketch Series 5 - Revised

2011-10-27T06:17:00.001-07:00

Here are the revised ceiling and lighting plans with all the outlets, data lines, and sprinklers noted.

Group 3 Exhibit

2011-10-20T10:58:00.000-07:00

I really like the feel of these posters. I love things that look like a sketchbook (i.e., top right), because they add a little personal touch to it, and draw the viewer in to look at every little detail. The poster on the top left I love because it's simple, yet intriguing by using clean colors, a simple font, and different uses of scale. The posters on the bottom right and bottom left I was drawn to because it still had that handmade touch, but it also brought cleaner lines and fonts to the table.

This is my rendition of something simple we could continue to add to as the project moves forward. It's simple, with a personal touch [that would be less sketchy], and it brings all the necessary information to the table without being so in your face or too vague.

Light Sketch Series 5

2011-10-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, we were told to investigate what a reflected ceiling plan and lighting plan are. We were given the option of 3 rooms in the studio arts building. Here is my rendition of the digital lab (lighting plan = top, RCP = bottom).

Light Sketch Series 4

2011-10-12T07:34:00.000-07:00

a. Type of luminaire (uplight, downlight, etc.) Semi-indirect lighting.

b. Mounting type Sconce

c. Lamping

d. Construction Attached to concrete wall using wall brackets.

e. Manufacturer (if possible or find the closest match online)

f. Study the photometrics of the luminaire: lumens and lightingdistribution There is light distributed both up and down from the luminaire. By having the fixtures fixed onto the wall, the light is distributed throughout the stairwell, even in the edges. It provides for a smooth transition from the natural light to the electric light.

g. Material and finish Aluminum and plastic.

h. Lensing

i. Function (fixed, adjustable, etc.) Fixed

j. Ballasts Yes, there are ballasts on the upper side of the fixture.

k. Environment The stairwell between the 3rd and 4th floors feels very cold and is a tighter space. It's used only for traveling purposes and the lighting suits the needs by providing a directional feel to the stairwell.

l. Shielding There is an aluminum barrier from the side of the fixture. On the top, there are ballasts which help break up the light.

identify the purpose of the space Circulation throughout the stairwells.
identify the purpose of lighting, including an identification of ambient, task, accent, and sparkle lighting. Task lighting, it's a directional lighting that guides you through the different levels of the building.
describe the effect of each luminaire in the space. It provides a directional and informational light that helps light up the sides of the stairwell that are opposite the natural light so that one may see from any place in the stairwell.
based upon your observations and reflections, provide recommendations for improving the lighting environment. Since the stairwell is concrete, which gives it a colder feel, it would be more comfortable if warmer toned lamps were used instead of what is in there now.

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a. Type of luminaire (uplight, downlight, etc.) Direct Downlight.

b. Mounting type Pendant

c. Lamping

d. Construction Hanging from high ceiling

e. Manufacturer (if possible or find the closest match online)

f. Study the photometrics of the luminaire: lumens and lighting distribution By using so many luminaires, the studio space is a very well lit environment. It provides an even amount of light throughout the open space of the work area, giving everyone the same amount of light.

g. Material and finish Plastic

h. Lensing

i. Function (fixed, adjustable, etc.) Fixed

j. Ballasts None

k. Environment The studio space; it's an open space with high ceiling heights and full of white and gray materials.

l. Shielding Around the lamps, there is a dome-like shaped cover that is textured plastic which diffuses the light from the sides. However, there is no diffuser on the bottom of the light, which is what the eye goes to.

identify the purpose of the space Studio space, work/task lighting.
identify the purpose of lighting, including an identification of ambient, task, accent, and sparkle lighting. Task lighting, it's an overhead fixture that promotes work.
describe the effect of each luminaire in the space. The luminaires collectively provide an even amount of light that is then distributed amongst the many work surfaces.
based upon your observations and reflections, provide recommendations for improving the lighting environment. If you were looking for a more personal experience within your own work area, it would be beneficial to have the fixtures lower and closer to the students and a smaller scale. Also, if the fixtures were lower and more manageable, it would also be helpful for them to be adjustable so that there is a larger personalization factor.

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a. Type of luminaire (uplight, downlight, etc.) Downlight.

b. Mounting type Overhead and track lighting

c. Lamping

d. Construction Attached to ceiling, as well as lights attached to a track.

e. Manufacturer (if possible or find the closest match online)

f. Study the photometrics of the luminaire: lumens and lighting distribution The track lighting is very directional and acts as a spotlight against the wall. The overhead lighting helps the area become a walkway as well as a pin-up space.

g. Material and finish Aluminum.

h. Lensing

i. Function (fixed, adjustable, etc.) Fixed and adjustable

j. Ballasts There are ballasts in the overhead, fixed, lighting.

k. Environment This area is used as a pin up space. It's a textured wall that serves as display and is adjacent to the studio spaces.

l. Shielding The ballasts in the overhead lighting serve as a small shield. In the track lighting, only the end of the luminaire is exposed so that the light can be very directional and spot on.

identify the purpose of the space This space serves as a pin up space as well as a walkway.
identify the purpose of lighting, including an identification of ambient, task, accent, and sparkle lighting. Task and accent. The track lighting is task because it serves as a spot light to what is being displayed. The accent lighting would be the overhead fixtures that help diffuse the light and make it more than just a pin up space, it also brightens up the area.
describe the effect of each luminaire in the space. It provides a directional light as well as a glow. It helps you read and navigate the space.
based upon your observations and reflections, provide recommendations for improving the lighting environment. I would include more task lighting so that the wall is brighter and its more inviting so that the work being pinned up is displayed in the way that the artist/creator would want it shown.

Vanstory Co. Trip

2011-10-12T00:39:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday, our class took a trip to the Vanstory Co. of Greensboro. There, we learned about the many different kinds of LED lamps, such as TLED [what we see most often], VTLED [a soft, directional type of effect], ACLED [coffered, moderate directional], and RTLED [which uses old fluorescent fixtures and modifies them to use LED lighting]. It was very interesting to see the many types of LED, the application of these lamps, and the various effects that can be produced.

Light Sketch Series 3

2011-10-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

These measurements were taken with a light meter at 3' high and approximately 11:30 am [in the stairwell between the 3rd and 4th floors.]

Light Sketch Series 2

2011-10-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

identify the purpose of the space
identify the purpose of lighting, including an identification of ambient, task, accent, and sparkle lighting.
identify the lamp/s
describe the effect of each light source in each space.
do you notice any aspect of Flynn’s subjective impressions?
based upon your observations and reflections, provide recommendations for improving the lighting environment.

Compact Fluorescent

a. under studio desk, clamp light.

b. task lighting

c. compact fluorescent

d. it tends to be more directional, but still has a diffused edge

e. this lamp tended to wash out the fabric and skewed all the colors

f. the light was almost too bright and i believe that's why the colors were so washed out, they were overpowered, so maybe having the lamp further away, or a lesser wattage

LED

a. simple push lights

b. task lighting

c. LED

d. the light effect was very directional and presented basically just a spot where the light was shining, it was hard to get the light to cross over the whole fabric swatch

e. this lamp produced a very clear representation of the fabric

f. since the lighting effect is so directional, adding more lamps would help broaden the effect

MR-16

a. track lighting on edge of pin-up space

b. accent lighting

c. MR-16

d. although had a strong sense of direction, it demonstrated slightly diffused edges

e. this lighting effect brought out the cooler colors while enhancing the gray tones

f. being a great spotlight for presentations, the mr-16's are very effective, however, if you were wanting to broaden that, i would recommend using more lights that are closer together to prevent the breaks in the lighting

Metal Halide

a. overhead studio lighting

b. task lighting

c. metal halide

d. since it is an overhead light, it's hard to see the direct effects on a surface. however, the multiple lights overhead cause for interesting shadow patterns while producing enough light to illuminate the space
e. this light tended to bring out the warmer undertones in the fabric
f. if the lights would have been lower, it would more than likely create a different and more directional lighting effect.

Light Sketch Series 1

2011-09-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

For this assignment, we were told to make a 12x12x12 light model. My group decided to play with different layering techniques in which we created two roof filters to created streaks and points of light, using color as well as white light.

Essay: How Light Can Affect Health

2011-09-01T04:04:00.001-07:00

The power of light is something that few may consider during their lives. The changing of light has the ability to affect our mood due to increases and decreases of melatonin in your skin which you would think you would have the peak melatonin in the summer, but in fact it increases in darkness and promotes sleep. Another thing you may not realize is that light actually has an effect on your metabolism, heart rate patterns, and many other physical body functions. These things may be overlooked, unless of course you have a disorder like SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which is caused by inadequate exposure to the sun. Inadequate sun exposure also leads to a weaker immune system and could provoke diabetes and many other bodily dysfunctions. Coming from me, a person who has not really heard of these sun related disorders, before reading these articles, I had no idea that the human body could be affected so drastically by the changing of light. It is so intriguing to see that sunlight affects more than just emotion. It affects your bodily rhythm, as well as how you function on a day-to-day basis. Also, it is interesting to see that something as simple as ‘Daylight Savings Time’ could have so many negative effects on the body. It is similar to jet lag. You sort of have to make yourself adjust to it or else you will have consequences. Although there are some ways to trick your body into adjusting, there are some things that can only be helped by bringing in artificial light, avoiding the sun, or making yourself more available to the outside world.

Essay: Light Revealing Experience

2011-09-01T03:38:00.000-07:00

The bond between a place and humanity branches from experience. When you enter a space, the way the light is cast has the potential to change your mood, bring you back to an earlier time, or even give you a false feeling of warmth or coldness. Light also varies from place to place. It is dependent on geographical area, climate, the surrounding nature, and time of day, etcetera. For instance, if you live in the southern part of the states you will notice that there are often bigger windows allowing more light in, which in turn gives you the feeling of warmth and comfort. In the readings it states that in industrialized areas, it is harder to experience the wonders of natural lighting. I have never thought of that because I grew up in a suburb of Charlotte, so when I went to the city, I was drawn to the more scenic areas rather than all of the skyscrapers. But when I began thinking about it, it is true. When tall buildings on a regular basis surround you, it seems as if he only sunlight you are getting is through the glass in a high rise. It is more difficult to see the sunrise and sunset because the buildings break up the flow of sunlight and you mainly see shadows compared the sunbeams. My theory is that is why you can tell a distinct difference in office spaces versus homes, or dining places. Lighting is affected due to the trade it is being designed for. When you are in an office, you are used to constantly having artificial light around you and you are not getting a lot of natural light or fresh air for that matter. So when you walk into a place with that sense of lighting, you are aware that is what is being conveyed. However, when you enter a restaurant, it is meant to give you, the customer, the comfortable feeling of home, so the lights are dim, it is a comfortable atmosphere, which makes you feel comfortable eating, drinking, and being social.

The way light is diffused is also a psychological mind game. Designers try to mimic things in nature by using a wide range of materials and structural pieces, which can create different effects that also evoke a variety of emotions, using natural and artificial lighting. Architects can manipulate a space by adding screens, stained glass, etc to make an area reminiscent of a forest in Finland or the sunset in New Mexico. The simple tricks, like using brick and wood to stimulate warmth, are the things that bring us mental and sensual pleasure without trying. It is something that make us feel welcome and at home. Whether you prefer the warmer side of design or the cooler side of design, lighting can change it all. For instance, if the area has plentiful shade and cooler colors, it is seen as a chilly room. Which to some, fits right in with them and brings them psychological relief.

Though it may be obvious, the change of seasons has a dramatic effect on lighting and the way it is portrayed. In North Carolina, especially, the bright summer sun is, or so it seems, hotter, higher, and the light is a little bit hazier. It is so humid especially in this area of the United States that when I began to think about it, it made perfect sense. Also, I realized that the reason I probably do not like the winter months, besides the obvious fact of it being cold, is that the light out tends to be more gray and a little bit more dreary compared to summer, or even spring and fall. The light being affected by the time of year is a concept that when you think about it, it makes perfect sense, it is just like an extended view of the daily changes you witness from dawn to dusk. Light can also be transformed by ornamentation. In harsher climates, as the reading showed, you can add a touch of gold to an existing gray backdrop and it adds the sense of comfort that you did not have before.

After reading this article, it has opened my eyes to the reactions we subconsciously have to lighting and the manipulation of lighting. It is very interesting to realize that what you may think is as simple as lighting is actually a little more complex than you think, it has the ability to change your mood, your perception, and even your feel of a space.

Los Angeles.

2011-07-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in awhile, but I started creeping on blogs of friends, peers, and professors and decided I'm going to pick it back up. Also, I'm going to start doing a collage notebook of every day events. Maybe I'll even start today. Stay posted...

Wrapping Project : Part 1.

2011-04-05T10:36:00.001-07:00

This is part one of the 'Wrapping' project. The first image is the model made of 400 wooden blocks. We were instructed to build a model that represented a numerical pattern. I chose the Butterfly Effect and specifically how Historical American Events (from 1960-today) affects the music of the decade, and how the music derived from historical events affects drug use.

The next step of the project was to 'wrap' the project in any way you see fit. I chose to use different colored string to emulate the Butterfly Effect and how one strand can affect another part of the project.

After wrapping the model, we were instructed to have a flat pattern representing the wrapping itself. I chose to take photos in plan view and trace over the lines and patterns that the string created to come up with the various patterns you see above.

Illustrator Rendering.

2011-04-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

Using the same wireframe, we had to render the space using illustrator. I preferred this one over the photoshop rendering simply because I could easily manipulate the space and go crazy with gradients and the shadow tools.

Photoshop Rendering.

2011-04-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

As a class, we were given a wireframe and it was up to us to render it, using photoshop, in any way we'd like. This was one of my first tries with photoshop...I loved it and have learned so much from it.

New Semester. New Year. New Outlooks.

2011-01-12T20:47:00.001-08:00

So, over the past few years, I've become an addict of the Avett Brothers. And today, this particular lyric has been on my mind all day. I'm determined to let this outlook be my motivation throughout this semester. I'm typically worried about other peoples work and how my work doesn't even compare to theirs. But I shouldn't. I should be letting who I am come across in the work that I put out. I guess you could call this my new year resolution. New semester, new year, new outlook.

Point:Explorations.

2010-12-10T13:44:00.001-08:00

A prominent theme in this class, for me, has been evolution. Everything has been a building block for the next style to come. Whether the era is rejecting the past or accepting it wholeheartedly, it’s forever present. One thing that I didn’t necessarily realize right off the bat is that it can go as far back as time will tell. For instance, the College Life Insurance Building has ties to the pyramids of the Egyptians, in both stature and roughly the idea behind it.

That’s another thing that this unit opened my eyes to. Post-modern buildings began to represent what they were building for. Like the TWA terminal, as well as other airports, resembling flight. I was actually driving down to Anderson, S.C. yesterday and realized that this isn’t just obvious in class, but it’s everywhere. I saw a Michelin Tires Company Building that was structured to resemble tire treads. This class has really taught me to open my eyes, and I truly appreciate that.

As well as representing what the building was used for, buildings were building on the past by using past building techniques; in design and in construction. The hotels began adopting the atrium style, which is obviously taken from Pompeii and places like the House of Vettii. But then you have the Church of the Light, which is an abstraction of the churches of the medieval times, in that the light creates the religious experience and the intensity of it. Then, there are things such as New Baris by Fathy, which takes ancient building practices and literally makes bricks from sand to construct the buildings. The past is a constant present in our everyday lives; we just have to take the time to notice it.

I’ve decided to take this post into a new direction and instead of talking mainly about the unit; I want to talk about the class as a whole. It’s a time of reflection for me. The last class was a time of communication and open thoughts and although I didn’t say anything, I just took everything in. I was thinking the whole time that I have been to Europe, yes, and I have seen some of the buildings, yes. It was cool to be in class and learn about them post-fact. But now, I just can’t wait to get back into the world and experience them again. Being in the class, as well as an Interior Architecture major in general, makes me have such a thirst for travel and experience of what is truly out there. As Patrick did say, ‘Looking at the world requires you to be in it.’ I can’t wait to go out into the world, and just like the Michelin Building yesterday, put my knowledge of the class on a larger scale. Thank you.

I chose this image, of a typical face collage, to show that everything now is parts of a whole. There are always tiny pieces to the bigger picture. You just have to look deeper to find it, and you will.

http://www.codeproject.com/KB/java/FaceCollage/FaceCollage2.jpg

http://www.codeproject.com/KB/java/FaceCollage/FaceCollage3.jpg

Reading Comprehension 7.

2010-12-03T08:01:00.000-08:00

The work and commerce section of the “Greensboro Collects”, in my opinion, was a very lucky pick for this section. It shows work ethic, different uses of materials, and different ways to perceive work and commerce, which is exactly what this unit is talking about. Minimalism is all about finding different ways to display the architect’s work ethic, using different materials, and looking through a brand new looking glass. It’s about being “stripped to its fundamentals…and eliminating everything nonessential.” [Harwood, pg 806] I chose to focus on Willie Cole’s “Knapp Monarch”, which is a sculpture made of iron and iron parts mounted on a wooden base. To me, it instantly spoke to me and the rise of modernism. This is diagrammed, here, to show this rise… starting with the sturdy wooden base of classicism, then going to the upbringing of modernism, then to the refinement of the minimalist.

The other work of art I looked at was Fernand Leger‘s “Les Constucteurs“. This is a color lithograph, which I believe further represents the twist the art and architecture can have on work and commerce. As Roth states, “many contemporary expressions of modernism…reflect regional desires and needs…they respond to divergent theories on the role of architecture, coupled with the emerging changing in how buildings are conceived and designed.” [pg 612] This piece was different from the rest; yet spoke the same kind of language, which continues to be a challenge for contemporary design. Just as both of these pieces changed the concept of art to some and impacted the collection in a different light, so did minimalism. “Function, efficiency, and practicality no longer solely define concepts, so designs are often innovative, individualistic, monumental, and stand out within their environments.” [Harwood pg 806]

Reading Comprehension 6.

2010-11-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

1. Art Nouveau comes booming onto the scene in countries all across Europe and in the United States. Although the main idea behind the design period was to ‘divorce the past’, it did not do that entirely; Art Nouveau took the fluid, nature-like influences from Eastern Nations, such as Japan and China, as well as Islamic cultures. This design era breaks out of the mold of typical structural design and using these influences, materials (such as concrete) were allowed to do what they naturally wanted to do, and be curvilinear, such as the Casa Batllo and Casa Mila in Barcelona by Antonio Gaudi. Curvilinear influences didn’t stop there; ironwork also became a decorative element that influenced the entire facade of buildings, such as these shop fronts in Belgium and France.

Harwood, pg 497

Harwood, pg 499

Harwood, pg 488

2. Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye takes inspiration from the machine itself, designed from the angle of rotation of the 1927 Model Car. This residence exemplifies less is more, showing Corbusier’s ‘Five Points of Architecture’ (Pilotis, Ribbon Window, Free Plan, Roof Garden, and Inspiration from Machine). The structure even ran like a machine, having ramps linking levels so that one may have an experience, instead of a hike up the stairs. These things come together to prove that the ‘less is more’ dictum is, in fact, a guideline that modernists of the early 20^th century lived by. There was minimal color, a high implication that one needed to be clean, and smooth surfaces, lines, and grids that guided you through the building. This “simple” design concept of an unrestricted interior was vital to the Modernist Movement.

Massey, pg 81

3. The Tugendhat House, designed by Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, was completed with luxurious, yet plain materials. White linoleum and steel encompassed the space; the only ‘warm’ aspect is the curved dividing wall. I manipulated the space by increasing the richness of the wood by adding more natural colors.

The Final Johnson Wax Project.

2010-11-16T13:53:00.000-08:00

For our final building project, we had to have a 6 minute powerpoint presentation discussing one thing that is not so easily explained. I chose to talk about the lighting and divided it into the innovative materials, the problems that came from that, and the aesthetic effects that came from the lighting itself. Here's a few screen shots from my power point explaining my presentation :).

Booklet!

2010-11-16T13:46:00.001-08:00

These are some rough screenshots of my 4 spreads in our group booklet. We just recently got it mailed in and I'm really happy with the outcome! It was really cool to work with an actual bookmaking site, no matter how frustrating, and it was cool to work with indesign and see 5 different buildings come together cohesively.

Presenting to a Client.

2010-11-16T13:33:00.001-08:00

Our last individual board for our specific buildings were geared more towards the client and how they would perceive a display. I chose to work with colored pencil with a watercolor wash. I have two interior perspectives, one exterior perspective, two floor plans, and one site plan. I decided to include more documentation than I ever have so I can highlight further on the building and its innovative history.

Diagramming the Johnson Wax.

2010-11-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

This board shows different ways to view the Johnson Wax Building. Some in a more gestural form compared to others. Below are some models that correlate to the diagrams on the board.

Circulation to Use.

Building to Site.

Natural Light to Form and Space.

Structure to Enclosure.
Unit to Whole.
Material to Form.

Reflections Summary.

2010-11-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

As for reflections, I looked upon Nikki, Austin, and Cassie. Nikki talked about cycles and how we constantly borrow and evolve from the past in order to create new designs. I really liked that she mentioned that we were hoarders of the past, looking for new ways to use the old. It's so true and such a good way to put it! Austin focused on the many different design movements and design languages throughout the 19th century. Although it does bring ideas from the past, it also manipulates them in such a way that a new template can be created. Cassie questioned what was 'good' design. Design, in this unit, was no longer for the rich, but for the middle class and everyday person. So many options were arising that people now had an option in which direction to go. Just like other posts, it focused on the variety of design languages that were beginning to emerge.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XMJc2HhXnRs/TNga-GjkOkI/AAAAAAAAASA/YmPtxCX9hvQ/s1600/diver.jpg

This was posted on Austin's blog, exemplifying the point that although it may be the same impact to the water every time, the journey is forever changing.

Alternatives Summary.

2010-11-11T21:22:00.001-08:00

I looked on the blogs of Anna, Daniel, and Blakeni. They all focused on how this unit was about going outside the boundaries of what was known and twisting design into something new and fresh. Anna focused a lot on the cathedrals and how they used the beauty to bring people in rather than the rules of the time, that the architects were changing the views of the church in big ways. Daniel spoke of the renaissance and baroque, especially how the baroque was a twist from renaissance. The designers of the baroque time took the regulations of the renaissance and stretched and skewed them until it was a theatrical and intensified atmosphere. Blakeni wrote of how these new innovations were built from the importance of reformation, unity & harmony, and rebellion. The emergence of these things requires you to break out of the box and break into something new.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Pw1NSEMS7KU/TMXpyFtHNqI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/EanX3qAxvH8/s1600/cartwheel.jpg

Blakeni used this as her image, showing that "Design is like a cartwheel. Starting at one point, then turning, stretching, shifting, reshaping and fixing back into place after your whole view on the world has been turned upside down". Which I think also directly relates to everyones post as well as the unit as a whole.

Reflection.

2010-11-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

As America develops, so does its architecture. Revival of classicism, Palladian, roman, and Greek styles are heavy among the designs of the building of our country. Many capitols being built were remnant of the Parthenon and other Greek temples, to show the importance of the independence and strength of the new United States Government. Also around this time period industrial buildings became more popular, especially with the emergence of glass and iron.

In 1851, the emergence of new materials and technology came on the scene. Places like the Crystal Palace paved the way for new types of buildings to manipulate iron and glass in a way to expand the amount of area a building can cover. The Crystal Palace showed many different design languages and through that, it was apparent that this building was looking both forward and backwards. This idea was new to the people of London, but it caught on like wildfire. This translated across to the United States to various train stations and public buildings around major cities. The use of iron was pushed even further into the interiors of spaces, using the material in furniture and other decorative pieces, as well as interior structural focal points.

As the emergence of materials and technology effects design, so does the influence of other cultures. The impact of the east on the western cultures brought on a whole new design language. The Royal Pavilion brought to the scene something people have never seen before in Europe. This building was highly polychromatic, with many layers of decoration. Also it looks like someone picked it right out of India and dropped it in the middle of England. We know now that this became such a distraction that the Queen had to change buildings and make that specifically a tourist location. I wonder if that’s what’s holding back creativity. Maybe people don’t want to spark distraction among the town, or don’t want to pave the way to some new design language and things don’t get created.

When the east influences the west and America begins to develop, designers all around attempt to push the envelope and begin revolutions. But that brings up the question…what starts a revolution? Revolution can begin with things such as politics, the booming of new materials and technology, clothes, music, literally anything. These things start a stir in the architectural and design world and we are still seeing revolution in today’s society as well. The reflections unit has solidified for me; the notion that revolution is forever present in our everyday lives and our standards of what is modern is never a sturdy ground to walk on.

http://www.dimensionsguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Rubiks-Cube.png

I chose this image of a rubix cube to represent this unit because, in my opinion, I think it represents how the different design languages can come together to create something very cohesive. But at the same time, you can mix it up, turn it all around and view it from different angles and perspectives…just as the designers of the time were doing.

Reading Comprehension 5

2010-11-03T11:49:00.001-07:00

I chose iron bed (found Pg 29 ; Fig 1-46 ; Harwood II) because it represents revolution in not only its structural materials, being an entire revolution in itself. But also it's bedding materials. Due to power looms and dye technology, more people now had the opportunity to have luxury inside their bedrooms, where in the past only the very wealthy could obtain these things.

2. ARTIFACT:

http://images.marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/weddings/2010Q3//msw_

sum10_jc_chinoiserie_white_9in_plate_ab_xl.jpg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wz1Kbo0JV-4/SaraXUIgnrI/AAAAAAAAFXQ/wkFqwc31X4k/s400/B1880.jpg

Eastern influenced more than just designed a home, but what decorated the home as well. This china piece is a direct reflection of the eastern effects on the west. The nature of eastern culture leaks into western culture and these patterns and designs that appeared on the china, also appeared on things like wallpapers, window treatments, decorative motifs on furniture, etc. I decided to show another artifact of a textile to further exemplify the fact that the naturalistic culture moves from one decorative artifact to another.

SPACE:

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HhVGrCGT1uE/SwYM24bMdwI/AAAAAAAAH0M/

R3F8t5szqJk/s400/chinoiserie.JPG

This chinoiserie gallery in the Louvre depicts the eastern influence in everyday life. Much like the peacock room in our readings and what we've learned about in class, when we adapt the eastern to our culture, we tend to frame in the exotic, like it needs to be contained. Just as we're seeing here. We see in the gallery piece above, the heavy influence of the deep red underneath the gilded art, as well as the compartmentalized furnishings with the same art depicted.

BUILDING:

http://www.georgianindex.net/garden/Gardens.html

The Sezincote House in Gloucestershire combines the Italian languages of design as well as the Indian. It is also the inspiration for the famous Royal Pavillion in Brighton. Taking Hindu and Muslim background, a beautiful and exotic centerpiece was created.

PLACE:

http://www.cheshirebytrain.co.uk/images/upload/head_crop/knutsford---tatton-park-japanese-garden.jpg

Tatton Park's Japanese Gardens were influenced by an exhibit in London on the Japanese. It's obvious that this park is screaming Japanese culture as well as eastern influence. All the artifacts, the statuary, the water scenes, etc are direct relations of the Japanese and the naturalistic lives they lead. It represents the harmonious bond they share with nature.

Perspective.

2010-10-27T10:58:00.000-07:00

For this project, I chose the word 'Heaven' to display the symbolism that is the Cologne Cathedral. Cathedrals, in general, are all about making the human the minimalist and making heaven and the religious experience more grandeur. I showed this by adding details such as the vertical spires, the theatrical effect light has to show the divinity of God, the nave, stained glass windows, the verticality and symbolism of human to heavens, and finally, the narrow columns to promote verticality.

Point: Alterations.

2010-10-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

The alterations unit is all about change and reformation. Coming from the foundations unit that was all about stepping-stones, this is about how to continue building, but at the same time continue changing. It’s all about figuring out how to break the rules and how to do well, because after all, one must know the rules in order to break them.

Moving throughout time, the Renaissance brings the simple geometry back into play. As seen in structures such as the Villa Rotunda, which becomes a template for many buildings yet to come, you see a common façade with a certain centrality about it. In class, we discussed the rules of the Renaissance, which include:

1.Reviving and revitalizing the classics.

2.A single decorated facade.

3.Separation of spaces.

4.Man is the measure.

5.Separation of spaces.

6.Patronage dominates building industry.

7.No building is one style.

8.Boundaries, edges, and borders are important.

9.Harmony through repetition.

10.Geometric patterning.

These rules are the ultimate prescription for most places and spaces of the Renaissance. Many residential spaces, such as Palazzo Mediu in Florence, it is obvious in the façade what goes on in the interior. Textures are different, windows are different, and borders define level changes, which define status. This is just one example of the basic story-telling society the Renaissance was in comparison to the design styles that were about to come.

The Baroque breaks the barriers of the Renaissance and alters the structural element of design into a more sculptural piece. It makes things come alive and the person who led the transformation from the Renaissance to the Baroque is Michelangelo. When he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, he took it to the next level by adding theatrics and fooling the eye, but keeping bits and pieces of classical language. A main theme in the period is water and fluidity. Michelangelo also played with this theme as well, creating the Laurentian Library Vestibule. These stairs make it feel as if knowledge is cascading down like it was water. He changed the rules in stair making in the details with the curvature and the details within and on the walls. The person who really took the Baroque into effect was Bernini. He really broke out of the box of classicism and made things come alive. He made stone and wood look like fabric or fluid materials. In his statues, such as David or the statue featured in the Ecstasy of St. Teresa, they are literally theater captured in stone. They magnificently portray the emotion and body language of the human body more so than any designer had at the time, or even today.

Find this image, here :).

This image perfectly portrays the thoughts of the rule breaking design era that was the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo. The Cenotaph for Isaac Newton, though it was just a theory, was a ground breaking and rule bending idea that brought to life every idea that the great minds of the past stood for.

Reading Comprehension 4.

2010-10-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

1. You would think that being all around the world, that furniture, buildings, and spaces would vary drastically. But the reality that surrounds that is that they all have something that link them together. One thing that is common to all of these things is that they all serve a particular purpose and they all follow classical language. For instance, the Chiswick House is a replication of Palladio’s Villa Rotunda, which you still see in various villas in homes around the world today, like Monticello here in the United States. These domed structures are like carbon copies that bring the regality and spirituality into the residential domain.

As Roth states, “[Design], was the first to outline the organic growth of art, passing from a period of youth to maturity of expression and then to a period of decline….such natural, social, and cultural factors as climate and politics to the development of art.” Therefore, these artifacts and spaces represent the people of their time and location. Whether it be the Windsor Chair or Sheraton Side Chair. They both serve a purpose for their ‘family’. They all come from the same form, some come with a twist. Just as they have evolved from classic designs, they all have classic principles.

2. Just as classical language was adapted in the ‘old world’ it was adapted in the ‘new world’ as well. Colonists brought over what they knew and merged it with what was available in the new world. For instance, we don’t see the same materials out west in Sante Fe with the Governer’s Palace as we do in the Single Brothers House in Salem. Out West there is more Adobe material and here there is more brick, stone, and wood used. Differences in materials show differences in design ancestry.

Also, as Roth mentions “Architecture [has] attempted to create a special environment for human life and to image the thoughts and actions of human beings as they have wished to believe themselves to be.” The New World was all about coming to a new place and breaking free from the constraints of the old world, which allowed architects to further adapt Palladian designs, as well as others, in much of the same way that their ancestors played on the classical designs of Rome and Greece.

3. For this Palladian inspired villa, I chose to put the more private areas in the back of the house and the more public places closer to the entrance of the villa. I started off with the basic rotunda structure and filled it in from there, instead of making the domed area a more spiritual place, I turned it into a study. I also included separate music and drawing rooms so that one may appreciate the arts more.

4. “The autonomy of architecture is here eliminated, becoming now an armature for sculpture and painting meant to impress upon the viewer a mystical experience.” (Roth pg 403) Baroque was the “age of theater” to some art historians. I believe that this is true in many ways. Baroque was all about breaking out of the Renaissance norm and doing that in a very non-traditional and theatrical way. Take Bernini’s statue of David for instance, Bernini captured the essence of David fighting Goliath. You can see the stress in his face and how tense he is as he rares back to shoot the stone from the sling. This is also true in much of Bernini’s architecture. Bernini would often manipulate existing site plans to tell a story. He would illuminate one particular building and relate to the surroundings. It’s a very Baroque thing to do, it shines light on things that are most important to the environment around it, so that it may tell its story. St. Peter’s Basilica tells the story of St. Peter himself. The baldacchino that Bernini is famous for in this building gives the illusion that the wood is almost fluid-like. It’s amazing the detail he gives to his pieces to make them come to life. The pieces we’ve learned about show that simple things can be turned into actors on a stage by simply giving them life, and recreating something with a twist.

http://smarthistory.org/assets/images/images/bernini-david1.jpg

http://www.artlex.com/ArtLex/b/images/baldchino.stpetrs.lg.jpg

Point: Foundations.

2010-10-05T23:10:00.001-07:00

Foundation can be constructed in many different ways. We have learned that throughout time, forms mold into more developed systems of design. All the way from Stonehenge you see a progression from circles, to lines, to stacking systems, to columns and so on.

My perspective of the foundations unit is that the buildings we have discussed are the prototypes or archetypes for the buildings that we still continue to use today. For instance, the Theater of Epidaurus acts as a template for current day theaters. We use the same sloping effect of the risers, and try to emulate the acoustic techniques. Epidaurus is an everlasting structure, considering that it is still used today in Greece by performers. This just shows that the foundations that these buildings and structures laid out have lasting impacts on the world around them.

It’s crazy to see that even in today’s city’s we can see direct similarities to cities like Pompeii. When we look at the city plan of Pompeii, it’s all laid out like a typical city today would be. With all the major business districts centrally located, then comes the residential ‘neighborhoods’, and then the things that are used for entertainment purposes, but you don’t really want it broadcasted, on the outskirts…like the amphitheater in which killings occurred in ancient times. Ancient cities laid the foundation for our cities, buildings, and other various structures that we still use in present day. It’s remarkable that these traditions, for the most part, are still used.

The structures that began to develop were very diverse with many different uses, compared to simply the residential and religious structures that we started off the semester with and even the beginning of the foundations unit. The bath, aqueduct, arch, road, dome, colosseum, etcetera… are all examples of how vast the design world became with the Roman Empire and the expansion of civilization as a whole.

As we move forward in the foundations unit, we see the progression of the basilica into the grand cathedrals such as Salisbury, Cologne, Amiens, and Duomo. What these cathedrals bring to the table are new ideas to bring the religious message. They promote the verticality factor to further exemplify how grand God is and how small us, as humans, are. These structures point towards heaven. They represent the religious experience in every way, including the typically crucifix plan and the clerestory windows to divert light into a more divine way. These structures evolved from temples like the Hypostyle Hall, which used columns and clerestory windows to create a religious and majestic experience.

In conclusion, the foundation unit taught me that architecture used in the ancient times, beginning with circles, lines, and stacking systems, still continues today and that these early structures laid the footing for the time to come, and basically every building type has evolved from the buildings we learned about in this unit, which simply amazes me. This is why I chose this image to wrap up the unit. I thought it was a comical metaphor to show the building blocks and evolution of design. As architecture has progressed from these basic, and sometimes not so basic designs, it has become more intricate and elaborate like we’re beginning to see in the Cathedrals of the Gothic era and the castles of the Middle Ages.

Find this image here :)

Reading Comprehension 3

2010-10-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

Salisbury Cathedral & Amiens Cathedral: Town

The Salisbury Cathedral was built before the city around it was built up. Therefore, when you look at it in present times… it’s a landmark for the majestic cathedral that it was intended to be. The Amiens however, was built after the city was already built up. Therefore, it was “carved out of its surroundings”. Visually, you can see the differences in background by the simple fact that Amiens is less spread out and more built up than Salisbury. Salisbury has a freedom in its design that Amiens doesn’t possess. It has the courtyard to the side, which emphasizes its ability to take advantage of the land.

Salisbury Cathedral & Duomo Cathedral: Impressions

Salisbury and Duomo speak very different visual design languages. Duomo speaks a very Italianesque language of bold colors and visuals that tell a story, especially in the dome, which is a traditional technique of Italian architecture. Duomo emphasized the perfection of the circle throughout, but much like Salisbury… it includes the narrow nave to impact the scale of human interaction and to show the importance of their spiritual and religious beliefs. However, the opposite effect happens here in the sense that Salisbury’s nave is decorated with colorful images but Duomo’s seems as if it is less important than the dome and is completed with a off-white wash. In historic times, these cathedrals were probably more alike than they are today. Salisbury’s external materials were more polychromatic compared to the monochromatic nature that they are today.

Salisbury Cathedral & Cologne Cathedral: Light

Light is an important factor when it comes to religious dwellings. The religious experience can be made by something as simple (or complicated) as lighting. In Cologne and Salisbury alike, your eye is directed by light. The architects of these buildings were well aware of this so they included things like stained glass windows, clerestory windows, and different angles for light to reflect off of. The circular section of Cologne allows an immense amount of light to pour in, which directs the people towards the front of the cathedral. Whereas Salisbury just has it’s rectangular windows all around the facades and darker nooks and crannies where the ‘cross’ happens.

This image depicts what a 'day in the life' in the middle ages would be like. If you could see the rest of the image, it would entail something like this... this room, probably a kitchen, would be separate from the main house (until construction becomes more developed), and probably made of wood timbers. The rectangular openings in the background are windows, which were typically high slits, but they typically vary in size and shape. When construction develops, however, these structures would be made of stone or brick and would more than likely be included with the main structure, most likely a castle. In the middle ages, people were more concerned about attacks and fortifying their establishments more than decorating their interiors with lavish things, like we see in some other time periods, which may explain the bare walls and minimalist nature of this scene.

Compass Project.

2010-10-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

For the compass project, we had more free will than the map, but the same guidelines. We had to choose one structure from the Foundations Unit and then construct in a certain way to show people, nature, symbol, and material. Overall, I think I could've done a better job with my craft (aka, used watercolor paper and used better glue) and figured out a better way to show my nature. But I think I did much better on this project than my last so hopefully it'll become a trend :).

Map Project.

2010-10-01T08:57:00.001-07:00

For this project, we were instructed to compose four 8.5 x 8.5 inch squares identifying four different buildings in four different ways. I had the Amielienburg, Selfridges Burmingham, The Hill House, and Touro Synagogue. Receiving my results, I thought I did better than my TA's thought I did...but all's well that ends well and everything is but a stepping stone in design.

Egypt, Greece, & Rome Summary.

2010-09-19T22:30:00.000-07:00

Egypt - power, transition, pointing to heavens, stacking, longevity & story telling, made like beacons (pyramids of Giza), heliopolis, establishes axis, emphasis, scale, and hierarchy.

Greece - worship, order, relaying information, a-symmetrical balance, repetition (in columns & in the spaces created between), prototype for architecture to come, center is vital, porch, court, hearth, emphasis, scale, and hierarchy.

Rome - color, classicism, prototype for future, ornate detailing.

Reading Comprehension 2

2010-09-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

[1] Hersey describes a grammar for Greek architectural elements based on the idea of sacrifice. SPECULATE about the validity of his argument based on what you know about Greek design and the evidence (both visual and written) he provides. (5 points)

I disagree with Hersey. I don’t think sacrifice plays a huge role in the design process. I do believe, however, that the design of the column is based on order and government. I do agree that it has a lot to do with the mythological belief system, but so does the Greek government system as a whole. The columns are tapered ever so slightly so that they point to the heavens, the temples and architectural elements were built to make us, as humans, seem more minuscule than the higher powers of the gods, goddesses, and the “higher-ups” in government.

[2] Meant in jest, Macaulay shapes a world of the future in which the main character claims meanings for archeological evidence uncovered at the Motel of the Mysteries. EXTRACT what you believe to be the lesson of mis-interpreting evidence and link that lesson to the real world phenomenon of the internet. In other words, EXPLAIN how you might avoid such a blunder as mis-reading evidence when you use the web as your major information source. (5 points)

Macaulay portrays the perfect example of people seeing one thing and automatically believing in it wholeheartedly. We do this everyday when we rely on the web for our resources. On the Internet, as noted in class, anyone can post whatever their heart desires and then it’s up there, without revisions, without any proof that the information is correct or legitimate. Books, however, are required to go through many people and many processes to test their validity. They are revised again and again to make sure that they are not false. To avoid ‘such a blunder as mis-reading evidence’…simply just go to the hardcopies! Go to the books. Because you know that information is true.

[3] The funerary temple design of Queen Hatshepsut speaks a very different design language than the pyramidal forms for other pharaohs. From your readings and the ideas addressed in class, RECOUNT possible reasons why Queen Hatshepsut used this building form. (5 points)

Queen Hatshepsut was the first woman to rule as pharaoh in the Egyptian society. The tombs of other pharaohs spoke of consistency and direction, pointing towards the heavens. Hatshepsut, however, kept hers low to the earth (in comparison to the traditional pyramids), and near the Valley of the Kings. Queen Hatshepsut altered the architecture of her time, just like she altered the government of the time, being the first woman pharaoh. She transposed her steak in history into her burial temple. Changing the minds of those around her and impacting the future that is to come.

[4] Although some evidence suggests links between the Egyptian and Greek civilizations, and some building forms and details provide support for that linkage, the two societies produced design responses in great contrast to one another. Select a building type (house, tomb, or temple) from each culture and ELUCIDATE similarities and differences in the two forms over time. Provide an annotated illustration for each selected type. (5 points)

Egyptian and Grecian architecture are two very different, yet very similar principles of styles. The Pyramids of Giza are symbols of status and perfection. They are the largest and grandest of the pyramids in Egypt. On the smaller scale… The Temple of Athena Nike at Acropolis is a tiny little punctuation mark on site. It’s one of the most perfect Ionic order structures. Like Giza, Nike is a lantern and a pinnacle for all to see. Both of their locations are important, as well. Giza is in the middle of the desert, all you see is the astonishing pyramids. But Nike is located on the edge of Acropolis, on the tip of a cliff. So although both of these styles are radically different, the point that is being made is relatively the same.

http://www.planetware.com/i/photo/pyramids-of-giza-gzgrtpy.jpg

http://www.mishkanministries.org/images/nike.jpg

[5] Harwood shows examples of Egyptian furniture on pp. 60-61. HYPOTHESIZE about the lightweight nature of Egyptian furniture when compared to tomb architecture, as at the Pyramids of Giza, which many characterize as massive and heavy. (5 points)

This furniture shown is what lies in the tombs of the deceased. In the minds of the Egyptians, they believed that what was in their burial chambers, carried on with them into their afterlives. They wanted to bring their nicest, most decorative, and most ornate things with them into the afterlife, hence the lightweight feature of the furniture. The massive and heavy furniture, as described in the pyramids are not specified as ones personal objects. They are a part of the structure that has more permanence.

[6] Based on a careful reading of the visual evidence in these two images, DRAW OUT an explanation of design and gender roles as you see both depicted. As this language of urns represents essentially one of the main ways we know about Grecian culture, COMMENT on the validity of such a practice of reading evidence. (5 points)

Women played a more miniscule role in Grecian society. As you see on these urns, the men are sitting and the women are standing, serving to them. Even in the Greek architecture it is apparent, in structures like Erechteheion, where the women are literally holding up the building as columns and pointing you in the right direction. This plays as a metaphor that they are forever enslaved in pictorial form, or in stone, just as they would be in Grecian times.

http://www.treehugger.com/cornucopia-greek-urn-photo.jpg

http://knowledgebox.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/greekurn.jpg

The first of many...

2010-09-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

This seems to be the first of many diagrams on the Johnson Wax Building by Frank Lloyd Wright. I'm interested to see how different diagrams can be and how much I can know about one specific building. I love Frank Lloyd Wright and all of his work, so I'm really looking forward to diving into one of his buildings that was more or less a failure in some ways.

Point: Theory

2010-09-08T01:04:00.001-07:00

We learned that the theory of architecture is a philosophic aspect of design. It focuses on the thought behind design processes. However, theory and practice should very well go hand in hand. A designer or architect must ride the fence on theory and practice in order to be successful. Vitruvius describes this balancing act as “hunting the shadow”, because we should not live on one side or the other, but balance between both. It is a way to mesh things like philosophy, geometry, history, eurhythmy, order, and propriety. We have seen the effects of the mergence of ideas and production within our daily lives and in the structures that surround us.

Commodity, firmness, and delight are a main focal point in the design process as well. Sir Henry Wotton describes commodity, firmness, and delight as the end product of well building. Commodity describes the function and how well it fits the structure; it’s a great fit for the building. It also plays on the physical control of the fit. Firmness obviously is talking about the stability of a structure and how it is built and the functional frame. Delight is how aesthetically pleasing a structure is or can be. Delight is the cultural symbolization. I believe these three things are a cohesive fit to the outer context to any design. As stated in class numerous times, size does in fact matter in design and context changes things in ways that we may not think of right off hand.

Harmony is a very important element in design and construction. “All elements of structure should be in harmony and everything should be happy.” (Class notes, 8/27/10). Interior architecture is described as a holistic program that focuses on human use. It is a way to manipulate spaces and constantly think about people and how they interact with the structure. Human interaction is something I have a passion for. I love to know how someone feels in a specific environment. I love knowing that something I could potentially create can make someone feel…happy. Architecture, as noted in the ‘Architecture of Happiness’ reading is something that has the power to change who a person is for the time being. It has the power to change attitudes and change emotions. This implies that there are many different undertones to design.

The way the mind works is very fascinating. It picks up on all these hidden meanings without recognition. Design can potentially have double meanings, hidden messages, and various relationships; as noted by Dick Hebdige. His thoughts were that there were “maps of meaning” and a subculture to design, which renders objects meaningful to the spectators. Design can also correspond to the mind of the producer and user as noted by Jules David. He felt strongly that there was always a link to the product and patterns of the mind. He found these things through description, deduction, and speculation.

So far, I’ve learned that architecture is not at all what it seems. There is way more than meets the eye. One must constantly “hunt the shadow”, strive for commodity, firmness, and delight, seek the happiness in architecture, and pay attention to the most miniscule of signs.

This picture of a Zaha Hadid pavillion, found here, is a perfect example of what we've learned so far. It shows commodity, firmness, and delight. A prime definition of architecture of happiness. And it lets the mind wonder into what ideals and thought processes the designer went through to get to this stage.

History & Theory of Design, Reading Comprehension

2010-09-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

[1] Select an object or a building from any time period that you believe meets Wotton’s definition (as cribbed from Vitruvius) of commodity, firmness, and delight. With an annotated image, take care to EXPLAIN the ways in which you see the definition realized through the object or building. Use design language and concepts discussed in class for dealing with precedents.

I believe that a structure that fits the definition of commodity, firmness, and delight is EPCOT's Spaceship Earth. The geodesic sphere was designed to be a part of a futuristic theme park in which creates an atmosphere that is intriguing yet at the same time, intellectual. Spaceship Earth, specifically, fits commodity in the way that it takes you through a ride, showing you the stages of life and how life has changed and continues to change. It's structure also fulfills a purpose. The triangular pieces are gapped, so that rainwater can come through. They then recycle the water into the channel below. Spaceship Earth, therefore, fulfills the purpose, in it's entirety, that it was designed for. As for firmness, the sphere is supported by steel and aluminum posts that are scattered throughout the field to tie everything together. This adds to the delight aspect. I think that as a whole, it is very aesthetically pleasing in the way that everything ties together, it's simplistic and futuristic and nothing seems too off to seem unreal.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spaceship_Earth_2.jpg

[2] Working from Harwood et al’s concept of cultural precedents, select one of the contemporary textiles illustrated above and PINPOINT the influences you see from the eastern world on the production of fabric in the west. Concentrate on motifs and patterns provided in Harwood’s text.

Many motifs are relayed into this fabric. The Oriental cultures emphasis on the unity and harmony of nature is present here. The flowers and the wistful nature of the whole swatch is something that would represent nature and feng shui. And to quote Harwood, "Feng Shui (wind and water), a system of orientation.". It represents the beauty and fluidity of nature, and even the elements of nature. Chrysanthemums are a prominent part of the oriental cultures. It's a symbol of the sun (an element of nature), a symbol of perfection when the petals are unfolded, and it's also an object of meditation.

http://allfreed.ru/uploads/posts/1111/13071208612479_495009.jpg

[3] When considering perceptions of personal and social space, Hall and others suggest that different cultures have different space needs and attitudes. Most consider that citizens of the U.S. generally feel a need for more space. How does this play out in the classroom in which we gather for iar222?

Time plays a significant role in the change of the attitudes and personal discrepancies of the people of the world. Like space needs, in 2010 we have a greed for more personal space. Our homes are larger, airplane seats are bigger, cars are wider, etc. But back when Ferguson was built, back in the early 1970s, things were more compact. People weren't as gluttonous, or didn't have such a desire for an over abundance of personal space. Us, being United States citizens plays a huge role in that as well, because culture also defines how much space a person needs. Our backgrounds define who we are and the reason for our ways.

[4] SPECULATE about whether or not there can be an architecture of happiness, as de Botton writes in the work by the same title. Provide a juicy quote that helps give evidence to your views from the passage that you read. Include an annotated image of a happy object, space, building, or place and specify WHY and HOW your example exudes happiness.

Happiness is possible in any place. There can definitely be an architecture of happiness. As De Button writes, "Belief in the significance of architecture is premised on the notion that we are, for better or for worse, different people in different places -- and on that conviction that it is architecture's task to render vivid to us who we might ideally be." This quote really spoke to me and brought me to Amelie's Bakery in NoDa. For those who may not know, NoDa is North Davidson [the art district of Charlotte] and is really filled with tons of cool places to be and surround yourself by. I went there at least once a week this summer and it was a place where I could just...be happy. I could dive into my artistic side and be a different person, for lack of a better word. I could let go without any worries or fears. This is why I truly think architecture can be happy. There are many many MANY places out there, to each his own, that one can go to and just go to their core. Be themselves. Be happy. And each structure, object, space, etc. has it's own aura about it. Just as the quote states, it's the belief in significance that brings you to the state of who we really are. And architecture has the power to do that.

http://permissiontoperuse.com/index.php/2010/07/28/amelies-bakery/

Presentation.

2010-05-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

After weeks and weeks of this presentation, I realized that you're never really prepared for it. There's always things that you think are completely done and perfect, but once you begin to present it to a class, everyone can nit pick and think of things you could have or should have done in it's place. I learned that although I had some strong ideas, like the hexagonal shelving, I could have integrated that in the space more. Also, if I truly wanted to celebrate the studio area, I could have made it larger, or somehow made the living area more secondary in plan. In plans, it was pointed out to me that when drawing things, like rugs, I needed to draw them under the couch to make it clarified for the audience. There was no huge mistake that I made, it was all miniscule and nit picky criticism that I got, which I didn't mind, because if I were to go back and work on the studio space project some more, I would like to keep the main idea, but just do some touch ups along the way.

Final! Finally!

2010-04-30T13:44:00.000-07:00

My final project! Whew! Overall, I really liked how it turned out. If I were to go back, I would have redone the model in another material...because foamcore is just not my friend. But other than that, I am really pleased with the outcome of this studio space project. It was a stressful and very time consuming project, but looking back...it was a real learning experience.

The process..

2010-04-30T12:48:00.000-07:00

My first cardboard model.

My main process is doodling about and figuring out where things go. Taking notes to keep myself organized.

My original floorplans:

And here are some ROUGH perspectives of the space, prior to chartpak...this was when I was playing around with the space still and trying to decide on a color palette.

Clue #5, #6, #7.

2010-04-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Pimp my ride? Clue #5: Draw a car, basically.

Why not draw a muscle car?

Clue #6, #7: Make some change, have some fun...add some atmosphere.

I decided to make my car fly. I started from the from the start of the car and everything followed from there. I experimented with a scribbling technique, adding onto the stippling that our TA's showed us in class. I really liked how this assignment allowed us to transform something so, everyday, into something extraordinary and literally, out of this world :).

Clue #2, #3, #4

2010-04-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

Clue #2: Develop a series of 25 patterns coming from one inspiration piece. Feel free to exaggerate, repeat, layer, and zoom.

With this...I actually had the most trouble. For the first 15 or so, it wasn't bad, but for the last 10, I started slowing down and it was harder to think of patterns and to let myself use the techniques of exaggerating, repeating, layering, and zooming in and out.

Clue #3: Construct a one-point perspective of a small reading area. Include 3 patterns.

This was a little easier...until it came to choosing the third pattern. I had a hard time deciding where it should go, how large it should be, and how much of the space it should take up. I was scared it would be pattern vomit. :(.

Clue #4: Make 3 copies of your reading area and picking a palette of no more than 4 colors, explore what happens when the colors are applied in different ways and amounts in each perspective.

I really enjoyed this clue. I've figured out that I worked best with vignetting colored pencil. and not coloring the whole item. It's simple, yet it looks SO MUCH BETTER. The grayscale perspective looks kind of shabby to me because I was trying to see what it would look like if I colored all of the bench instead of just splashes of color, and I didn't like how it turned out. However, for the other two, I really like how there is barely any color but you can still get the effect of the warmth of the rooms. I just wish the scanner would have picked up on it more :(.

Clue #1

2010-04-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

First clue: Draw two public spaces that have meaning to you. Well...when I read this...the fountain and the quad were the first places that popped into my head. I was in a kind of 'stick your headphones in and see where it takes you kind of mood' and I definitely thought that these two places are two of the most known for hanging out and relaxing. The fountain, to me, is a place where I always meet people, so it's like my 'landmark' of UNCG, and it's also a place where I can just sit and 'let my troubles roll by'. The quad, on the other hand, is a place where my Greek Life began. It's where I ran home to ADPi and where I'll be living next semester, so there's a comforting feeling that surrounds me when I'm in the quad.

I know this is going to be a really fun and relaxing assignment. I can't wait to see what the other clues are going to be.

Monticello/Fallingwater

2010-04-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

This was by far one of the best field trips that I have been on. Fallingwater is quite possibly my new favorite place. I love the way that it integrates every little part. Whether it be the interiors with the exteriors of nature, or the furniture with the structure itself. I'm amazed by Frank Lloyd Wright's genius in the fact that he was only on the site one time and drew the plan in about three hours and came up with something so amazing. Monticello and Fallingwater both are architectural marvels in which they were so far ahead of their time. I can't wait to go back to both of these places! And hopefully get to spend more time venturing out and exploring!

Color Schemes.

2010-04-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

With these color schemes, I didn't want to put any furniture in them. I want this area to have a wall color change to differentiate the zones of public to private, because this area is the bed/bath area. My artist is Damien Hirst, and since he is an eccentric artist, I think I've decided on going with the analogous scheme, but a little subtler...more like what is actually on the paper than what ended up coming through the scan, and doing mainly white furniture with pops of color with the pillows and accents. This assignment really has helped me progress in the project and helped me decide what direction to take the studio space.

Sustainability.

2010-04-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

For my studio space, I really want to use green products. Bamboo is a good example of a sustainable resource. I really liked how this marker rendering turned out, so hopefully as the days progress, you'll see more of these :).

In Living Color.

2010-04-08T19:26:00.001-07:00

Markers on Marker Paper

Watercolor on Watercolor Paper

Colored Pencil on Canson Paper

Watercolor on Marker Paper

This was a really fun assignment. I really enjoyed experimenting with different materials/media. It was interesting to see all the different reactions. Now, looking back on the assignment and seeing my classmates projects, if I could do it over, I'd like to take more risks in the materials I use and how different each section is compared to the next one.

'Draw me!'

2010-04-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

The Graduate Park is a place that I walk through everyday. It's a place that I find completely inspiring. There's just something about it. It's serene and in a way, to itself. It's this different area of campus thats, well, special. That's why I decided to draw this. It's the one place that speaks to me on campus and it's a place that I can go and sit for hours and let my creativity crawl.

Chartpak Adventures :)!

2010-03-30T19:38:00.001-07:00

Today, we colored/rendered for the first time with Chartpak markers. I've found a new love for markers. They're easier to work with than watercolors or colored pencils. And you can manipulate them easier by mixing colors or adding colored pencil to achieve your goal. Thanks, Suzanne, for a fun class today...I enjoyed 'going back to kindergarten' :).

Sketch Sketch Sketch.

2010-03-01T20:36:00.000-08:00

More Mossman...

This week, we're supposed to have 5 sketches of details of the Mossman Building, using influences of other artists. Here's the progress of mine..

Pete Scully

Urban Sketchers

Pete Scully

I haven't added color yet...more tomorrow!

Mossman Thumbnails.

2010-02-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

For the past week and next week or two, our project in our drawing class is on a specific building. My group is in charge of the Mossman Building. Here is my drawing assignment for the week: 12 thumbnail drawings of details of the Mossman Building.

Windows Galore...

2010-02-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

For this project, we were each assigned a window in which we were supposed to fill it with two different light effects using cardboard and two other materials. My initial inspiration came from the clerestory windows we are studying in our History & Theory of Design class and stained glass windows, and the patterns they create. We were also told to consider our neighbors designs in our own designs. Nikki's window focused on how rain on windows effects light, so that's why I decided to place the items that represented the stained glass in a way that seemed fluid-like. I also decided to go from almost 2D to 3D to further emphasize the rain effect.

Here's my first time ever sketch up model. It's not completely accurate, but I'm still trying to figure out SketchUp and how exactly it works.

Accessories.

2010-02-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

For this assignment, we were supposed to zoom in on accessories and begin to play with water color, and include some colored pencils as well. The bottom page was my first attempt with water color...and well, it didn't turn out as well as expected. However, with the earring...I really liked how it turned out, so I decided to play it up with a blue-green background to make it pop.

First week back?

2010-01-28T10:25:00.001-08:00

My inspiration, folks.

I really liked this magazine layout. It was from the IIDA 'perspective' magazine Winter 2009 edition. I liked how well it represented my first week back. For those who don't know...our assignment this week was to find a magazine layout and recreate it somehow, representing our first week back at school. So I decided to pile up all of my events, to show my chaotic week, and how I've had to do things from 'a new angle'.

New semester. New sketchbook.

2010-01-28T10:15:00.000-08:00

As our first sketchbook assignment, we were instructed to go in our rooms/studio and find 5 objects that have meaning to us and to draw them, using pen and one colored pencil. On the left page, I drew the things that were more or less ritualized to me. Like my medicine container and my room number. My medicine container holds my Topamax, which keeps the migraines away, and the room number is my home...it's where I always end up. But the things on the right are the things I take pride in, and the things that mean the most to me. Like my religion, my bible. Or my ADPi, my sorority, my best friends. Or my love and my memories. These are the things that I can't always explain, but I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

Rest Peacefully.

2009-12-12T02:18:00.000-08:00

If anything...this is my inspiration...

The boy on the left is my friend Trey. Tonight, he was tragically killed in a car accident where he was hit head on. He was one of the nicest, most sincere, most genuine people I've ever encountered. He always had something encouraging to say and loved the Lord with all of his heart, and it showed. He was an inspiration to me before, and he's definitely still an inspiration to me now. Live life to the fullest, live by example, live for the Lord. 'Cause you really don't know if today is your last day. Trey, you've definitely left a legacy. I can't wait to see you again.

And everytime I think of you,

I'll remember all the good times that we've had.

And everytime I sing this tune,

I will laugh, I will cry,

I will close my eyes.

Cause I know that it won't be long.

Until we sing, we will write,

We will laugh away the night.

And the good times will never end,

When we meet again.

And I'm gonna be somewhat lonely.

Cause you know no one could ever fill your shoes.

As iron sharpens iron,

You have taught me how to be a stronger man.

And I look forward to the day I'll learn again.

We will sing, we will write,

We will laugh away the night.

And I know that it won't be long,

Until we meet again.

Though I wish I were with you now,

I know there's a reason for everything.

I can dream of the memories you're writing down.

And I look forward to that day,

And the smile on your face.

We will sing, we will write,

We might cry, we might fight,

And the good times will never end.

We will laugh, we'll relax,

We'll reflect on the years we've past.

And I know that it won't be long,

Until we meet again.

"Leaving Song" -- Stephen Speaks.

Luminescence. Part duex.

2009-12-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

Lights on...

And lights off...

So here it is, my final IAR 101 project. But it didn't come easy...

My first rendition, I tried to make a globe...and as you can see...it just fell apart and simply didn't work. So, next, I tried to glue multiple colors of tissue paper to 2 pieces of 12x12 cardstock. When I turned the light on, however, it was too much of a bold, stark rainbow. It's not what I wanted at all. So, for my final model, I kept the 2 pieces of 12x12 cardstock and formed it in a conical, 'ray-like' shape so that I could further emphasize my 'Ray of Light' idea. And out of frustration, I ended up crumpling up tissue paper squares and placing them in the shell around the lightbulb until I was satisfied with the result. It gave off the subtle glow that I wanted to represent the softness of a sunset. Thank goodness for happy accidents :).

Luminescence.

2009-11-04T06:12:00.001-08:00

Photos courtesy of : The Art Of Light Photography

Google Images...

What I'm hoping to conquer with this project is to make a luminarie that has a white outer shell that petals or flares out. And then on the inside having colors resembling the sunset so that when the light is turned on, the warm colors of orange, red, and yellow intertwine with cool shades of blue and purple to create a naturalistic ambiance.

Dialogue.

2009-11-02T17:10:00.001-08:00

In this project, we were told to define space and then compare the two spaces using dialogue. I wanted to base my projects on 3D to 2D, construction, and being a process...a part of a whole. I based my design on playgrounds...comparing a jungle gym and a simple swing from a swingset. We were only allowed to use 12 skewers and 12 4x6 bristol cards. We couldn't manipulate the cards in any way except folding it one time. Here it is...

My 12x12 Parti.

My first rendition of my idea...it wasn't very sturdy.

My second rendition...right after it half way fell apart and right before it completely fell apart. :).

My third sketch model...I liked this model...but I soon realized that I didn't have enough room on my 12x12 base or enough bristol cards to make it speak the dialogue I wanted. :(.

My orthographics of the final product.

Sketchbook Assignment 3

2009-10-14T22:00:00.001-07:00

Our assignment this week was to draw 5 interior spaces, with people included. I've come to the conclusion that my people drawing skills need to improve.

Unity.

2009-10-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

From step one to step two, I cut the foam down two inches, took of the bristol frame, and painted it using white acrylic paint.

And here comes the final product...

My 12x12 Parti.

This project had it's fair share of obstacles. My inspiration was a field of flowers and solar panels, but when I created it, I didn't want it to be so literal that when people saw it, they saw flowers. So I kept the cards in their original state, with no folds or cuts, to maintain my idea. I scored the cards with scissors, sanded the tops of the skewers, and glued them together using Krazy Glue. The glue lasted for a day or so, until some bristol boards flew away. Also, the acrylic paint was soaked up by the green foam used as the base, so I had to do multiple coats of the white paint to achieve the pure white. Overall, I've come to the realization that the construction of the project is the most important learning process.

Structure. Continued.

2009-09-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

As a continuation of our structure project, we were told to draw an orthographic projection, a edge detail, and a 3D image. Here's mine :).

Sketchbook Assignment 2

2009-09-27T22:23:00.000-07:00

Our next sketchbook assignment was to find a few leaves and draw them. Including a negative space drawing, blind contour, pure contour, and shadow drawing.

Structure.

2009-09-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

Our assignment this week was to create a 4x4x4 cube, using Bristol Board, that articulates the edges in some way. Then we were told to use straws to lift it 4 inches above a 8x8 base of any material. I created tabs and folded them over to secure the cube, I then made the straws act as a pedestal for the cube, because I wanted the cube to seem as if it had importance. I wanted to keep the layered or woven look, to tie everything together. So I layered multiple pieces of cardstock to use as a base, and in my final product I wove the straws around the base and nestled the ends into the gaps of the cardstock.

Intersection

2009-09-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

Our second Environmental Design project was to design a container for some special object using only paper, fabric, and thread. We had to focus on how we intersected the materials and our craft. I chose the turquoise heart-shaped rock that I bought in Italy three years ago, I bought one for me and one for my boyfriend. It's just something that has a lot of significance to our relationship. I decided I wanted to play it simple and put all the focus inside and to my special object. I stamped a simple design on the craft fabric, using rubber stamps and black ink. Then I wanted to incorporate 'all you need is love', so I stamped the top and then, multiple strips of fabric with the turquoise 'all you need is love'...to make a safe haven for the rock. On the inside, I wanted the rock to pop somehow, so I added three red strips and shaped them to mimic the shape of the heart to tie everything together.

Sketchbook Assignment 1

2009-09-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

We've been studying contours so our next sketchbook assignment was to draw a pure contour drawing of the Foust Building. I tried my best.

First IARc Project

2009-09-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Not the best quality picture, but here's my first IARc project. The idea behind it was to join two natural artifacts by some linear material. I decided on two leaves, one round and old...filled with holes and texture...a dull green, and a pointy red leaf...new and smooth. I joined them using a barely there thread at each of the points and putting the red leaf directly in the center to point out the similarities, although they're both so different.

Blogging Adventures.

2009-08-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Getting into this whole blog thing, I found some sketchblogs I really enjoyed. My favorite would have to be www.wagonized.typepad.com. The sketches are so detailed and so personal, it just drew me in. I'm amazed that the little things you see in life can turn into works of art with just a pen and paper. Kudos on the hatching! Tied for a close second? www.andreajoseph24.blogspot.com ; www.kunst-by-rob.blogspot.com ... such a good variety! ; petescully.com.