Presentation Perfection

Thank goodness presentations are over. One less stress to worry about so I can move on to the other six I currently have to deal with. I'm ridiculously happy that we didn't get torn to shreds about removing the curved wall. They reviewers said it seemed like we may have had some regrets about this and I'm sure my conscience would slightly agree. Regardless, the presentation went really well and I'm glad they received our proposal so well. I, of course, got nervous and I know my voice was shaking, but so what else is new? If there is ever a time for presentations that I'm not nervous, then I should be worried. Its so weird that another semester of studio is over. But I think that I actually learned a few new things that I can carry on with me for future reference. [Currently choking on that compliment, but you're welcome.]

I LOVE MY SWEATSHIRT

Yay for warmth.

Panic at the Studio

Writing this blog simply for the sake of saying I wrote the blog. There is no decent content to read here because I am far too busy creating the AutoCAD template to laser cut tomorrow. We got a little thrown off today after getting talked to because there were some slight details pointed out that were supposed to be a "quick fix", but as I would like to point out took a couple of hours. Insert annoyed and frustrated face here.

THERE IS NO PICTURE BECAUSE I SAID SO.

The Wonders of Wall Sections

My attempt at a wall section from ARCH 205.

Friday blog posts are starting to kick my butt. I can't for the life of me remember to do them on Friday. Most of class was spent discussing the amazing details that make up a wall section. I think we were all a little bummed about how much really is in there because we aren't sure we can make as good of a wall section as James did. I know revit basically does everything for you, but we have to remember what the components were called to even get that far. Amber and I are almost done with our model. We are going to finish up today and hopefully be done so we can set up our views and start rendering. I'm nervous about working separately over break just because its easier to work as a group when you are right next to each other. But I guess ideal circumstances aren't always the case so we are just going to roll with it.

Struggle Bus

Another round of boards. Another round of critiques. Another realization that we still aren't anywhere near being where we need to be for completion. Although we know that our revit model still needs work, we plan on having that fully done by the end of the week so it is no longer holding us back. My concerns come in when it comes to board design. We have been pinning up sample boards for the past few classes, but I still don't believe that our final boards will look anything like what they do now. I'm not completely happy with how they are now, but I can't find a way to make them any more exciting. The struggle is real.

Gotta Get Down on Friday

Friday was surprisingly helpful because we got to discuss a little bit of board designs and layout. We knew our boards weren't the best that they could be, but were open to suggestions on how to improve them. I feel like since I have never designed a board at the 24"x36" scale, I'm a little thrown off on the whole process. But, I know we need to keep looking at examples online to find something we really like and want to use to enhance how we display our project. Our boards are going to heavily rely on interior perspectives to show the AWESOMENESS of our project. The feedback was helpful and I'm glad we ended up doing that for Friday's class, but I'm not ready for Wednesday's boards because we haven't had much time to work on them. Everything we have been doing has been revolving around our revit model. 

I won't admit defeat

Apparently the word of the day was defeated. I felt it and my face obviously showed it. I hate how much my face shows my emotions (thanks mom). It isn't even necessarily that I felt defeated, but it is just hard knowing that Amber and I are pretty much starting from the beginning and don't have much time left on the project. Regardless of how much James stresses the importance of the process, I know that there has to be a final product to be presented that HAS TO BE DONE. So knowing that the work we have been doing is mostly going into the trash sucks, but we don't have much of an option. James talked to us for almost an hour and to him I apologize that I always look defeated or maybe like I want to punch you. It could possibly be both, but I'll never admit to it. So after he left us to ourselves, Amber and I started talking some things out and I think we are moving in the right direction. It is just going to take some serious time to make up for what we have lost.

Because I didn't take a real picture that related to today.

The sketchiest attempt at sketching

BLAH.

Floor plan drawings are based on.

It is plain to see that sketching is not one of my strong suits. I haven't necessarily learned how to do it properly so that could be part of the problem, but today I realized how ridiculously stubborn I am in not wanting to learn. And it is not even that I don't want to learn, because I do. Rather it is that I am reluctant to take the time to hone the skills needed to be successful at sketching. It just seems so effortless for some people that I think I get frustrated with myself and my lack of sketching awesomeness. Sometimes I wish I could go back to when I was a kid and didn't care about what people would eventually think of my drawings. I would just draw  because I enjoyed it and thought I was good. Then you get thrown into the real world and you realize that your level of talent compared to others is way lower than you thought and you start to become self conscious of everything you produce. Thanks for the wake up call real world.

Thinking Like an Architect for Dummies

Thinking like an architect isn't necessarily something that comes to most as second nature. Sure, people think they can understand the thought process, but they're really just making a half-ass attempt at figuring out something I'm not even sure architects themselves understand. In a magazine that is dedicated to showing new products, it attempts to explain how this new product will enhance the space that it is put in and how it will complete the overall design. The most I can gather from this as to how it relates to how architects think is that this magazine is advertising new products that companies think will enhance the space and make it complete. These products are continuously adapting and trying to change with time to ensure that they fit into the context they are put in. In a similar sense, architects have to see not only the bigger problem, but also analyze all of the little problems that could influence the bigger problem and have a solution to every single one. By thinking out the details, the larger whole will ultimately fall into place because the architect took the time to plan. Architects have to push the limits of the space they are creating while still ensuring that the building fits into the context of the larger space it inhabits, similar to how a product would work in its intended environment.

Halloween Happenings

My ghoulish ghost pumpkin carving. Happy Halloween.

Today we focused on discussing our reviews and critiques from Wednesday's mid-point review. Each group had to talk about what they took away from their own review and James seemed surprised that I thought we were torn down a little. And maybe I am taking things the wrong way, but I do believe that there was mention of us giving the original architects a "slap in the face" because we created the curved roof. I guess when it comes to the final presentation we just need to be a little clearer on our design intentions and that there are only so many effective ways to keep the main curved wall. So this weekend we were given the task of taking what was said today and try to sketch out some new ideas to solve the issues brought up on Wednesday. With only a little more than a month left on this project I just worry about completely scrapping our idea and starting over. That idea is a bit terrifying. I'm just looking forward to having a fairly relaxed weekend where hopefully I can come up with something that will move our project in the direction it needs to go. 

Mid-Term Presentations

Nothing like a little bit of critique to make or break your entire project. David and Andrew came in today to give us feedback on our projects and most likely didn't exactly know what to expect of our designs. That being said, I think their reviews were helpful, but I felt as if some of the things said about our project were a tad harsh. Not that I can't take criticism, but being told that your project is disrespecting the original architect and design can hurt a little. It seemed like in their point of view our project had potential, but we always seemed to have missed opportunities. I do agree that our children's and teen's space needs to reflect its use and users better than it currently does and that we maybe should rethink the height of the ceiling in that area. I just felt that they were so focused on the fact that we took away the curved wall that it was all they could see. The space is functional and a plausible solution to the problem at hand and I guess I just felt a little beat down after the presentation. Amber and I will definitely need to address the issues at hand and make some decisions on how to fix them quickly since we only have a little over a month left to work. 

Board Room Discussion

Board layout example.

Thank the Lord for a short Friday class. Even though we were only there for about a hour and 45 minutes, I feel like we were handed a ton of information. Thankfully it was the helpful type of information we need and not a legitimate lecture. I love getting to learn all of the little tips and tricks that will make our revit model and produced images look so much better. I think we all need a pocket sized James to carry around so we can always have his revit knowledge on hand. Sure, you can watch videos that can teach you the tricks, but I wouldn't even know what to search for simply because I don't know what all can be done. After learning the stuff we did today, I am looking forward to attempting to make a first round of boards. I love that each year our projects only get better because we become more skilled and have more knowledge. I just need to add some more structure to the revit model and then we can start making some images.

The Hardware Effect

Actual hardware for a little sarcasm.

In Chapter 18 from “This is Not Architecture”, hardware conveys the meaning that it is what makes something unique. The hardware of decoration and ornament prior to Modernism or the hardware of white walls and minimalistic style in Modernism are defining characteristics that bring recognition to the style. If the value is no longer in the hardware, then the label that defines something disappears and rather allows the experience to take precedent to the things. An experience is unique to the individual and allows one to make of the space or object what they want of it. If there is no longer hardware that provides a straight answer to the prompt at hand then people can take from something what they wish and can keep their unique and individual idea of what a space is or what it means.

                Given the field of architecture, there is a constant need to either relate or completely separate from a specific style or design idea that carries history with it. By mimicking a style, you can risk having your design compared to those who made the style famous, or you can branch out and create something new that will undoubtedly get just as much criticism. If we could somehow remove the notion that certain elements make up a specific style, then we could allow ourselves to enjoy the space for what it is instead of what it could be or failed to be.

                Great architects can communicate their ideas through design. They begin designing with an experience they want the client to have and can create that experience with the entire design, not just singled out design elements. Architecture should be taken in as a whole, instead of broken down into what works or doesn’t, or what one likes or doesn’t like. Architecture is created at a point in time and is then forced to adapt its uses and functions as time progresses. This history that buildings create provides a sense that architecture is information that is inhabited because each building and design can tell a story. This story doesn’t come from the hardware that fits into the time period in which it was constructed; rather it again comes from the experiences one has within that the architect intentionally planned out to be had.

                I do agree that the hardware of a building is losing its value. By incorporating the styles of hardware that are specific to a certain style, you can either damn yourself and your building or succeed based on the design taste of the individuals who experience the structure. If too much focus lies in the details then the details are what people will notice instead of taking in the building as a whole in the way which it was meant to be experienced. An accomplished architect can convey their ideas with an entire building without having to rely on the success of certain elements that worked in previous time or design periods. As the world changes, so do our experiences and if architecture is built to withstand and create new experiences, then it doesn’t need fancy hardware to prove its success.

If Ceilings Could Talk

If ceilings could talk, I think that ours would be pretty ecstatic. Today brought about some really neat new ideas that I think Amber and I are both excited to work with. The interior of our addition is really where the magic is going to happen, so it is where our attention to detail really needs to shine. Each space is working on having its own unique ceiling design that will make you just want to look up forever. I never thought about how important ceilings are, but now I kind of understand. James said that any time we go into a new building, the first thing we should do is look up. With the way that our project is going, patrons will not be able to resist looking up.

Design the Divider

Attempt to make wall look like blue metal vertical line piece thing.

When a professor asks you to do something, you do it. So Amber and I spent the recommended 45 minutes to an hour sketching possible ideas to transform the wall that divides the private study rooms from the entire quiet space. James wanted us to come up with four ideas and we managed to come up with four decent ones without having to go through eight crappy ones. My two major ideas were to mimic the blue metal vertical line piece that exists above the main entrance into the library, or to duplicate the idea we are working toward in the children's and teen's area with a specific mullion pattern and custom metal panel insert. The metal panel idea is still in the process of becoming a reality because I can't seem to draw out exactly what is in my head. I hate when that happens.

Desk Crit Success

Model number 3! With Pteranodonnie trying to show off his wing in the background.

Not having studio on Monday meant that preparations for desk critiques today needed to be in full force. I'm not going to lie that I was hardcore stressing yesterday about not having enough ready to show today. I didn't feel even slightly relieved until our newest model was finished at 12:20 pm before studio began at 2:00 pm. I spent around four hours last night doing the AutoCad for the model and another few hours putting it together this morning. I think I just tend to overstress myself when it isn't necessary. Maybe it is what keeps me in check. But all of that work paid off since we had a pretty good desk crit. I'm not sure we have gotten that much good feedback in a while so I'm assuming that means we are headed in the right direction. James wants us to focus on interior details that will influence the design and will really demonstrate how the spaces will work. I think that part is going to be fun because we are getting into the details that are going to make our project unique.

Aesthetic of Deconstruction

Images of the Gameleira tragedy

Lais Myrrha's project titled Gameleria Project 1971 is about creating a "little miniature model" of one of Brazil's biggest civil construction disasters. The Gameleira tragedy occurred when Brazil was under a dictatorship, so the incident and the architect responsible were simply swept under the rug to be forgotten by all. This gap in history inspired Myrrha's work because she wanted to show a deconstructed symbolic representation of the project that was deemed modern in a negative sense at the time. This project presents relevance in current architecture because it brings about the fact that projects with quick turnarounds lead to an increase in construction death and injury. While trying to construct, the architects and project managers are in turn deconstructing and taking away the safety factor of those bringing the project to life. This project is Myrrha's way of reconstructing the missing pieces in Brazilian history while bringing awareness to Niemeyer, architect of the disaster, who was the unfortunate pawn of critic Mario Pedrosa's claim to modernism in Brazil.

In a funk Friday

Surfside Beach. Population: Tiny.

Class was rough. Actually the entire day was rough. I guess my 8:00am exam really put a damper on the entire day. I was looking forward to getting out of studio because I was going to be on my way to a few days of rest and relaxation at Surfside (a very very tiny beach) with my boyfriend and his family. Studio was the only thing between me and the weekend and it dragged on even though I was only there until 3:45. Apparently I seemed a little sour in the attitude department so I really need to stop letting my feelings come out so easily. 

I feel like I still haven't been hit with any amazing ideas for our project. I guess it is because it is stretched out so far that it feels like we aren't making much progress even though we technically are. We need to have a lot ready for Wednesday so I'm hoping Monday brings a lot of progress. I know we will get it done, but the pressure is on and it is starting to win. I just feel so drained from studio, systems, and structures. So, excuse the funk I was in. I think it is gone.

Another day another model

[Please ignore jail cell mullions]

I think that the worst question an architecture student can be asked is why did you make that move? It is a scary question to have to answer because it means you have to put the ideas in your head into words and sometimes that is more difficult to explain than intended. I think I unintentionally get defensive when it comes to answering such questions because I don't necessarily know the right answer because there isn't one. I get to decide the answer and maybe that is what worries me. I can normally put thoughts into words, but I dread hearing the question why. We made another mass model for class today and it was way better than the first (yay laser cutter) and actually represents our project. We rearranged the roofs and adjusted certain heights to a configuration that seems to work better. I'm a little overwhelmed about having to put structure into our revit models because I have never done that before, let alone actually think about the type of structure needed. I guess there is just a learning curve that I need to adjust to before being able to really excel at this project.

Monday Models

Original model with our addition on messed up site.

It was presentation day! Thankfully they were quick presentations, and in our case very quick because I was trying to help James get out of class at 3:30 which is when he said he needed to leave. I was trying to be helpful, but he told me to slow down! We presented our new floor plan, forms through a model addition, elevations, and sections. James helped us realize that our roofs need to have a little more thought put in to them as to where the higher point of the roof faces. We currently have our roofs angled to where more sunlight is coming on the south side compared to the original design that had the higher clerestory facing north. They designed it that way for a reason so we need to readdress that design element. I think he liked what we had come up with, but I'm not looking forward to the paper we have to write about how we got our form to the point it is at now. Explaining design ideas in words is pure torture. 

Figure out the Form Friday

The GORGEOUS class model.

I spent most of Thursday night making the laser cutter template for the class mass model of Ringer Library. It was a little more daunting than I expected to get the building scaled correctly. I did some of the windows and attempted to do the main curtain walls, but failed miserably at making the mullions too thin to where I had to just use a solid wall. Regardless, we now have a class model for each group to base their forms for Monday on. Our site didn't come out as well as expected so I had to figure out where the building was supposed to lay based on the circular parking lot that somehow managed to get cut. Now the class has the tools needed to get everything done for Monday. Amber and I are going to be working hard this weekend to try to solidify our ideas and have a good model to look at for Monday. I'm excited to finally reach a design that will allow us to move forward. At this point, I'm most excited about our roof system and I'm normally never excited about roofs.

Prioritize the Customize

The positive progression from mass production to mass customization is opening a multitude of doors for architects and the architectural profession. The “one size fits all” motto was destined for failure because the world is full of too many people, each with their own opinion and design taste, who want something that relates specifically to them. Enter in the role of mass customization and its ability to create architecture unique to the individual. “Refabricating Architecture” makes a very true statement in saying that, “in this century we desire choice, expression, individuality, and the ability to change our minds at the last minute.” While keeping the initial idea of mass producing an item or part quickly, cost effectively, and still providing quality, but allowing a new level of customization, the architectural world can advance to greater heights.

Mass customization is taking architecture to another level by impacting the design process as well as the construction process. The design process presents numerous factors that ultimately influence the finished product, including site, client, geographical location, or even budget. Mass customization allows all of these influences to be taken into consideration in order to produce a solution to the problem at hand. Once the design is completed using mass produced customized parts, creating these parts in a factory at a rapid and organized pace allows for budget control and a satisfied client who now has their building done in record time.

Using mass customization for construction ensures the same quality of work produced time and time again. No longer will construction production come to a halt due to weather or injury. All workers in a factory are well protected, safe, and comfortable while getting to stay in a controlled environment to do the same quality work that an on-site construction worker would do. The mass customization process also allows small parts to be partially assembled into bigger components that are better suited for travel and allow for a faster assembly at the site. This again not only saves money in the long run but helps the overall construction along in order for completion of the project to come sooner.

Mass customization in branding design only scratches the

 surface.

The impact the architectural profession can see from mass customization is limitless in possibility and can possibly help design take a new step forward. Once all designers adopt the program of using mass customization to their advantage, it is unimaginable what buildings can look like in the near future. Mass customization takes the old equation of Q x S = C x T and rewrites it to ensure that quality and scope will outweigh cost and time from now on.

 Why settle for mediocre when you can have anything you want? This is the problem that mass customization address and solves efficiently. You can have everything you want, as long as the architect is willing to give it to you. With the help of mass customization,
designs will increase in complexity and boundaries will be pushed to achieve the next 
big thing. Only progress can result from mass 

customization to positively affect architecture.

Good as new

The Pteranodon has been saved! Pteranodonnie's head may have fallen off one night about a week ago, but he didn't injure anyone. He was honestly very structurally stable, but even with all of our calculations we weren't able to predict the effect gravity would have on the glue we used to attach the head. Looking back now, we probably should've tied the head to the body in the first place, but it happened and now it is fixed. I'm glad he was able to stay high and flying even with all of the annoying negative comments from neighboring studios about him possibly killing someone. I mean, that's a little dramatic if you ask me. I think Luke and I are both glad that he is back to his full glory.

I CAN say I attended the lecture tonight, but I CAN'T say that I paid attention. I was slightly more immersed in my systems homework that had the entire class stumped. Once we figured it out as a group, I was able to finish my homework and pay attention to the last 20 minutes of the lecture. Those were probably the most valuable minutes to the lecture anyway. All I really gathered from the entire thing was something about symmetry, until the end when he talked about context. As architects, we have a job to make our buildings fit into their context or surroundings. There are times when standing out works, but in order to be successful, your work should work within its context. As people, we all have that internal instinct to doubt ourselves. This doubt rears its ugly head when it comes to design decisions. But, in order to use this doubt to our advantage, we have to use it to force ourselves to make a decision that will improve the building and the context it is made for. 

Today was LIKE presentation day

One of the boards I created. Yay for InDesign.

Nothing brings about the nervous jitters more than the first presentation of the semester. Granted, it wasn't a super formal presentation, but I could still feel the nervous butterflies that always come around when I have to speak in front of people. I know I should probably get over this since one day I'll have to talk in front of people all of the time, but until then I'll just stick with being nervous. I think Amber and I did okay, but of course we used the word "like" more than necessary which James had to conveniently point out along with my excessive hand motions. Obviously my presentation style needs some work. I think our boards looked really good so that was a plus. I was a little worried that I spoke too fast, but a case study similar to seven other groups can only last for so long. I'm glad that we got the presentations out of the way and can move on to the major problem at hand in creating the expansion of Ringer Library. 

WhataWednesday

Today was probably the most productive in studio day I've had since school started. I actually worked for three hours without taking a break. Which, by the way, was very difficult considering I've got some major allergy issues going on. I got my Revit floor plans done and now need to work on my boards. I'm not worried about finishing because I always get my work done. That is just the type of person I am. I think I'm making the partis we have to do more complicated than they need to be, but the perfectionist inside of me needs to know all of the specific instructions before I can start. I'm just anxious to present because I kind of want to get this part over with and move on to designing. 

All I know is that I am very thankful for the nice lady named Holly at Goddard Library who was able to get me clear and readable floor plans. Without her help I would have been in a major pickle that would have had bad results for me.

 

A bad case of no space

Today we got to finally go on our site visit to see the "wonderful" design that is Larry J. Ringer Library. I almost missed the initial turn into the building's parking lot meaning there were way too many trees blocking the large letters with the name of the building on the building. Once I worked my way inside, it was clear to see that this library was on the fairly small side of the scale and needed some work. I feel like it definitely has some potential, but there are many obvious instances where the current design situation is not working. The librarian that showed us around made it clear that more space is needed, which is why we were given this project. It seemed that based on the site plan, there is really only one way to extend out from the current building, but I guess the parti drawings James wants us to do will really show the potential ways for expansion. I don't feel like I've been struck with this amazing idea yet, so I'm still waiting for the design that changes the game. 

Probably the most interesting feature in the library.

It was nice to take a break from the same old everyday routine of being in studio and instead going to the Village Cafe after the site visit. It was the first time I got to experience a little bit of downtown Bryan and now I really want to go back to see what other surprises await. 

Another week down

To say that class was slightly distracted today is a major understatement. We started out strong, but after sitting in that little discussion "room" for a few hours our attention spans were fading fast. Although we were distracted, James did all of the work we needed done so that we can advance in our case studies. [Thanks again for extending the due date] I'm glad I still get to do the library I had originally planned on because hopefully the requested floor plans come in before next Friday. My fingers are still crossed on that one working out.

On a totally unrelated note, my boyfriend has had his new puppy for a few days now and he is finally getting comfortable around his roommates and any visitors. His playful side is slowly starting to show, but I wish the puppy biting faze would hurry up and end. Those tiny sharp teeth are killer. He is part border collie and part German shepherd and most importantly he is ADORABLE. See picture below for proof. 

Diesel Wayne Srnensky

 

Master Builder no more

Should the architect be a master builder? On first instinct, one would say yes because having the "master" title would make one think that means they are specialized in the field of architecture and know and understand every step it takes to create a building. But as of today, the role of master builder has fragmented and has created divided fields that work as separate entities. This separation is not necessarily a bad thing because it has obviously worked over time, but should we as architects be okay with knowing that other people think we only know how to design? Wouldn’t we rather be known as the architect who was heavily involved in the building process even after we turned the design plans over to the construction or engineering team?

The title of master builder is outdated. An architect as a singular person may not know everything about every field that relates to architecture, but we are always conscious about the other factors such as materials, structure, and construction. The increasing complexity of building designs have required more than one great mind to ensure structural stability and provide reason for materials through material science. Sure, an architect could calculate the structural loads, but having someone who is even better at calculating than you are check your work will ensure that the building won’t fail. 

“Refabricating Architecture” says that by getting rid of the title of master builder, we are relinquishing the title of architect as well to be simply known as designers. This theory is flawed because becoming a licensed architect takes years of schooling and an intensive exam. Through school, we take multiple classes that touch base on materials, construction methods, and structures. This doesn’t prove that we are skilled in all of those fields, but knowing we have a background in that information assures that every design decision made is thought out and has real world possibility. 

Brunelleschi is highly regarded as one of the greatest master builders. He combined the fields of architecture, building, product engineering, and materials science to create a new typology of building.  But what if Brunelleschi hadn’t understood the math? Or maybe he picked the wrong materials for the geographical location and climate. The building he so wonderfully created on his own would fail. Luckily, he understood the concepts of structure and materials and construction, but today, it is so rare to have a single individual intelligent enough to understand all aspects of creating a building. That is why Brunelleschi is so highly praised for his ground breaking work.

One person doesn’t need to embody every aspect of a master builder; rather we should push to bring all of the parts together to create a “master team”. As architects, we need to take back the title of architect to put behind us the days of being called designers. In order to do that, the architect has to make the decisions. If you want a design to work a certain way, prove it will and make sure the construction team follows through with your design. There is such a thing as having control while letting others carry out your foreseen actions. By moving toward the idea of a master team, each field can continue to specialize while also learning to better communicate and come together as one to make a design come to life. 

Lets just say this is the start of a beautiful "master team"