Schroder House Board

wi10

My goals at the beginning of the semester were to think outside the box vs. being too literal, to be more confident in my ideas as a designer, to explore different approaches to the design process, and figure out which style is best for me, and to become familiar with other designer’s work to expand on ideas, ways of thinking, and understanding. I feel like I have done well to think outside of the box, and to expand upon my ideas. I also feel as though I have found the design technique that works for me, which is to first go to my sketchbook and draw out my ideas as well as to jot down ideas that tie into my drawings. I have not become as familiar with other designer’s work as I had hoped I would at the beginning of the semester. Instead I have relied more on what is within me. I would like to take the opportunity over the summer to emerge myself in famous designer’s work, and some not so famous.

            I have learned a lot about myself this semester in the way I design, the way I work with others, and about allowing my design voice to shine through.  I found that in working individually my work was not as strong as when I had peers to enhance the projects. They were able to fill in the gaps where I was not as strong, and vice versa.  I do feel that working at a smaller scale (groups of 3 or 6) my design voice was stronger than at a larger scale. Once we moved into a group of 12 it became more difficult to maintain our individual design voices.  While we were able to incorporate our original 12 concept words, and make sure that each were represented in the over all design, when it came down the details it became more of a challenge for each of us to have a say so in what the designs would look like. This was no because we were not being vocal, but because each of us has such strong opinions we were not able to appease everyone, and therefore compromises were made.

            I would say even though writing has been a key component to our design process this semester from the very beginning, it was not until the end of this semester that I found it to be the most helpful. During the first few projects we concentrated on narrative writing, and to me that was not as useful as informative writing. To me writing is more imperative when it is time to refine my work, and not as much when originating ideas.  However, writing is useful at every stage, I just believe it comes in different forms for each of us. For me at the beginning stage I tend to write concept words, and ideas of how things can work together. I would like to say that narrative writing did allow me to focus on what it would be like to inhabit the space, and what the transition would be like from room-to-room. Without that writing component I did not put myself into the client’s shoes quite as much.

            The original strengths I listed in wi1 were that I am detail oriented, dedicated, inquisitive and enjoy exploring various avenues, that I have interest in several areas that can be combined into my designs, that I am adventurous and willing to take on new challenges, and that I also listed my photography skill set. I still believe that these are my strong suits. I would add finding inspiration to my list. After Patrick and Claire selected Blakeni and I to speak on inspiration a few weeks ago I realized how accurate they were in selecting us. Initially when I saw my name under that category I questioned their reasoning, I did not at that time I feel that it was accurate. However, after brainstorming and going through my design process, and how I come up with my idea I realized that it is definitely I skill set I possess, and something I show strength in. I can now also add computer programs such as illustrator and photoshop to my list of skills. After an intense semester I have had to embrace computer programs to further enhance and progress my designs. I have largely relied on these programs, and now feel more comfortable with using them, whereas before I was only familiar with hand drawn and acad drawings and renderings.


             The images below are from jenga 1.0, 4.0, and 7.0. The first image is one of my first boards, the second is from our second round as a group of 3, and the third is my individual board from the last project. You can see the progression from my first board, to having it be a group collaboration, to taking what I have learned from my peers and applying it. I recognize that we are always learning, always evolving, and we can always grow when encouraged by our peers. I feel this semester has been a huge success in shaping us as designers, and allowed us to learn from our peers and strengthen our work that much more. For the first time I feel we truly recognize in ourselves what we both possess and lack, and whom we can go to, to fill in the gaps.

1st yr Crits

Today we, as second years, had the pleasure of attending the first year's final critiques. It was both interesting, and surreal. I remember very clearly being in their position last year, and how nervous I was.

Overall I was pleased with what I saw, and am excited to see what they produce in the future. I was asked to critique one student, and I chose to critique Kristy Stroud. She did an excellent job in her presentation. She spoke clearly, her boards demonstrated her concepts well, and she went above and beyond what was required of her. During her presentation she used her deliverables well. By walking us through the model she constructed we, as the audience, were able to get a better sense of what the space would be like to inhabit.

I would offer a few suggestions moving forward though... Her perspectives, while well drawn and rendered, deserve to be showcased and should be larger when presenting. I would also suggest that she use lighter colors when rendering. It was difficult to see the details, and read them from far away. She has a good technique when rendering, and it would not be difficult to make these minor adjustments, and make her work that much more powerful.

I would also suggest that the documents be mounted to make them pop out, and be the showcase of her presentation. After putting in such long hours into designing, you should pay special attention to how you will be delivering them.

Also, it was noticeable that during the presentation she covered her drawings while displaying her model. She held it directly in front of her drawings while she walked us through the model. It would be a better usage to go back and forth between the model and the drawings so that the audience can get the entire experience.

I would like to commend her on a job well done. It is difficult to stand in front of a large crowd and present and defend your work. She did an excellent job, with minor issues, that can be easily fixed in the next presentation.

Congratulations, Kristy, on the completion of first year, and good luck as a second year! You'll do great!

Jenga 7.0

Top 10 list...

1.Include some type of visual aid or graphics

2.Simple (remember this is not an elaborate drawing)

3.Score materials at connection points whenever possible so materials will be integrated into design and connected using less work. Practice first to see how many passes of knife using normal pressure will cut through a sample of material and use a guide for scoring. Keep in mind the sharpness of the blade.

4. Be rested. It enhances clarity.

5. Don’t mention what you don’t know.

6. Stay in the same tense throughout.

7. Write as your project is progressing. Don’t leave it until the end.

8. Create an order to your presentation- tell a story.

9. Overlap materials at connection points for gluing, taking into account the thickness of the material and frame. Hold elements together until glue takes hold and place at correct angle to set. Use triangle edge to reinforce placement of elements when gluing at 90 degrees.

10. Give purpose to all of the graphics.

Inspiration

Patrick (my studio professor) paired us in groups of two and had each group give a 10 minute speech to the class in the areas we excel in. My partner, Blakeni, and I were paired together to speak about inspiration. Below is our top ten list. (I illustrated the evens, she illustrated the odds)

We also had another 10 that didn't make the list...

-       furniture

-       abstract art

-       mechanics

-       fashion/clothing/jewelry

-       reading

-       blogs

-       google

-       cooking

-       traveling

-       dreams

wi9

 Upon merging with Symbiosis we maintained the idea of incorporating our original concept words that we relied largely upon when we designed our previous structure, Pinnacle. My original word was Epiphany, and has shown a prominent voice within the design. In Jenga 5.0 and 6.0 we arrived at the concept of Pinnacle based on my original word. The Pinnacle was the final experience that illuminates the sky, and provides a moment of clarity.

Moving forward we carried this idea into our new structure “Synergy.” Visually as you move your eye from the ground level to the top you see a progression building up. Each moment as you move upwards builds upon the previous striking a desire within to reach that final moment, that final experience, the Epiphany.

You also see a correlation between the new structure and the way I utilized my kit of parts in Jenga 1.0 and 2.0. As you enter the space my kits of parts (three solids) obstructs your view of the rest of the unit. However, as you proceed, information in unveiled as you turn each corner. Once you reach the stairs and begin your way upward, you ultimately reach your moment of unveiling and epiphany. Each solid creates a similar experience of epiphany. As you transition within the space you alternate between a lack of information and having full disclosure, each solid having a purpose hidden within. This concept is furthered through the finishes. As you enter into the space there are dark finishes on the floors and walls, and as you reach the top level the finishes get lighter; the solids remain in white. This continues to give you the experience of traveling from darkness into light, providing you with a complete experience.

            Similarly, our new structure goes back and forth between having information about the over all space be at your disposal and having your line of sight be obstructed, as the rest of the building remains a mystery. As you continue your journey to the top more information is revealed until you reach your final destination, the observation deck. This further utilizes my original word by broadening your view of the city of Vic. Sitting high upon the hill you are able to survey everything below, no longer having your view obstructed, no longer having lingering questions.

            I find it to be a huge accomplishment to have maintained our original 12 words, and for each to have a strong presence in the final 18 story structure. Our original words were twist, tilt, revolve, reverberate, protrude, edge, leap, clockwork, spark, beehive, ignite, and epiphany. Each can be seen in one form or another. The building twists in a clockwork motion, and revolves, reverberates, and protrudes over the edges. As you leap from floor to floor epiphanies are unveiled. Interest is ignited, and sparks of intrigue keep you making your way to the peak. Items are tilted in various angles, and the overall structure goes from a wide base to a narrow top resembling a beehive. It was with great attention to detail, and strong design voices that we were able to accomplish this goal.

Jenga 7.1

When meeting over the weekend with Symbiosis we discovered a similar design language of angles, and an atrium effect in the center of our structures.

Together we formed Sinergia, Spanish for synergy: “the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects”.  We have decided as a group to relocate just north of Vic, Spain near the reservoir in Vilanova de Sau up in the hillside above overlooking the water.

Together we have axial navigation, and a stacking of our buildings. We have chosen to separate out original structures and combine them in a new way to better relate to both of our original concepts coming out of Jenga 6.0. We are focusing on voids and solids, taking that concept from the surrounding area where there are areas of openness and areas that are more closed off as you reach the mountain regions. As we move into Jenga 7.0 our focus is on materials native to our destination in Spain, as well how our structure interacts with the land, and its surroundings including other structures in the area.  We are considering materials such as crema marfil, tungsten, zinc, quartz, and copper (all native materials) for our structure.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vilanova_de_Sau

http://www.yankodesign.com/2007/05/09/tetris-furniture-by-nendo/

Voids and Solids

Jenga 6.0