Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
Beginnings of a Thesis
Here are the beginning iterations of my thesis idea map and image abstract timeline, still a work in progress:
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Shutters
I am beginning to focus my train of thought for my thesis. I am focusing on the history of vernacular architecture (in New England I think) in regards to climate mitigation.
It is common knowledge that shutters were once used to protect windows. I once asked why there was a difference from louvered shutters to raised panel shutters, and why they were both on some houses.... the response was that the louvers were to allow for airflow, but sometimes caused issues on the first floor in the way of privacy and safety. The raised panel shutter was then used on the first floor, while the louvered shutter was used on the upper floors. I am on a hunt to find this information from a scholarly source!
Check out these shutters from a Country Living Article
It is common knowledge that shutters were once used to protect windows. I once asked why there was a difference from louvered shutters to raised panel shutters, and why they were both on some houses.... the response was that the louvers were to allow for airflow, but sometimes caused issues on the first floor in the way of privacy and safety. The raised panel shutter was then used on the first floor, while the louvered shutter was used on the upper floors. I am on a hunt to find this information from a scholarly source!
Check out these shutters from a Country Living Article
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
01 - Spatial Investigations
This investigation expanded my understanding of certain terms by exploring them in word format and translating the idea into an abstract visual through three iterations.
Term: Infinite Space
Through the series of iterations, I explored the idea of many spaces, different sizes, different overlapping areas and different canopies. I explored this through the natural series of spaces a tree creates, followed by a cloud cover, then the atmosphere.
The collage moves on from iteration one and becomes more abstract. This is the first iteration of an arbitrary abstract section through the collage.
This is the final iteration of both collage and section. Both images become abstract illustrations of the idea of infinite space.
Term: Boundary
The definition of boundary originates from the edge of owned land property. By using the many forms of land boundaries, including land to water, city to mountain range and the Jeffersonian land grid, I created a college of land boundaries.
Term: Infinite Space
Through the series of iterations, I explored the idea of many spaces, different sizes, different overlapping areas and different canopies. I explored this through the natural series of spaces a tree creates, followed by a cloud cover, then the atmosphere.
The collage moves on from iteration one and becomes more abstract. This is the first iteration of an arbitrary abstract section through the collage.
This is the final iteration of both collage and section. Both images become abstract illustrations of the idea of infinite space.
Term: Boundary
The definition of boundary originates from the edge of owned land property. By using the many forms of land boundaries, including land to water, city to mountain range and the Jeffersonian land grid, I created a college of land boundaries.
The collage moves on from iteration one and becomes more abstract. This is the first iteration of an arbitrary abstract section through the collage.
This is the final iteration of both collage and section. Both images become abstract illustrations of the idea of boundary. Through this exploration it is clear that boundary can be physically stopping or simply material change to end one element, and begin another.
Here are some preliminary collages that informed my later decisions:
Here are some preliminary collages that informed my later decisions:
Infinite Space
Passage of Time
Boundry
Passage of Time
02 - Things I Can't Live Without
In no particular order:
1. Change of Seasons
As listed below, the change of seasons offers different environments for the same site as well as offering a challenge to the designer.
Zimmerman House by Frank Lloyd Wright, Manchester, NH Photo courtesy of velvetcushion.com
1. Change of Seasons
As listed below, the change of seasons offers different environments for the same site as well as offering a challenge to the designer.
Photo courtesy of en.wikipedia.org/
2. Functionality and Versatility
I have found that I am drawn to spaces which serve many functions or spaces which can be changed and modified based on user and function. I feel spaces should accommodate different people and if the architecture is lasting, it should accommodate different time periods. I have always felt that architecture should be used, not stuck in a picture for all of time.
3. American Historic Homes
I have such a strong love for historical sites. This love is specifically directed towards 18th and 19th century residences of America. I enjoy, so much, visiting places and seeing the materials and techniques used to build basic shelter structures. As well as the non basic structures for that matter, such as Mount Vernon, or plantations in the south. I love seeing the transition of important spaces through time.
Fairbanks House - Oldest stick built house in America
Photo courtesy of www.fairbankshouse.org/
4. The knowledge of my family history
To know where I come from and where my family has been and the accomplishments they have made is so interesting to me. I think this is relevant to architecture in that every place on Earth has been touched by humans, there fore every site has a past, and the past may be relevant to the present and future and is something to look into for projects.
5. My father
Of course I love him because he is my father - but he is especially important to me and who I have become because he always pushed me to find out how and why. How are things built? How does it work? Why are they built correctly or incorrectly? How can I make it better? We have always been taught that it is important to design with engineering and mechanical considerations. This is not to say, feel limited, but to think about how something can or will be built. My father has given me the basic knowledge to make that a reality.
6. Frank Llyod Wright
As cliche as it may sound, I am very fond of FLW's work. I think this became apparent to me when I took a class trip to the Zimmerman House by FLW in Manchester, NH. This was a simple house in a suburban area with two bedrooms and a bath. The house rarely makes it into FLW books, but the house was so simply amazing. Every detail was considered and designed. The Zimmerman house was designed to maximize every square inch. I am absolutely in love with that house, and look forward to visiting his more famous works.
Zimmerman House by Frank Lloyd Wright, Manchester, NH Photo courtesy of velvetcushion.com
7. Water
Of course we all can't live without water. But whether it be the ocean, a lake, a river, a stream or a small water feature, water has always spoken to me architecturally. I always feel it's an important feature in design.
8. Trees
Of course none of us can live without trees either! But I find a lot of design inspiration in trees as many species of trees are a natural shade source in the hot summer, and lose their leaves to let light through in the cold winters. Trees are also our source of wood, which can have so many different faces. Light, dark, rough, smooth, small, large...it can always be incorporated in design, or inspire a design.
9. Outdoor space
We as humans are a peice of nature. I think it is important to have some outdoor relief and be a part of nature.
10. Max Hayden
As my first architect boss when I was 18, Max taught me so much about seeing. He really taught me how to look at something and see it. He taught me how important detail or the lack of detail can be and I will always thank him for that.
Photo Courtesy of maxhaydenarchitect.com
11. Symmetry vs. Balance
I am not a symmetrical person. In fact, I would say I prefer asymmetry. But I do believe balance is important for something to visually please me.Friday, September 17, 2010
Seasons - #1
I can't believe Autumn is making an appearance already. The air is getting dry, the weather is getting cool, the trees and bushes are starting to hint at their change to brilliant colors of nature. When asked, I will always say that Fall is my favorite, but in fact - I enjoy the change of every season. One part of living in the Northeast that is important to me, is the natural change of seasons. By the time I am sick of one season, another is waiting around the corner.
The change of seasons is something I find interesting from a design aspect, as well. Designing a building for all weather situations is an interesting design problem, and it's a real problem that cannot be ignored. Designing a building to obtain as much sun (warmth) as possible in Winter, as well as reflecting the sun, or avoiding the sun when the weather is hot, seems like common sense. However, it is not always possible to successfully design this way, and more times than not, architects do not design based on the sun. This solution helps the environment by lowering heating costs in the Winter and air conditioning costs in the Summer, while making a more comfortable environment for the users. But the amazing part is that some compelling buildings are based on this theory.
This is a photo of the new Cambridge Public Library in Cambridge, Mass (courtesy of www.cambridgema.gov/
So I would say the first thing that I can't live without, is the challenge of changing seasons.
The change of seasons is something I find interesting from a design aspect, as well. Designing a building for all weather situations is an interesting design problem, and it's a real problem that cannot be ignored. Designing a building to obtain as much sun (warmth) as possible in Winter, as well as reflecting the sun, or avoiding the sun when the weather is hot, seems like common sense. However, it is not always possible to successfully design this way, and more times than not, architects do not design based on the sun. This solution helps the environment by lowering heating costs in the Winter and air conditioning costs in the Summer, while making a more comfortable environment for the users. But the amazing part is that some compelling buildings are based on this theory.
So I would say the first thing that I can't live without, is the challenge of changing seasons.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Well, I am a Graduate Student
I am officially a thesis student at Wentworth. Our first encouragement is to list the things we can't live without - important in regards to our designer selves. After calming down from the overwhelmingness of starting the program, I'll have to think about what is important to me as a designer. I've been interested in architecture since I was in grade school, and I have never pushed myself to decide what I like. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to explore my likes and dislikes in architecture. I've started thinking about thesis ideas, also. Some preliminary ideas: Transit Oriented Design in the small suburban community, Juxtaposition of modern and historic architecture, and well.... I'll keep thinking! I'll be back for "Things I can't live without"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)