Architecture 101 Final Portfolio

Andrew Duff Fall 2012

Jerry Lum 12-12-12

Inspirations

From the start of my design process I knew that I wanted to incorporate some type of skin to the design. So I looked up meshed surfaces to spark my interest further on it. This inspiration is evident throughout my design language.

Model Exploration

Model Exploration

Model Exploration

My design integrated into another classmates lattice design.

My design language is defined by the word “Network”. I created three panels of mesh material that originates from the same points.

Final Model Final Design: Our team was running out of time to complete the project, so an executive decision was made to stick with the combined model, and carry through with it until the end. Which made sense because we were so far behind in our progress.

Narrative A redwood lattice of triangular shapes with mylar panels going from a gradation of dark black; to grey; to white and transitioning from two-dimensional to three dimensional design—is the initial attraction of this iteration. The triangular shapes built into the lattice mimics the triangular, three-dimensional structure of the entrance to the internal space. Attached to the wall at both ends, the jaunty angles of the three major panels turn to encompass the semi-enclosed, three dimensional area opening a pathway to the inside of the structure. Once inside the black, grey to white that transitions on the outside of the structure is mysteriously transformed into a surprise of warm red and yellow colored panels that can’t be seen from the outside. To get to the inside space the viewer enters the opening in the three-dimensional structure that grows out of the two-dimensional form and forms the pathway that spirals inward. Once inside the pathway leads to an intimate and sheltered space—a place to contemplate, and to reflect on one’s surroundings.  The entryway requires the viewer to crouch through the three-dimensional space—almost as if traversing a pathway through the woods. Once inside the view reveals the warm colors and reflecting light reminiscent of the sunlight reflecting off the environment creating a meditative--warm and serene yet magical environment--as if one is standing in a grove of trees with the sunlight streaming in and bouncing around. It offers a place to sit and think, have an intimate conversation, or make a phone call out of the wind.

Narrative (Continued) While the space inside is reflective; a respite; the warm colors of the panels also make it a comforting, protected space. The colors are energetic and echo the great variety, energy and life of the community around us.

The reflections of light as the daylight changes also sets a quiet and reflective mood as it casts a glow inward on whatever or whoever is inside.

It playfully beckons us to visit with its colors and angles and its lights and shadows. It provides shelter from the wind, a place to rest, contemplate and, by chance, to enjoy a secret meeting place.

Deciding On The Final Design !   Our design process throughout this project hasn't always come the

way we hoped it would. We ran into many problems with combining our ideas together to make one unified design.

!   In addition to the lack of design we had many issues with two group members dedicating time and effort for the project. For the final design it was only two of the four members who made the final proposal. This project was very difficult to do, because we had two people carrying the load for the whole team.

!   In the end, the two of us had to make the final call on our design because we wouldn't ever step foot outside if we never agreed on a unified design.

!   After the design was agreed upon we quickly began the phase of researching for building materials.

Searching for materials

Searching For materials

A class mate found some abandoned free wood scraps on the side of the road. It became very useful for our design, and was especially rewarding because it was free.

We split the 4 x 2s To maximize the amount of wood, which cut down the overall costs of the design.

Building Materials Used !   We chose red wood for the design because of the finishing

properties, and the red color brings a sense of beauty and elegance to the design.

!   Foam board to fill in the triangular spaces to create a staggered wall.

!   White Mesh material to build a formed wall for the triangular surface.

Construction begins !   After agreeing on our final design we decided to get to work

on the construction.

!   Me and another group member used the valuable time off from the thanksgiving break to get a head start on the project.

!   We were the last group to begin building, but the extra time helped us gain valuable ground.

!   Our main focus while building our design was to pay close attention to safety. We made sure we had proper training prior to using the big power tools.

Tools Used Standard Tools: •  Safety Glasses •  2 Saw horses •  2 Ladders •  2 Clamps •  1 Measuring Level •  1 Dust Pan •  1 Broom •  1 Mallet •  1 Half inch threaded pipe and nuts

and washers (For Wall Attachments). •  1 Hammer •  2 Measuring tapes

Heavy Power Tools: •  1 Sawsaw •  1 Table Saw •  4 cordless drills •  1 Skill Saw •  1 Jig Saw •  1 Power Generator(Because there was no power available over the weekend)

Building Day one

Time Spent: 5 Hours

Building day one

Challenges Faced:

From the beginning we quickly knew that the Mud in the planter box would become a big problem for us. This mud led to unstable ground to build upon.

We also mad a discovery while trying to drive the wooden pylons into the ground. We found the old wooden framework from the construction of the planter box. This became a problem because it was difficult to drive the pylons into the spot that we wanted.

Challenges Met:

After finding out about the old form work in the ground we decided to try our best and work around it. After we got all of the pylons into the ground it wasn't much trouble.

Building day two

Time Spent: 8 Hours

Building day 2

Challenges Faced:

Mud in the planter box continues to be a problem throughout the building process because we cant step foot inside without the risk of falling or getting muddy.

We decided that day that we would get a substantial amount of the lattice work done, so we don't have to complete much later.

Challenges Met:

We quickly learned to work around the mud, and just except the current state. This was not easy but you could never plan for everything to go well.

Building day three

The work continues as we try to complete the wooden structure.

Time spent: 8 Hours

Building Day Three

Challenges Faced:

After half way through the day we found out that we would need to get more supplies. This is very frustrating because we did not account for more wood than we needed. This was a valuable lesson to me because it can be applied to many things in everyday life.

Challenges Met:

We had to spend and wasted over an hour of sun light to go to the hardware store and pick up more supplies. We also needed to split the 2 x 4s to make the wood like the rest, so that ate up more of our time. If I were to do it all over again I would plan on buying 10% more materials than I think I would need.

Building Day Four working on laying the lattice panels.

This was the first day that the rest of the class saw our design. It was very rewarding to see the amazed look on their faces. After they saw our design they quickly knew that they had to catch up to our progress. After this day I truly knew that we were ahead of the game, and that is a very powerful feeling.

Time Spent: 3 Hours

Building Day Four

Challenges Faced:

We needed to figure out our means of placing panels inside the lattice work.

We also needed to address the coloring of the inside of the panels, to figure out a smooth transition of colors.

Challenges Met:

We used foam board, and cut them down to size to fit in place.

After this class session, a class mate and myself worked together and figured out possible materials and colors to use.

Building day 5 Laying the See through mesh material to create the formed walls.

This process was particularly hard to do because the ground is completely filled with mud and water. We had to make sure the delicate white mesh would not hit the ground and get dirty. Time spent:

3 Hours

Battling the Weather

Rain has become a major issue with our design, because the planter box quickly becomes filled with water, and makes the ground unstable. So we had to figure out a way to make the ground stable in all weather conditions.

Building Day 6

The finishing touches are applied as this is the last day of construction. Seen on the left is myself attaching and fixing the mesh material. And on the right is a group member applying blocks of wood to attach wall panels.

Final Product

Final Product

Final Product

Judges Critiques !   One major fundamental flaw that guest juror Andrew pointed out

was that we didn’t design with intent.

!   Another thing that stood out was the lack of finishing on the wooden bench in our seating area, this could have been integrated in a better way.

!   Finishing or attaching the mesh material in a better way.

!   On the side of presentation, all judges agreed that we should have included hand drawn pictures on our war board. This is something I have never looked at before, and will plan on integrating this in my next installation.

!   I was pleased and enthusiastic that the jurors loved my part of the installation. This bolsters my belief in my work, and will help me along down the road.

Learning Outcomes For The Future

!   Throughout this project I have learned many valuable lessons in the construction phase. There is a major jump from designing and building a model to making the full size product. You must account for weight, and weather when building full size, whereas the small model doesn't account for these important variables.

!   Another learning experience was working with other people. It is rather hard to count on other people when they don't want to participate. This was a valuable lesson to learn because you have to count on yourself to complete something.