Lauren's Digital Portfolio

2011-11-21T11:22:00.000-08:00

What Hurts the Most

2011-11-21T11:06:00.000-08:00

The Lady is a Friend

2011-11-21T10:57:00.000-08:00

All of the Lights

2011-11-21T10:37:00.000-08:00

Mayday

2011-11-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

Shark in the Water

2011-11-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

Lees McRae College

2011-10-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

North Carolina Building

Here is a rendering showing the alterations that they desire for the staircase that leads up to the North Carolina Building, one of the first buildings on the Lees McRae campus.

Below is a picture showing the current status of the project.

Lees McRae College

2011-10-25T09:03:00.000-07:00

Blue Ridge Wildlife Institute

Phase 2

Phase 1

Lees McRae College

2011-10-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Stone Cottage Renovation

These are the final exterior renderings for the Lees McRae Stone Cottage Renovation project. They are leaning towards this building being the new admissions office. Stay tuned for interior renderings.
Below is a picture of building before any work was started.

Cleaned Portion of Bieber Dance

2011-09-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Girls please, please, PLEASE review this and make
sure you are doing everything correctly.

Part 2 of Bieber dance (not cleaned)

2011-09-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

Girls please review this but do keep in mind that this video does not show everything that we clean. For the most part it is pretty accurate.

Lees McRae College

2011-08-19T08:48:00.000-07:00

Stone Cottage Restoration Project

phase VII: Final Design

2011-04-23T18:23:00.000-07:00

First Floor

Second Floor

Third Floor

Technical Drawings

professional practice_ assignment 3.0

2011-04-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

For assignment 3.0 of the professional practice class we were formed into mock firms in conjunction with the 3rd years who also were divided into mock firms in order to enter into the Chicago Architecture Today Skyscraper Mock Firm Competition. I was a member of the Tertia Studio Inc. As the professional practice class our responsibilities were directed towards the business side of the design industry. I directed my attention towards graphics and marketing materials. We began by designing a company logo and then through out the duration of the assignment we created a set of graphic standards that ideally the firm would follow. These set of standards covered every aspect from color, logo, font, stationary, form templates, presentation templates, and even more. Below are a few pages from the 15-page Tertia Studio graphic standards.

professional practice_ assignment 4.0

2011-04-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

High Point Furniture Market
April 2011

http://www.highpointmarket.org/default.aspx

www.flickr.com

For my second networking event I attended the High Point Furniture Market. More specifically I attended one of their educational events called "Marketing Yourself by Design". This event focused on the increasing interest in marketing yourself using different tools like a blog, twitter, and facebook. I received a lot of insight and knowledge about doing each of these approaches to better yourself and company. I also went to the Natuzzi showroom, a building that I have always dreamed of going inside. I absolutely love the design of the Natuzzi building. I was fortunate enough to receive a personal tour from Edgar Cabrera, an alum of the IARc department. Edgar was great to talk to and had a lot of advice for us graduating seniors. Edgar is truly an inspiration and I appreciate the wonderful experience he gave us.

professional practice_ research paper

2011-04-04T21:28:00.000-07:00

I just completed a research paper on a very interesting topic in the design field. Technology and it's many advancements are truly amazing in their abilities and their rapid growth. For the topic of my paper I chose to focus my attention on the seven technology trends of design that have been designed by Autodesk. As a subgroup, Autodesk Labs creates all kinds of different software that they imagine could aid the design field in any way. Once they create initial versions of the software they then make them available to the public to download, mess around with, and then provide their personal feedback on what could be improved and what is not available. The seven different trends that they have defined include: Human Centered Design, Analog to Digital, Cloud Data and Search, Cloud Computing, Digital Reality, Digital to Analog, and Software as a Service.

Check out this link to find out more information for yourself.

Phase VI: third floor

2011-04-04T11:18:00.001-07:00

IARc lounge _ mar. 29. 2011

2011-03-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

closer and closer each and every day

Finally things are starting to come together. The shelving units and bench are now attached to the wall. Laura and I are done designing the laptop/food bar and it too has been installed.

IARc lounge _ mar. 14. 2011

2011-03-27T22:19:00.000-07:00

it's coming along, very quickly

professional practice_ Atlanta Trip

2011-03-27T21:44:00.001-07:00

For the professional practice class we had the opportunity to travel to Altanta, GA to visit several showrooms and design firms. We were blessed to have Bettye Russell, of Herman Miller, as our host. We appreciate her planning and organizing the itinerary for the trip.

Our first day was spent visiting Interface Flor, TVS Design, Gensler, and Cooper Cary. We were honored to meet with Michel Belland from Interface Flor, Paula Carr from TVS Design, Richard Macri, the Director of Design at Gensler, and Richard Stonis, the Design Director at Cooper Cary.

The second day we started at Herman Miller (drooling over anything Eames), where Bettye Russell spoke to us, then we headed next door to AI3 to speak with Lucy Aiken-Johnson, the principle and founder of this small, forward-moving firm, which I believe all of us fell in love with. Then we headed to ASD to speak with Mike Neiswander.

Each place that we visited presented a short presentation about their firm/showroom, and current projects that they are working on. Then following the presentation we received a tour of each. For me this was the best part. It was interesting how the each of the firms were all different in the way they worked, and collaborated. Each has created a system that works for them. It was encouraging because in a way they were all similar to our own studio structure. They each all ranged in size and in types of projects.

This was such a great experience meeting with some very talented people and some of the top firms in the country.

Interface Flor

Maiken posing next to the her favorite, the tulip table.

TVS Design

Can you believe this view from the TVS lobby?

Gensler

another great view

Cooper Cary

Alyssa and Eriko

Herman Miller

Travis, Jo, and Mira

Leah admiring Charles and Ray Eames

Heather lounging in the famous lounge chair

My all time favorite

AI3

ASD

another great view

technical drawings_phase 5

2011-03-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

Phase IV: mid-semester review

2011-03-14T11:10:00.001-07:00

IARc lounge _ feb. 26. 2011

2011-02-26T19:08:00.000-08:00

The painting on the wall has been started and sketched out. It has been relocated to a different wall from our original plan. The pieces below are the shelves that literally reach outward and grow from the painting. Soon they will be painted to resemble the portion of the image that they relate to. I am so excited to see the final installation once it is on the wall and in the context of the rest of the design.

professional practice_ avenues event

2011-02-23T16:28:00.001-08:00

Attending the Avenues event was a great experience. I had the opportunity to speak to some great people that had alot of advice and information to share. I spoke with Mike Cindric, from Design Dimension Inc., Rob Easton, from Davis Furniture Design, Blair Davis, from ID Collaborative, and Paula Carr, from TVS Design.

Mr. Cindric spoke of the importance of community engagement in their work, an example
of which they involved several different departments of a local high school to design, create, and build the installment of a park.

Mr. Easton spoke of the role that Davis Furniture has in designing new and innovative modern/contemporary contract furniture.

Ms. Davis provided great advice about the industry and how material and furniture selections are organized in their company. She spoke of how these packages are distributed to the client, architect, themselves, and others involved in the process.

Mrs. Carr was very inspirational and provided great feedback on ways to go about retrieving a job in the industry.

professional practice_ assignment 4.0

2011-02-20T09:09:00.001-08:00

IIDA Design Days Event

For the networking assignment in professional practice I attended the Triad City Center's "Design Days", an event for both design students and professionals. The event was hosted by the Momentum Group, a textiles company located in Archdale, NC. First the students were presented with a presentation about textiles and the processes involved in designing and creating them. Following we were given a tour of the facility, which was very interesting because we saw how they create their own labeling and tags, how they organize and distribute memo samples of the fabric, and how they cut and fill orders that then get shipped off to the customer. After the tour, professionals of the organization provided helpful yet directed feedback on our resumes and portfolios. Following this portion of the event was a presentation about the etiquette for business effectiveness given by Elizabeth Ebihara.

professional practice_ assignment 2.0

2011-02-20T08:44:00.000-08:00

For assignment 2.0 of the professional practice class we were to create a self marketing package for ourselves that would include a portfolio, resume, cover letter, leave behind, and a business card. Here are a few select pages from my portfolio, along with a variation of my personal logo.

pro practice _ mock firm logos

2011-02-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

For the Chicago Architecture Today design competition I am working in the graphics group for the Tertia Mock Firm. Here are a couple of logos that I have been working on individually. At our weekly meeting we will be discussing all the different logo ideas and trying as a group to determine which best explains the mock firm. Both the number 3 and the tertiary colors have significance in name of the firm and their design intent.

professional practice_ assignment 1.0

2011-02-12T19:02:00.001-08:00

For assignment one of the iarc pro practice class we had to submit a cover letter, resume, and a single page portfolio to determine which of the four mock firms that we were going to be in for a different assignment. The was a really helpful task because it helped me start to figure out my personal branding and the manner in which i would like my portfolio design to head. After submitting the assignment I came to the conclusion that the green that I often use for my graphics and projects was not exactly the right way to express who I am. It is not very accurate in describing me. Ever since I have been working on determining the correct branding for myself and my design philosophy.

This assignment was also the first time that I had to write a cover letter. This was definitely a beneficial task. I realize how important it is to know about the business that you are writing to and that it is also important that you don't say the information that you plan to tell them in the resume. The one thing that I feel is really awkward is that you have to say so much about yourself. I feel like this starts to sound really selfish and shallow, but I understand it is necessary to best explain yourself in a very short period.

Phase III: street level | first floor experience

2011-02-09T09:02:00.000-08:00

Phase II: Space Planning and Design Tactics

2011-02-03T15:39:00.000-08:00

Pedestrian Circulation and Site Plan

Spatial Layout and Allocation

First Floor Design Matrix

Second Floor Design Matrix

Third Floor Design Matrix

haiku update

2011-02-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Engrain Memory.
Engender Community.
Establish a Home.

After re-evaluating my image for my haiku I realized that although it made sense, it was not the best representation. Instead I felt that the image best representing my haiku and the direction that I am taking with the design would best be explained by an image of the Greensboro Grub. The clients of this project every month host what they call Greensboro Grub, which is an event where they invite around fifty people in the community to come and enjoy a dinner together and then performances afterwards.

IARc lounge _ bar design

2011-01-27T19:26:00.000-08:00

This is the original design for the eating bar in the middle of the space. Working with elements from the painting installation the design of the bar will speak to the repetition of the organic forms. The design has altered since but is speaks in this nature.

IARc lounge

2011-01-26T08:39:00.001-08:00

The student lounge in the Maud Gatewood Studio Arts Building, on the UNC-Greensboro campus is undergoing an EXTREME MAKEOVER : IARc style. Currently the lounge has several cafe tables and chairs, and a group study station, but unfortunately the lounge is not satisfying the students that use the building. We are proposing several different elements that will hopefully make the space more inviting and conducive to lounging. Myself along with several other IARc students and art students are designing a laptop station, a bar to sit and eat at, and an area for comfortable seating that allows people to come and enjoy the company of others. Also the main feature of the space will be a painting that is literally growing off the wall. [see more about this feature here]

conceptual haiku

2011-01-25T09:56:00.001-08:00

We are beginning the design process by conceptually thinking about how we want the space to be designed. First we were given the task of writing a haiku that speaks to what we want the design to embrace, than we are to pair it up with an image that speaks to the content of the haiku.

engrain memory
engender community
establish a home

Codes Analysis

2011-01-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

[re] visioning 614-618 S. Elm St.

2011-01-24T13:42:00.000-08:00

This project pertains to the [re]visioning of a historic commercial building in downtown Greensboro as a mixed-used project. The programming of the space comes from the vision of the new owners, Charlie and Ruth Jones, a couple of peculiar people, as some might put it. [This is their acting company] The Jones' imagine this building becoming a community theater and coffee|sandwich shop on the first floor, dormitory space for interns on the second floor, as well as their current living quarters on the third floor.

As stated by Charlie he wants to "ingender community" and create a place for everyone and anyone to come.

Vance Chavis: Final Design

2010-12-12T00:33:00.000-08:00

concept:

The Vance Chavis Library is dedicated to the living cycle of life long learning.

The library represents the continuation of past traditions, embraces the present, and

welcomes future growth.

Atrium Design

Timeline Wall Detail

Bench Detail

Materials Throughout the Space

Vance-Chavis: Design Development 1

2010-12-12T00:26:00.000-08:00

Precedent Study

2010-10-14T16:31:00.001-07:00

Viipuri Library [designed by Alvar Aalto]

Greensboro Central Library

Vance-Chavis Site Analysis

2010-09-29T16:13:00.001-07:00

Interesting enough Edward Loewenstein and his firm designed the Vance-Chavis Library. This image has several different iterations that he designed before coming to the final design of what we have today.

a place to read

2010-09-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

The New Perspective: the design process

The design of the space is broken down similarly to the stages that as designers and as students use to work through the design process. The repetitive nature of the design process is manipulated or altered to encourage a new perspective towards the repetitive steps we follow.

Step 1:

The first space serves the function of observation, in that it is minimal, directional, and evokes new thought. Contemplation and observation are enhanced with an expansive field of view and an opportunity for new viewing points of the current space.

Step 2:

The second designated space is a transitional space expressed both in form and in function. An introduction of the spatial form encourages the contemplation of the space and the narrowing of ideas. Provided seating suggests a place of extended thinking, the beginning of the precedent and process stage.

Step 3:

As the final destination the third defined space further narrows the though process and encourages individual directed thoughts. An emphasis on focusing the mind no longer allows one to be exposed to generic thinking. The modularity of this space draws the student designer in and evokes the comfort of their individual studio spaces, while ultimately introducing a new perspective to the design process.

Diagrams

Physical Model

Albemarle Belk Building

2010-06-28T16:13:00.001-07:00

concept development: phase 2

2010-02-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

daylight study

2010-01-28T15:15:00.000-08:00

Design Phase 2

2009-10-17T17:30:00.001-07:00

first floor plan

second floor plan

first floor rcp

second floor rcp

Heather and I have made some changes to our design that we are now confident about. We are working with the concept of funneling, because Duke has funneled in CBI into Durham and CBI will now funnel in design oriented people into downtown Durham. Funneling helps inspire the form of our space. When walking in you immediately are in the showroom and then moving further back in the space you are funneled through the change of horizontal ceiling heights. Different scenarios of funneling occur based on the type of person is using the space.

CBI showroom: design phase one

2009-10-09T09:02:00.000-07:00

Our concept has changed and hopefully for the better. Heather and I looked at the idea of a hourglass (as suggested from a classmate). Instead of looking at the symbolic meaning of a hourglass we choose to use the form and the action as inspiration. We found the neck and the two bulbs of the hourglass very interesting and unique. We choose to layout the space in this manner by compressing the reception area using stairs and the bathroom and then representing the lower bulb through the showroom. We also enjoyed the linear quality of the sand as if falls from bulb to bulb and found that in a way the people or customers represent the sand.

schematic design

2009-09-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

Heather and I started our schematic design phase by blocking out the spaces and placing them in the appropriate locations. We used the approximate square footage that we calculated during the area analysis, to help us determine how much space was being used. After placing our spaces we then decided how you people would circulate within the space. Next we established which spaces that are going to be public and private.

spatial allocation

circulation

public/private

alternate layout

We added in this alternate layout because we were unsure about removing the existing staircase and now that we know that we have the option to remove it, we well most likely be using this layout.

view from enterance

first floor

second floor

overall view

note the level changes in the floor and ceiling, which reinforces our concept of funneling.

Peer Evaluation

2009-09-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Megan and Caroline

I feel drawn to Megan and Caroline’s design because it is similar to my project in content, concept, and goals. Their concept is fusion in a sense that they are fusing together the past and future/present qualities that the building has undertaken.

I really like how they are concentrating on one main element that attempts to fuse together all of the floors within the building. At first they spoke of an accent wall that in a way protruded through the floors and was present within each level. I like this idea in a sense but feel that a celebrated staircase could achieve this goal and provide the main means of egress throughout the building. Literally it is the stairs job to connect two or more floors. So tying back to the concept this would achieve the fusion that needs to occur within the space. Whether the staircase is centrally located or it is placed off to the side, it will still be dominate in the space, drawing attention to the fusion that is occurring.

Another aspect that was also mentioned was the second floor being set back slightly at the front of the space so that it was open to the first floor. At first I was unsure why this decision was made at this point but then I began thinking that this too could be another element of fusion within the space. In a sense the negative space created acts as the force of fusing the different levels together. If this element is desired and designed further I think light, through day lighting, could play a large part. Lighting would become a third element of fusion. When it comes to spatial adjacencies, I think that it could be achieved through placement and choice of materials to promote the idea of bringing together and fusing.

conceptual exploration

2009-09-21T23:34:00.000-07:00

Problem: How do we connect the historic nature of the building and the modern aspect of the furniture being sold?

As is, there is a disconnection. The solution is to design a space that fuses the two extremes together. We are dealing with the historic preservation of the downtown Durham district and the innovative, modern distinctions of CBI and the products that they stand by.

Concept:
We connect the extremes through a forward movement toward a destination of a more advanced state.

Breakdown:
Forward movement = funnel
More advanced state = future

Funneling:
Forward movement transitions from the past to the present with the intent of the present obtaining the future.

Spatially the past represents the exterior and the historic preservation of downtown Durham. Upon entering the “reception area” the field of vision is narrowed by the building and its physical features. Beyond the “reception area” are the products, and the way they are displayed speaks of a flexible and non-permanent showroom. A flexible showroom leaves it open to future products and their necessary arrangements. Varying ceiling levels will aid in the funneling process, focusing the attention of customers on products with the intention of future business deals.

Narrative:
I was walking down East Chapel Hill Street in search of the new CBI satellite showroom. I came upon a brick building with their sign hanging in the window and I was surprised to see a modern, forward moving company housed in this historical downtown building. I walked in and immediately felt welcomed by light and the openness of the reception area. I began noticing the blending of two typically different styles through the materials in the space. The one thing that caught my attention significantly was the furniture and how this was suddenly the only thing that I wanted to focus on.

Precedent Analysis Conclusions

2009-09-19T21:03:00.001-07:00

Circulation was interesting through out the different precedents but I felt fond of the example where you walked into the space and there were two aisles of showroom spaces and then around the exterior the employee offices were located. This also touches on the zoning that I felt worked but as far as circulation it kept the people in the center and gave them a couple of aisles to go down and interact with. The public and private spaces were clearly defined, so this made the zoning effective and the circulation productive.

I think that a good point was brought up in class about the site context of the Apple store in SoHo. I understand the Apple has a brand that they have to keep but I feel that the site context is very important and that this should influence the design of the building and its interior. If a site is historic the design should incorporate certain aspects that make the building unique in the first place. I feel this ties into the interior finishes aspect because if the site is a historic brick building then maybe the original brick structure should not be covered up with a wall of gypsum board. I am not sure if any of the precedents took this into consideration.

I feel that the HVAC systems in most of the precedent studies were exposed with the exception of a few. I think people think that this a trend right now. There are certain situations where the HVAC makes sense to leave exposed and other situations where it is better if they are covered up. I think a lot of the precedents that left them exposed did attempt to distract attention away from them by painting them black or in the case of the showroom I researched they painted them the same color as the walls. They also used large lighting fixtures, and a high quantity, to create a “new ceiling” so that HVAC was not as noticeable. I feel that these approaches to leaving them exposed were the best because they were not distracting yet they were still being celebrated.

Lighting was an important part in the designs of the precedents because I feel that uniform ambient lighting was not what they were going for. I think they decided to mainly use accent lighting because it focuses on the items they are selling and makes them more desirable to the customers.

The only reoccurring concept that I could determine from the precedent analysis is that the designs strove for the selling aspect of their products and whatever it would take to enhance this was done.

The most unique feature to me was the showroom that Robert and Jon researched where each space had a different color light that was being thrown onto the furniture. It was very bright and can’t typically being used in any other showroom but it is a unique idea that could be toned down and applied in a simpler manner.

Project 1: Final Design

2009-09-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

sketch-up models of nature inspirations

2009-08-30T21:17:00.001-07:00

Hipster Haven

2009-05-07T11:50:00.001-07:00

Stratification
Causality Driving Emplacement

Each layer emplaced specifically serves a respected purpose pertaining to the stratification of the causality of the situation. Entering during a transition of time, a protrusion is made among the layers. Circulation of the space represents passing into the future, causing a change, while also re-visiting the past. Upon entering between the layers, inhabitants must make an immediate decision to venture forward promoting a change or living within the layers surrounded by their fossils of the past.

The purpose of the design was to live within the layers. The middle layer contains only the entrance and becomes a break between the two main layers. The lower layer contains the living space, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry. The upper layer contains the bedroom and a small walk-in closet.

An approach I took towards the design was to decipher between the layers. The lower level stairs and flooring is a polished concrete while the upper level stairs and flooring is a hardwood maple. The paint color for the lower level is a darker, warmer brown color while the paint for the upper level is a lighter, creamy white. This is because the natural light enters from above naturally brightens the space.

[other two perspectives are temporarily not loading]

There are three elements that make protrusions. The main focal wall is made of walnut lumber stained dark. It consists of repetitive horizontal slats. This wall provides privacy to the bedroom and creates a division between the living space and the kitchen. It does not fully close off the kitchen. It instead creates a sense of communication. The wall forming around the stairs encloses the stairs and reaches from the lower level to the upper level where it becomes the entertainment center of the living space. The third protruding element is light. It enters from above and passes through all of the layers at the same time.

There are smaller dividing walls and doors within the space. The dividing walls can be found in the bathroom and in front of the laundry closet, and consists of the repetitive horizontal slats. The doors to the bathroom, closet, and pantry are encased sliding doors that also resemble the main focal wall.

Loft Floor Plan

Main Floor Plan

Longitudinal Section Elevations

Cross Section Elevations

Wall Section

Wall to Ceiling

Wall to Loft Floor

Wall to Exterior Floor

Wall to Floor

Programming

Process Work

3d-s max renderings

2009-05-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Podium Renderings

2009-04-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

final walk through

2009-04-05T17:12:00.000-07:00

dining space walk through

2009-04-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

Programming

2009-04-01T09:08:00.001-07:00

second try

2009-03-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

these are the same views just with some adjustments on some materials.

sketch-up images

2009-03-30T17:17:00.000-07:00

hipster haven

2009-03-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Schematic Floor Plan: 3/32" = 1'-0"

Unit Dimensions: 25' x 36'

Community Strip : upon entry

Residential Hallway

The space is arranged to on a grid system that uses the columns to define the spaces. Upon entering the space there is community strip that creates a single datum line running through the center. The community space contains a food area for quick pickup and a mail center to provide the people their needs in a fast pace. At the other end of the community space is a central staircase leading up to the roof where individual gardens are provided.

2009-03-05T17:44:00.000-08:00

Aqueous Mobility

Water Aiding Mobile Liberation

a place to bathe

Inspiration for this project was the Japanese bathing rituals, which in ancient times would be done at the base of a natural waterfall. In this situation the waterfall has the hierarchy. So for these disabled people I decided that they should have the hierarchy over the water causing changes upon it. The Japanese in present time enjoy individual baths within their home. The water temperature is hot to a point that the individual is able to manage. An important aspect of the Japanese bathing ritual is that the bath is for spiritual and mental cleansing only. Before entering the bath one physically cleans themselves in a different body of water.

This spa is a daytime spa, taking advantage of the natural sunlight as the lighting source and the elevation at which it sits. It can be found embedded into a mountain overlooking many surrounding mountains. This place to bathe and cleanse oneself mentally and physically caters to disabled people who are wheelchair bound. It serves those who feel they are hindered from moving and living freely and normal. This spa is designed to provide the freedom of movement that people in wheelchairs typically don’t’ get to enjoy. The idea of movement is suggested through the fluidity of water. With the assistance of the water the people are capable of engaging the moving water and then causing a change in the waters movement, in turn providing themselves with movement that they have not had the opportunity for.

Reflected Ceiling Plan

A person would arrive and check in at the front desk and then they would proceed to one of the two changing areas. Here they would change their attire and switch into a waterproof, spa owned, reclining wheelchair. Upon exiting the changing room they would then make their way up the ramp and onto the upper level of the space. In order to enter into one of the individual pools they would have to first pass under the falling water. This symbolizes as physically cleansing the body before entering the relaxation pool. After passing under the water they would roll onto the lifted platform, on the pool, and then be lowered into the body of water. The lowering of the lift would cause water to overflow the front end of the pool and flow out of the space creating a waterfall down the mountain. While in the pool water would continuously be overflowing because the water that they passed under is dispersed to each of the three pools. Each person would have a thirty-minute session enjoying the personal view and the warm water. At the end of the session the platform would lift them out and they would roll back down the ramp and into the changing room where they would retrieve their items.

Materials found in the space are representative of the natural materials found in nature and around the scene of a waterfall. Materials included are wood, concrete, stone, glass and water.

WPA posters recreated

2009-03-05T08:30:00.001-08:00

Recycling is a big issue today because either not enough people do it of those who do don’t recycle the right things. How hard of a task is it for someone to place something in a recycling bin instead of a trashcan. There is not much of a difference in the energy that your body would be saving by doing this. The slogan or punch line of the poster, “it’s the least you can do”, is intended to be harsh while helping someone to realize that it is such a simple task. With the small gesture of recycling we the people of this world can repair the fatal problems that we ourselves have caused.
When researching and analyzing many WPA posters from the past I came to the conclusion that color, text, and a main image is what really helped to get the message across that the Works Progress Administration was trying to convey. A central focus point was what sold these messages. In my composition I chose to highlight various recyclables that can be found in trash mounds. This is to represent that these certain products should not be found here; they should be recycled and reused. Within my inspirations the range of color choices was minimal. A couple of colors would be found in the image and then select colors could be found in the text or somewhere else in the composition to create something that is holistic and unified. To portray the context of a landfill or dump I used colors that were depressing and down. Through this color choice the use of high contrast allows the recyclable items at the bottom of the composition to speak their message on their own. Something that I found in most WPA posters was that a title and main statement was located at the top or bottom, and then opposing it was an image conveying the message. I chose to locate my text at the top of the composition so that the message of the issue is strong and to the point.

Table Ad

2009-03-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

This is an ad that I created for my dining table showing an image of my model and two line drawings of the design. I over sized the image of the model so that it became the focal point, the main aspect selling the design. The strip running horizontally through the composition reflects glass, which is the context of the table. The space designed for the table had large solid glass walls surrounding the table.

Japanese Ritual Bathing

2009-02-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

The bathing ritual found in Japan is different in many ways from other cultures and their bathing rituals. Emphasis is placed on the elements that inspire the desire for relaxation, water, the element that has made this cultural bathing ritual unique.

The Japanese during ancient times had the belief that water held the memories of the different interactions it made with the natural earth. They found the natural hot springs and rushing waters to be most effective in cleansing their mind and spirit. Onsen is when you visit the mountain and coastal springs and enjoy their scolding waters that emerge from nature. Resorts have been formed around these springs since the ancient times.

The movement of the water is one of the ultimate inspirations that the Japanese embraced when cleansing their spirit. All of the senses are intrigued during the bathing ritual. The Japanese took this to the level where they respect the water and its ability to relax and cleanse them.

Japanese view the bathing process as something where you shower off and actually wash yourself before you enter the bath. The bath is ultimately for relaxation, enveloping the water to cleanse you spiritually. Typically you soak in the water for about thirty minutes to an hour with the water raised up to neck level. The temperature of the water is extremely hot and only goes as hot as you can bare it before any burning of the skin occurs. The water remains in the tub for several people to cleanse themselves instead of emptying the water between each bather.

Sources:
Google Book Preview
Spiritual Bathing
By Rosita Arvigo, Nadine Epstein
www.driftwood.ie/kanji.html
www.flickr.com
www.hairboutique.com

Furniture Fashion
www.furniturestoreblog.com/2007/09/25/ofuro_baths_japan ese_soaking_tub.html
www.yurakuan.com/e_web/english.html

Codes

ADA Standards for Accessible Design

Wheelchair Passage Widths
• Minimal width for wheelchair passage at any point is 32” but for continuous width 36” minimal
• For two wheelchairs to pass 60” is required
• 60” of clear space is required for wheelchairs to make a 180 degree turn
• the minimal clear floor space required for a stationary wheelchair is 30” by 48”
• passage for one wheelchair and one person to pass in a passage way is 48”

Ramps
• Ramp slopes between 1:16 and 1:20
• A ramp with a slope of 1:12 for 30’ is hard to manage for any person.
• Levels landings are essential

Floor Surfaces
• Wheelchairs move easier on hard, stable, and regular surfaces
• The Transportation Barriers Compliance Board recommends that a regular walking surface should have a static coefficient of friction of 0.5 and a coefficient of 0.8 for ramps

http://www.ada.gov/reg3a.html#Anchor-Appendix-52467

Urban Pathway

2009-02-21T18:00:00.001-08:00

I am really happy how this turned out. This assignment caused lots of problems [like losing six hours of work the night before it was due] but in the end I think it resulted in a better final project than what I originally had. I am not quite sure where this pathway is located but I feel that it made an interesting composition contrasting the darkness of the tunnel and the sun shining on the stairs.

place to dine

2009-02-18T07:22:00.000-08:00

Through this post I hope to fully explain my intent behind the design. During my critique I felt that I did not provide myself with the best opportunity to completely sell my design to the class. In doing this post I hope that it will help to get a better understanding.

Responsive Duality:

duality means the means the harmony of two opposite and complementary parts that integrate into a whole

Everything is responsive in some way to something else. There is interaction and responsiveness on several different levels. The table is capable of making adjustments to the size of the dining party that is being serving. Lighting as well makes the same adjustment to people and the mood that is intended to be set. The interaction with people that use the space falls at the highest level. From here the form of the space takes on the idea of linking and the response of two forms coming together to create a newer form.

It all started with the table and the ultimate desire to design something that contained the table for twelve and the side table all within one piece. This led to the decision to have some form of a divider between the two but something that does not disconnect the two completely. Upon making this decision I realized that typically this table would not be serving twelve people all the time. From here I started working with the idea that the divider could move and adjust to the number of people it will be serving at the time. The detail created down the center of the table resulted from the movable wall idea, something that reacts to this motion. It works in a zipper motion where the underneath strand is forced to move upward during the movement of the wall and interlock with the top strand, uniting the pieces. At this point in the design process I really started thinking about the major elements of the room and how the table relates outward to the many parts of the room.

It became apparent that the idea of linking or fitting together either physically or through appearance would be the best approach to create something unified and holistic. The form of the room was inspired theoretically from the table and the linking together idea. I eventually came to the idea of two U-like shapes offset appearing as they link together. This resulted in two passage ways, one leading the guest to the food first where they would then walk around the movable wall and proceed with eating, and another that acts as an exit inviting the guests into the living space where they can enjoy good conversation.

The word complement became an important word in the design process. It enabled me to make decisions on whether elements should complement the table or resemble specific aesthetics of the table. The table was to be the focal point and the only means of furniture within the space. Excess was not necessary, because it would only distract the attention of the inhabitants from the presence of the table.

The dark wood floors complement the tables lightly stained wood tabletop. Two of the major walls are of a tinted glass just as that of the movable wall intertwined with the table. To balance this, the other walls complement the table wall but simultaneously resemble their adjacent walls in same hue to resemble a simplistic, continuous form. The drop down ceiling in form resembled the table form but complements the color. The opening in axis with the table leads to the kitchen and is the same size as the table wall, giving the illusion that the table wall was pulled from the room’s wall. The chairs resemble a similar material as the glass walls but are completely clear so the vision of the table’s details are not hindered. So in order to create a duality of parts all aspects of the room would either complement or resemble the table, the center of attention for the space.

Table:

Exploded Axonometric of Table

Space:

Floor Plan

North Wall Elevation

East Wall Elevation

South Wall Elevation

West Wall Elevation

Wall Section

scene of discourse

2009-02-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

REFRESHED : ORNATE

This composition shows a progression from a crazy moment to a moment where more breathing space is evident. The cleanness on the right allows one to contain to a refreshed feeling. A mixture of several images combined create this composition along with a image that is only present through the shape it created.

Pattern Perception

2009-01-28T16:26:00.000-08:00

www.photobucket.com

The pattern that I was inspired by had a single item in the exact center that was the main focus. Although it was the focus it did not stand out from the rest of the pattern like other patterns that I researched. What I liked about the pattern I chose and how i decided to apply it to my image was through curves that helped form the space surrounding the center focus. Behind the curves were vertical elements that helped maintain a sense of order. I felt all of the aspects were important to include in my pattern composition. The curves help to direct the attention to Statue of Liberty, the center item.

vignette!!!

2009-01-27T10:36:00.000-08:00

Design Manifesto

2009-01-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

I believe that within design a priority should be placed on the importance of individual forms and their interaction with each other, which in turn involves a strategic study of the interactions and the joints present between the forms. Other aspects involved in the interaction of the forms include a contrast between size and thickness and light and shade.

Response to Computing in Design

2009-01-25T20:23:00.000-08:00

Computing plays a huge role in our society today. We are talking about a generation that has grown up only knowing the computer. This generation will continue their everyday lives relying on technology and the many opportunities it has to offer.
In the design industry the computer is a beneficial tool along with all the many programs and systems that allow designers to complete their ideas digitally. There seems to be software directed to all the branches of design. Programs that render designs of spaces has served its purpose well, which is to inform the client of the design in a clear and efficient way. At this moment in time I am privileged enough to know CAD, Soft Plan, Illustrator, and a bite-size portion of Photoshop. I personally am amazed by the programs that allow a design to be imputed using precise measurements and then in turn is able to have a machine cut the pieces in order to make a model of the desired design. Soon enough technology will be so advanced that we might be able to talk directly to the computer and tell it what kind of design that we have in mind. I am honored to be a part of this generation and the design industry because technology through computers will enable us to do great things in the future, possibly design something that will be treasured for eternity.

Shelter Bus: Final Project

2008-11-09T20:18:00.000-08:00

Suburban Home: Barcalounger

2008-11-03T09:07:00.001-08:00

Located in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois is the home to an average American family. The dwelling is tucked away in the trees and can be found within the residential zone of Chicago. Similar styled houses line the street creating a repetition of modern inspired style homes. This neighborhood speaks of the style that bloomed after World War II, the idea of providing housing to the solders returning from over seas. A strong sense of repetition occurred between the dwellings but as a result of the need to housing completed quickly. This building consists of the simplest of forms, an overall simplistic exterior appearance. Gable roofs were common while the façade typically had a front door/entrance and a couple windows possibly containing some form of shutters. The interior floor plan/layout provided individual spaces to fit the different needs and functions ran within a home. Around this time, children were beginning to receive their own room. The kitchen was separated from the formal dining room that was separated from the den/living room, which on occasions was separated from a more formal living room. This idea of simplifying the layout of a dwelling works its way all the way back to Egyptian, Greek, and Roman styles. Their dwellings of these three styles, all had something in common, which was that the floor plan was simplified in general being formed around a central atrium or exterior garden. Although these suburban homes are not organized in this manner they have the essence of simplicity that its predecessors strove for. The Chicago suburban style homes also had local styles being applied to the world such as the art deco movement, which looked at how new sky scrapers were being constructed, and the emerging modernist style. Unfortunately these suburban homes were not given the time of the day to take on the newer popular styles. Instead these suburban homes were built in a hurry, were not constructed well, and had the same appearance as the other thirty or so houses on the same street. The only way to differentiate them was the exterior color and the minimal ornamentation if there was any at all. So even if the suburban homes that covered the country at one point were not the most well designed and were not unique they were and still are an important aspect to our country.

Source: ehistory

Similarity: The farm house had the similar idea of adding rooms to fit the function and need that was being desired, but in this situation the add-ons were done over a span of a hundred years. Suburban homes usually had rooms for each function and each person while also trying to keep it condensed.

Difference: The Museum of Modern Art and the building/home that the barcalounger is placed in are different not because one is a house and one a museum but because the idea of constructing them was completely different. The MOMA was constructed using new materials and the drive to create something innovative and new. The idea of constucting the Suburban style homes was to get something put up fast to house the many soldiers returning home. The design of the dwelling was of less important.

west side story

2008-10-26T07:04:00.001-07:00

War Memorial Auditorium

2008-10-23T18:14:00.001-07:00

Barcalounger Within a Space

2008-10-12T16:40:00.001-07:00

A family wakes up one day and the children are off to school and the husband off to work for a nine to five day. As he arrives back home he loosens his tie and approaches the reclining Barcalounger that he practically claims as his own. As he patiently waits for dinner he reclines slightly to a proper reading position where he proceeds to read the daily newspaper. Returning o the chair after dinner he reclines even more than before and this time will watch the evening news until time for retire to bed. Other objects surrounding this chair in the living room include a bulky, padded sofa, a side table, and a television.

The design of the chair was approached by looking forward to something new. Chairs before never had the option of motion, the option to change positions. The past styles did not provide inspiration for this design. The Barcalounger within the room itself was creating something new. This living room style, which was becoming typical of the normal American, was a style that we as Americans were creating ourselves. Inspiration from other previous styles did come in account but each time something new is being designed a little more of the present style is being incorporated also. The couch is a similar style, something that would not have been found in a formal setting. Other furniture pieces within the room have similar qualities to previous furniture styles that were existent when the colonies were first filling their homes with furniture. In conclusion, the Barcalounger chair was and is a part of a typical middle-class home and has become a symbol of the American culture.

Similarities:
The RCA 730TV1 Televion-Radio is similar to the Barcalounger chair because they are both treasures of America but in terms of their space they both are centered around the middle class meaning most would be found in suburban homes.

Differences:
The Tete a Tete chair within in the space setting is different from the space of the Barcalounger. The Tete a Tete room is more ornamented and decorative almost appearing to be for the higher class while the Barcalounger room is average of most people, or a normal more simple room setting.

Bus Shelter: Asymmetrical Balance

2008-10-10T10:30:00.000-07:00

In the beginning I started by observing the site on A & T's campus and then began to jot down words that described it or any words that would eventually lead to a concept.

This is a model at 1/2" : 1' scale that shows the bus shelter within its surroundings.

Shelter Bus | Mobile Residency

2008-10-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

Above is the final product but first we shall start from the beginning and walk you through my process.

The above five images are from my sketch book showing the different thoughts that were going through my head. Not only did I sketch and made notes on important issues and the nesseceties on which I though should be included in the shelter bus.

After sketching a little while it came time to determine my concept which would determine the design of the interior. I found this actually to be quiet difficult. I began creating lists for the main areas, in which I felt were nessecary, to see if any commonalities existed between them. Finally with a few key words such as seclusion, privacy, relaxation, I was able to decide on a concept.

[Out of Sight, Out of Mind] Concept Statement

What is [out of sight is therefore out of mind]. This Shelter bus does not just tend to the general needs like sleeping and eating but it does include these with in the space, just in a more integrated manner. These disaster relief volunteers will most likely be extremely exhausted and possibly emotional due to the conditions of the community in which they are working to help repair. The experience one will feel when they cross the thresh-hole into this worry-free habitat is that all of their concerns are to be left outside of the bus. They can enjoy their own company or chose to converse between each other. This temporary residency will succeed in this concept by the use of skylights to provide a majority of the lighting. Reasoning for skylights is that while on the bus one is unable to look out and see the destruction, damage, and problems that are occurring, only positive aspects. An element continuous throughout the design is the idea of curves creating forms and working to close and seclude a specific area. These volunteers deserve the right to a certain designated space where time is spent relaxing in a personal approach in which becomes their own residency within the broader shelter bus residency. So through this statement the shelter bus is arranged into four specific areas each with a different need in mind. They are as follows: sleeping, bathing/restroom, kitchen/dining, and living area/work gathering area. With these clear-cut necessities taken into consideration the bus almost instantly becomes divided among public verses private areas. As a side note each of the spaces are capable of being transformed into more of a private space.

I then created a simple but to the point floor plan in which became the underlay for a Private|Public diagram. In this diagram each of the four main sections are surrounded by a dashed line. Certain incidents occur where two rooms' borders overlap which means they share their general purpose. From this it became obvious that two distinct areas would create the buses environment. These two areas were a private area and a Public area. Although the kitchen/living area are considered public I decided that it would be nessecary to have the option of making each of these more of a private space if needed be.

From this point in time I began creating sectional views to better communicate my design for this shelter bus.

One of the most important features of this design is a wall that can be pulled out from the main shell walls that helps to close off or partially close off an area to make the space more private. What makes the wall so interesting is that it functions like a zipper. When it is being pushed into the wall every other board goes a certain direction and when it is being pulled out the boards pile together to create a solid surface. Two of these doors separate the living area from the kitchen and then one is at the other end of the kitchen closing off the kitchen from the private portion of the bus. The doors to the bathrooms function in a similar way except instead of separating they just slide in one direction. The beds also have a similar feature which closes each compartment up. In a curve-like manner the door comes from above and close the cubby. These movable walls and doors help bring forth the concept of this design because they serve the purpose of providing comfort to the four relief workers by giving them the option on have private they would like to feel.

2008-09-29T09:45:00.002-07:00

Title: Pyrenees
By: Dav
Source:www.licencephoto.com

Dear Mr. Lennartson,

Your discussion on the Geography of Sustainablilty was interesting and thought provoking. What really stood out to me during your presentation was when you mentioned the code orange days that have been present. I found this to be very shocking. I would like to hope that people would become more aware if they were to hear this statistic. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Lauren Foster

Bus|Shelter|Bus

2008-09-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

The drawings presented on the two pages represent the key images that I felt represented the different areas of research that as a class we conducted. The images are in the order of context, precedent, community, client, container, codes, and communication starting in the top left corner and progressing in a clock wise manner.

Codes+ Presentation

2008-09-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

Client: What will help prevent DISASTERS?

2008-09-24T21:32:00.001-07:00

Our StoryLauren's Idea

Tiffany's Idea
Melia's Idea Missy's Idea

Precedent

2008-09-24T21:30:00.001-07:00

Ideal Bus Shelter

2008-09-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

This is the ideal bus stop that the seven group came up with. We wanted to incorporate the main tree into the design. To the left of the tree is a seating area and to the right is a standing area. The tree provides a majority of the shade. The main form penetrates out of the ground and continuously works around to create the seating area.

Communication Charette

2008-09-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

This idea falls under the place category as a means of gorilla advertising. The other five components to this advertising strategy can be found on the following blogs: Anna Will, Jenny Deal, and Nacarra Lassane

Day 1Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Last Day

Imagine as your walking or driving through campus and you look upon the Jackson Library and you see an image you have never seen before upon that building. The next day as you are passing through you notice another image and maybe this time you actually known the person in the image. Each day after that a new image appears upon the building. Maybe eventually your picture shows up on the building. Each day people would continue to pass through campus and see what has changed on the building or if their picture is up. The last day writing appears promoting our second year studio. Through this idea the community sees that the IARC second year studio is designing the better the community.

2008-09-21T07:52:00.001-07:00

The Barcalounger Easy Chair Company is quite famous for being the first to create a chair along the lines of a recliner. This company is famous for their slogan, “…because you’re comfortable with the best. I feel that most Americans felt this way about the Easy Chair.

The Barcalounger Easy Chair is known for its desire to please the customer through its comfort. The positions that the chair would range in were first studied through the natural positions that people create when they are in the water. The chair consists of three main positions. The first is the upright position that is considered to be the position desired for reading. The second of the three positions is the middle one, which is suggested for one who just wants to relax. The position is where the legs are raised to a forty-five degree angle and the back is reclined slightly if not a forty-five degree angle also. The third and final of the three positions is assigned for relaxation. This position is fully reclined to a point where a person could comfortably sleep.

The Easy Chair consists of a sturdy frame that made of kiln-dried lumber. This specific wood is chosen because it resists warping in the long run. An abundance of foam and padding is added to the frame to provide comfort and then a variety of six hundred different materials are chosen to upholster.

The first Barcalounger Chair was created and produced in 1940. It has been a treasure ever since. The Barcalounger Companies inspiration is to provide to the people and what is comfortable and suitable to them. Rocky Mountain, North Carolina has one of the top plants for the Barcalounger because they are consistently ahead of the competitors and their designs of motion furniture.

(www.adclassix.com) (http://barcalounger.com)

Difference
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh armwood chair, although similar in the fact that they are both chairs, is completely different with a different function in mind. This armchair is intended to seat someone who might be dining and just temporarily sitting there. The Barcalounger practically speaks for someone to spend longer periods of time sitting there while they are relaxing or sleeping. The Barcalounger is meant to change positions while the armchair is unable to do this.

Similarity
The Bean Bag chair and the Barcalounger have aspects in common. They both have a means of finding your own comfortable position. One can form the bean bag to fit the position in which they are desiring to sit. The Barcalounger althought somewhat limited can still recline to three different positions.

Flooding Prevention in Turkey

2008-09-17T19:02:00.000-07:00

Codes Charette

2008-09-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

When we first looked at the requirements we were overwhelmed by all of the information. We then figured out the meaning of each word listed and felt more comfortable with the topic. It was difficult to differentiate between the three terms. The most difficult terms to understand were ergonomics and proxemics because of the gray areas they represent. At the start of the project we knew the needs and activities that we wanted to address, however building the models was difficult due to lack of our knowledge of standards.
Our suggestions to designers would be to stay open-minded while planning their space. It would also be useful to be well versed in codes and regulations. While entering into the Bus Shelter project, we had not had prior experience with codes therefore it was a challenge to plan spaces. Looking back, we now know that there are changes that need to be made.
Codes help in design because it builds a foundation by setting the framework. When a designer is drawing a blank, the codes will help them start them get back on track. Not only does it give the designer a foundation, but also it benefits the client. Codes guarantee functionality and your specific needs will be met.
Codes can benefit all of our designing for a place to start our work. On the other hand, it can restrict our creativity as designers. Codes create limits and constrict us to a mundane fashion. They are both beneficial and restrictive to a designer.

2008-09-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

Animal Rescue: Shelter Bus

This is an idea we had for the animal rescue bus that would contain a large quantity of kennels to keep the rescued animals safe.

This image is of a secluded room that would function as a small Veterinary to tend to injured or sick animals.

We figured also that the animals would probably be really hungry and thirsty so the shelter bus would also need to contain lots of storage for the abundance of food that would be needed.

THE BARK BUS

Food Supply: Shelter Bus

This image represents the necessity of storage for a large amount of food and supplies such as plates, cups, utensils, pots, and pans.

I figured in order to keep this system of releasing food to the people organized a desk might be needed where orders could be placed and records of how much food each family gets.

Since we had the idea of a double decker bus we thought that having a quiet, relaxing place to eat with family members would be just as beneficial as receiving food.

Client interviews

2008-09-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Our group's interviews can be found on the following blogs: Missy Wicker, Melia Danals, Tiffany Garber.

I was in charge of filming the interviews with the bus riders but unfortunately only one person agreed to this. One guy that Missy and I interviewed was interesting and very fun to talk. He was so friendly and seemed to have the best personality. He had me laughing so hard at some points. He was wearing a shirt that had almost every color imaginable. He had even coordinated his shoes to match also. He told us that he was pleased with the bus system but the only request that he had was to run the buses all night. When we told him who we were and about our assignment he seemed very interested in the fact that the very bus stop in which he was waiting had the possibility of having a sheltered seating area. He did not like the fact that he had to sit on the ground where he might get his work clothes dirty. He also informed us that he uses the GTA everyday, several times a day. Something just as simple as a covered bus stop would be beneficial to many people in the community.