FINAL PORTFOLIO

Architecture 101 Design Studio Natasha Emter Spring 2015

WEEK ONE

Icebreaker:  Malevich  Reinterpreted  into  Tectonic  Form  

•  The first assignment on our first day of class was to examine the artwork “Suprematist Composition 2” by Kazimir Malevich and create a free standing three-dimensional interpretation of any part of the composition. Immediately, I panic as I am aware that I have minimal three-dimensional building skills. In my moment of panic, Jerry says we might as well freak out sooner rather than later.

•  I made sure the representation was exactly proportionate to the image in the original artwork so that it would be easy to identify.

 

Itera8on  #1  •  With minimal time to find the best materials,

I used thin poster board for the first iteration. I soon realize how time consuming constructing a simple box is, especially when you have never attempted to construct a three-dimensional model to begin with. Once I constructed the first component, everything else came into play quite swimmingly. The most time consuming part of the first iteration was figuring out how to make the model look as clean as possible without a bunch of glue getting in the way.

•  I also came to realize how difficult it was to cut in a perfectly straight line, so I made sure to learn from these obstacles and go get some chipboard, a straight edge, and an X-acto blade for the next iteration to come.

Week  2  Second  Constructed  Itera8on  •  After a nerve wreaking experience with the

first iteration and helpful feedback from the class, I found ways to improve and build off of the first iteration.

•  With the second iteration, I chose to work with chip board this time which I found to be both beneficial and challenging. The chipboard proved to be much more durable than poster-board. However, I did face certain challenges with the chipboard due to the fact that it was a brand new material I have never worked with. With Chipboard being thicker and being a new material to learn, it was consequently more time consuming to work with than poster board. As I faced those challenges, it’s safe to say that chipboard is still a better option in the long run due to it’s affordability, durability, and it is also easy to glue with.

Itera8on  3:  Drawings  and  Photo-­‐documen8ng  

•  In our second week, we were assigned to photograph and draw sketches of our first two iterations.

•  Going back into a two-dimensional design, this assignment helped me to see the final design process. While my first sketches brought to attention my major weakness as a drawing artist especially when observing my model in a three-dimensional form, I managed to figure out how to draw more realistic looking sketches by taking a picture of my model, and then drawing from a photographic reference.

•  Drawing sketches of the models helped me to see certain patterns, and show me ways that I can accentuate certain forms for the next iteration.

•  Photographing the model helped to point out sides of my model that might a little vague and need more detail.

Week  3  Itera8on  4:  Model  #3  PaHern  recogni8on  and  applica8on    

•  With this model, my goal was to add to the existing model by removing space. I am also trying to break away from pure symmetry. This clearly proves to be a challenge since the majority of the model still contains a lot of symmetry. With baby steps, I do manage to break away from it ever so slightly by by caving in one side. I have also opened up the pillars so that you can see through them in an attempt to open up my model.

Itera8on  5  Narra8ve  •  For the third week we were assigned to develop a

narrative that consists of a beginning and end with at least three different spatial experiences. This script is intended to further develop our future designs.

•  “I have created a watch-tower for my avatar. From afar the model could appear to be a modern day shrine or a military fighting machine that just may eat you alive. Since the main component appears closed off, the inside remains a mystery. As you walk around one corner on the main base, there is a secret back door that allows you to enter into the mysterious space inside. Around the corner is another tiny entrance where you can hide inside. This side of the model is slightly sloped so that you can climb to the top. The Avatar can jump to the roof and crawl up to the very top where he finds a nook to rest in and keep watch to see if anyone’s coming rom miles away. With the avatar so high up, he figures this is a safe environment to get his beauty rest. From the sleeping nook, he jumps to the top middle tube and then slides out to exit and go tell others of this epic watch-tower.”

Get  Inspired!  •  This week, we had the exciting to

opportunity to go visit a place that could possibly inspire us. The first place that came to my mind in San Francisco was City Hall.

•  My journey to City Hall started in Hayes Valley. As I walk through Hayes Valley, I notice how quaint this neighborhood is. The streets are more narrow and intimate with lush trees on every block. The cars move slower, and most of the buildings don’t exceed three stories.

•  Exiting Hayes Valley, I can see City Hall from afar. I am stepping away from a quaint neighborhood and passing through a more industrious sector. Like most parts of San Francisco, you quickly go through a picturesque high end neighborhood, and enter a gritty street in just one block. As you reach city hall, there are people from all walks of life. The scale of every building in this vicinity is larger along with the roads and sidewalks that they lie on.

City  Hall  •  There are two main entryways, with each one evoking

a different feeling. One entrance faces Van Ness which feels chaotic due to the immense traffic just inches away, and the other faces east, which is the entrance I find to be more compelling due to the vast empty space before the entrance.

•  As you walk in to City Hall, you can feel that you are in a space more grand than anything else. The front entrance contains pillars parallel to one another that lead your eyes to the door way then as you look up, lead your eyes up to the very top dome.

•  Inside city hall, you could look at different corners and angles for hours and see something new every time due to the intricate detail of every square inch.

•  This assignment helped me to bring our little cardboard models into perspective as well as seeing the importance of patterns and how scale can really accentuate the significance of space.

•  Objective: Explore design possibilities through scaling up our constructions.

•  As I incorporated my narrative into my model, I was able to see more purpose and focus with the next iteration. I am still trying to break away from symmetry as well as growing my model by creating a bit more empty space. While these two

main goals are a struggle, you can see these tiny steps into the right direction.

•  At this point I have also doubled the size of my fourth model since my first iteration. By scaling up this iteration, I was able to see aspects of this design that could use more detail and improvement.

Week  4:  Scale,  Propor8ons,  and  Beauty  Itera8on  6  /  Model  4  

Itera8on  7  Model  5  /    Focus  the  design  •  I am taking baby steps with

my attempt to open up my model and break away from pure symmetry. While this iteration is a bit more simplified than the last, the practicality of it, fit more with the iteration.

•  Improvements: –  I finally managed to

completely open up with this iteration.

–  As I added openings to the walls, light was able to play a larger role

Itera8on  7  

•  Strengths: My craft continues to improve, and my speed picks up.

•  Weaknesses: –  I am still struggling with too much symmetry. –  My model looks like a shovel, and I want it to be

more than just a simple shovel

Revised  Narra8ve   With a first glimpse of this configuration, I’d like

to evoke a sense of wonder that might make you question if the structure a tree-house without the tree, or a playhouse that did not quite meet safety standards.

As you approach the structure, the model feels slightly strange with its various angles and dark corners, yet intriguing enough to invite you in its space. Even though the uneven pillars do not seem too stable, one may still feel compelled to accept an adventure and explore the space.

From behind, there is a steep slope in which you can climb up. From there you can either walk carefully along the skinny path into a big rom, or if you feel like exploring more, you can crawl through the tunnel which leads you to the other side, allowing you to sneak up the front side of the structure. Reaching the top main space, you can finally take a deep breath, as the main area gives a feeling of serenity due to its simplicity and open space in comparison to the first experience of approaching the structure.

The openings on the walls and ceiling let light come in and open up the room, making it feel more expansive. From the large room, you can overlook the space around you from miles away providing you with a sense of safety. Once you’ve had your feel of security, you can gather your courage to slide down the back for a more thrilling escape route.  

Week  5    Itera8on  8  /  Model  6  •  My 8th iteration was a giant leap

forward because I finally broke away from symmetry all together. With my narratives in mind, I was able to imagine being a creature and encountering this space. With these ideas in mind I was able to create a more complex structure.

•  With our previous critique I noticed my iterations were starting to look more like militaristic weapons rather than a welcoming space so I found ways to suggest a more playful feel by scoring the chipboard so that it could bend and fold, creating more soft edges instead of harsh angles.

Itera8on  8  •  Strengths:

–  completely breaking away from symmetry

–  Adding detail when necessary such as multiple paths and entryways.

•  Weakness: by experimenting with ways to add levels, the stability of my model was compromised.

•  Improvements: While the overall craft and stability went down a notch, I feel confident to say this model improved quite a bit due to more intricate detail. I am also proud to break away from just 90 degree and 45 degree angles and play with shape more.

Itera8on  9  Model  7  /  Reinterpre8ng  Design  

•  With the 9th Iteration we produced a scaled up construction that focused on the hierarchical space.

•  This helped to hone in on the most significant part of our iteration and try to focus on ways to improve the hierarchical space.

•  While at first I was certain that this model definitely represented the climactic space, I started to doubt my thoughts after the critique. Having said that I still feel like I gained lot from the previous iteration being able to focus on one component.

Itera8on  9  •  Success: my craft

improved especially with parts of the design that had curves rather than 90 degree angles

•  Weakness: I felt that the hierarchical space might be too simple, therefore I need to find ways to add layers

Week  6  /  Itera8on  10  Developing  a  Storyboard  •  We developed a storyboard to illustrate the sequence of intended

experiences to be evoked within our structure. •  Creating the storyboard to specifically contain a beginning and end

definitely helped to enhance the experiential journey. •  As I created the storyboard, I saw how having multiple levels in your

design lead to a more compelling story.

The approach The entrance Crawling through the tunnel

Story  Board  

•  Story  board  

Exiting the tunnel

Exploring the climactic space

Climactic space from opposite view

Path to the next level

Itera8on  11  Model  8  /  Hierarchical  layers  

•  In an attempt to develop visible hierarchical layers of structure, form and spaces I fount that the storyboard helped to direct my focus of what the hierarchy exactly is.

•  After we enlarged the hierarchical space in the previous iteration, I decided to keep this proportion for the iterations to come so that I could focus on the details of the more dynamic parts of the model.

•  Strengths: my craftsmanship continues to improve, and I’ve managed to create curves without the model collapsing on itself

•  Cons: This iteration simplified more from iteration 9, and while it looks cleaner, I do feel that it might be too simple

Week  7  /  Itera8on  12  

Model  9:  bones  •  Just as I was beginning to feel

comfortable with my craft and bringing forth my ideas into a tangible form, I felt increasingly challenged once again.

•  While at first the assignment seemed fairly easy with just replicating the previous iteration into a skeletal form, but once I dived into the process, I faced new challenges that did not originally cross my mind.

•  I stuck with chipboard and cut each piece to be one centimeter thick.

•  As I glued to first two pieces together I thought this would be a breeze. However as the iteration developed I came across the challenge of keeping my structure in the form I had intended such as aiming for perfect 90 degree angles. Designing a skeletal model also caused the structure to be more flimsy.

•  With the end process, I later discovered that one centimeter might have been too thick to evoke a true skeletal form.

 

Itera8on  13  Model  10:  bones  and  skin  •  Using nature to promote form, form

of space and transitions between elements

•  After reviewing nature inspired work and organic forms of architecture, I had direct intentions to incorporate more organic form into this next iteration.

•  I initially attempted to try a new material, bamboo sticks. This attempt to experiment with a new material was a challenge and cost me extra time. The bamboo sticks did not glue together as easily as chipboard, so while the bamboo could have been more aesthetically pleasing, I decided to combine chipboard in with the bamboo sticks.

•  In order to make the model appear more skeletal than the last, I narrowed the width of the chipboard from 1 centimeter to half of that. With the pieces being more narrow, this also gave me to opportunity to bend certain pieces in order to incorporate that organic sensation I had been striving for.

•  Adding skin to the model required a new set of skills that I did not expect. While I had expected this part of the assignment to be easier, I do wish I had more time to carefully craft the skin together.

•  Pros: Accomplishing an organic form

•  Cons: with time on the line, my craft became more sloppy in the last hour

•  While the final outcome did not appear as carefully crafted as I had intended, I am happy with my learning outcome for this iteration because it helped me to explore a new way of approaching my model.

MIDTERM REFLECTION

•  Coming into this class, I honestly did not know what to expect. •  I appreciate the learning path of starting with a completely abstract 2

dimensional painting, and slowly growing our models into something more concrete where you can eventually visualize your model into being a real living space.

•  With the first class, I honestly had my doubts on whether I would I have the time to complete every iteration to a satisfactory level. This class taught me how well one can work under pressure.

PART TWO

Official model

Individual Design Work 1st Iteration: Sectioning

•  With our first iteration for the second half of the semester, I explored the use of sectioning

•  I found inspiration from Kengo Kuma’s architectural design practices. With this example of a Starbucks storefront, he takes one simple piece of lumber and creates a beautiful repetition that appears seamless.

•  This was a great transition into our second half of the semester because I found that sectioning is a great way to make the invisible perceivable.

Photo courtesy of Kengo Kuma & Associates

•  I found the use of sectioning to be an eye opener for new ways to approach my design. •  I also had a greater sense clarity with this iteration since I finally had the freedom to break

away from all other previous iterations and begin a fresh new start. •  I discovered how multiple layers of a single simplified form can come together and

transform a design into such a complex manner.

Sectioning

Iteration #2 Tessellation

•  With the second iteration I explored the use of tessellation. I discovered that this technique has an intersecting relationship with that of sectioning due to the fact that you’re taking a two-dimensional shape and transforming that one shape into a three-dimensional form by multiplying and shifting the collection of pieces.

•  While I valued this process I soon noticed my overall design became slightly disorganized and perhaps transforming this iteration into a real life model might prove to be almost impossible with the time frame we were given.

•  While an exact replica may be difficult, I picked out specific ideas regarding the patterns that I could articulate with the next iteration.

SITE ANALYSIS

•  Our group chose this particular sector of the courtyard due to due to full sun exposure and the ability to play with wind and and harness the sun in our installation

•  We also realized this specific space was an opportunity to show our design to other realms of the campus for students that might not even be aware the architecture department even exists.

•  With our design being placed at the edge of the Batmale hall courtyard, we would also have the opportunity to make our installation a gateway to the other projects in Architecture 101

•  The only issue to choosing this site was the desirability of the location since every other group had made this space their first choice as well.

I  tried  to  imagine  how  our  design  would  fit  in  the  given  space.  

CCSF Batmale Hall Courtyard

With  this  experimenta8on  I  found  my  design  to  be  slightly  chao8c    

SITE RESPONSE

•  Take advantage of full sun exposure and harness it in a way to promote shadows in order to create consciousness of the light

•  Create a sense of space that would evoke a sense of ease and comfort

•  Create seating to interact with other people in the space, engage with nature, and an opportunity to mediate.

•  Create shadows and framed views

•  Show contrast in materials to emphasize light and dark.

•  Use entryway to draw people in

•  Divert sun and wind to ease the harshness of the environment.

•  Create visual interest

GOALS  

Iteration #3 •  In response to the previous

iteration I found that triangles have a strong and simple geometry and yet can be manipulated into a complex structure with the use of tessellation.

•  With the third iteration I had the specific site in mind which helped me to articulate the third iteration.

COLLABORATION

•  It just so happened that everybody else in the group had triangles incorporated into their previous design which made for a smooth transition to a collaborative effort.

•  Our group agreed that triangles have a strong yet simple geometrical composition. •  Over the course of Spring Break, our group met up to build a model where all of our ideas could merge

together and become one.

MATERIALS

•  Once we were officially granted the space we had hoped for, the next step was to consider the materials to use.

•  While considering various materials, we were sure that we wanted to convey a high level of craft through the materials we chose which could more easily lead into a more seamless construction process.

•  Opaque Acrylic triangles •  2 x 6 Boards for framing •  4 x 8’ Plywood •  A34 Simson Framing Angle •  Screws

Official Materials needed

CONSTRUCTION

•  We had a great advantage in the beginning of the process with the ability to utilize Fidel’s workshop.

•  The first time using a saw blade was intimidating but when you follow all the safety procedures, these tools become your best friend.

•  With high quality tools at our fingertips, we were able to make perfect cuts and precise angels that were intended.

INSTALLATION PROCESS

•  As our site was naturally at a slope, we had to take time to level out the base to make for an even installation.

•  Once all of our pieces were fabricated right on schedule without any complications, we entered the second phase of installation which proved to be a tad more complicated than expected, yet still successful in the end.

•  Soon enough our fabricated triangles were about to unfold and transform into a mesmerizing fortress.

TEAM WORK

The triangles proved to be large and heavy, but with our team work and extra muscle, we made it work

Eminet and Yue connecting the acrylic panels

Fidel taking measurements The  top  triangles  help  to  lead  the  eye  upward  and  frame  a  view  of  the  sky  

Our installation in process viewed from Cloud Circle Our top triangles still in process of installation

FINAL OUTCOME

West Facing View Inside the structure

North Facing View

East facing View

South Facing View

JURY CRITIQUE

•  Strengths – Outstanding craftsmanship. – While triangles may often convey a feeling of

aggression, we succeeded in transforming the triangles into a seamless and inviting form.

•  Weakness – Need to better emphasize the focus on light. – The Jury did note that our exiting path felt

slightly disconnected from the rest of the design.

DESIGN NARRATIVE

Our intentions were to: 1.  Attract students from other realms of the campus such as the

Visual Arts building where students would typically pass by having no idea our sector even exists. Once they catch eye of our structure hopefully their curiosity will lead them to the edge so that our design can be a gateway to all the the other projects in the courtyard.

2.  Once we capture peoples attention, we have a captivating entrance that would lead the audience through an organized path.

3.  Our design was intended to harness the wind so that you could still embrace the elements yet create shelter by mitigating the wind in a controlled manner.

4.  Design our structure with the intent of controlling light. While the acrylic panels reflected sunlight, the wood panels and frames created shade from the harsh sunlight.

LEARNING OUTCOME

•  Throughout the second phase of this semester, not only did I learn many valuable lessons, but I also developed new construction skills as well.

•  Initially I assumed the building process would be a fast procedure once all of our pieces were fabricated, however connecting triangle and making the angles that align with each-other to look perfect made all of our brains hurt a little but with the group effort, we managed to make the connections appear effortless.

•  I realized it can be a very challenging endeavor to truly encompass everybody’s ideas and work to molding multiple parts into one cohesive design.

•  Luckily, I was fortunate enough to be in a group where every team member brought their own valuable piece of knowledge and flair so that we could all work off each-other and grow as a whole.