Model Building

Here are a few images of my model building process for Project 4B.

Image 1. Pieces to build "egg-crate" framing for model.

Image 2. Symbols given to bracing/ support pieces to help organize the assembly process.

Image 3. Assembly of profiles and bracing/ support pieces.
Image 4. Assembly of both forms in section.
Image 5. Completed framing system with exterior finishes (wood veneer) applied.
Image 6. Though nothing oggle over, a look at the pool in the sectional model with a slight shadow of the "frit" applied to the glazing.

Rhino Humour

Why won't my model SEXplode!?!?!?!

Gehry VS. Titizian

Thought I'd give you guys something to chuckle about! Good luck everyone!

HOW HIGH?

Here's an image I found online, which shows the current training facility for Cirque du Soleil. If you didn't already have a hear attack, it's ridiculously high. Try and do the flying trapeze off of that. Oh and design for your space to be this high!

Project 4A

For those of you who weren’t able to view my final submission for Project 4A, here are a few images from it.

Here are my previous concept sketches for the building and the massing model, which in no way is a reflection of the final product (weird).

As I previously had blogged, the components design for Project 4A was focused on lighting, both in its subtlety and its spectacle. For the subtlety aspect I designed for natural light to permeate through the building whether it be through an open clear story of plastic tubes or thorough the silk fabric blinds, which respectively cast a patterned shadow on the floor or create coloured swatches on the ground (in this case red).

In its spectacle I designed for the plastic light tubes as well as LED edge panels to light up. If it were my choice, the lights would only be white, but for the sake of venues or events there is a possibility to add colour, or much like the Cosmopolitan LED, allow for graphics along it.

For the silk fabrics, it is not necessarily going to be made of red silk, I was even thinking of making it available for the venue to silk screen ads for shows on them like advertisements.

I would love to further refine/ develop this component in the building, but all I need is time and considering there is only 13 days left to the Project 4B…heart attack!

FREAK OUT!

I have two problems as of now. (1) Modeling this building is a (insert desired word here). (2) Trying to adapt a biomimetic feature in the design of the building, especially for the detail model that is due in ONE WEEK is quite frustrating! Regardless, since my building is made of a lot of glass, I was going to design it to have operable windows so that air may by-pass when needed. I was also thinking of using smart glass to prevent from direct sunlight when needed, yet this has nothing to do with Biomimicry. HELP!

Here are pictures of the Museum of Tolerance by Frank Gehry, which I think are pretty cool. And one of a nice inner garden for the hell of it!

Design Concept 2

Here are a few pages from my sketchbook of what I’ve conceived for the building design. I looked at folding architecture as a design inspiration, but Vince mentioned that it was a fad that withered away in the late 90s… so I decided to bring it back. I’m trying to create a more dynamic form, which much like folding architecture allows for floors to become ceilings and ceilings to become walls and walls to become floors (the circle of life). By doing this I,’m creating distinct spaces for each program that allows for different views between each one. Also, the atrium space that in my sketches looks like it’s 200 meters tall, will need to be scaled properly because it will probably be less than half of what you see. The atrium will also serve as a light tunnel, as I am focusing on light as my major design theme. Also, a way-back to Cultura, the edge of the form will be lit *Thanks Vince. That is all for now!

Design Concept 1

One of my design concepts is a dynamic public space designed as a large atrium space, which will feature a range of Cirque de Soleil programs; aerial acrobatics as the main feature (a human chandelier), water feature below (pool bowl), transforming stage (possibly), etc. Here’s a video on aerial acrobatics, which will probably shape most of my design. Also, a key design element in my design is the use of light, which I will try and appropriate into the entire complex (emphasis on try).

P3 Template

Here is a sample of Project 3's final template in InDesign and as a .pdf. The first two images are of the InDesign file and the guides that make up the layout. The last two images are of the template completed with a bit of colour.

You're welcome!

UNLV Charette Follow-Through: Desert Condition Example

Unlike other programs that only learn about architecture and design within a single climate zone, Ryerson and UNLV were able to leverage the charette as a platform to learn about the regional differences in construction practice, sustainable design strategies, and biomimetic approaches. 

It should be emphasized that all the work presented from the charette was done in large groups of seven students with relatively little familiarity with the design challenge.  Aside from the logistics and organizational behaviour issues that precipitate entropy and prolonged design decision making, the extremely limited time constraints created an interesting challenge for the students.  Fortunately the students were able to develop a good starting point for their designs during the charette.  The subsequent resolution executed by individual students at Ryerson kept the same rigor as they were only given 40 hours to reassess their design responses to the critical feedback from the charette at UNLV.

Once again, this is a sample of the material from the initial charette concept except in an arid condition:

Samples of Razmig's Design:

Samples of Marcella's Design:

Samples of Jessica's Design:

Project 2A

For the Summer Season Climate I have chosen the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas and the biomimetic abilities of cave ponds. For those who are trying to figure out what cave ponds are, they are the bodies of water within caves. The reflection of natural light onto the water’s surface in these caves to brighten the space is similar as to how the museum rooms are modeled with a concave exterior and a strip of convex elements near windows to distribute light throughout the room without harming any of the art work(s).

As for the Winter Season Climate I have chosen to pair the Genzyme Building in Cambridge, Massachusetts and the biomimetic merits of a lobster’s eye. Similar as to how the lobster has reflective square prisms that focus light to its retina the Genzyme Building’s atrium features a chandelier with mirrors, which reflect light into office spaces throughout the building.

Under the Bridge

So, I broke my back today and at the same time trying to fine-tune my design, but as soon as I talked to Vince, I realized my back was the least of my concerns. The good news is that he said my design was better developed then the last time he saw it and the bad news is I have to “keep developing” (story of my life). Damn my back! Anyways, here are my initial sketches. And as T says, Keep Calm and Carry On!