Final Portfolio

FINAL PORTFOLIO

Architecture 101 Design Studio Natasha Emter Spring 2015

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  experimenta9on  I  found  my  design  to  be  slightly  chao9c    

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.