Sterling Design Architecture

Learning Portfolio

Learning Portfolio

Architecture 21Professor: Jerry Lum

Dates: Monday and Wednesday 3:00-6:30PM

A Walk In The ParkText

The Ice Breaker

• Photograph what we find interesting of the designated outdoor area

• Come up with a list of at least six adjectives that describe the area

• Try to determine the qualities of the place that evoke the different feelings of those adjectives

This assignment involved pairing classmates, going to a decided outdoor destination and photographing what we found interesting. While doing this I realized that the experience that one has in a place is developed

through the qualities within that place. I became aware that these attributes can be examined and I was able to view the photographs of

the place and see which characteristics

Objectives:

This is the cumulation of the six different photographs that evoke the most interesting feeling of the place. Upon presenting this I realized that the time spent on trying to match the individual fonts to the feelings of the words, I could have spent that time trying to provide a more interesting layout. I also realized that the normal constraints that I find myself following do not need to be followed any longer. This can make the piece much more interesting and engaging for the viewer. An example would be to break the edges of the presentation board and try to extend boarders of photos into on another as well as breaking up the overall rectangular constraints I find myself following.

Presentation Board

AdventurousPoisedExploratory

This moment has a calm strength that draws me toward the edge of the continent, teasing with the exploratory thoughts of what lies beyond. Weather navigating by means of aviation or perhaps an old world maritime vessel this moment conjures feelings of poised bravery that have been glistening the eyes of explorers and those that have taken the chance of adventure which have become known as some of the greatest tails in history.

Adding adjectives and narrative to photo

Drawing and diagrams

Starting out, drawing was not my strong point. I found it difficult to let me hand flow freely with a drawing tool in it. I wanted the product to come out neat and clean and thus resisted the “making a mess” method,

which turns out, can be applied through out the course.

Although this may look like a mess I was still constrained in my thinking and would soon understand that it is fine to just get my ideas out on paper no matter what it looks like - perfect it later

Early Attempts This is an example of plan and elevation of the site in which I gained the inspiration for the models to come. I gained insight in what is necessary to focus on and include when attempting to convey the feelings that the site has to offer. I also learned that the orientation of the layout should be the same. (early attempts)

Discovering the ability

Looking back on this drawing I realize that I was able to put aside my ideas of having the drawing look perfected and was able to get the idea out and built within a short period of time.

Model Building

From the photograph we were to build an

abstract model of what we felt represented the qualities of the place

The Veiled Mountain

In this model I tried to explore the contrast of the everyday rat race that society is enveloped in compared to the adventurous spirit that few live with.

Gesture Drawing

Thoughtless Motion

This shot is an example of what those of the norm see during their day to day life. A straight shot of getting from here to there. Moving by without noticing the little nuances that life has to offer.

Inquisitive Strategically placed between a narrow corridor of tall building, the entrance to the humble building is only noticed if you aware of your surroundings while traveling through.

Plan View

Exploring the Adventure

Once in the unassuming entrance building you are directed down through a tunnel, where you exit into a view of the grand mountainous building, beckoning the adventurous spirit to climb up and discover what is awaiting at the top.

Underground tunnel on bottom of model

The Journey Once inside the grand structure you must make the precarious journey to the top where you are rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding area and to sleep under the clear night sky above the light pollution.

Experience Gained

• An understanding of the importance of the hierarchical elements that can take one on a journey through the model to create spaces that become intriguing to the observer.

• The importance of craft involved in the model as not to undermine your intentions and instead use it to help the viewer become engaged.

• A beginning ability to entice the viewer by using tension and release.

Developing the Model

In this next model the objective was to develop an emerging tectonic language that explore

the following elements

• Frame - the supporting structure of the model

• Surfaces - the skin that covers the exterior

• Connections - the points that tie the frame, skin and other elements together

The Temple

In this model I tried to explore the tectonic language while continuing to create a journey of adventure riddled with areas of tension and release as well as trying to continually hone my craft ability.

Gesture drawing

The JourneyBringing adventure and exploration into this model through creating pathways that the traveler must navigate in and out of the structure while on dangerously steep and narrow areas. Along the way there are places to view the areas that have been conquered. At the final destination the traveler is rewarded with a place of relaxation and areas to view some of the areas that they have traveled.

Exploring the tectonic Language

• Showing structural supports in size and orientation

• Attempting to convey structure connections as mortice and tenon style

• Applying panels as skin of structure

In these examples:

Experience Gained

• The ability to think about the tectonic language while designing the model and to incorporate the ideas early and often

• Started to gain appreciation for the development of complexity in the model to add areas of interest

• Started to realize my methods of building were somewhat restricting me in areas of time constraints

Frankenstein

This was to be the next iteration preceding the Temple model. As it turned out however ugly it may seem, many lessons were learned from this model.

Initial Sketch

Dissecting the beast

Areas that could use improvement

Lack of interest and complexity

Rushed attempt at developing complexity

Neglected transition areas

Attempted to use material on hand

Lack of logical path

The good:

Attention to detail in the hidden areas

Still creates sense of adventure for the viewer

Thought put into frame and structure

Experience Gained

• This was the last model in which I attempted to make everything on my own

• I realized that using material that are dimensioned for model making can save huge amounts of time and avoid frustration

• Through the many mistakes I made I was able to gain insight in what not to do in future models such as not neglecting transition areas, complexity, path, details and so on

Breaking Planes

In this model I wanted to explore breaking planes, emphasizing form, and using a variety of different materials while still attempting to create a hierarchical system of the tectonic language and places within the model

Initial Sketch

Provoking the Imagination

My desire to create an area of interest led me to design a simple rectilinear object and have it pierced by an overwhelming curvilinear form. To emphasize this I let the inner structure be somewhat seen by using a translucent material as the skin of the model for that side. I then attempted to develop area that can be seen from a far distance and realized by the viewer that they must be made by another human attempting to manipulate his or her environment.

Complexity and Density

Exploring examples of complexity I used multiple parallel lines to create areas of density

Attempt to create spaces within the form

Exploring Light Qualities

Here I wanted to explore the effects that light may play on the model if it were illuminated from the inside.

Connection Points

Here is an example of when I attempted to develop a structural connection with loaded stress. Here the bending of the material causes the joint to be stressed and to counter that I developed a method of using wrapped and tied wire to help secure the connection.

Experience Gained

• A greater understanding of creating form and finally discovering my own examples developing spaces out of different forms and how to create them

• An understanding of different materials and the way to build with them as well as the unique qualities they can create in the model

• the ability to let go a little more in order to “make a mess,” in an attempt to get away from symmetry, form and my ideas of beauty and the need for completion

Changing Planes

This new model iteration was built to explore the ideas of

a transformable building that has the ability to

change the planes of walls, floors and ceilings.

Model Features

• Transformable building position • Translucent skin revealing shadow lines

of interior structure• Long sweeping curvilinear form creates

interior areas with compressing spaces

First approach:This building was designed to be entered from the opening in the longer horizontal position, at smaller end. This grand entrance approach has an elevated walkway, v-shaped opening, and triple height ceilings.

Note the interior structure through the skin.

Building Transformation

• The top image shows the building in the horizontal building state

• In the bottom image the walls become floors and floors become walls

Compressing Spaces This exemplifies the interior space transforming as the viewer progresses through the building. Spaces that were once grand and expansive become small and intimate.

Aircraft Inspired Wing like roof system and

sweeping, wind blown lines

Combining Curvilinear form with sharp angles

Long sweeping lines flow into one another, transitioning at different levels to create expressive forms of flight that show movement captured in moment

Combining Structures

• This model transforms to create new

Final Project

Primary Places• The three major buildings that make

up the site are all representative of areas on a ship that have have a great sense of place

• The top right image is representative of the bow area of the ship, surging forward this becomes the inspiring area that creates the live space

• The middle image is representative of the stern, which holds the captain stateroom, this becomes the gallery area that is imbued multi levels, curved walls and small fitted windows

• The bottom image is the work area that has the spacial qualities of the hull of the ship, lacking abundant windows it becomes a great place to stay focused

Pathways

• I wanted to develop a playful sense of adventure that beckons the viewer to the level through the pathways

• Spiraling staircases, long plank walk ways, and intimate nooks that lead up to hatchways draw the viewer in

• Going around trees, under overhangs, through tight spaces, and along suspended walkways one can live the adventure through pathways

Higherarchical Systems

• The development of the pathway systems, and places lead the viewer through experiencing a journey of adventurous exploration

• The tectonic language contains a readable system throughout the model, developing clear sense of structure, surfaces and connections

Attention to detail

• Developing details to express the qualities I wish to show

• Complete structural systems along with skin surfaces are evident throughout the model

• Railings, doors and windows are easily understood when viewing the model

Noticeable DevelopmentThese two models show the skill development I have acquired during the semester. The upper right photo is the first model I attempted to assemble and the larger left photo is the latest model.

The first model is lacking many essential elements that help create a developed model. There are also elements that undermine the message I was trying to convey. The literalness of the blue water and the large rock seem to distract the viewer from the overall message. The latest model is on a different level. It has much greater complexity, as well as a clear sense of path and place with experiential qualities in these areas. This iteration has the ability to bring the viewer in to imagine what it would be like being in the spaces and walking along the pathways. It is clear that my development has excelled by comparing the two models.

Experience Gained

• Through the many drawings, model iterations, and CAD designs I have developed the sense and ability to determine how to approach, analyze, and follow through on my inspiration and translate that to others in a readable way.

• Developing the models I have better understanding of the higherarchical systems that are necessary to create places that inspire myself and others

• Through the semester I have been continually challenged with the process of balancing resources and determining where to devote my energy, weather it be the time spent on a project, a narration, or professional tasks this class has helped me develop the skills to prioritize and determine how to best accomplish my goals

Berkeley Architecture Department

This shows a recent trip to the Berkeley campus and what the graduate

students are working on

Student Critique

Student Critique

Student Work