Live Forever Art

sketch series 1

2011-12-11T22:25:00.001-08:00

Carlie Blake | thumbnail contribution for the Way of the Day, an exhibit for Thomas Day Furniture

2011-10-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

I am in the graphics group for 'the Way of the Day' exhibit, and am responsible for the signage and communication graphics within the exhibit. After discussing vision with other group members, we have decided that along with one main graphic poster, there will be 6 individual posters that would be suspended throughout the space, a floor graphic, and hand-held fliers as well. Below are thumbnail sketches I have contributed that illustrate ideations for these graphics, including our vision of a floor plan as well.

Sketch series 5.5 | Power Data Communication Plan

2011-10-26T19:56:00.000-07:00

Sketch series 5 | RCP and Lighting of the Conference Room

2011-10-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

revisiting...

original exploration and annotation

RL Vanstory Company | a response after a visit

2011-10-13T00:49:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, our Materials and Methods class took a trip to visit a local lighting company, RL Vanstory Lighting Company. One thing I that found interesting from our field trip that was how the company itself used lighting in their own office. Observing their choices in how the space was lit, considering their career focus was in lighting, was very interesting. I also enjoyed the atmosphere they created within the space simply through their spirit as a company. Their passion was pleasingly apparent, and inviting for one to turn to for honest advice concerning future lighting concerns. I feel as though I learned more about the business aspect of the company as opposed to the actual presentations because I felt the importance of how they created an atmosphere through personality in their presentation and in lighting the space itself, was a bonus lesson in itself, and will definitely come to use when considering personal career options in the future.

sketch series 4 | luminaire studies of three spaces

2011-10-13T00:35:00.000-07:00

For this assignment, we were asked to study the various luminaires within three spaces of our choosing. Below are images, facts, and descriptions of luminaires and their effects in the ground floor of the Gatewood building, Banana Republic, and Tate Street Coffee.

"Bodies Revealed" : Carlie Blake

2011-10-04T16:57:00.001-07:00

light study through light source, surface, and texture

2011-09-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

For this assignment, we were asked to observe how various light sources react according to different textiles.

calculating reflectance: the ground floor

2011-09-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

For this assignment, we were asked to measure the reflectance of light according to where you travel within the space. The images above represent isolux diagrams, which illustrate the changes in reflectance, explaining how much light was hitting the surfaces in the hallway on the ground floor of the Gatewood building, both artificial and natural.

decisive adherence of light [images and precedents]

2011-09-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

Here are images of Tadao's work that I have always found intriguing in their simplicity and beauty as a sculptural gesture.

For this assignment, we were asked to create a light model in which to study the interaction of both natural and artificial light within a space. Taking inspiration from architects such as Tadao Ando, we focused on the navigation and balance of light through simplicity in both gesture and form. Every void, every manipulated surface, every skewed plane was purposeful to create a subtle lighting effect in the space, to direct how one would navigate within. The form was designed to focus more on the natural light that enters through the various voids and cut outs, but the incorporation of artificial light is seen behind an angled wall, creating a soft glow, hidden, creating a sense of mystery as to where that particular light is coming from. Keeping the interior simple, for our focus was on how the integration of light and form can manipulate how one navigates through the space, we choose to have one object within the space, a table with a reflective surface, minimal in form, it's purpose to reflect the various light entering the space.

final board

2011-09-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

observations of light | fourth floor of gatewood

2011-09-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Here are two observations of the fourth floor of the Gatewood Studio Arts Building, and how both natural and artificial light can impact a space.

the importance of light in space

2011-09-01T00:28:00.000-07:00

Our knowledge comes from experience. It is how we know our past, our memories, our culture. It is through our experiences that express the character of a thing, a purpose, a relationship. Considering space, or our interaction in a place, we know of it through it’s character as it is, or was, impressed in our minds. How we interact with light in a space also derives from experience, and how we know to experience it. We can use this knowledge in design, importantly, in architecture.

Consider light and place, and how an environment impacts our world as a whole. We understand night and day, sunrise and sunset. Being familiar with these daily patterns, we are internally familiar with our rituals impacted by them. Where we live regionally determines these rituals based on how light interacts with the habitat. It impacts us when we wake up, when we sleep, and simply why we do the things we do, when we do, during the day. It is important to be aware of light and place when designing areas that are both geographically and seasonally foreign to you, for those who reside there experience the space accordingly. You must be aware of how they experience culture. Designing a space in Japan, for example, knowledge of the people and how they experience space is vital. We must understand their preferences, what makes a place comfortable for their lifestyle, and the rituals that coincide with it. In the book ‘Light Revealing Architecture’, Marietta Millet explains how the spirit of a place develops from its culture using architecture from various regions as an example. She describes how Japanese people prefer darkness in their spaces, with an emphasis on the contrast of light and shadows. She also discusses scale, and the importance of openness when designing for people in the Netherlands. Culturally, the purpose of large windows is to create a sense of openness. Displaying personal space is a form of communication for not only the Netherlands, but for the Italians as well. Using large windows in a space however, raises concern of how light is exposed in the space, and how one would go about controlling it. Millet also describes Italian windows, and how they “respond to the benign climate and also to the social rituals of conversing with friends and family in the street below”. As designers, we must understand the culture of the space, and how certain rituals experiencing light must be celebrated in the design, creating an environment that is comfortable and familiar to them.

When considering the relationship of light and climate, it is important to find the balance of light and temperature, understanding how it can impact an environment spiritually and culturally. The purpose of the building or space is also important. Designing libraries, for example, it is crucial to understand how light can manipulate not only the space itself, but more importantly, the users of the space. We must know where light touches the building, and the amount that passes through the windows, impacting those who dwell inside. The space must be created with comfort in mind. Alvar Aalto’s Viipuri Municipal Library is a good example when considering this, for he studied the distribution of light in relation to what is comfortable for reading. As designers, we can use Aalto’s process work as an inspiration of how we find the balance of light and temperature, of light and comfort. By performing light studies in the spaces we are designing, we can then develop a better understanding of how to control the exposure to light, and how that impacts the user in their environment.

The relationship of light and climate can also be understood through the relationship of light and time. The way light expresses itself is constantly changing at every moment of the day. As designers, we must we aware of time in relation to light, see each shadow that interacts with form and space, and how we can manipulate them to speak a similar language. In understanding time, we can allow the season direct our designs. Louis Kahn describes the myriad of time and light through simplicity, by allowing the change of time to design the space- “I have no color applied to the walls of my home. I wouldn’t want to disturb the wonder of natural light. The light really does make the room. The changing light according to the time of day and seasons of the year give the room color.” The concept of allowing what naturally surrounds us aid in constructing our design is a beautiful way of relating nature with architecture, of connecting the outside world with an interior space. An example of this is the glass paneling in the Gamble House by Greene and Greene, which an image of nature in the form of a tree. When we design, we should constantly be aware of nature. We must not only notice, but also understand natural patterns, reflections, textures, and shadows, and how recreating images of nature through light and form can impact a space.

As designers, it is important understand how light affects the way we live our lives, whether it is through nature, time, or simply how we experience the space. What we know derives from experience, from exposure. We must design through exposure, understanding the client through knowledge of the culture and how light can enhance a space accordingly.

light and health

2011-09-01T00:27:00.000-07:00

When considering personal health, one may think of exercise or dietary actions and how those certain decisions may influence them mentally and physically. One factor that appears to go unnoticed when understanding one’s health however, is their personal exposure to light. Studies have shown that changes in light patterns have a strong impact on one’s behavior and health, mentally and physically.

Lifestyle as a concept is diverse. The routines we live and the choices we make, different they may be, the presence of pattern is inevitable, as well as the constant exposure to light. As a society, awareness of light and its impact on individual health should become a dominating factor in our lifestyles. Most people are aware of how, when the day has ended and night has begun, that our energy and wakefulness naturally decreases. What many may not understand is the awareness our brains have of light patterns, more specifically, the ganglion cell, which senses changes in brightness and darkness, signaling to the body how to react. Too much exposure to daylight has shown to negatively impact one’s health (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This then raises concerns as to how to maintain a balance of light exposure, for studies have also shown that too much exposure to solar or electric lighting impacts heart rate patterns. Night-shift nurses or factory workers who work in environments involving such exposure, for example, tend to be in risk of cardiac problems.

How do we as a society find a balance of light exposure and how it can impact our mental and physical health when a majority is not even aware of its presence? A solution is work with light, understand the exposure and its impact, and ultimately learn how to control it according to the environment. Whether this be through architectural changes, or electrical, a society should first be aware. Once one can understand how their daily lifestyle and health in their environment is influenced, one will hopefully be open for change.

US3: modernism continued | decoration introduced | new materials, same precedents

2011-04-27T12:35:00.001-07:00

BP14: inspiration

2011-04-26T16:11:00.001-07:00

iar 221-02 extra credit [is design all a matter of opinion?]

2011-04-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

Is design simply a matter of opinion? Or are there other factors that help define what is good design? Consider interior design. Consider interior architecture. Does one need a formal education in order to be considered a good, qualified work? I think it depends on the individual’s situation. Stories of people who have built themselves into something and have grown into success on their own are inspiring, intriguing even, but are they enough to separate themselves from those with credentials? Or is experience a more important factor to differentiate themselves? I personally think that experience and credentials go hand in hand. As you gain experience, whether it is on your own or through education, the amount of credit you can then grant yourself increases as well. Experience is essential in design, and a good way to gain a great amount of experience is by building your credentials through education. I believe it is commendable to be successful entirely on your own, but ultimately I feel that education is the best preparation for the industry. You are critiqued by a variety of people, giving you the opportunity to design for different styles. You also are given the opportunity to build up your portfolio when you go to school. As far as media in relation to design, I feel that the media presents a surfaced view of what design, especially interior design, truly is. Shows such as Design Star give society this idea that anyone can be a designer. They design with affordability as a main goal, as opposed to firmness and delight. This leads me back to my opening question, is design simply a matter of opinion? If the audience who is exposed to design in the media enjoy it, and learn simple ways of improving their home, is it really a crime to us? I feel as though those who are intrigued by design in the way that we are who go to school for it cannot judge those shows necessarily, but it really is a matter of opinion.

BP13: flight through form

2011-04-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

RR13: Notice

2011-04-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

RR12: expression through curvilinear form

2011-04-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

BP12: good design for all [the green bean]

2011-04-11T07:58:00.001-07:00

US2: it's all about the rules!

2011-04-08T13:27:00.000-07:00

RR11: principles of architectural design, beaux arts style

2011-04-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

BP11: simply modern

2011-04-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

For spring break, I went to Myrtle Beach for three days and went on many adventures by simply walking around and taking in as much as I could. It was a nice break from studio, but I couldn't help but notice architecture around me. But it wasn't the buildings necessarily that stood out, but a simple pathway that ran parallel with the road. The path itself was very curvilinear and symmetrically balanced, but was interrupted by triangular forms throughout. It was very intriguing, this whimsical fluid path interrupted at certain sections with triangular forms. Most people would normally notice the fabric overhangs in the forms of triangles. The angles were very subtle, but still remained in contrast of the fluid pathway. There were other interruptions, however, that would typically go unnoticed, such as subtle angles in the benches, or structural wood angled in support for surrounding palm trees.

I think an interesting aspect in any design, whether it be in architecture or art, is contrast. Contrast through form, material, color, context, content...anything! It's a very appealing part of design that makes the viewer question the purpose behind it, which, I feel, is an extremely important consideration in design. Contrast has been constant in architecture for a while, but I think the subtle, very minimal approach is a fairly modern way of designing, especially when designing angled structures or forms. A simple way of catching the viewer's eye, a simple way of modern architecture.

RR10: architecture repeated

2011-03-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

BP10: adaption through advancement

2011-03-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

rendering in illustrator

2011-03-27T11:54:00.001-07:00

RR9: purity through form and function

2011-03-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

BP9: the washington monument, an egyptian revival

2011-03-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

BP8 [3/14/11]: the nautilus shell

2011-03-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

2011-03-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

RR7[2/28/11]: the kingdom of pagan, a poem

2011-02-28T11:25:00.000-08:00

BP7[2/28/11]: architecture of happiness

2011-02-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

When one thinks of happiness, and what derives or cause it, what might you think of? Is it a certain object, an object recollected from a memory? Or could it be a certain space or place that brings about certain memories in your past that create happiness? I find that spaces or places create happiness for me. When asked in class to think about a favorite place, space, and object, I actually found it easier to think of the place and space as opposed to an object. Personally, places leave a stronger mark, they bring about certain emotions by heightening senses you received while in the space. When asked to then think about a specific place or space on campus that makes you happy I thought of a few, but they are moreso places, specifically outdoor, rather than interior spaces. One place in particular is the Foust park. The simplicity of the landscape, the way the hills flow across the land is relaxing, a place to enjoy, to create memories, whether they be solitude or with the company of others. A place to sketch, to read, a place to illuminate internal struggles. The openness allows one to find a space for themselves, whether it be under a tree or on a bench. Above (left) is a sketch I actually did last year for myself.

Another place on campus I thoroughly enjoy is the bridge leading one to the music building. I find it simply fascinating. I never venture over there as much as I would like, but whenever I do, all I want is to explore, to imagine this epic adventure scene using the bridge and it's surroundings. One interesting thing about the nature around the music building is the authenticity of it. No one is allowed to build or destroy the landscape, which I think is well fit, considering the beauty and overall atmosphere it creates. Above (right) is a sketch of the bridge I did the other day for class.

US1: from geometry to composition

2011-02-22T14:15:00.000-08:00

digital rendering [photoshop]

2011-02-22T11:39:00.000-08:00

For this assignment, we were given a wireframe of a perspective to render solely in photoshop. I choose to render the space given, but focus solely on light, shadow, and texture in the space, as opposed to the space created through form and furniture.

RR6- 2/21/11: perfection through transformation, the renaissance

2011-02-21T13:29:00.001-08:00

BP6- 2/21/11 | hierarchy vs worship

2011-02-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

RR5_2/14/11_adaption or evolution

2011-02-14T11:40:00.000-08:00

adaption or evolution.

Transformation occurs with everything, and occurs differently according to the subject undergoing change. When observing transformation in architecture, one must begin to think about form and function, and how they must evolve with the context surrounding it during the time. Considering the Roman Empire for example, the function of their architecture began to shift according to what was going on in their society, how they began to view the world. Purpose that began for comfort and pleasure then transformed into a purpose centered around religion. Qualities of architecture such as details and elaboration began to be replaced by simplicity, a reflection of their new views of themselves and the world.

"This emphasis of Roman life on the here and now was gradually replaced with a very different concern for the hereafter through the influence of a new religion that reshaped the way Romans began to think about the world and themselves."

Now is this new change considered an evolution, as previously discussed, or simply adaption? Thinking of how the world of architecture has changed since then, there is still bits and pieces of influences you can see from previous objects, buildings, places, and spaces, so then is it simply change through adaption with precedents? I believe that adaption and evolution go hand and hand. In order to go through change, whether it be structural or spiritual, one must do so in consideration of their surroundings, and the time period in which they choose to, or don't choose to, go through. The Roman empire, however, it appeared they had no choice. With Constantine as the new ruler, the Christian faith was the new development, the new life. And with this change, came adaption, the people then had to adjust in order to fulfill their new purpose of life with religious experience.

When considering a change dealing with something as personal as religion, the time one takes to think about what the space is used for is enhanced just the same, only in a different sense. The exterior grew less detailed, the focus becoming the interior and it's relation to the personal religious experience one would feel within the space. A creation of an atmosphere, one with a intricate exposure and connection between this world and heaven. Adjusting to the time period they were exposed to at the time. Adaption. And transforming the form and function of such a building, place, or space. Evolution.

BP5 [2/14/11]

2011-02-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

Dancing, linear in form.
Colors.

Vibrations born, in random repetition.
Noise.

Pipes, layered, intriguing and curious.
Movement.

A chaotic momentum, an odyssey ever-changing.
Illumination.

image: pompidou center | paris, france

RR4_2/7/11_"commoditie"

2011-02-07T11:21:00.000-08:00

Utility, firmness, and beauty. According to Vitruvius, those are the pathway to good architecture. It must include balance through arrangement, and such arrangement in relation to its site. The foundation itself must be solid. And simply the appearance, is it visually pleasing? Doing these things well results in bringing a building to life. "When you make a building, you make it a life. It comes out of life, and you really make a life. It talks to you. When you have only the comprehension of the function of a building, it would not become an environment of a life" (Louis I. Kahn). When relating this quote to the architecture from Rome, one can discuss how they satisfied, or attempted to satisfy, commodity through diversity. One always hears how form must fit function. But if you think about it, function is always changing. Nothing is constant. Things repeat themselves in history, but the world is ever changing. This leads to the question of what we are designing for. Is the intent solely for structure within a certain site, or is it purely function? Have we seen this before, and can it be repeated? Thinking about architecture from the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, the concept of appearance versus reality is seen. It makes one question the hierarchy of their thoughts. Which is more important, the function or the visual? Or is it simply the symbolism cooresponding between what we see and what we think we see. All of these things can be brought up when one designs. Questions lead to more questions. One question I came to after I allowed my thoughts to wander, manipulated by the progression from their origin concerning Vitruvius, to Greek and Roman ideals, is simply why question if the space follows firmness, beauty, and utility? Shouldn't the moment the space reveals when experiencing it be the greater factor?

BP4_[2/7/11]

2011-02-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

This past Friday, we took another campus tour to observe how Roman architecture is seen in our campus. Walking around, I asked myself a few questions. Is there a sense of balance? Is it through form and material? And is there a essence of power through hierarchy?

I noticed that our campus was designed, in a sense, on a grid. Four main buildings mark the four corners of campus, all lining up, spread around college avenue. The library across from the economics building; the music building across from education. Thinking about this, I asked myself, why these four buildings? This hierarchy through selection shows what what seen as most important buildings for our school. At first, economics seems silly to be placed in the category among it, but when you think back to when UNC-G was first built, it was intended to be an all-women school, which makes it's place among the others seem fit.

Another thing I noticed while observing our campus was the repetition of circles throughout. Some make sense and are purposeful in their location, such as the circle on college av that marks the spot between the library and the economics building along the axis. Others along college av however, made me question their intent, because they seemed random. There are also quite a few circles in the EUC, in the representation of domes. These relate well with what we are studying in class because of the relation with light and sky. On the floor directly below the dome in the building, there is a design marking of a sun. This increases a viewers experience while entering the building, creating a moment that reminds me of the Pantheon. I do not think, however, the two should be compared in any sense, for the dome in the EUC, I feel, was randomly placed there to, in a sense, look pleasing.

The MHRA building I found most interesting in comparison to the others I previously discussed. There is a definite balance and order when entering, aligned on an axis. The design markings on the floor of the lobby intrigued me with their gradation as you enter. This relates back to Roman architecture with the fact that it provides a sense of power, giving direction to the one entering the space. This building also had interesting details in material, including the use of columns. The set on the outside of the building were ionic in detail. This pattern was also brought inside to the lobby, but were less detailed and more for a structural purpose.

To spend an hour or so and observe our surroundings, we can definitely uncover precedents around us that we would generally walk right past. I think what is most intriguing about exercises like this is to see their relation (does it fail or succeed?) and how various concepts of design have evolved over the years.

chaos is bliss

2011-02-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

chaos is bliss

The idea of chaos is for some... an unnerving concept. For others, it is the only way to survive in a world where structure is an unattainable goal. Pain is inevitable, so why not strive forward, have everyone suffer? Equality, in the sickest way possible. In this sense, everyone is even; no hierarchy, no power, no control.

...but maybe, a chaotic WORLD isn't the answer. Maybe what we should desire is the discovery of a chaotic person, someone who is chaos to your own personal structure. Because then, together, we will have unity in our solitude.

BP3: acropolis | xianzang palace

2011-01-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

When considering the idea of SPACE, one must think about what it is used for. Is its purpose based of off the surrounding landscape? Is its goal to direct you through that landscape towards the focal point? Or is its purpose simply used as a place of POWER? All of these questions can be manipulated and dug through when in the context of Acropolis and the Xianyang Palace.

One, the SPACE had a sole purpose to direct you towards the statue of Athena on top of the hill. The other, simply a space whose purpose was to have and reveal POWER through its form and function. When thinking about POWER, one must consider what exactly exemplifies such control. Is it the columns seen repeatedly across Acropolis, or is it the idea of repetition through stacking at the Xianyang palace?

These structural patterns seen in both also contribute to the EXPERIENCE one gets while communicating through the space. This EXPERIENCE could occur through use of materials or ornamentation of the columns or simply what one feels when progressing through the space.

One may also experience certain things concerning the various PRINCIPLES discovered through the site. For example, various beliefs, the worship of a god or emperor. There is also a sense of ORDER when observing these two sites, and with that order brings HIERARCHY. The combination of stacking and grouping can be seen in both, with the arrangement of columns throughout. With geometric patterns comes a sense of hierarchy as well. The stacking and repetition serving as protection, both through balance and proportion.

All of these factors can be seen not only in architecture in history, but on the UNCG campus as well. There is repetition throughout, shown through groups and stacks. Many buildings around campus, including the Foust and the archway outside the Ferguson building have a spirit of repetition and unity. The experience one gets when walking through such a symmetrical group of columns is very powerful because it gives off an overwhelming sense of order. When also considering the idea of EXPERIENCE through ORDER, the quad is a good example. All of the dorms are identical, equally spread out in two rows, all centered around a courtyard area. Ones experience when traveling through the quad is very powerful, as if there is a silent knowledge of the ORDER and POWER the space contains.

When spaces bring a sense of power, order, experience, and hierarchy, one cannot help but question why it was designed the way it was. But that is, I believe, one of the beautiful things about architecture, because when one is questioned by a design, it comes from a place of intriquement.

Bound Portability | diagraming and early gestures

2011-01-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

Here are some rendered diagrams of the shelter, explaining how it opens and closes. Also, here is some early sketches including rough dimensions and ideas.

Bound Portability- final model

2011-01-29T12:28:00.001-08:00

Here are some images of the full scale model of the shelter. I used cut up tee shirts to bind cardboard together. It has the ability to be open during the day, with the front flaps held up by each other, and simply pull under the structure at night for privacy along with more bedding support when sleeping. The floor was coated with newspapers, cardboard, and bubblewrap for instillation.

Bound Portability

2011-01-29T12:23:00.000-08:00

For this assignment we were asked to create a homeless shelter for one. My first idea was to create something that was joined in a way that was portable, because one would not simply stay in one place at a time. My design of the structure begin with a simple gesture of lines and how they were joined, and evolved from there, but retaining the same spirit. Here are some images of the process sketch models.

Perspectives of the barn

2011-01-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here are the two perspectives of the barn, along with a perspective from the other building. Each were hand drawn and rendered with marker, then taken into photoshop to add further detailing such as the glass cubes, light flares, and scale figures.

Model of the barn

2011-01-29T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here are a few images of the final model of the barn shown in the drawings in previous post. We have a Tupperware box full of scale models and folded triangles, each showing how our design evolved from the beginning.

Manipulation through folds

2011-01-29T11:47:00.000-08:00

These are some images from my final project first semester, second year. For this assignment we were asked to design a wellness center for cancer survivor patients. My group developed a very gestural spirit to our design of the two structures on the site, both buildings having manipulated ceilings through the process of folding triangles in a way that dividing the space without actually doing so.

Here are some of the process drawings I did for the structure that including the kitchen, art studio, and simple storage. They were drawn using conte cran and graphite.

putting history into practice

2011-01-23T18:59:00.001-08:00

For this assignment we stepped outside of the classroom and walked around campus for about 30 minutes. We were asked to take a second look at what we would typically walk by without notice, and consider what we've been discussing in class recently, such as circles, groups, and stacks.

In this sketch that I did I observed various circles, groups, and stacks around campus. One thing I noticed multiple times was the amount of grouping throughout campus. I drew one example of this, which is the columns shown outside the Ferguson building. Another example I noticed was the buildings in the quad. All are uniform and proportionate to each other, centered around a courtyard like area. There were many examples of circles across campus, college av, the fountain, and the EUC especially. There are repeated dome like ceilings in the EUC, along with a sun pattern below the domes. Each dome also had an oculus in the center of it, which is notably seen in the Pantheon. The music building on campus emulates the idea of circles extremely well. Everything appears balanced and unified, even simply the benches in the outside entrance to the building, all emphasizing repetition and harmony. One example representing both circles and stacking is the fountain on campus. It does a nice job of creating a sense of balance with the half circles and full circles stacked on top each other in a fluid motion. The circles surrounding the fountain also do a good job of directing your eye, focusing it, leading it upwards towards the actual fountain.

One thing we were asked to consider while observing circles, groups, and stacks around campus was to ask ourselves if we think that environments influence RITUALS, or if rituals influence ENVIRONMENTS. I believe that it is the environment that has control. For example, the fountain is a known for a place to gather and socialize with friends, telling us that it is the environment that influences the ritual. This is strange to me, however, because historically it appears to be the opposite, that many rituals controlled how the overall design of that space was positioned, Stonehenge for example.

reading response 1

2011-01-18T19:37:00.000-08:00

burj khalifa (continued)

2011-01-12T12:09:00.000-08:00

Two floor plans, two site diagrams of the hotel.

Diagraming Dubai

2010-09-08T17:46:00.000-07:00

For this assignment we had to compose a series of diagrams on a certain architectural building we personally chose. My decision to choose the man-made islands of Dubai was a risky one, but I find their design appealing, their concept, fascinating. It was a challenge, however, to find the architectural documentation that was required for the assignment. I found aerial images of the islands themselves, along with plan views of the Burj hotel, which is the tallest building in the world as of now. I was also able to find a floor plan of one of the levels in the hotel. I wasn't too pleased with my overall diagram that I was able to put together, but here are the traced images and one free-hand sketch that I used for the final result.

Summer Passion

2010-09-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

One of my passions is art. Sketching favorite actors and artists, or simply sketching what's in my mind at the time. It helps deal with emotion and express my "free spirit gypsy soul" (as some people like to describe me :D). This summer was a summer of James Dean. He, along with others such as Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr, inspire me greatly. I also choose to emulate other various images I found. I deeply enjoyed sketching this summer and was very pleased with the results.

Reflection for Final Project

2010-05-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

For our final project, we were assigned to design a space for a client (designer, artist, etc) of our choice. The space could either be from the loading dock or the administrative office. I chose film director Joe Wright and designed using the administrative space. His style of film is actually what inspired me to design his space the way I did. He uses a lot of rich colors and movement in his films, which is what influenced my title ‘Literary Movement’. We had to include various architectural elements on our board. For example, floor plan, elevations, perspectives, etc. We were also asked to include one level change in the space and design a studio and living area. I decided to keep make the studio space the focal point, having your eyes move directly towards it when entering the space. I did this by adding a brick wall with double French doors leading into his studio. I also added architectural wood paneling along the ceiling, directing your eye towards the space. The color palette I chose was complementary, using rich green, red, brown, and yellow. As for my actual project, I felt that my board and presentation went ‘okay’. The critique I received was very helpful and I am now more aware of what to improve on in the future. I know personally that I could have done much better in my perspective drawings. This was frustrating for me because I know what I am capable of doing, drawing-wise, and feel that I did not meet my personal expectations. My drawings were rather confusing for the audience and I felt, did not help get my design across the way I would have hoped. For any future assignment, I would make sure to draw my perspectives with my audience in mind. I felt my floor plan and elevations were done nicely, but they can always be improved, be cleaner, neater. Overall, if I could re-due this assignment, I would definitely make improvements with my perspectives.

Clue #7

2010-04-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here is my final rendered car. I adapted pointillism style using colored pencil.

Clue #5

2010-04-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

For this assignment, we had to draw a car in a 2 point perspective, without any value or rendering. I chose a Campus Security Car I see around campus. The back wheel looks a lil off. =/

Clue #1

2010-04-26T21:02:00.001-07:00

For this assignment, we had to choose two spaces on campus that had special meaning to us. I chose a space by the fountain and a space by the park by the Foust Building. Both spots are both place I visit regularly to either draw, socialize, or simply relax.

Extra Credit

2010-04-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

One spot on campus that I really enjoy is the fountain. Not only is it exciting, it can be relaxing as well. I love simply sitting out with friends, enjoying the weather. Recently, I have been going there to draw. I've drawn a few perspectives from various spots around the fountain. I chose this perspective sketch because it incorporates depth and texture. I wanted to capture activity in my sketch through my use of scale figures and the different waterfalls.

My Emulated Sketches

2010-03-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

Various Inspiring Artists

2010-03-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

Inspiring Artists

2010-03-14T17:34:00.000-07:00

At first, I read the assignment wrong and only choose one artist to emulate. Here are the 3 of the 5 sketches I did in the beginning. I altered two of them to match other styles.

Window

2010-02-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

For this assignment, we had to create two moments of light in a selected window using cardboard and two other materials (optional) of your choice. We were also asked to collaborate with our neighboring windows and their design ideas. After doing some research, I decided that for my design, I wanted to focus on the layering of cardboard and how that would create two moments of light. The two moments of light I created are the light reflected in between the two layers of cardboard and the shadow cast as well. I am overall very please with the outcome of my project. The only critique I have on myself would be the improvement of craft. If I had more time, I would redo the exterior layer, making sure the slits were even and smooth. I would also do a better job of measuring both layers in relation to the window.

Various images taken around 10am...

Ritual... Final Images

2010-02-18T12:15:00.001-08:00

For this assignment, we were asked to create a ritual for a certain object, and make it out of wood and one other material (of your choice). My ritual was wearing and/or protecting my grandmother's ring. My first model was of a hand made out of clay cupped upwards, with a stand for the ring to sit on the palm of the hand. This hand was then placed on a wooden tray. It was suggested that I change this however, because there were not two separate objects, two separate steps, in a sense. I then decided to create another hand out of clay, this one cupped down. This way, you have to pick up the hand in order to get the ring. This also adds to the protecting aspect of my ritual. Overall, I feel that the craft of my project could have been improved.

Here are some images of my final model...

Ritual... Beginning Ideas and Models

2010-02-16T18:15:00.001-08:00

Morning Exercise 2-2-10

2010-02-03T20:03:00.000-08:00

For this morning assignment, we all went to the lobby where the had various shelter-type structures designed and displayed. We were asked to draw what we saw. There were various structures, which is why I chose the angle I drew from, because I was then able to draw work on perspective. I am very pleased with how my drawing turned out, especially because I did it in pen and because of the time limit.

Personifying Scale Figures

2010-02-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

For this assignment, we had to draw people around larger objects, highlighting the interaction between the people and most importantly, highlighting their personality. We were asked to pay special attention to the contrasting sizes of the people versus the objects beside them. We were also asked to enhance our sketches by using watercolor. My first vignette is that of a little girl playing with a dog around a tree. I wanted to show size contrast between her, the tree, and the dog. I was pleased with how it turned out, as opposed to my other two, in which I was more upset with how my people/ scene turned out.

Wearable Watercolors

2010-01-27T12:10:00.000-08:00

For this assignment, we had to create three watercolor vignettes of three people and the accessories they wear. Along with the accessory, each illustration had to include the immediate context of the person modeling it (for example-the arm, hand, neck). We were also asked to experiment with watercolors in this assignment.

Storytelling

2010-01-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

For this assignment, we had to chose a layout from a magazine as our inspiration for a personal two-page spread. The design should describe the topic: "the first week back". I chose a layout that included both picture and text, and did a nice job of integrating the two together. I wanted to use this layout as an inspiration, but only just. I had ideas of my own, like the hand sketching the background, and I wanted to combine both my inspiration and ideas nicely. At first, the drawing was drawn in black and white. Just recently, I added watercolor to the sketch, and personally, I liked it better without color.

Illuminated Objects - 1/20/10

2010-01-25T18:06:00.000-08:00

For this sketchbook assignment, we had to choose five artifacts that had importance to us. Using a black pen and one color of our choice, we had to memorialize these objects through both drawings and words. We were told to focus on layout, color, text, and hierarchy. My five objects were a pad of paper with my favorite Bible verse written on it, a picture of my dog, a croc keychain, a sunflower, and my grandmother's ring. I chose to draw the pad of paper in the background of the drawing. I wanted it to be more important than all of the other objects, but not be noticeably more important. I drew the sunflower growing out of the side of the page to show growth and importance. The spot color I chose was yellow not only because it is the natural color of sunflowers, but because all of the objects I chose have their own special way of uplifting my spirit, and have impacted my life in a positive manner. The text of the Bible verse itself is drawn lightly and in the background of the sketch. I wanted it to be a main part of the drawing without overpowering the other objects. I also wrote little phrases next to the other objects that have a sentimental relation with that specific object. I really enjoyed the assignment, especially the fact that we were asked to draw it as a two-page spread.

Luminescence...images of model

2009-12-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

Here are various images of my model luminaire. My original inspiration were Northern Lights. As I was brainstorming and working on my model, I felt that creating light similar to northern lights was becoming slightly impossible. I built my structure out of black foam board and cut it with three open ends and one solid back. I also made a small structure on the inside for the light bulb to sit on it's own. I painted tissue paper using a mixture of colors such as blues, greens, pinks, purples, yellows. My goal was to create a smooth transition of colors from a deep purple to a bright yellow (as seen in an earlier image of northern lights that inspired me). As I began painting the tissue paper, I realized that it was not going to be a smooth and as fluid as I was hoping, but I ran with it, actually liking how it was coming together. I then applied the three sections of tissue paper to the three open sides. The light cast was not exactly northern lights to the eye (it had more of a water color appeal). But when placed against a white wall or backdrop, the colors cast give off the look I was going for.

Luminescence... drawing

2009-12-09T20:30:00.000-08:00

Here is the drawing of my luminaire. The objective was to show the color cast by the luminaire, and was easily done by drawing on black canon paper using colored pencils. I chose purple, yellow, and white to show how the light shines from my luminaire. We had to include a front view, a section, an elevation, along with a descriptive rendition.

The Blanding's Lake House - floor plan, section, and elevation

2009-12-09T20:21:00.001-08:00

For this assignment, we had to submit construction documents (the Plan 'A1', Section 'A2', and Elevation 'A3'), including accurate measurements, symbols, and space planning logic. All drawings were done on 18X24 sheets of vellum paper, and drawn with pen using appropriate line weights.

The Blanding's Lake House - Two One-point Perspectives

2009-12-09T20:13:00.000-08:00

As the second part of this assignment, we had to draw two one-point perspectives of the Blanding's future home. One of the perspectives had to include our custom luminary and both had to include other furniture and fixtures, and scale figures. The drawings were done on 18X24 sheets of bond paper, and were drawn in pen.

Shadow Boxes

2009-11-10T17:17:00.001-08:00

Junk Drawer

2009-11-10T17:15:00.001-08:00

luminescence... ideas

2009-11-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

Here are some interesting images I found during my research.

luminescence... ideas

2009-11-09T06:35:00.001-08:00

As I began thinking of ideas for this project, the first thing that came to mind as inspiration were the northern lights. I have always found them fascinating, the colors, and the overall effect they cast. Here are some images of various northern lights.

luminescence... ideas

2009-11-09T06:22:00.000-08:00

Understanding Diaglog - Section View

2009-10-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Understanding Diaglog - Side Elevation

2009-10-29T18:18:00.001-07:00

Understanding Diaglog - Perspective Elevation

2009-10-29T18:16:00.000-07:00

Understanding Diaglog - Plan View

2009-10-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

Understanding Diaglog

2009-10-29T18:07:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of my final model.

Understanding Diaglog

2009-10-29T17:42:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of some of my practice models.

Morning Exercise 10-20-09

2009-10-29T17:41:00.001-07:00

Morning Exercise 10-15-09

2009-10-29T17:40:00.001-07:00

Sketchbook Assignment - Interior Space (with people)

2009-10-14T23:30:00.000-07:00

For this assignment, we had to sketch an interior space that was occupied by people. I tried to have some variety in the locations... one being at a desk, one watching tv, one in a kitchen, etc. I found it quite difficult using pen, having to correct, or hide, my mistakes through either shading or overlapping, making my drawings somewhat messy. Overall, I've learned that for other assignments like this, I need to be patient and take my time... I can't rush through them and be done with it, but actually work on getting it just right.

Perspective View

2009-10-14T18:29:00.000-07:00

Left Side Elevation

2009-10-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

Front View Elevation

2009-10-14T18:26:00.001-07:00

Top View of Unity Structure

2009-10-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

Orthographic Drawings of "Unity" Structure

2009-10-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

We also had to do several orthographic drawings of our model.

Final Structure: "Unity"

2009-10-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some shots of my final model.

Practice Models

2009-10-14T18:14:00.001-07:00

Here are pictures of a few of my practice models.

Graphic

2009-10-14T18:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a graphic poster for my "Unity" project. We had to create a visual of our inspirations for our model. Mine was both the internal and external structural qualities of the Sydney Opera House.

Detailed View of an Edge

2009-10-14T18:07:00.001-07:00

3-D Sketch

2009-10-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

Front Elevation

2009-10-14T18:02:00.000-07:00

Side Elevation

2009-10-14T17:59:00.001-07:00