Decompression

In this design project we were tasked with designing a mobile relief unit that houses four hurricane relief workers. One of the major requests was that there should be a transformation of the space architecturally.

In architecture as in all other operative arts, the end must direct the operation. The end is to build well. Well- building hath three conditions: commoditie, firmeness, and delight. Sir Henry Wotten, The Elements of Architecture 1624. This quote still stands true today.

Implicit in the word “design” is the idea of creating an object or space for others to use and appreciate. Using this line of thought, I embarked on a mission to design with the relief workers in mind. As a result I found that the workers encounter and endure a lot mental, physical, and emotional stress from seeing and experiencing people who have been devastated by a natural disaster.
This brings us to my concept decompression. Decompression can imply the relief of compressing factors, such as mental, physical and spiritual stressors, the taking of an object, space, or person and expanding it to a larger size and to calm one down and relax, literally or figuratively. Using this concept the space is designed to psychologically, physically and spiritually decompress the relief workers, and it accomplishes this by allowing the user to gradually transition from the compressing factors of the outside environment to the more decompressed environment of the interior. To architecturally accomplish this gradual transition, I designed the entrance to evoke a more compressed feeling by having a small entrance and hallway where the more pragmatic spaces are located, (such as the bathrooms and the driver seat) in the front, and the more private comforting spaces (such as the living and bedroom) in the rear.

As the workers move from the hallway, the relief unit literally decompresses through a series of expanding panels, which make up the side walls of the bus. It is here where the three stressors of compression are met.

Fashion Ilustration

The picture on the left is one that I will be using for inspiration and am aspiring to produce drawings equivalent to this.

The picture on the right is the first of a series of fashion sketches that I am embarking on to enhance my sketching and illustrating skills. In addition to the good practice, I have am also doing these drawings for a project that I have in my Consumer Apparel class.

West Side Story

In Design History we are reviewing the modernist movement in America specifically during the 1960's. As a result we watched the west side story which was based during the 1960's and we critically analyzed how the movie has incorporated design through lighting, choreography, color, music tonality, lyrics, and many other elements.

More Chair Cards

Chair Cards

These are chair cards that I have been required to draw for my history of Design class. I have learned a great deal about shading and drawing chairs since this project began and here is some of my work from that process.

Shelter/Bus Inspiration

Below are some pictures of a truck and a R.V. that has utilized some interesting design principles that cater specifically to the needs of the user. They are also in a utilitarian kind of way aesthetically pleasing. This is the link to the website that I received the pictures from.

http://www.newmarcorp.com/models/luxury/Dutch%20Aire/56

rendering practice

lamp

Value Study

LC4 Pony Chaise by Corbusier

Artifact Relocation

The library table was designed by the Herter Brothers who were German Born but opened up a successful cabinetmaking and decorating firm in the late nineteenth century. They formed their firm during a period in history when the wealthy were changing what it meant to live luxuriously. It was during this time that their famous library table was made for a gentleman by the name of William Henry Vanderbilt. Her first designed his fifth avenue mansion from 1879 to 1882 and then the library table to which would be centered in the library. Aesthetically this table contributed to the overall look, and it complimented the paneling through its use of rosewood with lavish mother of pearl and brass inlay (The Metropolitan Museum of Art 1). Furthermore, this table served more as a symbol than for pragmatism. It was an august library table that implied Mr. Vanderbilt was powerful and highly esteemed, as he was the richest man in America at that time. Not only did this table allude to Mr. Vanderbilt’s power but also the details contained within the table bring out the respect and power from the Roman Empire as Napoleanic Heraldry. It is even said, that the globes on each end imply that Vanderbilt had the world within his grasp; and the table top presents a celestial field with the stars over the northern hemisphere on the day Vanderbilt was born, May 8, 1821 (Metropolitan Museum of Art 2).
The library table, because of the power it references from the past and that it uses that power to affect the viewers today, it has been chosen to be relocated into a world renown politicians office. The designer Jayson Parker specifically designed the room the table is placed in, around the library table. As a result, the room is longer than it is wide, the door is centered on the table, and when people enter the room their vision is immediately directed to the table. It draws the eye and shows the importance the owner places on antiquity, alluding to the past, power and self. In addition to the shape of the room there are lights on each side of the table and above it to further draw out the singular importance and power it bestows upon the owner. This also enhances its hierarchical importance within the room. It is as if a divine power placed this table in the suns rays to fulfill its purpose in life.
With a piece this magnificent, we would expect nothing less superb from subsequent works. The crafter of this table, the Herter Brothers, do not disappoint with a later work- a writer’s desk. There are two writers desk in this room placed on each side of the rug in the center of the room. They were primarily chosen to bring balance to the room, to offer similar materials and finishes and to add to show how magnificent the works of the Herter brothers are.

Bus Shelter + N.C A & T

Organizational Concept
People need three basic elements to survive: food and water, shelter and a sense of belonging. By further examining the need for shelter, one will find that it can be further disaggregated. There is shelter from the elements, from physical danger and from psychological fears. This shelter addresses some of these simultaneously by protecting the users from the rain, the sun, from the fear of darkness and from the fear of being in enclosed spaces. However, in contrast is the shelter’s facilitation of the wind. Indeed, the shelter is designed such that the wind blows through the structure, cooling its users from the hot sun.
Character Concept
Mass and form, repetitive and unique, material, finish, and symbolism are all terms used in design to aid a design’s concept. They are terms that amalgamate to support the general notion of unity. Mass and form address the structure and materials that are nearby. Repetitive and unique call attention to the lines that are delineated across the N.C A & T campus. Material and finish address the materials that are used in other buildings in close proximity. Symbolism is shown through the unity of all these terms as well as the use of steel. Steel represents an amazing resource that is used here to signify the schools’ focus on technology. As a result, all of these pieces come together to provide the user with a cohesive sense of unity. The structure symbolizes the way in which all walks of life in and around the university utilize this space. It is here that they come together and are unified for one moment in time for the purpose of using the bus system- meeting this simple need in life.

Precis'

A precis' is a summary or abstract of a text or speech. Above is my precis' of the bus/shelter presentation and shelter/bus presentation that was given by all of the groups that presented. Its purpose is to summarize all of the presentations in each of the two categories into one clear and concise presentation.

Shelter/Bus

Here are longitudinal cut sections that show the first and second floors of the shelter bus. The first floor serves the relief workers by offering them a place of rest, relaxation, storage, bathroom, laundry room and a gym/yoga room. On the second floor there is a kitchen, living room with an entertaining area, relaxation room for victims, garden and hot tub, and an atelier.

Shelter/Bus Final

Top left- A Kohler Stillness multifunction hand shower.
Top Middle L. - Window opening from the aft of the bus while looking forward at the zen garden.
Top Middle R. - An LG energy star refrigerator and stove.
Top Right - Front view of the driving section of the bus.

The focused drawing is of the sustainable water filtration system and renewable energy source. The roof of this bus has angled solar panels that have the ability to rotate up and down to match the angle of the sun. During a rainy day the panels are able to catch the rain and direct it to a ceramic filter that runs the length of the solar panels. This provides the passengers with a renewable energy source as well as a constant source of clean water.

Thomas Berry

Kevin, Laura, and I volunteered to make a post card for a gentleman buy the name of Thomas Berry whose video we watched in theory hour last Wednesday. Below is the process we went through to come up with our design. The end result will be posted shortly.

Earrings

Depicted below are earrings that I designed while in Honduras this summer. Lord willing I will be able to make them in the wood shop this semester if our professors ever give some room to breathe. They will made out of mahogany and I can not wait to see the result.

Shelter/Bus

The goal with our shelter/bus was to maximize the ability to transport as much food as is achievable, to provide for as many people as possible. The image on the left shows a retaining wall in which will be stored sustainable goods. The picture on the right shows a shelving unit that will be used to to store tools, food, and other miscellaneous items that may be needed. In addition to the shelves, the seating arrangement is shown for the few volunteers needed to distribute the food and water. The second illustration shows the storage containers for the water that being stored underneath the bus. The water will be renewed by catching rain water through the roof as well as pipes that can pull water from a local water source. This water will be purified by using a ceramic filter, which will then store the water in the containers below.

Shelter/Bus

Bubble Diagram

Codes all in one

Shelter/bus

Guerilla Marketing (Radio Commercial)

Have you taken the time to visit the surrounding community of Greensboro. Have you seen the needs in our community. A city is only as strong as the weakest link. The second year Interior Architecture students in the Community By Design Studio at the University of North Carolina Greensboro have researched our community and have seen a few of its needs. One of those is a shelter for the many bus stops around Greensboro, and we are proposing to design a bus shelter to help bring people together and start making a difference by helping those in need. . It takes just one willing person, one helping hand, or one caring heart, to bring people together to make a big difference. To learn more visit our community Blog at Communitybydesign.blogspot.com.

Guerilla Marketing

Guerilla Marketing

Library Table (Mars)

My Artifact
The Herter brothers’ rosewood and mother of pearl library table was designed in 1882 for William Henry Vanderbilt, for whom they also designed and decorated a mansion on 5th avenue in Manhattan. The table itself was encompassed within the mansion and centrally located as a hierarchical landmark within the library. However, the presence of this table is not limited to its location. The Metropolitan Museum of Art explains that the sole purpose of the table was not to be functional, (though it had the ability to), but rather was to be the embodiment of power and prestige as a piece of sculpture to Vanderbilt himself (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1). In class, we have discussed the fact that, throughout history, people have been alluding to and pulling design elements from the past and incorporating them into design today. The library tables’ lion-paw shaped feet, overall shape, and stylized palmettes are all elements reminiscent of the Roman Empire. Furthermore, the wreaths enclosing a star in each corner of the tabletop parallel designs from the Napoleanic era. It can be clearly seen that this table served as a powerful symbol for Mr. Vanderbilt during his time, as well as a symbol that draws heavily on the past.

Similar Artifact
A similar artifact, a center table, was also designed by the Herter Brothers in the late 1800’s. As with the library table, the center table is very ornate with carved, ebonized, inlaid and gilded maple as well as gilded bronze fittings. Some may say that this table could have easily had just as prominent a place as the library table had, since the Herter brothers often designed for prominent clients within the U.S. including the White House.

Contrasting Artifact
Contrary to the library table is the lava lamp. Though not primarily used for illumination the lava lamp was a symbol of modernity fundamentally used for decoration. It was also associated with the drug culture of the 1960’s because of its aesthetic similarities to hallucinations commonly associated with certain drugs. In light of this information one can see that the lava lamp served an entirely different purpose than that of the library table. The table symbolized power and prestige for one man, while the ubiquity of the lava lamp represents a culture that is self-destructing.

Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “American Decorative Arts.” 2008. Sept. 21, 2008. .

Codes + to avoid a mousetrap

Being required to consider another’s needs and activities in one’s design was a new experience, and was at first found to be nothing less than inconvenient. It was a vehicle for an ample amount of onerous research. In accordance with the research, this requirement, to consider others, has the ability to deduct from or entirely change ones design by rearranging or dictating new measurements in one’s ideation. However, while evaluating others needs may be time consuming and frustrating, we found it to be a necessary and beneficial evil that brings new life to design.

In light of our above experience, it is important to define design before giving designers advice on the subject. Design: To decide upon the look and functioning of (a building, garment, or other object), typically by making a detailed drawing of it. (Apple Dictionary) Since designers impact the function and the appearance of an building, garment, or object, it is imperative that designers ruminate about their targeted market. Primarily, universal design should be a vital characteristic in a designers work. We all share life on this earth and we must work together and consider others to survive, connect, and harmonize.

Since others are important for design, America has established codes as a requirement. These codes are here to aid, and guide designers throughout their designs as well as help one to consider the needs of everyone. Furthermore, since some of these codes are based off of Davinci’s scale of the human body, they help the designer keep their designs at an comfortable proportion.

In summary regarding codes, ergonomics, and proxemics we have entered into a new chapter of design. It is this chapter that will aid and give rise to a careful thoughtfulness of others. Instead of limiting our creativity, as so many have conjectured, these three standards will open new realms of thought. One can let these canons confine them, or one can allow them to set him or her free.

Hurricane Relief Bubble Diagram

Tate St. Bus Shelter Scale Model

Shelter/Bus Scale Model

Shelter/Bus Ideations