A DESIGN JOURNAL

Research Paper

2011-04-25T03:39:00.000-07:00

What does the future hold for our cities as they look to evolve and become more and more sustainable. That was one of the main questions I was looking to explore with my research paper this semester. While this is a loaded question that in which I only grazed the surface, I had a lot of fun researching the topic and learned a lot from it.

Atlanta Trip

2011-04-25T03:32:00.000-07:00

Inthe later part of the semester we has the amazing opportunity to travel to Atlanta and visi some of the top architecture firms in the area as well as in the world. They consisted of the following, Gensler, Ai3, ASD, Herman Miller, Tvs and more.

networking assignment

2011-04-25T03:26:00.000-07:00

Throughout this semester we were required to attend two professional networking events where we were to meet with 5 professionals and get to know them. I attended an AIA event and a Virginia Tech, school of architecture and design alumni event where the Dean of the School of Architecture spoke on their Lumenhaus project built for the solar decathlon. Both events were awesome and I learned a lot from the professionals that I met with.

business plan

2011-04-25T03:19:00.000-07:00

For our mock firm we were required to come up with a logo, a business plan and other marketing materials. These images are excerpts from the business plan, and they include our logo, letter head and organizational chart.

Personal Marketing Package

2011-04-25T00:56:00.000-07:00

One of the main projects we had this semester was a personal marketing package that consisted of a resume, cover letter, business card, leave behind and portfolio. The images above are examples of my work from this project and an excerpt from my portfolio. Most of my pages are layed out similar to the one above.

Mock Firm Proposal

2011-04-24T23:45:00.000-07:00


To compete in the international skyscraper competition in Chicago this year we were asked to submit a summary portfolio. This along with a resume and some words about ourselves allowed our instructor to place us in teams more appropriately.

Outdoor Rendering / Model

2010-12-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Plans / Renderings

2010-12-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

Individual Details

2010-12-13T08:59:00.000-08:00

Design Phase 1

2010-12-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

Programming / Diagram

2010-12-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

Precedent research (Phoenix Central Library)

2010-12-13T07:16:00.000-08:00

Reading Room

2010-10-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hemphill Precedent Study

2010-10-13T16:27:00.000-07:00

Atelier Lofts

2009-04-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

This was our final project for our second year, second semester in the the Interior Architecture department at U.N.C.G. The posts below take one from the orthographic views of the project to the perspectives and ending with some of our technical research and the FF&E.

Atelier Lofts 1st Floor (Designer)

2009-04-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

Atelier Lofts Upstairs (Designer)

2009-04-30T21:03:00.000-07:00

FF&E, Solar Path, Stairs, and Other Process Work

2009-04-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

The following images contain data from our research on lighting, acoustics, stairs, barn doors, University of Oregon Solar research lab Solar Path, and the FF&E.

Photoshop practice

2009-04-28T11:42:00.001-07:00

Photoshop practice

2009-04-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

Furniture Advertisement

2009-04-28T09:17:00.000-07:00

Urban Pathway

2009-04-28T09:01:00.000-07:00

WPA Poster

2009-04-28T08:59:00.001-07:00

It is my belief based upon my understanding of the facts and the situation that hurricane Katrina could have been avoided. With me being in the military I of all people know about complacency. Katrina is a great example of that. Warnings had been sent out years before and the people have now become accustomed to hearing them. However, one of the essential lessons that we learn in the military is that complacency kills, and that is exactly what happened hear. In addition to the fact that many ignored the warning, there remains the pivotal fact that the ones who should be held responsible are those who developed the city to begin with. The area is far below sea level and a majority of the area is likened to a swamp. So, it is my steadfast view that in the future we can avoid many of the most devastating natural disasters on earth by heeding the warnings and by not developing far below sea level and the 100 year a FLOOD LINE.

Scenes of Discourse

2009-03-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

The images below are inspired from the words enchanted and rough texture. The images beginning at the bottom of this post are more literal; and as one progresses upward the images evolve into a more figurative and enchanting scene of discourse.

3ds Max Renderings

2009-03-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

Lofts

2009-03-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

Urban_landscape

2009-03-24T09:00:00.000-07:00

A Place to Bathe

2009-03-19T08:44:00.001-07:00

The Paralympic Spa is designed for wheelchair users who compete in the Olympics here in the U.S.A. or are genreally involved in wheelchair sports. The spa allows the user to be completely independent from the confines of a wheelchair both mentally and physically through the incorporation of a handrail into the walls of the pool area. The shower incorporates an ergonomic Japanese bamboo spout and control lever to provide the user with optimum comfort. Upon entering the spa each person is provided with a wheelchair that is made from Nordic white spruce wood. This wheelchair is capable of reclining to any angle desired. This feature is primarily utilized in the sauna where one is able to recline or lie down on the same wood that is in a regular sauna.
Moving from the sauna to the shower and then into the pool is a ramp that allows the user to slowly transition into the pool. It is in this hallway where the walls are dark, the floor is the datum line, and the feeling is cave like with the water rushing down the rocks. As soon as the user hits the buoyancy point he or she is lifted from the chair and is able to grasp the handrail on the wall. The wheelchair is taken into the side storage areas shown in the plan view. The visual here is that the user goes from the cave like experience in the wheelchair into freedom where the sky opens up, the views are beautiful and expansive, and the light fills the space with its glory. From here each person is able to navigate the entire pool area without his or her wheelchair.

FF&E

2009-03-14T21:45:00.001-07:00

Rice paper is used in the pool area to give a nice ambient glow. The turquoise is a stone from Ann Sacks and is used on the walls in the shower room. The ebony is also used on one wall in the shower and on the floor. The nordic white spruce is used all over in the sauna. The western red cedar is used for the hot tubs as well as the entire pool area. Lastly the walls in the ramp area are made out of conrete. As a side note the windows are glazed to keep the harmful rays out and the natural light in.

Paralympic Spa

2009-03-05T18:28:00.000-08:00

Paralympic Spa

2009-03-05T18:26:00.001-08:00

Paralympic Spa

2009-03-05T18:22:00.001-08:00

ADA Standards

2009-02-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

This is just a small example of some of the technical ADA standards for Accessible design. The Link will provide you with roughly 90 pages of information pertaining to accessible design.

www.ada.gov

Traditional Baths

2009-02-23T07:48:00.000-08:00

Transition is a recurrent element of design that has been weaving itself through "A Place to Dine", and now our bathing project. When there is balance in our lives they seem to run much more smoothly as apposed to an absence of balance. Transition is one of the key elements in obtaining balance in our lives. When one's environment abruptly changes it is stressful and taxing causing ones health spiritually, mentally, and physically to be affected. This is why so many cultures have developed baths, spas, and places for one to be relieved from the stressors of everyday life. Below are some examples of baths that I think best represent what baths are about and what they are to accomplish.

"The universal acceptance of bathing as a central event in daily life belongs to the Roman world and it is hardly an exaggeration to say that at the height of the empire, the baths embodied the ideal Roman way of urban life. Apart from their normal hygienic functions, they provided facilities for sports and recreation. Their public nature created the proper environment—much like a city club or community center—for social intercourse varying from neighborhood gossip to business discussions. There was even a cultural and intellectual side to the baths since the truly grand establishments, the thermae, incorporated libraries, lecture halls, colonnades, and promenades and assumed a character like the Greek gymnasium".

"After exercise, bathers would have the dirt and oil scraped from their bodies with a curved metal implement called a strigil. Then the bathing proper began. Accompanied by a slave carrying their towels, oil flasks and strigils, bathers would progress at a leisurely pace through rooms of various temperature. They might start in the warm room (tepidarium), which had heated walls and floors but sometimes had no pool, and then proceed to the hot bath (caldarium), which was closest to the furnace. This room had a large tub or small pool with very hot water and a waist-high fountain (labrum) with cool water to splash on the face and neck. After this the bather might spend some time in the tepidarium again before finishing in the cold room (frigidarium) with a refreshing dip in the cold pool. Other rooms provided moist steam, dry heat like a sauna (laconicum), and massage with perfumed oils.
model of baths of Trajan

After their baths, patrons could stroll in the gardens, visit the library, watch performances of jugglers or acrobats, listen to a literary recital, or buy a snack from the many food selections."
www.vroma.org

"More than any other culture in the world, the Japanese enjoy soaking. In Japan , the term misogi means purification by water. It is an integral part of their society, utilizing Japan's thousands of natural hot springs and spas. Water cleanses, refreshes and relaxes, and it gives a sense of well being to the spirit and mind".

www.shojiretreats.com

Transposing Architecture and Nature

2009-02-18T23:16:00.001-08:00

"A Place To Dine" is the title of the project that set into motion the commencement of designs that came to its pinnacle yesterday afternoon. Below is the summation of those events. The project originated by designing the dining room table. From here we were required to design the rest of the room around the concept of the table. As iterated in the title, my concept was to conceptually transpose nature and architecture, so that the interior echoed forms and materials found within nature and to evoke an overall feeling of being in nature.

Transposing Architecture and Nature

2009-02-18T23:15:00.001-08:00

Transposing Architecture and Nature

2009-02-18T23:14:00.001-08:00

Transposing Architecture and Nature

2009-02-18T23:09:00.001-08:00

Interior Practice/note the window view

2009-02-03T22:31:00.000-08:00

Cabin Ext./Interior

2009-02-03T22:28:00.000-08:00

Fashion Boutique

2009-02-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

Manifesto

2009-01-29T08:59:00.000-08:00

Design is a never ending process as well as a system. It evolves and Grows and its students are always learning about it.

Computing Architectural Design

2009-01-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

It is clear that computational aids were relevant and were indeed monumental in importance both in 5,000 B.C, and today. From the pyramids of Egypt to the development of the Burj Al Arab, computational aids have been very beneficial and crucial in aiding designers throughout the design process. However, these aids have their place, and they should not be put in a position that is more important than the fundamentals that employ them. Any aid used in design must be used to assist the foundational elements of design provided by the designer himself.

This being said, aids can be very pragmatic. There are a multitude of possibilities that they bring to the table of design. For example: computational aids can help a designer make sure that all of his or her designs are structurally sound and correct, which saves the designer and the engineer time and money by allowing him or her to focus on the design more so than the mathematics that allow the design to be possible. In addition to this computational aids can also be used to make calculations very quickly, permitting the designer to spend more time on the design process and less on the technical elements. Lastly, the designers are able to use computer aided drawings to better communicate to the client what the proposed design will look like, which in turn invites the client to become a part of the design process, resulting in a more involved and pleased client.
After having glimpsed the current and past states of computational aids, one must wonder where the aids will take us in the future. Will there be 4-D projections that one can actually walk through and interact with, or will a program exist that allows a user to verbalize and discuss ideas aloud, which are then translated into shapes, figures, lines, and gestures. These are just a few examples of where technology could take us.
Bases on my knowledge of computer aided design systems it seems that in the future, architects and designers will need to be constantly consulted when a new software is being designed for them. In the past and even today, there is software that does not meet the needs of the people that are using it. Further, needs are ever changing. Thus programmers must simultaneously adapt to these changes while predicting future needs and trends. A need that I have had personally expressed to me is the need for facilitated communication among professionals utilizing diverse machines throughout the design process. That is, professionals utilize files that should be interchangeable between the various programs to steam-line collaboration in the design process. In conclusion, computer aided design programs need to be used as aids to assist the designer. They should not take the place of the fundamentals of design or be allowed to hinder one’s original creativity. If these parameters are kept, than the world of computer-aided design can and will be a very powerful tool in the future, through all facets of design.

Decompression

2008-12-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-29T19:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Chair Cards

2008-10-29T19:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-29T18:56:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-23T18:51:00.001-07:00

lamp

2008-10-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

Value Study

2008-10-23T18:40:00.001-07:00

LC4 Pony Chaise by Corbusier

2008-10-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Artifact Relocation

2008-10-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-11T22:11:00.000-07:00

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'

2008-10-06T16:58:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T09:44:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-25T09:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T09:39:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-25T09:36:00.001-07:00

Bubble Diagram

2008-09-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

Codes all in one

2008-09-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

Shelter/bus

2008-09-22T09:04:00.000-07:00

Guerilla Marketing (Radio Commercial)

2008-09-22T09:03:00.001-07:00

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

2008-09-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Guerilla Marketing

2008-09-22T08:59:00.000-07:00

Library Table (Mars)

2008-09-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-18T17:12:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-17T05:51:00.001-07:00

Tate St. Bus Shelter Scale Model

2008-09-17T05:30:00.000-07:00

Shelter/Bus Scale Model

2008-09-17T05:27:00.000-07:00

Shelter/Bus Ideations

2008-09-17T05:25:00.000-07:00

bus shelter

2008-09-13T18:06:00.000-07:00

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2008-09-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

This past year UNCG recycled over 700 tons of materials and saved over $100,000 by doing so. This is a major incentive for those capitalist companies that are fearful of losing money by conserving energy and making their buildings more sustainable, and thus minimizing its impact on the environment. This is a very exciting movement that is occurring right here in our country as well as across the world. It is a movement that we all can be excited about, and should be excited about. It has the opportunity to effect our way of life for the better, while allowing each individual to take part and possess a pride in knowing that he or she is helping others around the world and his or herself.

GTA Experience

2008-09-05T21:22:00.000-07:00

For this assignment I chose to ride the bus first and then read the text so that I could freely observe and experience the bus ride without having any presuppositions. Upon entering the bus I experienced exactly what I expected. I felt like I was on a form of city transportation. I felt the same way on the metro in D.C, the subway in Manhattan, and any other bus or train I use within the city. That feeling is one of defense. One may assume that I speak of self-defense physically, but it is more of a social, cultural defense then a physical one. I am uncomfortable, just as many others are, when they enter a social situation in which they are not regularly exposed to, or familiar with. For example, if I am in the mall and I see a bunch of marines congregating I navigate to an opposing direction from them. Why? Because, even though I am a Marine, I am not comfortable with the culture as a whole. That is not to say that there may be some marines within that group that I may enjoy very much, however, as a whole, the marine community has formed a reputation for being very coarse, and I do not understand why they act the way they do. As a result I try to stay away from that culture. This is what I believe is happening today in our society. There are perhaps more opportunities in our country today for minorities to succeed and to do well than there are for the majority. There is a multitude of government programs, aid, and help for minorities. Consequently, I do not think that racism, per se, is prevalent in America, but rather an overarching discomfort with the culture of minorities. For example, when the Spanish discovered the Aztecs they were appalled because of their customs, courtesies, music, and religious views, which are all aspects of one’s culture.
We see some of this aversion or dislike of another’s culture in the article that we read. However, today we have equal opportunity laws, among others, that require businesses and schools to meet certain racial requirements. There is also aid and help for minorities with regards to education as well as for those enduring hardship. As a result of these laws, it is not the case that minorities do not have the legal ability to engage in the same opportunities as non-minorities (as occurred in the article). However, in place of legal barriers, we see cultural barriers today, with minorities’ cultures keeping them mired in a self-perpetuating cycle.
Overall, the reading did not strongly influence my perceptions of my experience on the bus, because I have read similar articles before and I have solid, foundational, beliefs concerning racism and segregation. However, I did learn about some very interesting ideas. This weekend I interviewed and questioned a few people who were of a minority group. I asked them that if the minorities wanted to be treated more fairly why, when in social situations do they almost always seek out those of their ethnicity instead of trying to make friends with the people they wanted to accept them more. The response was that it was more comfortable for them to be with those of the same ethnic background, but that if one does want change they themselves are going to have to help by going out of their comfort zone. One can understand a culture as much as one wants but unless one becomes one with the culture he or she will most likely not be fully accepted by that culture. For example, if I go to Japan and live there for the rest of my life and continue acting like an American the entire time I am there, I will experience a lot of problems. I might offend them without knowing it, and I probably would not fit in. The same is true for all cultures, not races necessarily, but cultures. They must understand that America has a culture and the minorities should recognize that and understand it. International businesses are great models for this theory, especially when meeting with clients of another culture. Businessmen and women must understand the culture they are dealing with so that they will not offend the other. In conclusion, I believe that Americans will accept seemingly benign aspects of another’s culture even if they do not understand that culture completely. However, if that culture has evolved to evoke fear, discomfort, or negative perceptions in others than the majority will not accept it and reconciliation will be perpetually out of reach.

GTA Experience

2008-09-05T21:18:00.000-07:00

Chaise Lounge

2008-09-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Value Study

2008-09-03T22:38:00.000-07:00

In this project we were to take pictures of places within the studio that exhibited a multitude of values. These were some of my selections and the one I chose is on the bottom left. I knew the piping would be more difficult so I chose it to further enhance my drawing a shading abilities. We'll see how it turns out.

Refresher Exercises

2008-09-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

On our first day of drawing class we were given a list of places to find on campus and compose a contour drawing of. A few of these are the following: a place to eat, relax, and stand in line. The pictures below are my depictions of these places.

1st week

2008-09-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

During the first week of Interior Architecture we had to find our way from our home to a pre-selected destination. Along this trip, or wayfinding adventure if you will, we were asked to document our trip and pay attention to the things that aided, impeded, or stood out along our way. This project caused me to look at my own path in life and decide where the signs were leading me within the Interior Architecture field. As a result, I was really able to analyze the nodes, and landmarks along my path to the radio station downtown.

Final Destination

2008-08-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Signs and Symbols

2008-08-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

Landmark development

2008-08-28T16:08:00.000-07:00

Stoel's Quintessential Luxury House

2008-04-21T06:11:00.001-07:00

Aberrant Sleeping Quarters 4

2008-03-26T05:35:00.001-07:00

Aberrant Sleeping Quarters 3

2008-03-26T05:27:00.001-07:00

Aberrant Sleeping Quarters 2

2008-03-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

Aberrant Sleeping Quarters

2008-03-26T05:14:00.000-07:00

Precedent Study

2008-03-24T05:56:00.001-07:00

Valentine's Earrings

2008-03-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

Wood Shop Initiation

2008-03-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

Plans, and Sections

2008-03-04T16:09:00.001-08:00

Walls and Bathrooms

2008-03-04T16:07:00.001-08:00

Louis Kahn; Fisher House

2008-03-04T15:43:00.001-08:00

Lead Holder

2008-03-04T15:36:00.001-08:00

Basic Room Plan

2008-03-04T14:23:00.001-08:00

Pats Efficient Chair

2008-03-04T13:55:00.001-08:00

Lettering

2008-03-04T13:53:00.000-08:00