Edge defined intersections...

I did a quick overlay of a sketch from over the weekend to start to better define some of the architctural elements that are of interest to me.  In my rough diagrams, I have been interested in diagraming paths, transition spaces and analyzing how people move through and more specifically, what makes them move through or decide to stay.

What immediately stood out to me were the vertical edges created by the buildings as one moves down the path.  The edges signify intersections within the environment and are typically spaces of activity.  The edges define the start of new paths and voids within the landscape.  These void encourage further exlploration and imply that there is more to the landscape than the single path we are currently on.  This sketch is a generic snapshot encompassing several hundred feet.  Within this space, there are numerous signals and keys that can either promote or restrict interaction.  What I start to think about is how these principles would interact if applied within a single room or space.  What are the architectural elements and clues that lead people through the space, cause us to linger or cuase us to flee.  I'm goign to analyze these study models in section next to and see where it leads.

Week 4 Wrap Up

    There's a great Simpson's episode from many years ago where Millhouse's parents are splitting up.  The episode opens with the parents playing win-lose or draw at the Simpson's house.  Kurt and Luanne (Millhouse's parents) are on the same team and Kurt is attempting to draw "dignity."  He is maddeningly frustrated with his wife not being able to solve his sketch, leading to probably my favorite Simpsons quote of all time; "Do you want me to show it to the cat Luanne?  Cause...the cat's gonna get it...IT'S DIGNITY!"
    So what does this have to do with thesis?  Well, for the past  6 days, I have been attempting to define, diagram and analyze "authentic."  Much like tryign to draw "dignity", there really is nothing concrete to represent or analyze.  There is a great deal of personal interpretation and ambiguity that has prvented me from making large strides this week.
    However, I created some mini-sketch problems this weekend and they allowed me to move beyond "authentic" and start to explore the components of genuine and unique architecture.  In the next week, I would like to not even use the "A" word, because I believe, more and more that my thesis does not exist here.  Instead, I've chosen to focus on public space and the process of sequence and movement through space.  I am interested in how public space attracts visitors and for what function.  Is the architecture the reason for the people being there or does the architecture simply serve the function in that space.  Likewise, and more importantly, how can architecture create memorable and unique experiences for the user.  There is nothing memorable about strip malls, Kmarts or one stop shopping malls, other than the products purchased within.  Successful architecture defines the space and creates a sense of place for the individual.  The process of shopping, working, socializing becomes more meaningful when the surroundings add to the experience.

Saturday sketch problem:  I created a mini-snapshot of an urban environment that I felt worked successfully.  While streets and sidewalks follow a set order, they are not extremely rigid, allowing for varying movement through the space.  There is ample public green space and gathering space and plenty of opportunity for exploration.  This was successful in identifying some basic design ideas that I like, however this was still too broad.  Likewise, in my mind this is urban, but I can see how anyone could look at this and see it as new planned development.

On Sunday, I developed a second sketch problem to focus on more specific elements of design within an urban setting that interest me.  I wanted to reduce the scale so that I was on a truly human scale.  This allowed me to better understand how architectural elements can accentuate a space and how we view them.  How a series of columns can define a path.  How a facade with numerous reveals can create void space in the horizontal direction for people to use.  I am hoping to expand upon this model to better understand how people use space and how space can make more meaniful and memorable experiences.

Brainstorms

I'm still exploring different thesis directions...key words that keep presenting themselves are authentic, unique, community, suburban, and sequence.  Last Sunday on the first day of the intensive, I discussed with Mike and Denise about how I love my neighborhood where I live, but do not like the office I work in.  This led to a sketch problem where I added the elements I appreciate from my neighborhood to my work environment.  As the week went on, I got into more issues of sprawl and abandoned space, so I wanted to go back to an earlier concept for a night to change my thinking a bit.

I began to consider what elements of the urban workplace would I like to see within the suburban "isolated box" environment.  The urban office environment and cityscape surrounding areas of business provide a sense of community and unity that is not achieved in the suburban environment.  There are more opportunities for social and human interaction.  Shared experiences such as riding mass transportation provide a togetherness that is not achieved sitting alone in traffic.

I would like to explore how and if architecture can provide these same expereinces within the existing suburban office environment.

Neither rain nor sleet...

So I mailed some library books back from boston on saturday before presentations...I think a bear got it.

All books accounted for tho.

What it means to be authentic...

After a week's worh or intensive diagraming, vignettes and sketch problems, there are several themes or ideas that I am drawn to.  Thus far, I have been looking at the urban / suburban connection as well as the "usused" space that sometimes separates these areas.  I am still trying to narrow my focus into a more defined area of study.  Something that keeps coming up is the idea of an "authentic" experience.  What exactly does that mean, to be "authentic."  To me, this means original, unique and un-copyable (if that's a word).  The spaces and architecture you may enconter in New York's Soho area or Boston's North End are authentic areas that conjure up unique and irreplaceable images and memories.  Olive garden and TGI Fridays are the polar opposite of this.  My presentation on Sunday struggled in that I was too emotional and opinion based, rather than analytical.  I am hoping that by defining some terms this week and digging a little deeper, I will unearth a more focused thesis statement.

I created a simple drawdel / collage to illustrate what I immediately think of when I think "authentic.  This is a starting place for more studies to follow.

I chose images from my recent trip and my recent work in Cincinnati to illustrate authenticity.  I oriented the images along a changing path because I feel change or deviation is associated with authenticity.  That is not to say something rigid cannot be authentic; just that in change of form, I see creativity.

Images, buildings, streets or spaces that evoke strong emotional connections or memories hold autheticity.  In a way, thre is a certain classic element to this.  That is not to say that something new cannot be authentic, although wen we think authetic, we typically think "old".  What is a word for something new that is also authentic?  Innovative, original, unique, unprecedented?

The falling figures in the Pei addition evoked a number of emotions for me.  As soon as I saw the figures, I was reminded of 9/11.  I do not know (and I doubt) that this was the intention of the artist, however, I believe this lends authenticity to the exhibition.  The ability to cause a person to recall a vivid memory or evoke a strong emotional response;  I realize this is not in line with my office/suburbia presentation, but I am curious as to where this can lead.

Architecture that does not excite...

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I’ve been spending the last week or so downtown field measuring a building set for renovation.  My office is north of the city in the suburbs, so I rarely get the chance to walk around the city and observe the weekday happenings of Cincinnati.  There were a couple of things that stood out to me.  The first is the parking garage of Cincinnati’s newest and tallest building, the Great American tower.

What I noticed right away was the glazing at the corner of the garage.  Inside this glazed box is, of course, the stairs.  It got me thinking about how many times (numerous) I’ve seen this done in buildings, especially in the past few years.  Then I realized that I myself did the same thing on my semester 2 studio project; not a parking garage stair, but an emergency egress stair regardless.  Anyway, looking at this in the freezing cold made me realize that I really don’t like this evolution in design.  What is it about stairs that architect's feel the need to show them off?  How often do we really "see" the people moving in the stairs?  It seems like a very elementary solution to the question of how to make a parking garage more aesthetically pleasing.  Is tacking on glazing to reveal stairs the best solution we have.  Personally, I'd rather see the cars moving up and down rather than the people.

The other gem I found was this tropical paradise at the food court / atrium of an office building.

Notice how my co-worker stares longingly at the soothing waters and he watches his hopes and dreams float away.  Now, I have seen indoor fountains, and I have seen indoor reflection pools, but I have never seen an indoor stream.  I guess with a cold climate like Cincinnati, we are forced to create artificial outdoor spaces on the interior; but I just can't see how anyone would find this pleasing.  Do people find this type of arrangement appealing?  Couldn't this space be put to better use?  I realize we need interior spaces like this, but can't we come up with a better way to incorporate water into our interior spaces?  I bet Sal and Angie would be interested in this.

More Favorites...

John Lautner is another architect who's work I really admire and find myself gravitating towards.  He studied under Frank Lloyd Wright and his early designed followed many of his taught principles.  As Lautener went on his own in the 50's and 60's he made more of a name for himself by creating contemporary designs with opens, spacious floor plans, and a strong connections between interior and exterior.  The gestures contained within his work are truly miraculous.  Sweeping curves that compliments stark horizontal planes.  Glazing that strecthes 10 or 15 feet high and is balanced delicately between concrete slab and concrete roof above.  This is architecture that I find very spatial and free flowing in nature.  When you look at a portion of the work, it is view as a whole, however, it can be broken down into many sub-shapes and forms, eaching working together in harmony.  I imagine the design process as each of his works went through the design phase; it seems as though modeling these ideas would be infinitely exciting.

This is the Stevens Residence in Malibu California, 1968.

The linear elements are very simple, yet when combined, they create a striking yet harmonious balance.  The sweeping arc dominated the elevation, but it is supported by the more linear geometry of the facade and glazing below.  Linear forms radiating out from the counter arc present the image of a fan.  There are an infinite number of geometrical forms you can draw from this facade.  You can just imagine how many different radiuses were experimented with.  Even the reflection in the glass and the patterns in the sand give definition to the design; as though it is constantly moving and in flux, though stationary.  Lautner's spaces are what I love about architecture - spaces that make you say wow and are undeniably cool.

Also, fun fact, Lautner's homes have been used in many hollywood movies and television shows...if you're a Big Lebowshi fan, Jackie Treehorn's house was a Lautner.

Architecture that excites me...

Alvar Aalto is an architect that I respect and admire a great deal.  I had never really heard of or seen Aalto's work until I studied abroad during the summer of 2001.  I was fortunate to visit several f his buildings and was immediately drawn to the logical use of form and unique use of materials.  Wood and masonry formed the foundation of many of his designs and this attention to material created a very organic product that was very comforting.  Additionally, similar to Frank L. Wright, Aalto also design furniture as well as the smallest details in his buildings.  I have a great appreciation for this skill as it is critical to a comprehensive and complete design.

Me and my Savoy...one of my favorite "architectural" possessions.

The lessons I take from Aalto are those of attention to detail, a connection to nature and the simple geometric forms used in his designs.  When you compare work by Aalto or Wright to say Gehry, there is such a contrast in the forms.  Obviously, these architects functioned in different eras, however I respect how past contemporary architecture accomplished its goal without being flamboyant or garish.  Each line has meaning and one cannot find arbitrary components to the design, which I do not feel can be said about some of the new work we see today.

My babies...

People are going to walk past my office tomorrow morning and say, "what in the...."
This was alot of fun...more posted to VT...

Spatial explorations

Particualry in my professional work, I have found myself exploring the spatial relationships of connections, transition spaces, thresholds etc.  We've had several projects where we have designed additions to existing structures.  Rarely are these additions simply adhered to the side of the existing; instead, they are cut in, wrapped around or set in a manner to allow a third ante space between the two buildings.  I am curious in how useful and successful this space can be.

 "Architecture as art"; not truly spatial, however the modes of design I have explored through art and architecture allow for different spatial opporunities.  I feel the general consumer is more aware or interested in art when compared to architecture.  Thus, creating architetcural spaces that can be considered art itself can be appealing to a much wider cross section.

 How we move through spaces and what moves us fascinates me.  When entering a space, why do people move in a certain direction and why do they linger in certain areas and not in others?  Should the building forms mimic the movement we intend for the patrons to have? (curved walls, ramps, flowing cooridors)  Or do sound, simple spaces create the movement...a well defined entry, vestibule, service and served areas.

Views and the connection between interior and exterior space have been explored in both BAC year 1 studios.  How do we draw passers-by into interior spaces?  Is it enough to simply have a "cool" design?  No.  What excites people?  What peaks their interest?  The hidden or possible the revealed.  I am interested in spaces that reveal themselves and invite exploration and learning.

Week 1 In Review

This past week provided me with some interesting perspective on the world around me.  In the past, most of the people I have designed for and worked for have been wealthy clients or suburban school children.  I've never designed a space for someone who can fit all of their possessions into a single 100 square foot room.  It is a very humbling experience and puts our own struggles into perspective.  It made me really think about not only how we design for different people, but also the priority we put on space and material things.  What can we learn from those who have little to no possessions?  If we design for less, can we create more?  Do these people expect less from us as designers?  The answer to us, as designers, is obviously no.  Every client deserves the same standard of care and level of commitment.  However, due to cost and programmatic requirements, we cannot provide extravagant layouts or extreme home makeovers for every client.  Thus the challenge is to maximize space and develop living quarters that meet the needs of our clients.  Our attention to detail and the manner in which ojects and forms interact to create space becomes crucial at this point.  I am excited to see how this project develops and what opportunites we have as designers.  I feel I will learn more through this projects than any commercial project or school project.

What can't you live without?

I mentioned earlier this week that I started a new project where we are rehabing a 100 year old building.  The building is a halfway house / apartment building for battered, abused or homeless women.  Each resident has their own room which is barely 120 square feet at most.  All of these women's belongings, their entire lives are house in this one room and a small 30 x 30 closet.  The floors are worn vct or warped wood.  The paster walls and ceilings are cracked and leak water.  The showers are shared and old and littered with dead insects and rodent droppings.  However, meeting these women, you would never know how poor their living conditions are.  Many are energetic and happy to interact; happy to have a place to call "home".  I was reading Andres post about the American Dream and was thinking about how different that might be depending on your standard of living.  What is a dream life for each of us?  Winning the lottery?  A stable job, loving spouse and well behaved children?  Or is it just a roof over your head and a place to be warm at night?

This is a photo of a typical resident room at the inn.  Very simple; four walls and a window.  A bed and a desk are provided.  Many have a small tv or refrigerator and most everyone has a radio, b/c radio after all if free.  What I found interesting was how each room was decorated or arranged per that person's taste in a manner that reflected their style or maybe evern hopes and dreams.  One room has pictures of tropical beaches and oceans.  Another was plastered with african american models and singers like beyonce or naiomi campbell, and another was filled with star trek memorabilia.

What can you afford not to live without?  If your most prized belonging had to fit into one 10 x 12 room, what would you take?  I thought about that, and here is what I came to...

The things I need:
My fiance: Not a possssion of mine, but the one who keeps me sane through it all.
Kitty:  Cats are great listeners and have real personality; they don't simply do what they're told like dogs.  I like that.
Coffee:  Self explanatory
Fishing rod:  I love to fish and always hope to keep a connection to the outdoors.  i'd hope that even if I lost it all, I'd be able to go out into the natural world and catch a fish.
Books:  I don't read nearly as much as I should, but I am really hoping to correct this.  My father was an english teacher and he always pushed me to read.  I love to read, but with life the way it is, I don't make time like I should.
Internet:  I don't need tv, but I don't think I could give up the internet.
Stove & cooking supplies:  I love to cook and it is somehting I am passionate about.  I need this in my life.  It is a source of creativity for me.
Guitar and artwork:  Always there as a tension release and a way to keep the mind stimulated.
Radio and CD player:  Radio is free and can be far more educational and beneficial than tv.
Plant:  Having a plant in your home helps to boost your overall mood...or so I'm told.

So what can you not live without?

A little play...

Just wanted to post some of my play to take you all into the weekend...

I call this one, "enchanted holly forest from the front yard"

My commute

I was reading through the syllabus this week and  found the play excercise that asked us to find my favorite 5 found objects during my commute to work.  That's when I realized how monotonously boring my daily drive to and from work is.  I mean, how can I be expected to find anything, let alone something interesting, on my way to work!?  There's about 20 footsteps from my door to my car.  A 25 minute drive TO the suburbs, and then about 40 steps to my office front door, (depending on where I park).  That's not a large window of opportunity.  I guess I will have to get very creative as to where I find inspiration this year.  Above, I've skecthed a view of my typical commute and some of the found objects I encounter.  A leftover tire, enraged fellow drivers, signs, smog, nature if you include the birds above and some passing clouds.  My most curious observation is that I "reverse commute" meaning I live near downtown and drive to the suburbs for work.  Everyone heading south (to the left) if going from suburbia to downtown for work, and at night we all switch sides.  I wonder what the demographic difference between the Northbound and Southbound lanes is..?  The only thing I would be willing to guarantee is that the suburbanites have more kids.

My first blog - 01/04/10

This is awesome.  I have always wanted to have my own blog but I have new had anything worthy of blogging about, nor did I have anyone who would follow my daily musings.  But now, I will have plenty of things to reflect upon and a loyal group of devoted followers.  Hopefully, my postings will be unique and interesting, but I can't promise to not sprinkle in the amusing or absurd from time to time.

So, today I started on a new project at work; we are renovating an existing building about 100 years old.  The building serves several functions - the lower floor houses a non-profit organization while the upper floors provide housing for former prostitutes looking to get out of the "business."  they do say prostitution is the "oldest profession in the world."  Anyway, today was my first day on site as we were field measuring the existing conditions to create as built drawings.  The building is in poor shape (as I said, over 100 years old.)  The building is open in the middle, with a glass atrium over the first floor and rooms and offices ringing the open air atrium.  This has lead to extensive water damage through the plaster walls and ceilings.  Residents live in cramped quarters and share common restrooms and showers on each floor that have far too many dead cockroaches littering the floor.  Radiators heat the space, in an excruciatingly effective manner; some rooms honestly top out around 90 degrees and workers leave windows propped even when the mercury hovers around 30 outside.  Going through the building and seeing some of the people who live and work there, I couldn't help but think about the meaning of what I was doing and whether or not the people who use the building appreciate or recognize architecture.  Field measuring is not always the most glamorous work.  Today alone I hand sketched over 20 different door jamb profiles and I found myself thinking, is this why I want to become an architect?  I didn't have that "feel good" moment where I thought about the people I was helping or how maybe I would help these people who have had a rough life.  Instead, I wondered how much the residents notice what we are doing and what level of comfort they might be willing to accept.  Structurally, the building is unstable.  It leaks water.  It smells of sewage at times.  But it does offer refuge from the elements; a place these women can call home.  Only a block or two from the inn is a highway overpass, underneath which a homeless camp exists; a camp in which I'm sure some of the residents may have spent time in.

I'm not trying to sound cynical - I know what we are doing is good work.  I just wonder sometimes how much people who have no knowledge of architecture think about our profession or work.  Are the basic comforts of being warm or cool or not wet enough to make people happy?  Or do we all inherently desire more?  I will be heading down to field measure the building for the new few days so I'm sure I will have more opportunities to think about this.