Archive for August, 2011

Assignment

Objectives:

Process (part one):

Process (part two):

1. Choose one isometric drawing from the process listed above. The drawing can be any within the matrix except for the original house (upper left corner).
2. Using AutoCAD, draft the transformation of the morphouse in a four-part sequence – the first square being the original morphouse chosen. These will be printed at 1/8″ = 1′-0″.
3. Using AutoCAD, draft the primary orthographic projections (plan, four elevations and two sections) of the house. Arrange the drawings like an unfolded box with the sections aligned to the corresponding elevations. (We will discuss this in class.) These will be printed at 1/4″ = 1′-0″. Since the drawings are at a larger scale, please add the appropriate amount of detail to the drawing (such as window frame widths). Poché (solid, grey or hatch) section cuts through walls, floor, roof, etc. Assume original morphouse exterior walls are 8″ thick, floor slab is 4″ thick and roof is 10″ including structure.
4. Note about drawing: It is critical that proper line weights are used for CAD drawings, otherwise they can be difficult to read and uninteresting. Please use distinct line weights to distinguish spatial depth and building outline.

Final Deliverables

Presentation sheet that contains the following:

Scale Model of Final Morphouse:

• Scale: 1/4″ = 1′-0″
• Make sure it is finely crafted! (Keep a sharp blade and use your CAD drawings as templates.)
• Use chipboard, illustration board or museum board – NO FOAM CORE
• You can also use basswood. Especially useful for smaller details (such as window frames).

Process Documentation:

Digital Files:

• Upload the presentation sheet (saved as a high quality PDF*) to the class dropbox on myACU

*Prefix each file with your first initial.last name followed by an underscore (ex: b.young_project 1.pdf)

Schedule + Deadline

• Tues., Aug 30: Review project brief, begin work
• Thurs., Sept 1: Work day, desk critique
• Tues., Sept 6: Work day
• Thurs., Sept 8: Three Matrices due @ the beginning of class, small group critique, begin final deliverables (presentation drawings and model)
• Tues., Sept 13: Service Project (tentative)
• Thurs., Sept 15: Mock-up of presentation sheet fit-to-page on tabloid size@ beginning of class, Service Project (tentative)
• Tues., Sept 20: No Class – Must attend Summit
• Thurs., Sept 22: Project due @ beginning of class – Final Critique

Grading Criteria

Project = 20% of final course grade

Link to grading Criteria

Overview

Space constantly encompasses our being. Through the volume of space, we move, see forms, hear sounds, feel breezes, smell the fragrances of a flower garden in bloom. It is a natural substance like wood or stone. yet it is an inherently formless vapor. Its visual form, its dimensions and scale, the quality of its light – all of these qualities depend on our perception of the spatial boundaries defined by elements of form. – Francis Ching “Architecture: Form, Space and Order”

The primary elements of form are:

• Point – indicates a position in space
• Line – a point extended that has length, direction and position
• Plane – a lined extended that has length, width, shape, surface, orientation and position
• Volume – a plane extended that has length, width, depth, form, space, surface, orientation and position

Objectives

• Explore the creation of space using the primary elements of form
• Understand the effect scale has on the perception of space
• Examine the quality of light and its use as a “material”
• Develop design process
• Develop technical skills including model-building, sketching and hand drafting
• Introduce page layout design elements (including: grid/organization systems, orientation, visual unity and balance, information sequence and hierarchy)
• Utilize digital tools for final composition

Assignment

Part 1: Physical Models

In order to focus on the creation of physical space and study of solid + void, create three separate physical models that combine the following elements to form spaces:

1. Planar elements (membranes) – curved and straight
2. Planar and linear elements (rod, bar, cable, etc.)
3. Planar and volumetric elements (cube, cylinder, sphere, etc.)

The models must meet the following requirements:

• Not to exceed 4″w x 6.5″d x 4″h.
• Mount models on a rectangular base that measures 6″ x 8.5″ (should be approved material – see below)
• Approved materials: cardboard, chipboard, matboard or foam core – wire, dowels or string can be used for linear elements
• One or two materials p/model maximum

Part 2: Scale + Light

Scale completes the sense of space by providing a familiar reference and context, the human body. Adding scale figures to a model renders it less abstract and more concrete. Light serves as an additional material that conveys a sense of space – space that is transformed through the passage of time.

1. Create three scale figures @ different sizes – 1/8″, 1/4″, and 1/2″ (example here)
2. Place the figures (one size at a time) in each model and observe the effect each has on the perception of space
3. Cast light on the models from a variety of vantage points. Natural light (sunlight) is the preferred source, but the use of artificial light is acceptable as well. Observe how light changes the nature of the space and becomes its own material.
4. Choose one model and one scale figure you feel best relate to one another

Part 3: Representation

Space has been created, scale and light have been examined – now the work needs to be documented and re-presented through drawings and photographs.

• Photograph the nature of the space as the perspective and light changes.* Ensure the scale figure is visible in each photograph.
• Using the photographs as reference and/or underlays, freehand sketch three perspectives of the space. Let the drawing emote the quality of the space through the use of light, shadow, line quality, texture, scale, etc.
• Draft two sections (one in each direction) of the model @ actual size
• Incorporate drawings, photographs and appropriate labels into an 18″ x 24″ presentation sheet

*In order to reduce distractions, keep the background as neutral as possible. Use a solid backdrop, such as a large piece of paper, sheet, foam core, etc. to eliminate background “noise.”

Process:

• Inspiration: Find at least two images of spaces/forms p/model type as inspiration (six total)
• Models: Three process (one will be the final)
  
• Sketches: 10 min. p/model type (30 total)
• Photographs: Eight of the final model

Final Deliverables

The final composition will be a single 18″ x 24″ vellum sheet, which includes the following:

• Three perspective sketches w/scale figures
• 2 section drawings w/labels and graphic scale (use architectural lettering)
• Project name (Space, Scale + Light), student name, class and semester (use architectural lettering)

Process Documentation:

• Three physical models w/scale figure
• Inspiration images – post to the Class Discussion Blog (send an e-mail to: 1210_DSGN24201@blogs.acu.edu)
• Photocopies of sketches*
• Photographs – upload to the class dropbox on myACU. Name each file as follows: first initial.last name_project 1-photo1.jpg (ex: b.young_project 1-photo 1.jpg)

Schedule + Deadline

• Mon., Aug 29: Introduce project
• Wed., Aug 30: Inspiration examples due
• Fri., Sept 2: All sketches due @ beginning of class, work on models
• Mon., Sept 5: Work on models
• Wed., Sept 7: Models due, group critiques @ beginning of class, work on drawings
• Fri., Sept 9: Work on drawings
• Mon., Sept 12 & Wed., Sept 14: Service Project (tentative)
• Fri., Sept 16: Project due @ beginning of class – Final Critique

Grading Criteria

Project = 15% of final course grade

Link to Grading Criteria