September 27, 2010
Needing to find my thesis......
A couple weeks have gone by now, and my Thesis definition has become a bit muddled. I need to focus my Thesis research, site, and program into a clear, concise statement. So, rather than spend today on one of my weekly schedules schedule, I will be spending my time focusing my Thesis. I am traveling to Texas for a field trip on Friday, so next week a new schedule will appear with hopefully a stronger direction of study.
September 22, 2010
Hoberman's Expandable Structures
I mentioned in my past post that I was going to study some of Charles Hoberman's works, which deal with transformative architecture. Below are a few images of the types of structures I am interested in.
Pretty complex stuff, but I made my first crack at it today by fabricating an oval shaped geodesic dome with the lasercutter. It does not expand, but it does represent the structure at one end of its transformation.
The next iteration will involve some joints and movement hopefully. Tomorrow is site reconnaissance day, so I will be trekking DC for most of the day. Hopefully I will decide on a final site.
Pretty complex stuff, but I made my first crack at it today by fabricating an oval shaped geodesic dome with the lasercutter. It does not expand, but it does represent the structure at one end of its transformation.
The next iteration will involve some joints and movement hopefully. Tomorrow is site reconnaissance day, so I will be trekking DC for most of the day. Hopefully I will decide on a final site.
September 20, 2010
New Week
September 19, 2010
Joint Sketches
I have been sketching different robotic joints. I hope this will help me understand them better so I can utilize them in my design of adaptive systems.
Next week I will be sketching and studying of actual adaptive building systems.
Next week I will be sketching and studying of actual adaptive building systems.
Site Diagram
I chose a couple of exact site locations in the area along the Potomac that I enjoy. I made a diagram of my sites using a Grasshopper attractor script. It pixelates the map and dissolves out where I am thinking about a thesis site.
I will be visiting these locations on Thursday.
I will be visiting these locations on Thursday.
DesignBuild Site
I have briefly mentioned my Design Build project in this blog. We have had a variety of smaller projects in the class earlier in the semester, but now I can finally focus on the main project. Our goal is to make a partition between the spiral staircase/ library and the adjacent studio space. My group will be focusing on different digital fabrication processes as a design tool. We took some measurements and photos on Wednesday.
Design updates to follow.
Design updates to follow.
September 16, 2010
Flashes of Site
I have narrowed down my site to the following screen shot of DC. The Anacostia area is intriguing in particular because of all the planned growth over the next twenty years that has yet to be built. Maybe I will jack one of their sites.
New Plan for 2032
New Plan for 2032
September 14, 2010
Opening Definitions
I am spending this week defining both the program and area of research for my thesis. In focusing on my research, I found that I need to discover if my building is more a machine or an organism.
In my own definitions:
Building as machine requires the owner to operate and control the actions of the building. A good example of this is the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas by REX Architects.
The stage area has four configurations that can be changed at a fairly fast pace by the operator. In this case, the building acts as a tool for the owner.
Building as an organism is a bit more complex. In this scenario the building reacts to different site and human elements. The owner would program a set of parameters into the different systems of the building, and the building would react to data accordingly. It is a complex idea that has few precedents. The building could react to motion, heat, moisture, density, light, event, etc..... One example of a building system that reacts to motion is the Aperture facade installation, which reacts to human motion.
An interesting concept, but limited to a facade for now. I am more interested in the building as an organism, however, I believe there needs to be a balance between the two ideologies.
In my own definitions:
Building as machine requires the owner to operate and control the actions of the building. A good example of this is the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas by REX Architects.
The stage area has four configurations that can be changed at a fairly fast pace by the operator. In this case, the building acts as a tool for the owner.
Building as an organism is a bit more complex. In this scenario the building reacts to different site and human elements. The owner would program a set of parameters into the different systems of the building, and the building would react to data accordingly. It is a complex idea that has few precedents. The building could react to motion, heat, moisture, density, light, event, etc..... One example of a building system that reacts to motion is the Aperture facade installation, which reacts to human motion.
An interesting concept, but limited to a facade for now. I am more interested in the building as an organism, however, I believe there needs to be a balance between the two ideologies.
The Players
My Thesis committee was recently decided and finalized. Without further ado, let me introduce you to the people I will be working with over the next year.
The Player: Paul Emmons
The Position: Committee Chair
The Bio: Paul Emmons is an Associate Professor at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center of Virginia Tech and is coordinating the Ph.D. program in architecture at WAAC. Dr. Emmons received a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003.
His research in architecture focuses on the imaginative role of diagrams and technical drawing in architectural design. This work has been presented at numerous scholarly conferences, including some held in: Costoza (Italy), Savannah (Georgia), Pennsylvania State University, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, (England), Harvard University, and the Architectural Association (London). His work has been presented before the Society of Architectural Historians, the College Art Association, and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. Some of this work has appeared in publications, recently including the Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, AA Files and Body and Building (MIT Press).
Dr. Emmons is a registered architect and maintains a small architectural practice following his earlier emphasis on practicing architecture after receiving a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Minnesota in 1986.
The Opinion: Paul will be a great chair for me. He is a very good professor because he doesn't force me to take a certain path, but allows me to explore what I like, which is very important for this thesis. He will keep me grounded in architectural history and theory, as well as recommending representation, which is one of his specialties.
The Player: Susan Piedmont-Palladino
The Position: Committee Member
The Bio: Susan C. Piedmont-Palladino is an architect and Professor of Architecture at the Washington/Alexandria Architecture Consortium (WAAC), the College’s urban campus.
Susan received her Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech and her Bachelor of Arts in the History of Art from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Before joining Virginia Tech, she taught at the University of Maryland and the Catholic University of America.
Her 1st book, Devil’s Workshop: 25 Years of Jersey Devil Architecture, on Jersey Devil and design/build was published by Princeton Architectural Press. Her articles have appeared in the popular and professional press, including the “Journal of Architectural Education”, “Journal of Urban Technology” and “Perspecta 29” among others. And she has lectured at the Smithsonian Institution, as well as schools from Mississippi State in Starckville to Universidad de Desarrollo in Santiago Chile.
She is the former national president of Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility, served on the design committee for the National Peace Garden Foundation, and has been a consultant to the Department of Energy for the Solar Decathlon.
Since 2002 she has been a consulting curator to the National Building Museum, and most recently was the guest curator for Tools of the Imagination and editor of its eponymous companion book, to be published by Princeton Architectural Press in fall 2006.
The Opinion: Urban design and theory aficionado, Susan will allow me to tackle some of the tougher urban issues I plan on challenging. She will also keep me on task time-wise and hold me accountable throughout the year. Also a specialist in green design techniques.
The Player: Jaan Holt
The Position: Committee Member
The Bio: Director of the Washington-Alexandria Center and Professor. B.ARCH Virginia Tech; M.ARCH UPenn.
The Opinion: WAAC Dean and Founder, Jaan is firmly rooted in his design theory and pedagogy. He can be a bit bullish at times in crits, but that is just what I need to push me. Relates buildings to different animals every once and a while.
The Player: Jon Foote
The Position: Committee Member
The Bio: Jonathan Foote is an adjunct and visiting professor at Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC). He received his undergraduate degree in History from Indiana University and his M. Arch from Virginia Tech in 2001, and he joined the faculty at WAAC in the fall of 2004
Jonathan teaches the graduate and undergraduate design studio, serves on several Master’s thesis committees, and directs and maintains the workshop facilities at WAAC. His research into the human hand as a method of architectural inquiry has led to the continued development of the materials processes studio at WAAC as well as to the undertaking of several outreach design:build projects, including such recent clients as the National Building Museum and the United States Navy. He has lectured and served as a visiting critic both locally and internationally.
Jonathan lives in Washington DC and maintains a small architectural practice and photography studio.
The Opinion: My detail guy. Will be extremely useful later on down the road as I look at digital fabrication and the tectonics behind it. Also a handy source on different materials and building systems.
So now that the cast has been set, it is time for the main event. I hope that all of these faculty members will enhance my work to it's fullest potential.
The Player: Paul Emmons
The Position: Committee Chair
The Bio: Paul Emmons is an Associate Professor at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center of Virginia Tech and is coordinating the Ph.D. program in architecture at WAAC. Dr. Emmons received a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003.
His research in architecture focuses on the imaginative role of diagrams and technical drawing in architectural design. This work has been presented at numerous scholarly conferences, including some held in: Costoza (Italy), Savannah (Georgia), Pennsylvania State University, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, (England), Harvard University, and the Architectural Association (London). His work has been presented before the Society of Architectural Historians, the College Art Association, and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture. Some of this work has appeared in publications, recently including the Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians, AA Files and Body and Building (MIT Press).
Dr. Emmons is a registered architect and maintains a small architectural practice following his earlier emphasis on practicing architecture after receiving a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Minnesota in 1986.
The Opinion: Paul will be a great chair for me. He is a very good professor because he doesn't force me to take a certain path, but allows me to explore what I like, which is very important for this thesis. He will keep me grounded in architectural history and theory, as well as recommending representation, which is one of his specialties.
The Player: Susan Piedmont-Palladino
The Position: Committee Member
The Bio: Susan C. Piedmont-Palladino is an architect and Professor of Architecture at the Washington/Alexandria Architecture Consortium (WAAC), the College’s urban campus.
Susan received her Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech and her Bachelor of Arts in the History of Art from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Before joining Virginia Tech, she taught at the University of Maryland and the Catholic University of America.
Her 1st book, Devil’s Workshop: 25 Years of Jersey Devil Architecture, on Jersey Devil and design/build was published by Princeton Architectural Press. Her articles have appeared in the popular and professional press, including the “Journal of Architectural Education”, “Journal of Urban Technology” and “Perspecta 29” among others. And she has lectured at the Smithsonian Institution, as well as schools from Mississippi State in Starckville to Universidad de Desarrollo in Santiago Chile.
She is the former national president of Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility, served on the design committee for the National Peace Garden Foundation, and has been a consultant to the Department of Energy for the Solar Decathlon.
Since 2002 she has been a consulting curator to the National Building Museum, and most recently was the guest curator for Tools of the Imagination and editor of its eponymous companion book, to be published by Princeton Architectural Press in fall 2006.
The Opinion: Urban design and theory aficionado, Susan will allow me to tackle some of the tougher urban issues I plan on challenging. She will also keep me on task time-wise and hold me accountable throughout the year. Also a specialist in green design techniques.
The Player: Jaan Holt
The Position: Committee Member
The Bio: Director of the Washington-Alexandria Center and Professor. B.ARCH Virginia Tech; M.ARCH UPenn.
The Opinion: WAAC Dean and Founder, Jaan is firmly rooted in his design theory and pedagogy. He can be a bit bullish at times in crits, but that is just what I need to push me. Relates buildings to different animals every once and a while.
The Player: Jon Foote
The Position: Committee Member
The Bio: Jonathan Foote is an adjunct and visiting professor at Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center (WAAC). He received his undergraduate degree in History from Indiana University and his M. Arch from Virginia Tech in 2001, and he joined the faculty at WAAC in the fall of 2004
Jonathan teaches the graduate and undergraduate design studio, serves on several Master’s thesis committees, and directs and maintains the workshop facilities at WAAC. His research into the human hand as a method of architectural inquiry has led to the continued development of the materials processes studio at WAAC as well as to the undertaking of several outreach design:build projects, including such recent clients as the National Building Museum and the United States Navy. He has lectured and served as a visiting critic both locally and internationally.
Jonathan lives in Washington DC and maintains a small architectural practice and photography studio.
The Opinion: My detail guy. Will be extremely useful later on down the road as I look at digital fabrication and the tectonics behind it. Also a handy source on different materials and building systems.
So now that the cast has been set, it is time for the main event. I hope that all of these faculty members will enhance my work to it's fullest potential.
September 12, 2010
Finally, some thesis
Now that, the concrete competition is over, I can finally give my undivided attention to my thesis. I have decided to segment my journey into weekly goal lists, with a master schedule made every three or four weeks. The master schedule for this section is based around researching transformative technologies and building typologies. At the end of this schedule, I hope to have a program and site selection.
My schedule for the week will involve me documenting and diagramming a transformer from the movie Transformers. I hope this will give me an understanding of the joints and configurative properties of the machine.
Stay tuned.
My schedule for the week will involve me documenting and diagramming a transformer from the movie Transformers. I hope this will give me an understanding of the joints and configurative properties of the machine.
Stay tuned.
Concrete Finale
Another busy week has come and gone. Our concrete planters were a little tougher to get out of their molds then we thought. We made 25 total bricks, and only 14 survived. However, the ones that did survive serve their purpose beautifully.
We survived the first round of cuts and are in the running for the grand prize. The prize will be announced on Monday, and I will find out if I am traveling to Texas for free.
We survived the first round of cuts and are in the running for the grand prize. The prize will be announced on Monday, and I will find out if I am traveling to Texas for free.
September 4, 2010
Forms and Pretty Pictures
I FINALLY finished the renderings. We ended up casting 5 different planter prototypes. Below is a description of each form.
The idea behind this form is that plants could rest on the surface below the brick. Hopefully this will create a nice gradient effect of foliage as the planter curves. Although not my favorite brick, it will be the easiest to cast.
Plants would inhabit the pocket that is created from the ribbons of concrete wrapping the brick.
A standard two-pocket planter unit.
Another iteration of the ribbon idea discussed before, this brick has two pockets, with the lower one being open to the bottom. The idea there was that ivy or other vine-like plants could hook into the brick.
My favorite brick, each pocket will be inhabited by moss to create a pixelated effect.
The final rendering
For the final board, I wanted to show not only how each brick looked, but also what these bricks could be used for. We decided that for the judging we would create a large planter out of the planter brick, as well as regular bricks. The board suggests that the modular planters could be used as an interchangeable building material in wall construction. We hope that this project can continue in other WAAC renovations and construction.
The idea behind this form is that plants could rest on the surface below the brick. Hopefully this will create a nice gradient effect of foliage as the planter curves. Although not my favorite brick, it will be the easiest to cast.
Plants would inhabit the pocket that is created from the ribbons of concrete wrapping the brick.
A standard two-pocket planter unit.
Another iteration of the ribbon idea discussed before, this brick has two pockets, with the lower one being open to the bottom. The idea there was that ivy or other vine-like plants could hook into the brick.
My favorite brick, each pocket will be inhabited by moss to create a pixelated effect.
The final rendering
For the final board, I wanted to show not only how each brick looked, but also what these bricks could be used for. We decided that for the judging we would create a large planter out of the planter brick, as well as regular bricks. The board suggests that the modular planters could be used as an interchangeable building material in wall construction. We hope that this project can continue in other WAAC renovations and construction.
Concrete-calypse
The day of the casting was mayhem. About 50 students entered the competition and when the concrete truck pulled up to the school they all rushed it. Molds were failing left and right, some from student inexperience, others from sheer weight.
Our individual molds all held together. We lined the inside of our molds with Vaseline and polyurethane to setup a smooth transition of the brick out from the mold. We will be removing them on Wednesday and then stuffing them with plants before judging, which takes place Friday.
Our individual molds all held together. We lined the inside of our molds with Vaseline and polyurethane to setup a smooth transition of the brick out from the mold. We will be removing them on Wednesday and then stuffing them with plants before judging, which takes place Friday.
Making the molds
I have been spending a lot of time in the shop recently working on the concrete competition. Thursday me and my partner Allie were in the shop real late finishing the molds for the planter bricks.
Everything is ready for the casting, with renderings to follow. I have also decided that I will go on my full-time thesis schedule next week. Everything has been too hectic around school for me to get in a groove. So starting Tuesday (Labor Day on Monday), I will be heading into my thesis full force.
Everything is ready for the casting, with renderings to follow. I have also decided that I will go on my full-time thesis schedule next week. Everything has been too hectic around school for me to get in a groove. So starting Tuesday (Labor Day on Monday), I will be heading into my thesis full force.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)