        Hong, Andrew : AssignmentsFifth Street Essay, 11/26/07The Existence of Disrelation Among Seemingly Connected Domains I gently tugged the yellow cord, signaling the driver I wished to get off the Stinger at the upcoming stop. I then looked out of the fogged windows and found that it had begun to rain. The question came to me once again: how come the Stingers do not drive all the way to the bookstore? Perhaps then I could avoid the walk in the rain, I thought to myself. While zipping up my jacket and preparing to face mother-nature, I got off the bus with a decent amount of hesitation and quickly walked towards Fifth Street Bridge. To my disappointment, the rain got stronger and the flashes of lightning foretold an even more unappealing future. The rain began seeping through my jacket and the weight of my jeans was on its way of becoming tripled due to their quality of soaking up and holding water. And most importantly, my black and spiky, stereotypical-Asian hair no longer existed – the rain forced it down, over my forehead and into my eyes, poking them every so often. “Ridiculous,” I muttered. I was half way across the bridge when I realized that I was the only one walking on it. I looked all around but no one else was to be found. I was alone, desolate, and it felt as if I was on a journey by myself, crossing the bridge in the pouring rain so I could touch foot on the other side – my destination. I finally crossed the bridge and Georgia Tech’s Barnes and Noble Bookstore came into sight. I continued on, walking at a fast pace and glancing to my left and right at the different stores and retailers. The scenery was very different compared to the every day routes taken to get to classes, the student center and dining hall. It felt like an entirely different environment, another realm which served a different purpose. Fifth Street and all of its amenities are not entirely new to me. As a second year, I have trekked across that bridge numerous times and visited almost every restaurant within the vicinity. Morning or night, sunshine or rain, Fifth Street has accepted me. However, as an undergraduate student at Georgia Tech, most of my time is spent studying in my room or at the library – these two are most simply my domains. Even though I am well aware of what Fifth Street is and has to offer, a strong and unrelenting sense of contrast and differentiation overpowers my mind and visual senses every time I visit. I can not help but pick out the qualities and characteristics which make Fifth Street so much more different than the environment(s) that I am exposed to on a regular basis, here at Georgia Tech’s campus. Originally introduced in the year 2000, the Fifth Street Project was a 148 million dollar undertaking with a sole purpose to “connect” the Georgia Tech campus to the Midtown locality and ensure the development of the area as a whole. To this day, results include a hotel and conference center, a university bookstore, parking decks, a college of management and small, retail businesses, including restaurants and cafes. Again, their main focus was to physically link the Georgia Tech institute to the Midtown area. Did the diverse set of organizations such as the Midtown Alliance, Tech Square Developers and Department of Transportation complete their main task? Technically and physically speaking, yes, these organizations did so. And more importantly, is what stands today identical to what they envisioned years ago when the project first began? Perhaps, however, I believe contrarily, as what stands today could have been created through a different method, with its functions and characteristics differing than what was originally planned out on paper. The street is nothing new at all. It is in the most real sense, a public thoroughfare which exists in the built environment. On these streets, people of all kinds are allowed to assemble freely, interact with one another and move about. However, how does the point in time affect streets? The roles of the street are numerous and depend entirely upon what is needed at the given time in accordance to the roles of the “characters” or common people. In my travels, I have visited many kinds of streets in different cities and countries. However, one of the most interesting things I have witnessed in relation to the street would be the enormously long queues that form almost every morning in front of BAPEXCLUSIVE, the flagship “A Bathing Ape” clothing store located in Aoyama, Tokyo. Because the store sells everything in limited quantities, image-conscious teenagers line up on the street and “camp” for hours to buy the newest parka, jeans, t-shirt or sneakers as soon as it opens. What’s shocking is not how much money these teenagers spend, but rather how the street or streets are used for such line-ups. The side walks stop being paths of travel and become a temporary “home” for these young customers. Anywhere from 100 to 1,500 will form a line in front of BAPEXCLUSIVE and the street once again turns into a “theater” activated by the performance of humans and special events. Many times, the lines get so big that they take up the entire width of the side walks and actually block the entrances of other businesses or retailers such as Starbucks and McDonalds. The same exact kinds of lines also form in front of the “A Bathing Ape” sores in London, Hong Kong, Taipei and the remaining twenty-five or so scattered across the island country of Japan. In these cases, the streets and side walks are no longer public spaces for all. The lines of young teenagers somehow transform into barriers, and warnings of what is ahead. Streets can not be used as or even translated as separators or barriers. I can not help but feel the Fifth Street acting in the same manner. Although the Fifth Street Bridge is supposed to serve as a link between Georgia Tech and Midtown, it feels like a separator every time I walk across. It is simply what distinguishes one area from another and does its absolute best to accentuate these differences. The major change in environment and scenery is forceful and not calm. I believe that the organizations that originally planned the Fifth Street Project should have but such important effects into consideration. Why link Georgia Tech to Midtown with Fifth Street and its bridge if students prefer not crossing back and forth? From experience with many people and friends, I am confident enough to say that the trip is annoying and at most, disappointing. During eating hours, the restaurants are always filled with business men and women, the shops are not appealing and it seems as if the only purpose students come to Fifth Street is to purchase required materials or textbooks at the Barnes and Noble or attend class at the Management building. In addition, the fact that the Stinger does not include Fifth Street in its route further accentuates the area as being “not connected” or even linked to Georgia Tech or its students. Yes, Fifth Street is a public space, a result of framework of territory, a social institution and a theater activated by performance, and many other positive things. But in negativity, it at large serves to be a separator between Georgia Tech and Midtown. And the current, new, Fifth Street Bridge construction will only accentuate this theory. I believe that the most important thing a street can do is ease the mind and visual senses by providing an easy transition from one area to another – being a true link by complimenting not only the two different areas, but also their surroundings near and far. Though Fifth Street and its amenities have “Georgia Tech” stamped all over, I as a Georgia Tech student feel no relationship to this very street or its shops and businesses. It is another realm which serves a different purpose and I believe that such a street could have been developed in a manner that would compliment Georgia Tech and make the transition into Midtown much smoother and not as powerful or unrelenting. When the organizations proposed a “link” between Georgia Tech and Midtown, a physical link is all they meant I suppose. I believe that having a physical link that also exerts a mental and visual link is most important in this case and such mental and visual links currently do not exist. Fifth Street does not compliment the Georgia Tech campus as a public space. A similar relationship can be found with the new and opening “lifestyle centers” that are appearing across the United States. Different than malls or regular shopping centers, they strive to circumvent all the qualities of enjoying time into one, particular location. They are also meant to be carefully woven into the every day lives and visual senses of the people that live around. However, when carefully looked at, these lifestyle centers prove to be different environments that the every day life outside the barriers. Such lifestyle centers prove to contradict actual lifestyles and again serve as a different realm and purpose. In relation, the redesign of traditional American subdivisions and such apportionments have a similar effect. It is funny how streets and subdivisions are meant to compliment one another and provide clear, fluid connections when such “divisions” are actually turning into concrete, barrier-like separations of one specific area from another. Could the Georgia Tech Campus be one rural subdivision and the Fifth Street vicinity be a different urban subdivision or some sort? And could the Fifth Street Bridge be the “non-connecting” link between these two? I strongly believe so. There seems to be an underlying pattern here, a pattern which concentrates primarily upon the linking of two different areas but in contrast results in accentuating the differences between the specific areas of discussion. The social life of the street is also a very important topic when focusing on streets and mental connections between areas. I sometimes ask myself who exactly Fifth Street was intended to serve. Though Fifth Street and its amenities may seem welcoming to Georgia Tech students, I always have trouble convincing my friends to go up there with me. Though I get annoyed, I can easily see why: the environment can sometimes be unnatural and unwelcoming, especially due to the fact that the Stingers do not even have Fifth Street included within their daily routes. Eating lunch at any of the restaurants on Fifth Street is out of the questions due to the influx of business men and women and the small retailers are not at all beneficiary to us students. The social life in relation to students is very small on Fifth Street and I rarely bump into a familiar face. At night time, social life among Fifth Street disappears completely as the shops close and restaurants stop cooking. Driving down the street and across the bridge late at night is peaceful but also boring due to the unanimated aurora. Fifth Street should be transformed and constructed in a manner that will best welcome and serve Georgia Tech’s students. For one, Fifth Street can be utilized by actually allowing the Stingers to pass through and pick up and drop off students such as myself. This would be an excellent proposition for Georgia Tech’s transportation department to face and hopefully follow through with. I am well aware of the fact that the Fifth Street Bridge can not be removed, but I strongly believe that it can be improved upon. For starters, a more rural, visual appeal could be used to make the transition from Georgia Tech to Midtown calm and not as forceful. The eyes are very sensitive to the visual environment so every precaution must be taken to make Fifth Street as complimenting as possible. This also means Fifth Street being able to serve something other than just textbooks to Georgia Tech’s students. Social life must grow on Fifth Street to make it more welcoming and “connected” to the school’s campus life. We must do our best to include Fifth Street as a part of every day life here at Georgia Tech and make sure Fifth Street can provide for everyone of all ages. Optional Assignment 7 10/29 Playback: In this particular lecture, Douglas Allen talked to us about how cities were planned out and created to be what they are today. His focus was specific but his range of examples proved to be very broad in nature. The Southwest was his first area of discussion, as he focused on the three paramount building types that began there: the pueblo, the mission and the presidio. The roots of these three types derived from Spanish culture. Next, he talked about cities located in the Southwest such as San Antonio. Here these three different types of buildings were build but eventually came together like a puzzle to form a unique town or small city. Mr. Allen also touched briefly on the building concepts of New Orleans and how a grid system was implemented. Finally, he focused on the Northeast and the differences that can be noticed when put next to the Southwest. A key concept with the English Colonies was the fact that they built their homes and centers around a specific, common ground that was shared publicly for the benefit of all the people. This style of building was major until a more systematic way was introduced: the use of square blocks. Look Up: Gunter’s Chain: The Gunter’s Chain is a measuring device used for land survey. It was originally designed and introduced in 1620 by Edmund Gunter long before the development of the theodolite or any other high-tech equipment. The “chain” was used for both legal and commercial purposes. Pueblo: Pueblos were traditional communities that were created in the Southwestern US. The Pueblos were recognized worldwide for adobe-style buildings. The word Pueblo evolved from the Latin word populus, which means “village.” Presidio: The Presidio was a type of fort or fortress that was originally built by the Spanish in North America during the 16th Century. These Presidios provided protection from outsiders and they were built in the Southern areas of the US as well. Speculate: How would cities be affected today if the three building types (mission, presidio, pueblo) were not introduced or even used back in the southwestern areas of the United States? Or more importantly, if there were no Spanish influences, how would San Antonio look today for example? Is there any way the southwestern and northeastern building styles can be merged together? 11/07 Playback: This lecture focused on “building great streets and cities.” The concept of the integration of land use as well as transportation decisions was highly focused on. He then asked, what is the purpose of cities? The answer would be: to maximize exchange (goods, culture, friendship, knowledge) and to minimize travel – the role of transport is to maximize exchange. He then showed us a few examples of developments located in the US such as Beacon Hill, Boston, where everything needed to live is located conveniently to each other. Another important topic that he focused on was the infrastructure of transportation and how it dictates the use of land. Here, he related “infrastructure” to something as simple as bones of an animal or even a human being. Next came to technical aspects of land use and transportation: capacity, congestion and traffic. These negative qualities brought the next topic of discussion which was the principles of livable transportation and how it must be good enough to serve the people and not make them make other choices such as moving out. Finally, he ended the lecture with the introduction of public transportation such as a rail system that would actually interact with a city itself: one concept would be having a train operate on top of grass. Such new and shocking ideas could actually prove useful towards a way of efficient transportation. Look Up: Infrastructure: Infrastructure is generally structural elements that provide the framework supporting an entire structure. The term has diverse meanings in different fields, but is perhaps most widely understood to refer to roads, airports, and utilities. Walkability: It is the measure of the overall walking conditions in an area. Factors include land use mix, street connectivity, residential density and retail floor area ratio. Other factors which are also believed to affect walkability include access to mass transit, presence and quality sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, aesthetics, nearby local destinations, air quality, street furniture, and traffic flow. Livability: The well-being or quality of life of a population is an important concern in economics and political science. It is measured by many social and economic factors. A large part is standard of living, the amount of money and access to goods and services that a person has; these numbers are fairly easily measured. Speculate: As we move towards the future, how will transportation be affected? Will roads be built any differently if they are planning to use mass-transit in all parts of cities? Will there be new ways to get people to move into cities? What about moving out of the city? Are there characteristics or aspects of any type of city that makes it unbearable? Will the ‘bone structure’ of transportation and roads still be used a century later from now? 11/12 Playback: In this lecture, Mr. Wertheimer introduced some sort of “master plan” for the campus here at Georgia Tech. Mr. Wertheimer’s main topic of discussion pertained to accessibility as well as sustainability and how the both of them could be achieved. He also explained the importance of green space and how such spaces could benefit the students, the prospective and the campus as a whole over a period of time. Mr. Wertheimer plans on creating more green space within the Tech campus as well as making particular locations more accessible, such as my current dormitory, North Avenue Apartments. He also focused on the extracurricular such as the women’s softball field and how it could be improved upon. All in all, I find the reasoning behind the plan to be very effective and appealing as long as focus is not lost. Look Up: Green Spaces: Green spaces implemented correctly have many positive benefits such as: walking, camping and biking areas close to the cities and towns, places for wild plants and animals, cleaner air and water, recreation purposes, etc. Though effectiveness ranges depending on location, city and country, green spaces or “green belts” are very positive in nature and beneficial if used correctly. Accessibility: It is a general term used to describe the degree to which a system is usable by as many people as possible. In other words, it is the degree of ease with which it is possible to reach a certain location from other locations. Sustainability: Sustainability is a characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained at a certain level indefinitely. The term, in its environmental usage, refers to the potential longevity of vital human ecological support systems, such as the planet's climatic system, systems of agriculture, industry, forestry, and fisheries, and human communities in general and the various systems on which they depend. Speculate: If green spaces are integrated into Georgia Tech’s campus, how long will they last? Will there come a time when green spaces will actually need to be destroyed for the betterment of the campus itself in terms of more buildings being needed? Or more learning centers being constructed? Is the master plan looking for the long term? Accessibility and sustainability are very important and it seems as if green spaces are the only answer – but if these spaces are destroyed, what will then happen? How can sustainability and accessibility be achieved through other means? 10-28-07 ASSIGNMENT 10-10-07 Playback: Here, the controversial topic of “a work of architecture versus the ordinary” was presented with the implications of there being a major difference between these two different entities. The main question asked was simply, “What differentiates a work of architecture from an ordinary building?” It is said that after we as people shape our buildings, they begin to shape us. As we walk throughout the built environment, we are confronted with many different buildings of varying designs, shapes and sizes. How do they define access and space? And how should space be used? What is best in terms of presentation and function? Nested hierarchies exist along with individualism within unity and this lecture sought to convey just how. Look Up: Radial Axis: Branching out in all directions from a common center - situated like a radius. Nested Hierarchies: derives from the methods of Charles Darwin for the classification of species. Nested hierarchy refers to a category that consists of other categories within it. In relation to architecture, it simply refers to differences in the styles of buildings. Though appearances and styles differ, the messages that each convey are similar. Ecological Literacy: the knowledge of interactions and relationships between organisms and their environment. Speculate: There are many different styles of architecture. In the lecture, there was a clash between the classical styles and the modernist contrivances. How can these two different styles come together peacefully in the built environment? Another topic I was interested in was how buildings evoke certain emotions and feelings? How can an architect and designer create a work to convey particular feelings? This also relates to the concept of buildings shaping us after we have shaped them. 10-15-07 Playback: This particular lecture related to the aspects of Building Construction and what phases (design, build, operate) must be gone through in order to complete a certain project. The lecturer also answered who exactly is involved in such large-scale projects and the list of responsibilities is numerous. In order to fully express the amount of planning and work involved, high profile buildings such as ones located in Dubai and China were used as examples. We then focused on the important figures such as the owner, designers and architects, general contractors along with subcontractors, fabricators and builders, operators and managers. All of these positions are interrelated and progress can not be present unless the work produced by each is related. The controversial topic of integration was also touched on, as different methods of building were covered. Look Up: General Contractor: One who coordinates and oversees the different subcontractors to make sure the project is carried out efficiently and correctly. AEC Integration: This refers to a project being a result of cooperation from many different levels in order to optimize the progress of work. Subcontractor: One who oversees a smaller aspect of a building project such as plumbing, electrical or water. It is not as large a responsibility as a General Contractor. Speculate: With the possibilities of many different building projects arising, how are they confronted and who is deemed ‘good enough’ to carry such projects out? What makes a building ‘high profile’ and what levels of integration are needed for different kinds of projects? Is it possible to successfully carry out a project within a respected time period without such contrivances like AEC Integration? What is the future of building construction? 10-22-07 Playback: After a quick and simple overview, the lecturer began expressing the meanings behind ‘design’ and how such a process is carried out. We also learned how design is situated into the modern environment along with the reactions that take place and the interdependencies which exist. The lecturer then focused on the many different kinds of designed products that are used all over the world for many different jobs or situations. Examples include objects used for pleasure, work, life preservation, eating, sleeping, computational, electrical, transportation and even sensuality related. We were then introduced to Georgia Tech’s ID program and several different examples of work created by students were shared with us. Look Up: Iterative Adjustment: adjustments or changes needed by the design process to make changes in an iterative fashion. Applied Arts: This simply refers to the aesthetics and looks of a particular object. It is also the essence of Industrial Design in its simplest and most basic form. Industrial Design: At first, I thought it meant making cool things, but it is: “The professional service of creating and developing concepts and specifications that optimize the function, value and appearance of products and systems for the mutual benefit of both user and manufacturer." Speculate: When designing something, how are professionals reacting to the modern world as it exists currently? What inspiration comes when designing and what is the step by step mental process needed to make sure a work of design is accepted and useful in the world we live today? Library 101 Assignment “AMERICANS LINK HURRICANE KATRINA AND HEAT WAVE TO GLOBAL WARMING.” New Times Naturally, Oct 2006, p.42-43. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Anderson, Christine. “The New Orleans hurricane protection system: what went wrong and why.” ASCE, c2007. p. 84. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Benfield, Kaid. “After Katrina: new solutions for safe communities and a secure energy future.” Washington DC, Natural Resources Defense Council, 2005. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Bergal, Jenni. “City adrift: New Orleans before and after Katrina.” Louisiana State University Press c2007. P.168. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Bergeron, John. “Katrina Update.” Architectural record, 2006 Sept., v.194, n.9, p.36. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Brown, Joseph. “New Orleans: on year after Katrina.” Urban land, 2006 Nov.-Dec., v.65, n.11-12. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Brunsma, David. “The sociology of Katrina: perspectives on a modern catastrophe.” Rowman & Littlefield c2007. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Campanella, Thomas. “Urban resilience and the recovery of New Orleans.” Journal of the American Planning Association, 2006 Spring, v.72, n.2, o.141-146. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Childs, John Brown. “Hurricane Katrina: response and responsibilities.” Santa Cruz, Calif. New Pacific Press, 2005. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. DesRoches, Reginald. “Hurricane Katrina’s impact on Louisiana’s Transportation infrastructure.” 2006. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Dyson, Michael Eric. “Come hell or high water: Hurricane Katrina and the color of disaster.” Basic Civitas Books, c2006. xii, p. 258. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Espinoza, Cholene. “Through the eye of the storm: a book dedicated to rebuilding what Katrina washed away.” Chelsea Green Pub. Co., c2006. p. 204. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Gerfen, Katie. “Greening New Orleans.” Architecture, 2006 Oct., v.95, n.10, p.16. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Germany, Kent. “New Orleans after the promises: poverty, citizenship and the search for the Great Society.” University of Georgia Press, c2007. p.460. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Giroux, Henry. “Stormy weather: Katrina and the politics of disposability.” Boulder, Colo. Paradigm Publishers, c2006. P. 150. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Hartman, Chester. “There is no such thing as a natural disaster: race, class and Hurricane Katrina.” New York. Routledge, 2006. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 207. “Hurricane Katrina: what can the government learn from the private sector’s response?” Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Washington. US G.P.O. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Klara, Robert. “A flood of liability worries.” Architecture, 2005 Oct., v.94, n.10. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Jacobs, Karrie. “Drop in the bucket: the number of housing initiatives currently under way in New Orleans is impressive, but without active federal involvement they fall well short of the urgent need.” Metropolis, 2007 Feb., v.26, n.6. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Kennedy, James. “Remaking New Orleans, without losing its past.” Architectural record, 2007 June, v.195, n.6, p.85-88, 226. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Lubell, Sam. “Louisiana recovery continues to hit snags.” Architectural record, 2007 June, v.195, n.6, p.42. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Martin, Colin. “After the flood: the US pavilion at the 2006 Venice Biennale addressed the rebuilding of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.” Landscape architecture Australia, 2007 Feb., n.113, p.29-30. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Olasky, Marvin. “The politics of disaster: Katrina, big government, and a new strategy for future crises.” W Pub. Group, c2006. viii, p. 231. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Potter, Hillary. “Racing the storm: racial implications and lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina.” Lexington Books, c2007. xiii, p.314. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. “Rebuilding highway and transit infrastructure on the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina.” Washington. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Reed, Adolph. “Unnatural Disaster: the nation on Hurricane Katrina.” New York, NY. Nation Books, c2006. p.240. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Skool, David. “New architecture for Katrina-ravaged town.” Architectural Record, 2006 Sept., v.194, n.9, p.29. Avery. EBSCOhost. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 10 Oct. 2007. Tidwell, Mike. “The ravaging tide: strange weather, future Katrinas, and the coming death of America’s coastal cities.” New York. Free Press, c2006. P. 196. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. Troutt, David. “After the storm: Black intellectuals explore the meaning of Hurricane Katrina.” W.W. Norton & Co., 2006. p. 164. GIL. Georgia Institute of Technology Library. 11 Oct. 2007. 9.16.07 Assignment: Disability Research (Assistive Tech): Part 1 The intricate and complex field of disability research and assistive technology was Dr. Stephen Sprigle’s main focus in the lecture shared with us. In relation to CATEA, Dr. Sprigle presented concepts such as the research and design of assistive products, technology fabrications and of course the differences between specialized and universal assistive sciences. He also focused on the essential multi-disciplinary skills required to further advance within the field of disability research and applications pertaining to assistive technology. Key terms include miniaturization, environmental barriers along with functional barriers, accessible environments, anthropometry and of course, assistive technology. Disability Research (Assistive Tech): Part 2 Environmental barriers: Such barriers are simply made up of the complex surroundings which burdens ones performance at an array of levels. These surroundings do not have to be enormous entities such as mountains or oceans – simple slopes and hills around GA Tech’s campus and even the concrete steps qualify as “barriers.” Anthropometry: This term essentially translates to the measure, or measurement of humans. Anthropometry plays an enormous role in the modern world – industrial design, architecture, ergonomics and even clothing design are all affected by this key concept in one way or another. Assistive Technology: The application and science of rehabilitative and adaptive products selected to be used in a wide range of locations and environments. Examples of such products include wheelchairs, crutches, ramps, hearing aids, specialized utensils and so on. Products and devices are designed and fabricated with universal appeal in mind along with the convenience and comfort factors. Disability Research (Assistive Tech): Part 3 Curriculum/Pedagogy: The science or theory of education branches off into numerous teaching strategies and contrivances which must be followed and fully understood. When one designs and fabricates, should he or she always be aware of assistive technologies and existing disabilities as a whole? Can a designer “get by”, or rather, should a designer be allowed to create with a single mindset, focusing on the needs of a single client? Disciplines: We live in world governed by those with authoritative powers so those in control must please the masses. With the many design and environmental codes in existence, should additional “laws” be put into practice? How about houses and other establishments currently not affected by codes? Professions: When catering for the disabled, is it possible and acceptable to design in a manner which will also appeal to the general population and overall built environment? Basically, could assisting the needed also assist and better the design concept for the masses? Systems of Organization/Economic Production: Should the choice of materials be considered when fabricating assistive technology-related products? Is there a way we can provide the best in quality for people of all financial incomes? AEC Integration: Part 1 Here, the lecture focused primarily on the conception of integration into the field of construction. A question relating to the influences of construction was also conveyed: Is construction just a mere industry? Or is it rather a ‘part’ of the economy? As we move towards the future, where will construction rest? The lecturer shared a concept of construction turning into a pure form of integration: a collaboration of different fields and concepts which will help abridge the design and fabrication periods of construction as a whole. Key terms that caught my attention include specialization, alliance contracting, fragmentation, lean construction, supply chains and total team concept. AEC Integration: Part 2 Supply Chains: Supply chains or supply networks are coordinated systems of organizations, resources, information and people involved in moving a product or service in a virtual or physical manner from the supplier to customer/client. Supply chain activities transform materials which are then delivered to consumers for use. Specialization: Though specialization has a positive connotation, it simply translates into restriction and limitations of what one can provide. Specialization refers to the individual job one is asked to complete. In the long run however, specialization proves to be vital and a very efficient concept. Fragmentation: Fragmentation translates to the separation of the large into smaller, workable pieces. Fragmentation can relate to the Construction industry due to the complex system, or ‘make-up’ of designers, engineers, fabricators, architects, specialized personnel, etc. which all rarely come together – collaboration is not a popular concept. AEC Integration: Part 3 Curriculum/Pedagogy: As we resort to specialization, collaboration begins to fade away. Because we design and build for the environment and community, shouldn’t we learn to commit ourselves more often to a group, rather than to our own goals? I believe work can be more efficiently produced if we learn to work in a collaborative manner. Fragmentation and collaboration must find balance. Disciplines: What can be done to better prepare students for the future? As processes and concepts begin to change, how will students adapt and be successful? Should students be disciplined for future changes? Professions: Can Georgia Tech graduates become leaders of the integrated world? How will they react to Fragmentation? Will integration be a problem? What about collaboration with others? Systems of Organization/Economic Production: How are the organization skills of Tech students? What about management and the concept of “systems”? Even if we are competent enough to do the work, can we face the pressure and expectations? Graphic Information Systems: Part 1 We live in a technology-driven world and because of this we are able to use data to plan and build efficiently. Mr. French shared with us many ways of how GIS Technology has bettered the built environment through the use of resources such as: photographic-interpreted land-use, urban sprawl, suitability maps, population density maps and so on. Such GIS Technology can also help predict the outcomes and effects of disasters and natural occurrences. Future trends can also be spotted with technology and help plan environments and communities. Such technology is vital for the built environment. Graphic Information Systems: Part 2 Automated Data Acquisition: It is data or information that is downloaded in real time automatically. No humans are needed for this kind of acquisition. This kind of technology is used all the time – for example, weather services must have data coming in all the time, continuously, to help predict upcoming weather patterns, temperatures, rain, etc. Location-based Services: This term refers to the availability of specific services used to transfer electronic information from on particular location to another. Remote Sensing: It is the technique and process used to gather data of a particular object or area from a certain distance. Radars along with infrared-technology are used which help data collection be more efficient and cost-friendly. With this technology, researchers can gather information and data from any place on Earth without having to place personnel in the particular area. Graphic Information Systems: Part 3 Pedagogy: Can GIS Technology be integrated into our curriculum here at GA Tech? How can such technologies better our understanding of the built and soon-to-be-built environment? Disciplines: Is there something better than GIS Technology? Any substitutes or different methods just as popular? Professions: How will GIS Technologies affect all three majors? Architecture, BC and ID? Are the influences different for each field? Systems of Organization/Economic Production: Can GIS or will GIS Technologies be used for the better use of local and natural resources to better the appearance of our community and built environment? Classical Design Presentation Part 1. Seven unique Architects participating in a special one year curriculum presented their individual projects and works which all related essentially to the foundations and concepts of Classical Design. Powerpoint presentation slides were used to show perspective sketches, details, schematics and elevation drawings and how Classical Design differs from other Design genres. Perhaps the most important subject would be the true difference between traditional and classical design, as the two terms were at times used simultaneously. Part 2. Pediment – It is a Classical Architecture element that consists of the triangular section that is found right above the horizontal structure. This triangular section, or part, is supported by columns and is found commonly in Neo-Classical Architecture. Green Design – Green Design is the concept of using the old material of a home as the base, and adding new design concepts to make it look “new” again. The Architect in the presentation used Classical and Traditional Design elements to make the old houses look more beautiful. Part 3. a. What are the differences between Classical and Traditional Architecture? Are they the same thing? Can they be used together? b. When designing something with a Classical Design mindset, do you find it difficult to stay within that particular ‘realm?’ Do you think its possible to integrate classical design with modern design? c. Before preparing the designs for a Classical Design home or building, do you put into consideration of the present ‘look’ of the community? Meaning, Do you restrain yourself from using certain designs to make the home or building look more subtle and let it ‘fit in’ the community? Solar Decathlon Presentation Part 1. The Solar Decathlon Presentation focused primarily on a program/competition that seeks the most efficient, energy saving, solar powered home an engineering college can fabricate. The ‘firmness’, ‘commodity’ and ‘delight’ were the key points of this subject/program. The lecturer shared the progression through the design process and how it was finally completed. Part 2. The Solar Decathlon did not just focus on the design and fabrication of the solar powered home. The concept of collaboration and team work was highly emphasized. Cross-disciplinary collaboration work better prepares students for the professional world. Coordination and integration were just as important. They referred to how the different parts of a project intricately come together to create one single work. Part 3. a. Would it be possible to mass produce solar-powered homes? b. What part of CFY studio should be reconsidered and reevaluated? c. How do your past experiences contribute and guide you while doing this project? CADCAM Presentation Part 1. The Computer Aided Design Computer Aided Manufacturing (CADCAM) Presentation focused on the progression of the construction of artifacts. The speaker explained the actions needed to make structure, along with conveying the important relationship between designers, architects, fabricators and contractors. The design processes of the 20th and 21st Century were juxtaposed and the speaker also shared how the choice of materials affect over construction and presentation. Key themes include: local - global, unitized - stick frame, closure, parametric, nonstandard, and global-manipulation. Part 2. Parametric – This term refers to a system that is fabricated in order to help facilitate the process of making a particular project or structure. Global-manipulation – This refers to the effects of an entire process by changing individual parts of a project. Part 3. a. How can a good parametric be constructed? b. Without the aid of computers, what alternatives would you seek to help complete such intricate projects? Would it even be possible with such resources? c. How would your designs differ with and without parametric modulations? The wooden artifact towering three levels in the Architecture Building is in essence, an artifact, as it is a production of man. Man’s ability to design, measure and fabricate allows the imagination to run wild without restrictions and create unique, complex structures such as this. The wooden artifact is roughly a combination of strong, light-colored wood and harsh, but strong pieces such as screws, washers, nuts, bolts and rods. The artifact is very unique in the fact that it consists of multiple long, thin pieces, which are actually made up of a few parts. I suppose it was impossible to find pieces of wood nearly 35 or so feet high, so the team of designers had to use single pieces and bind them together at perfectly cut angles. The pieces were then raised vertically and bolted onto the ground. The rods may not be part of the essential beauty of design, but they there to provide support. The shape is very unique in the fact that the wood was cut to create an image of waves – similar to water, or even the round backside of a whale. Though some pieces differ from one another considering the angle of the curve, geometry was crucial in the fabrication process. Every cut and every angle must be made perfectly in order to produce the “wave” in a even and smooth form. The wooden artifact is the first thing that my eyes set on when walking towards Studio. It has a mysterious aurora in the morning sunlight and I believe natural lighting is the best light for it to be shined upon. The wood is very smooth until your fingers run across the pointy, metal bolts and screws. At times I wondered if the fabrication could have been done in a way to hide the metal pieces to present a “smoothness” uniform, throughout the artifact. Though I do not know the real motivations the designers felt, I believe a lot of thought and much imagination was put forth into the project. One motivation could have been a way to “connect” the bottom (ground) to the third level (sky) without blocky qualities. When I look at the waves of this artifact, it conveys a sense of connection from the ground to the sky. It is very mystical and a one of a kind production. The design process must have been long and tedious. From creative thought, to rough sketches and from detailed plans to a harsh brick wall – the realization that something simply won’t work the way the team wanted it to. This artifact took half a year complete due to the enormous amount of time needed to successfully prepare and fabricate. As stated earlier, this artifact reminds me of the backside of a whale, or other large, rounded sea creature. If I had the responsibility of naming this piece, I would go with something like “Cetacea” or “Baleen” The polycarbonate structure resting outside on the patio area of the Architecture Building is an artifact as well, a product of mans inspirations and ability to fabricate. By the first glance, one can tell that this particular artifact is far more complex-looking than the wooden once located inside. It begins at one end as flat, polycarbonate sheets with slow expand and widen to create a beautiful, honeycomb image. The artifact is NOT self supporting – meaning the higher levels of fabrication can not rely on the strength and sturdiness of the lower levels for support. The artifact ends at the second level and is supported additionally by thin but strong cables running down from the concrete beams and columns located just above the second floor ledge. When looking at it from a medium distance, one can tell that it is made up of straight and curved sheets which are put together to create the waviness (stretched honeycomb effect). In addition, one can instantly tell when looking up close to examine details when seeing the many, small metal bolts used to bind these polycarbonate pieces together into the form the team wanted to portray. The shape is very complex and not symmetrical throughout. It also reminds me of a paper fan (those used in Asian dance shows) because a fan has similar qualities: there is a base and from that base, it gets wider and wider to create the shape of a fan. Similar characteristics can be viewed when looking at the poly carbonate artifact from the bottom end to the middle areas. The polycarbonate is most visible during the day time, as it shines throughout the day from the sunshine to expose its many surface areas. If the artifact were cleaned a little better, it would have a uniform smoothness throughout. Though the original motivations are unknown to me, I believe that the team wanted to just create something beautiful and unique with the clear polycarbonate. Far away it looks similar to glass, which provides an even more beautiful aurora. In addition, I am sure many questions rose during the design process. How can we support this? How can we bind the pieces of plastic together in an almost seamless contrivance? The questions are many and each equally important. The images portrayed and conveyed by this unique artifact are numerous but one sticks out in my mind at this very moment: hair. Although hair is colored (brown, black, blonde, etc.) the graceful waviness and smoothness reminds me of a female’s head of hair being blown by the air. I would simply name this artifact “Strands” or even “Honey Comb” due to its similarities of an extended honey comb. Link to this Page
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