        Downey, Leah : AssignmentsFifth Street RevivalA street serves so many different purposes, especially when there are many different organizations with diverse interests that utilize the space. On a very obvious level, a street is a means of getting from one point to another whether by vehicle or by foot. Series of streets connect to form pathways to just about any desired destination. They form boundaries that delineate between different businesses, neighborhoods, and property. There is also a trace of history to be seen in the networking of streets in an area. Though cities progress and evolve over time with the ever changing residents that inhabit the area, streets seem to stand the test of time. Once roads have been laid developers tend to plan and build around the pre-existing network of the cities which is usually laid out and determined by its streets. They make use of the plots of land that have been predetermined by the network of roads. The layout of streets of the past leave clues as to what might have preceded the structures of the present. A street tells much about the people for which the planners and builders laid the street. The size of the street can be an indication of how much traffic passes through the area and, in consequence, which direction people travel to get to work and, later, home. Or the layout of the intersections of roads can be a clue as to what aspects of life are most important to the residents of the area. If there is some central point of focus that all the streets lead to and create concentric circles that radiate and pulsate in a rhythmic pattern from the center, the concentration of the public’s focus, then the people or the builders or the commissioner of the layout placed a lot of importance on whatever is at the center. Common values can be derived by observing what all the streets converge to. Streets also set the stage for an ongoing show in which each of the residents of the surrounding area play a part. The streets provide a place for vehicles, public transportation, and pedestrians to coexist in a common space and, in doing so, cause constant interactions between the different variables. Fifth Street is an interesting, yet not uncommon, situation. So many groups are striving to make the best possible use of the space that there will never cease to be a need for new improvements to accommodate the wishes of each of the groups involved in the space. For five years groups including representation for the businesses in Tech Square, the fraternities and sororities of Georgia Tech, the campus planners of Georgia Tech, and the city of Atlanta have come together to find a way to improve Fifth Street to make it more user friendly for drivers and pedestrians. So much time, money, and effort has been put forth by so many different people. Why spend so much time and money and effort on such a small stretch of land? The section of Fifth Street from the Biltmore Hotel to the Klaus Building of Georgia Tech is the focus of all of this attention. This section of Fifth Street begins in Tech Square, across Highway 75 from Georgia Tech’s main campus. Though Tech Square is the property of Georgia Tech, it is right in the midst of downtown Atlanta. It is the goal of the planners of the Georgia Tech campus to create a definite difference from the surrounding areas and, in doing so, delineate Tech’s campus from the rest of Atlanta. There are plans to increase the green space along the street on Tech Square, specifically across from the Biltmore at the corner where Fifth Street begins. There is a turn around and drop-off area in front of the Management Building that surrounds an area that was originally created to invite people to eat lunch and have a place to sit peacefully. The idea of a tranquil spot in the middle of the surrounding city was deterred by the steady flow of cars that separates the surrounding buildings from the area that was meant to be an escape. The problem is the lunch spot is not easily accessible (as the turnaround cuts across the path to get there), and it is not appealing with a constant flow of traffic and people (as the Tech Trolley makes a stop right in front of the Management Building). This area would be the perfect introduction and welcome into Georgia Tech’s campus if there were people outside enjoying themselves while having a bite to eat in between classes or daily errands. There are plans awaiting monetary resources that will create green space and eliminate the drop-off road and the trolley stop to foster the use of the area in the way it was originally intended by removing the factors that cause onlookers and potential users to turn away and find another place. Similarly, there is a courtyard that will also be converted to green space for reasons similar to that of the lunch area across from the Biltmore. A general increase in green space all across campus is the primary goal that promotes such plans. The bridge that spans across Highway 75 is the product of much planning and many stages of improvement. Once Tech acquired the land across Highway 75 that now plays host to Technology Square, the bridge that connected the main campus to Tech Square must be more than just a way to cross over the highway. As the bridge users Tech’s students back and forth between Tech Square and the main campus, it must be an acceptable place for college students to safely travel to and from Tech Square. And in the process of transforming into a place of safe passage, it became a welcoming area for students to gather together. The planners included green space and wide sidewalks on either side of Fifth Street. And the south section of green space features an overhang to provide a slight reprieve from the blistering sun. Students walk daily on the sidewalk to lunch or to classes or to go shopping. Frat boys go to throw the football around on the green space beside the sidewalks. Georgia Tech alumnae and their families come from their hometowns and tailgate on the green space for the home games at Tech. The bridge is much more inviting since its latest revision. Moving further down Fifth Street, the sidewalk has been of the most recent concern. Currently, the sidewalk in front of the fraternities and sororities, across from the baseball field, is undergoing a complete facelift of sorts. For weeks now, construction workers have labored: first, completely uprooting the previous sidewalk and, now, pouring new cement for the new sidewalk. The new sidewalk has been improved to be aligned with the side walk that leads into it and is set back further away from the road. It is also going to have the pattern of bricks that flank either side of the sidewalk and separate each square of cement that is poured. It has been interesting, as a resident of the area to see the affects of the construction on the surrounding area and people. For days the transportation system of Tech’s campus was altered. A section of Fifth Street was closed in order to pour the cement for the new sidewalk. In effect, the typical traffic that usually passes by way of Fifth Street, avoiding the common stomping grounds of the pedestrians, was redirected through the core of the pedestrian network of paths. Streets that very rarely play host to motorized vehicles were burdened by the typical traffic load of a main street that helps to form a section of a sort of perimeter around the campus. The normal pedestrian traffic is also sent on another route, and though it may be as simple for a pedestrian as walking to the other side of the street, it is an inconvenience. The construction site literally runs up to the steps of three of the Greek houses. For many students, their Greek house is, in fact, what they call home while at school. For those two fraternities and the sorority, the members have to enter their house through a backdoor. They currently have no front lawn to hang out on. Is it all worth it? For weeks this construction has proved to be quite a nuisance to one and all that once used it on a regular basis. The construction process seems to be dragging on quite a bit longer than one might expect. It seems that they are in no hurry to return the area to normalcy. Students poke fun at the construction and the length of time it has taken. They question whether the Tech’s campus planners are “just making up things to do” and “working slowly because there is nothing to do after they finish the current project.” Do they really believe that Georgia Tech would spend such a large amount of time and money on some project just to fill time? The only thing the students see is a long process with no explanation and “all to move the sidewalk over by a couple of inches.” What is it that they do not see or understand? Fifth Street is a very key location on campus; it is part of multiple bus routes, along with the trolley route. It also transitions into Ferst Streets and serves as part of a sort of perimeter around campus. It is a route for vehicles that does not cut through campus, which is great for students. Fifth Street, like every other street, provides a common area where vehicles and pedestrians can coexist pleasantly together. To sit a watch the street on any given day is to witness a play. People pass by each other and are forced to interact in someway. They may smile in acknowledgment or one may serve around another, eyes on the ground, attempting not to interact at all (though the deviation is proof enough of an interaction). Cars have to slow down in order to allow a student to cross the street. Cars also have to slow down when the car in front of it slows down. Cars and pedestrians are forced to interact with each other and the improvements all along Fifth Street have been implemented to make these interactions as smooth as possible. The sidewalks are farther away from the street and are wide enough to allow many people to pass. People would understand if only someone explained why so much construction is going on. The construction is a means of making Fifth Street everything that a street was created to be. 10.28 Assignment 10.10.07 Lecture In the Introduction to Architecture: Program, Discipline, Profession lecture, Ellen Dunham-Jones presented the questions that drive architects to imagine and create. She explained that the difference between architecture and “ordinary buildings” was that architecture is the answer to simple questions like “how should we build here and now?” and “what kind of world are we shaping?” Architecture is different throughout time and throughout the world, from continent to continent, country to country, and city to city. The lecturer discussed the impact the social organization of a region has on the design and layout of the architecture. She expressed that though we design and create our buildings, the buildings end up influencing our lifestyles. Radial Axes-arranged or having parts arranged like rays radiating from a central point. In a capital city with an absolute power the architecture would be laid out to reflect that the king was the center both in power and literally (based on his residence centered in the middle of the city, in which all roads lead to him). Individualism within unity-the concept of individual multiples that have unique qualities yet have continuity within a body of multiples, as within a college campus. Ecological Literacy-the ecology of human communities and populations especially as concerned with preservation of environmental quality (as of air or water) through proper application of conservation and civil engineering practices. The Solar Decathlon explores making this possible and available to the everyman. This lecture really raised the challenge of making it a goal to design in such a way that the architecture inspires and influences those interacting with it in a positive way. The everyday landscape is what molds our attitudes and in effect our productivity. Architects are charged with the task of shaping the everyday landscape that everyone faces each and every day. 10.15.07 Lecture In the Introduction to Building Construction: Program, Discipline, Profession lecture, Roozbeh Kangari maps out the process involved with construction from the conception of a need to the creation of the final product. He presented a linear representation of the relationships and timeline of the different steps involved in the process. He then moved on to make a point that the relations could not be described as linear and represented the actual relationships as a web in which each of the steps of the process were interrelated and demanded communication. Holistic Thinking-characterized by the view that a whole system of beliefs must be analyzed rather than simply its individual components. In the construction industry the best way to accomplish a project is by utilizing constant communication among each branch of operation to eliminate errors and speed the process. Overcoming Fragmentation through Integration-the process of meshing steps in a project in order to eliminate breaks in progress due to switching focus from one discipline to another. Traditional Project Communication-a system in which the contractor is at the center of communication. The owner and architect communicate with each other and with the subcontractors through the contractor. The lecturer challenges the building industry to become fully integrated in an effort to promote holistic thinking and to overcome fragmentation. He made a great case that in times previous to the move towards integration the process of ideas to the final project was much more long and drawn out than need be. Integration among design, construction and management would help to change the process to be much more smooth and efficient. 10.22.07 Lecture In the Introduction to Industrial Design: Program, Discipline, Profession lecture, Abir Mullick began by defining design as both a noun and a verb. He noted that design required considering aesthetic, functionality, and other aspects that involve research, modeling, and redesign. He stressed that industrial designers create concepts that will benefit both the consumer and the manufacturer while optimizing function, aesthetic appeal, and value. Iterative Adjustments-multiple improvements. Design requires many ideas and conceptions to create a final product; the designer conceives an idea and then improves upon it until it is sufficient in terms of value, appeal, and function. Humanization of Technologies-making technological devises more user-friendly to make the function more natural. Tactile-of, relating to, or being the sense of touch. Designers must attempt to relate the product to the user in many ways including the way the object feels. The lecturer stressed that industrial design is a process in which there are many steps before producing a complete and final product. He also showed how versatile and widespread designing can be. It is necessary in almost every facet of life. Industrial design is not only a means of making products more attractive, it is a way to make the product as functional and usable as possible. Works Cited Allen, Scott. "Harvard to Study Katrina's Long-Term Psychological Toll." The Boston Globe 6 Jan. 2006, sec. A4. LexisNexis Academic. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans Katrina. "Banks Adapt to Changes in Regional Market ; Institutions Focus on Diversification." New York Times. ProQuest. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: Katrina New Orleans. Bates, Kristin A., and Richelle S. Swan, eds. Through the Eye of Katrina : Social Justice in the United States. Durham, NC: Carolina Academic P, 2007. GIL Universal Catalog. 11 Oct. 2007 Berggren, Ruth E., and Tyler J. Curiel. "After the Storm: Health Care Infrastructure in Post-Katrina New Orleans." New England Journal of Medicine 354.15 (2006): 1549-1552. Academic Search Complete. EBSCOhost. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: Katrina+New Orleans. Brown, David. "Katrina Survivors Mostly Optimistic, New Study Finds." The Washington Post 29 Aug. 2006, sec. A: 4. LexisNexis Academic. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans Katrina. Brunsma, David L., David Overfelt, and J. Steven Picou, eds. The Sociology of Katrina : Perspectives on a Modern Catastrophe. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2007. GIL Universal Catalog. 11 Oct. 2007 Dyson, Michael Eric. Come Hell or High Water : Hurricane Katrina and the Color of Disaster. New York: Basic Civitas, 2006. GIL Universal Catalog. 11 Oct. 2007 Environmental Health Needs and Habitability Assessment : Hurricane Katrina Response : Initial Assessment. Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention & U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2005. GIL Universal Catalog. 11 Oct. 2007 Fausset, Richard. "New Orleans: Two Years Later; All That Remains." Los Angelos Times 18 Sept. 2007, sec. A.9. ProQuest. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans AND Hurricanes. Fein, Geoff. "Katrina Showed Need for Rapid Damage Assessment, Improved Communications." Defense Daily 27 July 2006. LexisNexis Academic. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans Katrina. Hall, Mimi. "States Cutting Disaster Red Tape ; Bills Seek Quick OK for Medical Help." USA Today 9 Oct. 2007, Final ed., sec. A: 1. ProQuest. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: Katrina New Orleans. Hartman, Chester, and Gregory D. Squires, eds. There is No Such Thing as a Natural Disaster : Race, Class, and Hurricane Katrina. New York: Routledge, 2006. GIL Universal Catalog. 11 Oct. 2007 Horne, Jed. Breach of Faith : Hurricane Katrina and the Near Death of a Great American City. New York: Random House, 2006. GIL Universal Catalog. 11 Oct. 2007 Johnson, Merrill L. "Geographical Reflections on the "New" New Orleans in the Post-Hurricane Katrina Era." Geographical Review Jan. 2006: 139-156. Acedemic Search Complete. EBSCOhost. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: Katrina+New Orleans. "Katrina, One Year Later." The Washington Times 29 Aug. 2006, sec. A: 20. LexisNexis Academic. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans Katrina. Lukensmeyer, Carolyn J. "Large-Scale Citizen Engagement and the Rebuilding of New Orleans: a Case Study." National Civic Review Fall 2007: 3. ProQuest. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans AND Hurricanes. Mann, Eric. "Race and the High Ground in New Orleans." World Watch Sept.-Oct. 2006: 40-42. Academic Search Complete. EBSCOhost. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: Katrina+New Orleans. McQuaid, John. Path of Destruction : the Devastation of New Orleans and the Coming Age of Superstorms. New York: Little, Brown and Co., 2006. GIL Universal Catalog. 11 Oct. 2007 "Musicians Find New Homes in New Orleans." News for You 12 Sept. 2007: 3. ProQuest. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans AND Hurricanes. Olasky, Marvin N. The Politics of Disaster : Katrina, Big Government, and a New Strategy for Future Crises. Tennessee, TN: W Pub. Group, 2006. GIL Universal Catalog. 11 Oct. 2007 Robinson, Erin. "Dealing with Winds of Change; a Year After Katrina, Some Retailers Struggle." Automotive News 28 Aug. 2006: 6. LexisNexis Academic. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans Katrina. Scott, Robert Travis. "Registrar Helps Thousands Remain Orleans Voters ; State Listed Those Who Got on Rolls Elsewhere." New York Times. ProQuest. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: Katrina New Orleans. Simmons, Ann M. "Hurricane Alters Tulane Graduates' Paths." Los Angelos Times 12 May 2006, sec. A: 5. LexisNexis Academic. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans Katrina. Testa, Bridget Mintz. "One Year After Katrina, New Orleans Employers See Operations in New Light." Workforce Management 28 Aug. 2006: 46-47. Academic Search Complete. EBSCOhost. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: Katrina+New Orleans. Vail, Kathleen. "Rebuilding New Orleans Schools After Katrina." Education Digest May 2006: 36-39. Academic Search Complete. EBSCOhost. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: Katrina+New Orleans. Vallis, Mary. "Katrina Spirit Drowns in Fraud: False Claims, Bribery: Charges Add to Frustration of U.S. Charities." National Post 4 Dec. 2006, sec. A3. LexisNexis Academic. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans Katrina. Voelker, Rebecca. "In Post-Katrina New Orleans, Efforts Under Way to Build Better Health Care." Journal of the American Medical Association 296.11 (2006): 1333-1334. Academic Search Complete. EBSCOhost. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: Katrina+New Orleans. Ward, Jon. "Democrats to Push Steele-Katrina Link; Party Aims to Secure Black Vote." The Washington Times 3 Mar. 2006: 1. LexisNexis Academic. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans Katrina. Warner, Coleman. "New Group Targets Firehouse Problems ; Push for Money to Fix Stations Stepped Up." Times-Picayune 12 Sept. 2007: 1. ProQuest. 11 Oct. 2007. Keyword: New Orleans AND Hurricanes. "Washington Journal." Race and Class Issues. C-SPAN. 17 Sept. 2005. 11 Oct. 2007 09.30 Assignment 9.17.07 Lecture In the Architecture, Culture, and Behavior lecture, Dr. Craig Zimrig discussed the influence that the design of environment has over people’s behavioral tendencies. He explained how studies and observations show people are more likely to walk in areas that are more conducive to walking. If stairs are visible people are more likely to take the stairs over the elevator. He structured his lecture beginning with broad ideas and moved into specific examples. Some of the important terms were space syntax, visibility, and accommodations. Space Syntax- a connected or orderly system (harmonious arrangement of parts or elements) in the built environment. Effective and thoughtful use of space can positively influence the behaviors, and possibly the health, of the people that interact with that space. Visibility- the degree of being able to be seen. Elements of architecture should be visible (if the designer wishes active involvement) so that people are subconsciously persuaded to interact with the elements. Accommodations- something provided for the convenience of the people. Designers must consider all the needs of the people who will be using their designs. Hospitals designers, for example, must take into consideration the impairments of the patients to make a space forgiving of those impairments. Pedagogy- Should we be learning how to see architecture as those who will interact with it will see it? Discipline- How can we learn to recognize a need for improvement in a building design that can better accommodate the inhabitants? Profession-How do you work with architects to improve the behavioral habitrs of the people who will be using the building? Systems-How do you begin to research the behavioral habits of people in an environment? 9.19.07 Lecture In her Photography lecture, Ruth Dusseault showed the destruction and reconstruction of Atlantic Station through her photography. She was able to display the passing of time and progress of the destruction/reconstruction site, as she documented each of the stages of work that took place to progress from the old Atlantic Steel buildings to the commercial Atlantic Station of today. Some important terms were utopian architects, industrialism, and meditation. Utopian Architects- architects who had visions to recreate an ideal society without any pre-existing architecture. The visions of these architects are carried out, at times, at the cost of past visions. In the case of the Atlantic Steel mill, the rustic buildings had to be torn down to make the site commercial. Industrialism- a movement to socially organize large-scale industries with the rest of society. This type of movement is what increases the integration of residential areas and commercial areas, such as Atlantic Station’s mix of industry and living areas. Meditation- a discourse intended to express its author's reflections or to guide others in contemplation. The lecturer was able to express her concerns and views of this transition from old to new through her concentration and meditation of the process and its effects. Pedagogy-How can we incorporate photography in our studies of architecture? Discipline-How do you choose a concentrated area of study or process to observe? Professional-Is your photography you career? How does it contribute to your career? Systems-How do your findings translate into changing your surroundings? 9.26.07 Lecture In The Appeal of Palladio lecture, Sonit Bafna explained Palladio’s intentions for his architecture and his influences on the architecture that followed him. He formed his argument logically, starting with the characteristics of Palladio’s architecture and the goals and aims of his architecture. Then he talked of those influences on the architecture of the time after Palladio’s designs were formed. Some important terms are traditional, environment, and harmony. Traditional- in architecture, elements through time that are relevant to ongoing needs of the people. Palladio catered to the needs of the people in the time he was designing which included traditional elements, such as large community areas in the houses. Environment- the area and conditions surrounding the building. Palladio designed for and built in open and airy environments. His houses were always surrounded by open fields and ancient trees. Harmony- a smooth coherent flow. Palladio tried to compare spatial harmony to musical harmony, creating proportions to attempt to imitate the flow of music. Pedagogy-How can Palladio’s designs influence our way of learning about architecture? Discipline-How often do you look to past influences for guidance? Professional-How do Palladio’s ideas influence your teachings? Systems- How does research of the past help to improve on the present and future? 09.16 Assignment 09.10.07 Lecture Dr. Stephen Sprigle discussed the need for assistive technology to aid those with disabilities. He defined and provided tangible examples for pertinent terms in order to clarify his argument that each individual’s impairment deserves attention and effective correction to allow the individual to function properly. Some important terms from the lecture include disability, assistive technology, and universal design appeal. Disability-I consider any type of impairment that interferes with an individual’s ability to participate in an everyday activity to be a disability. Assistive Technology-Dr. Sprigle defined the term to be “any item that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities.” It is a very broad term that encompasses everything from something as obvious as a wheelchair to something as discreet as contact lenses. Universal Design Appeal-a piece of assistive technology that becomes mainstream and widely accepted by the general public. Pedagogical-What process is involved in creating questions to answer in your research? Discipline-How do you learn to look at the world in a way that someone with a disability might? Profession-Do you think in likely designers will soon design with the intent to accommodate disabilities so that assistive technology will no longer be necessary in some cases? Systems-Do you think people are becoming more aware of the need for attention to disabilities and the problems that should be promptly solved? 09.12.07 Lecture Brian Bowen provided an all encompassing look at construction as an industry. He showed statistics and a breakdown of characteristics specific to the construction industry to provide an exclusive look into the industry from many different angles. Some of the specific terms included fragmentation, vertical integration, and ephemeral. Fragmentation-He explained that the construction industry is divided in the sense that no one company dominates the industry. The largest percentage of control is 1.5 percent. Vertical Integration-Within the industry there are many components to each step in the process. There is little interaction between the different groups of people involved in the industry. Ephemeral-Lasting a very short time. Within the industry the teams are not long term. Pedagogical-In what ways can we continue to promote learning in a way that we encourage and promote vertical integration while in school? Discipline-How do you maintain effective practices in the ever evolving industry? Profession-As a professor of practice, do you feel that teaching is an affective way of learning? Systems-Do you think that the built environment is compromised when there is less integration among the different professions? 09.14.07 Lecture Steven French discussed the usefulness of Geographic Information Systems in every profession. He explained the available technologies that GIS provides and the possible direction of the technology’s usefulness. Some of the terms he presented include converging technologies, emerging environment, and urban planning. Converging Technologies-the combination of different technologies to produce more advances. GIS combines the use of many technologies to achieve researching goals. Emerging Environment-As data becomes more easily accessible the make up of the environment becomes legible to the researchers. Urban Planning-the process of creating the layout for an urban area. GIS makes the projection of an effective layout more readily available. Pedagogical-How do you know which factor to consider while researching potential areas for a specific project? Discipline-How are teams organized within the researching committee? Or is there a lot of individual work involved? Profession-Is there much integration between the researchers involved with GIS and those in related professions? Systems-How often is the projected plan an exact replica of the actual built environment? Are there many factors that cause problems when making the projection of the project a reality? 09.09 Assignment MS Classical Design Lecture In this lecture, there were multiple speakers who discussed the curriculum of the MS Classical Design Program offered at Georgia Tech as it relates to each of the individual speaker’s profession. Each of the seven speakers demonstrated how he incorporates the disciplines of Classical Design and Architecture in his work. They presented visual examples of classical elements within their past and current projects. The different lecturers effectively displayed a wide range of ways to utilize the concepts explored in the Classical Design Program. Some of the important terms are perspective study, detail sketch, schematic drawing, traditional neighborhood developments, and Classical influence. Schematic-of or relating to a systematic or organized configuration Classical-of or relating to the ancient Greek and Roman world and especially to its literature, art, architecture, or ideals Pedagogical-What skills have you learned after your schooling that you have found most useful in your career? Disciplinary-Are you constantly forming new ideas for ways to incorporate Classical Design or are you more inspired when a project arises? Professional-What types of organizations would be beneficial to get involved with in order to prepare for a career in architecture? Solar Decathlon Lecture In this lecture, the lecturer details the Solar Decathlon, an international competition that focuses on finding ways to make “green,” energy-efficient homes readily available to the average family. He does this by describing the design and construction process of the competition. He presents the problems and challenges within the process and explains the solutions that are improvised along the way. Some of the important terms are sustainability, functionality, structural integrity, and mechanical operability. Sustainability-of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged Structural Integrity-quality of a structure in an unimpaired condition Pedagogical-Are there methods to make a pre-existing structure more sustainable? Disciplinary-What kinds of time limits do you set for yourself while working on such a consuming project? Professional-Could the Solar Decathlon potentially lead to career opportunities within the field? CADCAM Lecture In this lecture, the lecturer details the steps of the current design process being used in the modern world. He presents examples to reinforce the functionality of the process. He does this by walking through the process and reviewing it with past projects that exemplifies the design process. Some of the important terms are iterative, “non-standard” parts, and self-assembly. Iterative-expressing repetition of a verbal action Self-Assembly-the ability of a form to come together on its own as the individual parts of the form are attached Pedagogical-How do the hand-drawn activities in the bachelor’s program aid architects and designers when using the computer design programs? Disciplinary-How often do you experiment with different forms to discover the interactive qualities? Professional-Are hand-drawn and manmade models still effective in the innovative and technological world of today? 8.29 Assignment Both installments pose many perplexing questions for the viewer. What prompted the creators to make the installments as they did? What does the installment communicate to the viewer? Why were such materials chosen? Both installments serve to make the viewer think and consider all the possibilities. The first installment interacts with the exterior of the architecture building. It winds gracefully around two of the columns of the building, starting on the concrete of a sort of patio and ending near the top of the second column on a supporting beam. The installment starts directly on the concrete with stacked sheets of plastic. The sheets expand vertically into stacked freeform prisms that curve around the first column. The prisms split into individual sheets that branch out in waves (both vertically and horizontally) and intertwine in a large mass. At the top the individual sheets become, once again, uniform and create a horizontal stack. Each sheet is made of multiple pieces of plastic. The plastic is connected by nuts and bolts at consistent intervals. The installment creates shadows of varying values, as the material is transparent. As light passes through more sheets of the material the cast shadow gets darker. The shadows move over the patio and the building as time passes. The installment consists of many pieces of flexible plastic or, possibly, plastic that was molded into curved planes (maybe a Plexiglas type of material). The structure seems to be very sturdy and able to withstand pretty severe weather. As it is made of plastic it is not susceptible to decay as wood might be when exposed to the elements. The installment could represent the movement of school of fish around an obstruction or the formation of a wave in the ocean. It explores the ideas of unity and separation within an individual, a group, or an object. I would name the piece “Rhythm” as it to me shows natural progression. The second installment resides within the architecture building. It is very interactive with its surroundings. The installment starts on the third floor with a sort of anchor where the wood it is made of is the widest. The wood pieces thin as it approaches the railing overlooking the lounge area below. The wood seems to pour out over the railing and cascades down toward the ground level. The installment curves out around the railing of the second floor, creating a wave in the wood pieces, and “pools” on the bottom floor into another anchor that also serves as a bench to passers-by. The installment is made of many half inch wide pieces of wood that are evenly spaced (except near the bench where the wood seems to curve around disruptions). Metal rods that run through holes perpendicular to the vertical lines of the wood hold the pieces together. The wood seems to be pliable, as it curves at a certain point. The installment is quite intriguing, as it is translucent when looking at it head on but completely opaque when viewed from the side. The piece can survive well in its environment; it does not have to weather any natural elements. It is amazing that the installment is so well supported. It seems to be self-sufficient as a structure. The installment demonstrates strong support that is independent thought interactive with its environment. It reminds me of a waterfall or long hair. I would call it “Flow” since the wood seems to be molded to its environment as it passes through. Both pieces are awe-inspiring, as they display great feats of ingenuity on the part of the creators. Leah Downey Link to this Page
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