        Jenkins, Addie : AssignmentsEdit9.10.07 Stephen Sprigle of the Center for Assistive Technology and Environmental Access approaches the main question: what is a disability? This physical or mental impairment limiting a major life activity is the motive of CATEA to perform research and create assistive technology to improve, maintain, or increase functional capabilities that are affected by disabilities. Sprigle, who specializes in wheelchair design, discusses the rates of wheelchair use in relation to technical, business, and human factors. Along with CATEA, Sprigle seeks to aid AT development through educational workshops, tutorials, and web-based programs. Universal design appeal- Without any prior knowledge, I assume that this term means a collective, mass appeal to all consumers. Upon research, I find it is not just for the consumer, but for the designer as well. Universal design means design for them, for people that they know, and others over a lifespan and how universal design fits into design as a process and an outcome. Also, it’s not just for ‘old people’, one source points out, but for use by all generations. Anatomical device- Honestly, I do not have any general idea of what this is, other than a man-made device, or tool, created to perform the function that one’ sanatomy should perform but cannot, due to disability or old age. Contrary to previous belief, 55% of users of anatomical devices are ages 44 and under. These devices include artificial limbs and braces for the back, neck, legs, etc. This term was also used to refer to actual parts of the body; in one specific case, the human eye was described a “complex anatomical device.” Disparate- Initially, I thought this was a misspelling for ‘desperate’, as Sprigle asked “How disparate are our projects?” To me, I felt this could’ve been appropriate if used as a synonym for ‘pressing’ or ‘in need of immediate attention’. However, ‘disparate’ means distinct in kind or essentially different. This is key for Sprigle and every piece of assistive technology because each disability is different; therefore the needs of the disabled vary by the individual. Curriculum: Sprigle, like any other engineer, faces the challenge of overcoming physical boundaries (laws of physics, i.e. gravity, resistance, friction) while have a design-oriented perspective as well. Discipline: In assistive technology, a huge factor is gathering enough data through research to make proficient progress in design while still producing in good time. Profession: To create innovative, useful, universally appealing designs that also meet the biological needs of the consumers/disabled, i.e. avoiding an ulcer with extended periods of sitting. Systems of Organization: How can a designer make their product marketable while still meetings the standards of government and health care programs? Do these programs make it more or less accessible to the general public with disabilities? 9.12.07 As the second biggest sector of the economy, the construction industry is actually not as much of an industry, according to Brian Bowen, but rather a group of activities such as design, manufacturing, and delivery that come together to create the final constructed outcome. Separated into residential, non-residential, and civil/infrastructure, the construction industry is working to integrate technology and commit to collaboration with other producers, all while producing in a more time-efficient manner and creating a more widely respectable profession. Turnkey- Only having heard of the Turnkey method in this week’s lecture, I have no previous knowledge. According to various researched sources, most refer to this as an all-inclusive method where construction decisions, material acceptability, and building processes are left up to the client via direct communication with the contractor. I believe this particular method is very beneficial to both the client and the contractor because each can contribute input and resources to produce the desired outcome. Lean Construction- Even Brian Bowen was unsure of this particular area; but according to the Lean Construction Institute, the main goal is to maximize value delivered to the customer while minimizing waste. This seems to be a much overdue method of construction that should be mandatory in all building projects. Extended Enterprise- Enterprise consists of a group sharing a common, unwavering set of values or rules that are followed; in context, ‘extended enterprise’ would be a continuation of these rules over a long period of time unaffected by varying forces both inside and outside of the enterprise. I believe this is essential in the construction industry. With so many parts with specialization, it is important that all factors of production collaborate and share a common set of rules that are abided by throughout the production process to ensure the desired outcome. Teaching: Biggest challenge involves the instructors, especially in the CFY, who must strive to create a positive, respectable attitude of each discipline, rather than a biased, unappreciated outlook as noted in studies conducted at other colleges. Discipline: How can you teach a well-rounded Building Construction discipline when the industry has so much specialization? Profession: Many students may enter schools with specific skills/trades? Is the professional world welcoming specialization or shunning it, since integration is so important now? Economic Production: How closely do the real estate market and building construction industry work together? Is there any/little interaction or will one eventually become dependent on the production of the other? 9.14.07 The Center for Geographic Information Systems is one of six research centers in the College of Architecture. It consists of a system of hardware and software linking mapped objects through compiling different types of data attained through intense research. Most, if not all, research can be accredited to emerging technologies such as the Internet, GPS, GIS, and thermal sensors that aid in the development of the emerging environment. While its primary goal is to make modern progressions in the built environment, CGIS is consistent in its efforts to reduce the negative impacts of growth and development. Lidar sensors- This sensor, (Light Detection And Ranging) is an active sensor, similar to radar, that transmits laser pulses to a target and records the time it takes for the pulse to return to the sensor receiver. (Typically mounted on aircraft for larger surface area.) Classical Architecture Seven very different individuals, separated by ethnicity, gender, location, and education, present their unique passion for classical architecture in the August 29th lecture. While many of the architects call Atlanta home, several hail from New York and one from Orlando, Florida. Some like Trey LaFave of Peter Block Architects focus more on restoration of old homes and incorporating classical elements in molding and pediments; others like William Rutledge and Jeremy Sommer design their buildings with traditional-based style in mind, often producing plantation-style, Greek revival homes. Other firms concentrate on controlling urban sprawl and creating building codes around the pedestrian-friendly environment. Whether creating residential homes for the higher class or redesigning communities for Katrina victims, each architect seeks to reintroduce the ‘classical’ back into modern architecture. Pediment- originating from ancient Greek architecture, this decorative classical element exists as a triangular gable across a horizontal supporting surface like a door, window, or column. Merriam-Webster Online en.mimi.hu.architecture.html The New Urbanism- with the purpose of creating livable, sustainable communities while providing solutions to global warming, climate changes, and peak oil. This concept can be applied to a single building or an entire community. It basis of principles include connectivity through density, smart transportation, and quality urban design, while creating a mixed-use and diversity of buildings and people. Newurbanism.org How can one use classical elements outside of the building and more in community planning? (As far as street layouts, materials, or exterior elements not a part of the building itself.) Where can industrial designers contribute the most? Are there classical elements in furniture, landscaping, etc.? Does renovation of older homes to classical style involve exterior and interior renovation? What elements are necessary to qualify for classical architecture? Solar Decathlon Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Solar Decathlon is an international competition among both faculty and student from over 20 schools around the globe. Interdisciplinary teams of architects, engineers, and biologists work together to reach the ultimate goal of creating an affordable, consumer-friendly, solar-powered home. While the University of Colorado took 1st place in 2005, Georgia Tech is looking to functionality, structural integrity, material, and sustainability to create the award winning eco-friendly residence. Chassis-The portion of a manufactured home's under structure designed both to facilitate transportation of the home and, when installed, to transfer the weight of the home to the ground. The principal element of the chassis for the purpose of installing the home is the chassis beam. Chassis rail and girder are other terms used to describe the chassis beam. Earthquakeadvisor.com Thermal bridging- the part of a building envelope where heat is transferred at a much higher rate than the surrounding area. Windows and doors are two common examples thermal bridging areas. Adding insulating spacers is one way to remedy the problem and minimize rapid heat loss or heat gain. ? www.csbsju.edu/environmentalstudies/curriculum/greenbuildingplan He said the main challenge was to keep the design constant with no variation. How do you avoid this with so many people with specific positions and few permanent designers? Does this project involve design for solely the building, or are there furniture, hardware, or appliances carefully chosen for the home? Because these homes have the potential to be used all over the world, how do you choose a design best for the climate/environment around it? Do you choose the most cost-efficient method or the one fitting for the majority of climates? Digital Design and Fabrication How can computers be used to aid in the fabrication of complex structures? Through computer-aided design, the chain of events leading up to the finished product is more condensed with significantly less dependency on human handiwork. Instead, orthographic drawings are represented by the machine. From development to documentation, and production to assembly, computers allow designers to be more involved in the representation of the artifacts. Based around the exhibit at the High Museum of Art, the discussion emphasizes the significance of CAD in dynamic form and the many layered systems composing this one design. Combinatorics- Also referred to as the ‘type-writer method’, it is families of sets with certain characteristic arrangements, asking what combinations are possible and how many there are. In this case, it is a way to organize fabrication and design methods, often in the form of an alpha-numeric index. Math.niu.edu Bifurcate- to divide into two branches or parts Topology- physical or natural features of an object or entity and their structural relationships Merriamwebster.com Was there a negative side to orthographic drawing methods? Were they abandoned just because the process was longer? How long would this process have taken if CAD wasn’t available? The unique, flexible material was man-made. Are there any natural elements that could create the same effect? Are there any possibly ‘green’ forms of this artifact? Does the incorporation of CAD make art more or less sacred? Jenkins, Addie : Installation #1: The Wood-Grain Cascade Description: Made of a light-colored wood, this unique installation composed of many long individual thin pieces appears translucent on a small scale; but when viewed on a large scale, it is mostly a large mass with very little division. The vertical form cascades downward from the 3rd floor of the Architecture building, contradicting the upward direction of the grain. At the top and the bottom, the wood becomes more dense and a bench is formed; however, there are no sharp edges or corners, only smooth lines of the wood. In relation to geometry, its general shape in two-dimensional viewing would be a rectangle, but with all of its curves, there is no mistaking this wave-like installation for something so plain. The proportion of the piece is very thin in contrast with the stout, solid concrete forms of the surrounding interior. As a mass, it is proportionate to all the other large forms in the building, as it reaches three stories up. Composed mainly of wood, it is held together by some smaller, less ‘natural’ parts, like steel rods, washers, nuts, and bolts. In regards to phenomenological descriptions, artificial light from the indoors creates a monotone of color, but as the installation reaches into the ceiling, natural light from the windows reveals variants in wood color and grain. There is little effect from temperature because of air conditioning indoors, but the wood could expand in hot enough conditions. Sound varies when one runs a pen or hand across the slats depending on the distance between each wood piece. According to the sense of touch, the widest sides are very smooth with a fine glaze, but the edges are rough. Speculation: I believe the motivation for this installation is to bring more natural elements inside, while still complementing the building’s interior by incorporating large curves, less rigidity, and lighter colors. Some questioned researched were how to make this external thing a part of the building and how to make it useful to people. I believe the concept came from a natural motion or movement like a wave, and captured it in time. My image is that of a waterfall, off the beaten path, nestled in the woods, existing on in natural beauty to those who happen to stumble upon it. Also, I see its resemblance to a huge redwood tree, growing and growing into the sky, with a small nook created by the shapes of the roots, almost like a tiny chair to nestle in under the shade of the canopy. Installation #2: The Carbon Charybdis Description: Made of a carbon plastic, this installation appears dirty in the midday sunlight, taking on a bit of a brown tint; but at the right moment in late afternoon, some pieces fade into the colors of the sky creating a beautifully striking image. In the rain, water droplets cling to every strip, creating a defined outline. It goes up two stories, therefore take up nearly two thirds of the building’s face. It’s thin, translucent structure, however, makes it a very delicate piece against the harsh exterior. Small, dense, and darker in color at its base, the piece rushes into motion as it reaches into sky, suspended by nearly invisible cords from the building. As it grows, the tension between strips of plastic is released, showing much more individual movement between pieces. The pieces are flexible to the touch, but appear set in their place, not flimsy. Contact with the installation creates a dull sound, and temperature and humidity could cause for a potentially foggy, warm, noodle-like structure. Speculation: I believe the motivation for this installation was to show a change or transformation from one form to another, while still possessing the same qualities. I feel like the approach to this installation differs from #1 because it is clearly not a part of the building, nor did they design it to be that way. It looks as if it is merely passing through, and will take a column with it if it has to (hence the tight wrapping around one of them). From this comes my reference to the Greek character of Charybdis, affiliated with an equally damaging Scylla, on Odysseus’ journey between the whirlpools. The design process, I believe, was originally flat, but then brought into three dimensions to enhance the extreme movement. One image it creates for me is that of the Georgia Aquarium, in the exhibit where onlookers can walk through a tunnel with beluga whales and seals swimming all around you. Nonetheless, it is like a water’s current, changing from a still river, to a baubling brook, to rapids. While the other installation didn’t strike me with any specific human qualities, this one personifies a woman, an aggressive one, actually, who appears bubbly but will underhandedly take others down in its path. Addie Jenkins Link to this Page
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