They're so Above Me...

Today I attended an upperclassmen final critique. Their project was to design a new library. They spent a good deal of time researching the history of the library and surveying the community that uses it. I was amazed by the detail of the project and how they meticulously perfected each aspect of the structure. The class worked in groups on each area of the library, including a child care area, the stacks, the multimedia center, the check out area, and the atrium. The library also featured an art work piece that was intended to unite all sections of the structure. Glass panels similar to the Eco-cloud are blue from one direction, green from another, and converge in the middle. I admired their efforts for sustainability especially. They planned to have a green roof, use rain (grey) water for toilets, and used bricks from the old structure in the floor of the new building. There were several more environmentally friendly strategies they planned that I can't remember. I thought that for their first time designing a real building it was very impressive. I can't believe that will be us in just a few years.

Design Visualization 101 in Retrospect

The first semester is over, and I've learned a lot. Never before this semester did I think about the weight and quality of my lines, but I've learned to improve my pencil skills. In complete honesty, this was a very difficult class for me, but I feel like I've improved a lot. I'm so ready for digital drafting :)

Here's one of my recent drawings. I'm sorry I couldn't figure out how to touch it up :(

Figuring it Out

We've been doing some quick figure sketches in class, here are a few!

Playing with Light

This is my most successful sketch model for our luminare assignment. The use of glass and wood continued to evolve towards my final project, but hemp aspect didn't make it.

This is the luminare I made. My inspiration came from a photograph of sunlight reflected off water. I wanted to capture certain aspects of the light effect like the blue tones enhanced by the sunlight, the inconsistency of the waves, and the bright sunshine that sparkled off the water. To do this I spent long hours on the internet to teach myself how to break the glass at curves, foil the glass, and solder it into a structure. The curved glass is an interpretation of the waves, the brighter light that comes through the cracks imitates the light reflected. The project is constructed from assorted tainted and textured glass, fitted into a grooved wooden base. I used a daylight bulb for a harsh, sunny effect.  I'm in love with the fairy-like light effect that plays on the wall, so I would say I've succeeded. Take a look and tell me what you think!