Utopias and Dystopias, Pt. 1

Lately, my mind's been dwelling upon the idea of utopias and dystopias. I'm quite fascinated with their juxtaposition; on one side, there is a society of advancement, of achievement; on the other, a society that is the victim of its inherent flaws and those of its inhabitants.  When searching for general information, I get info such as this (citation needed; heh heh). However, I get quite frustrated when the only definition you can find is simply "a perfect community or society".  Many of these so-called "utopias" were created in response to movements of their time (i.e. communities created during the Second Great Awakening). 

As a result, I've been cooking up my own definition. In our inherently flawed world, such a society cannot exist. Therefore, we must remove ourselves as theoretical inhabitants of a utopia.  Consider ourselves as Observers of the ideal society.  We, the Observers, can see the various examples of "utopian perfection": technological achievement, social, economic, and political equality, liberty, and cultural knowledge.  There must exist, however, an entity through which the Observers examine these perfections; this entity is the Metropolis. Think not of the Metropolis as a city, but as a being; it lives, breathes, and self-sustains. The Metropolis is also an ecological utopia- that is, the metropolis establishes a direct communication with its environment; that, or through its self-sustainability, it creates its own natural environment.  Therefore, the environment informs the metropolis and vice versa.

Well, that's what's been bouncing around in my head for the entire weekend. This is only a small part of my musings and of what I wish to achieve with this idea. This archinerd's got more thinking to do.

Playing with SketchUp

Architectonic Experimentation: 1st Iteration (Left), Simplified Concept (Right)

Now that classes are over for the holidays, I've finally got some spare time.  In addition to my relaxing, I've been doing a little experimenting with Google SketchUp. I've used it before, so I'm really experimenting with some ideas that I came up with following the final project. I originally started this concept with two L-shapes (sketches coming later) that evolve into the rest of the architectonic composition. Those two L-shapes are seen, in my mind, quite vividly in section, but camouflaged in other areas by the folding planes and lines. This "Architekton" -esque approach to design is something we've been working with all semester at Tulane. This manipulation of forms allows us to creating interesting designs without thinking of it as a building.  Seems counterintuitive, no? Don't worry, it's not. Stayed tuned for updates on this experiment. I promise I won't wait a month to update this time!

Relaxation and Revelations

Wow, I just realized how much time I've spent away from the blog. I'm seriously ashamed that this was placed so far on the back burner with all of my other projects and such. Well, time for a SERIOUS update..


I finished my studio project, "Site as Dwelling_Dwelling as Site", just after the Thanksgiving holidays, complete with 1/8 scale site drawings, sections, and diagrams.  I also constructed an 1/8 scale house detail and a 1/16 site model.  Here are a few things brought up in the final critique:


1. The critics liked my idea of approaching the site and dwelling as a musical piece (pertinent to my client, Philip Glass)


2.  My "folding earth" concept was well received (I really should have updated this earlier to fill you all in on this). This concept described how the earth plane on which my house sits folds itself, becoming the rear dwelling wall, and ultimately constituting the roof of my design.  Therefore, when seen from different angles, it makes a sort of cocoon.


3.  The critics, however, felt that my design, from the musical standpoint, stagnated once the "musical piece" reached the dwelling. The playfulness seen throughout the site seems to disappear once one enters the dwelling.  They also felt that the folding earth concept was not conveyed strongly enough through my final models. One critic stated that I had an unconventional idea (a good thing, I guess?), but, as a first year, was only capable of conveying it through conventional methods (i.e. standard plan, section, etc.) which in turn weakened the idea as a whole.


That just about covers the critique. Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to upload any pictures for a good while, since I left my USB cord in my room (*sigh*)...


I also want to take a moment to express my apologies to those who may have (thanks, 4 followers) been consistently following my blog.  After starting the final studio stuff, studying for finals, much of my free time was taken away.  I also believe that I've been approaching this whole blog thing from a slightly incorrect angle.  This foray into blogging was originally meant to chart my intellectual growth, artistic included, as I went through the toils of architecture shcool.  However, I feel that I've always done either one or two things: 1. Inundate you with pictures or 2. Inundate you with words. So, I really want to spend this holiday break trying to figure out how I can find a happy medium between these two. Starting now, ArchiNerd's going to go into a bit of an experimental phase, per se.  I'm going to try to find a way to keep you folks interested while not overwhelming myself to a point that this project becomes a burden. I feel that this is meant to supplement my studio education with a little self-education....As if design studio isn't already about self-education. Happy Holidays, everyone!

Quick Update

Sorry that I haven't been posting as much, people. Things have gotten really busy down here in NOLA. Just to fill everyone in real quick:


In our Visual Media class, we're finally down to the last assignment.  We've been doing watercolors for the past few weeks (which I cannot stand) so guess what? You got it. Our final assignment is a watercolor assignment.  Using the Ann Ryan collages we originally did as a point of departure, we must create an original watercolor painting inspired by said collages.


In Studio, we're still working on our Site as Dwelling_Dwelling as Site projects.  It seems like everyone in my section is a bit confused on what exactly we're doing.... I'm convinced that the studio critics don't even know.  We've developed a series of site plans, sections, and models at 1/64, 1/32, and 1/16 scale.  However, many of us have had the issue of our houses being too "pancake", according to Scott Ruff. He wants our dwellings not to be dwellings (WTF) but architektons.  Essentially he wants us to reference the Architekton projects we completed in September and October (see some of my older posts) and create another one, onto which we superimpose our plans, sections, and whatnot.  It's a bit frustrating since I've still got to figure this out as well. And the final drawings are due on Monday. This is going to be a hellish week-end, considering that I've also got French and Physics assignments to work on... Desperately clinging to life until Thanksgiving. Pray for me.

Site as Dwelling_Dwelling as Site

Well everyone, here we are: the first year architecture students have been assigned their final project for the semester. It is titled: "Site as Dwelling_Dwelling as Site". In this project, we have been challenged to design a "dwelling" (not house) for a prescribed client. The dwelling has to be a part of the site, and the site must be part of the dwelling, hence the project's title.  We are currently investigating the different possibilities of how the dwelling is placed on the site so that it does not exist solely as an object that simply floats in the field that is the site.  I am currently working on site studies in which my houses exists within terraces that manipulate the landscape. Stay tuned people, this is bound to get interesting.

The Rosenbaum House!

Over fall break, I got the chance to visit the Rosenbaum house, a Frank Lloyd Wright design in Florence, Alabama. This was the highlight of my break, besides just being home. I was able to see the horizontality present in many of his designs, the dematerialization of forms within the house, and his cool furniture! I also learned some interesting facts: Mrs. Rosenbaum loved the house so much that she lived there for 15 years (I think) without any heat. Talk about commitment! Enjoy these pictures!

Another Random Picture

It's fall break, so I'm taking some time to relax.....and to obsess about Golden Sun!!!! Golden Sun, for you non-gamers out there, is a role-playing series released in the early 2000s. Basically, you run around, fight monsters, fight bigger monsters, and stop the big bad buys from destroying the world with magical powers. The third game is being released in November, a release for which we fans have been waiting for over 7 YEA\RS! That's why I'm in total geek/nerd/obsession/weirdo mode right now. So, in celebration of the game's release, and to practice drawing for Visual Media, I decided to draw a picture of Isaac, the main character of the story.  I know most of y'all don't get it, but here you go! Professor Stoll, if you ever read this blog, I know what you're thinking. This drawing is too "outline-y".  Of that I am aware.  But you'll be happy to know that I employed some of the techniques you've taught us so far! I started off simple, with gestured circles, extracted the important lines, and finally began the addition of details.  The only thing I forgot was line weight.  That's something to consider for the next one!!  Enjoy!

Random Picture

Recently I took a walk in Audubon Park, across the street from Tulane. I took some plant pictures for TIDES class, but got sidetracked with the animals and whatnot. However, I did manage to snap this nice photo of Loyola's tower. I like how it's framed by the sky and the trees. Enjoy!

Just for the Record........

I HATE PHYSICS!!!!!!!!!


.........Good day.

The Mask_The Veil_The Scaffolding

The first year architecture students finally completed the lengthy Architekton assignment.  Last week, we received our latest assignment, entitled "The Mask_The Veil_The Scaffolding".  In this project, we have been challenged to take a Cubist or Renaissance painting, to break it down into its compositional components, and to analyze these elements. After investigating these elements, we must create a three-dimensional model that superimposes three to six elements we discovered.  I chose El Lissitzky's 1922 painting, "Proun 19D".  Lissitzky's painting was known as suprematist, a movement which , rejected the recreation of natural shapes and favored a shift towards geometric forms.  Specifically, his "Proun" (pronounce pro-oon) pieces were defined, in the words of Lissitzky, as as “the station where one changes from painting to architecture”.  At the moment, Lissitzky is one my favorite artists; there are so many compositional elements that lie just beneath the canvas.

El Lissitzky's "Proun 19D", 1922.

For Visual Media, we are currently working on collages in the syle of Anne Ryan.  But that's a story for another day! I'll post pics and elaborate at a later time. Right now, it's time for bed.

PICTURES!!!!! - Pt. 2

Here is a picture from our Visual Media class. This was the Organic Form:  Slow Contour assignment.  We were challenged to find an organic form (plant) and draw it with varying line weights and styles. This picture was taken before the final edits. Sorry, I forgot to rotate this one. The picture works either way, though. Feast your eyes on this!!!

PICTURES!!!!!

Finally! I have a few pictures from our studio class! These were taken following the completion of the second part of the Architekton assignment. The first picture is of the study models leading up to the final model for the assignment (picture #3). There also is an elevation of the final model (picture #2).

Slight Frustration

This week went pretty well. Monday was my birthday, woohoo! I received some nice care packages from both my sister and my parents. My Facebook profile page was inundated with birthday wishes. Thanks, everyone! The same day, however, we also had a crit in Design Studio. Now, we all know that my last critique did not go very well. The professors had serious issues with my model, especially the "spine"-like element that organized the various spaces within the model.  This time, however, I received very positive reviews. Professor Ruff muttered "Good job" to me in passing. Talk about a confidence booster! I've still got to upload all of the pictures I've taken.. Sorry guys! 


Here's the frustrating part: my immune system decided to go completely wonky around Wednesday. It started with a sore throat, but gradually evolved into chills and fever. I paid a little visit to the Student Health Center, which accessible only through a long walk, in the heat, from my dorm on the other side of campus. So, with a fever, and high temperatures outside, I trudged to the corner of Willow and Audubon street. By that point, I had a fever of 102.5 and a persistent sore throat. They diagnosed me, I believe, with strep throat. The doctor sent me on my way with antibiotics and encouraged me to get rest, rather than going to class. That my illness made me miss both studio and a physics test frustrated me to no end. C'est la vie........

2 Models Down......

Only 2 to go! The Architekton 2.1 project is due Friday, and I think I've made a decent dent in my work. Like I just said, I've finished two models, got a coherent idea, and,to my knowledge, a cool looking model, though not well crafted. I'll be heading back to the studio a little bit later to get to work on number three! Hopefully I'll have the chance to construct one full scale study model before I have to complete the final version. As soon as I get the chance, I'll upload some pics!

ArchiNerd Vomit

U-shape


Snakes (hiss....)


Poche


Jarring shift


......Just getting my thoughts down.

New Links Bar

Hello everyone! Just wanted to point out the new links sidebar - "For Interested Parties". Here you will find a few interesting sites and blogs pertaining to topics of design. Enjoy!

Perusing the Net - Webb Bridge

I was surfing the net the other day when I accidentally clicked on Bing.com. I generally just click "Back" unless there is an interesting image displayed on the search page. Yesterday, the current image was of the Webb Bridge in Melbourne, Australia. 

I particularly enjoy the web-like design of this structure. It's necessarily because of the look of the web itself, which seems a bit obvious, but more so the way the web envelopes the entire bridge without sacrificing views of the environment around it. The bridge's aquatic context also piques my curiosity. Everyone most likely will say "Elliot, most bridges make bodies of water crossable. Of course the bridge will be reflected in the water." However, there is something different about this reflection. Since I'm only going on first impressions at the moment, I'll first say that this bridge reminds me--of course--of a spider web. Double entendre, anyone? When I look at this image, however, I don't necessarily see a true web-like image until I look at the bridge's reflection. The concavity of the reflection truly implies a web image, as if some Lord of the Rings-esque spider is going to crawl down and trap an equally strange Lord of the Rings-esque creature (Frodo, anyone?) there. Then again, I'm just a first year architecture student. What do I truly know from an architectural standpoint? If you want some more information and images about the bridge, check out Architectural Record's page. Just an image for your consideration. G'day, mates!

A lull...... - Pt. 2

Labor Day weekend!! Huzzah! The architecture students just finished up their critiques for our latest assignment: Architekton 2. We were asked to design three spaces within limited parameters. My space was confined to 6x6x9.7". I spent a little time in Baton Rouge with my sister; I washed clothes, slept, went to Ruby Tuesday, slept.....the usual. Now that I'm back at Tulane, it's time to get back to work. We've got another Architekton assignment due Friday; it consists of 4 models, the final being a composite model, meaning that the students must combine either Poche, Planar, or Frame techniques together. I'm excited to start this project, since I'll really be able to put some decent time into each model, since they aren't due until Friday. I also have a chance to redeem myself, since the critique of my last model didn't go so well.......Darn you nerves....

A lull......

Finally, I have a moment of freedom from the torture chamber that is the architecture studio. I spent over 24 hours of my weekend in there. So much for a fun-filled New Orleans weekend!! It wasn't all bad, however; we had plenty of fun talking about movies, music, and commiserating with one another. We even came up with "Fail" music for whenever someone in our studio section does something stupid. (The Fail music is the loser sound from the Price is Right) We also came up with a name for the Architecture Class of 2015: The Happy Masochists.


I've never had to work that hard to complete architectural models.  It was difficult to finish the minimal nine models, but I managed to complete 10 (*Elliot dances in front of his laptop. "Go me! Go me!") I also learned some of the ins and outs of the model-making progress. As I constructed the models, I would turn them over in order to see them from a different perspective. Many times this process would lead to the discovery of a new angle that could completely alter both the model itself and its intentions. The assignment was to create a cube-shaped space that contained a large, medium, and small space. The project was very abstract, so it lead to many different iterations of designs. Many people in my section had amazing models with very well developed concepts. We were also required to work with different types of models; Planar, Frame, and Poche. A planar model is one that conveys the student/architect's concept simply through the use of squares and planes; the model isn't necessarily an actual shape; there are areas through which one can see. Frame models, one of the most frustrating types, involves constructing a wood frame model that depicts each of the required spaces. Poche modeling is pure evil. You basically sculpt spaces out of the cube itself. Just weird.


The critique for our study models was today. Everyone in my studio sections presented their models so that we, along with Professor Ruff, could critique them. My idea for the project was to create a flow and interconnection between the three spaces. Professor Ruff studied my models and told me that while my idea was good (he really liked the flow I was attempting to convey), my spaces were not clearly defined. My task for the next models: work on my craft, as well as the conveyance of my intentions through the model.


Did I mention that people have already started dropping out of architecture school? Yeah, they have. One girl in my section, Nicole, made an amazing model for our first assignment. It was like a Rubik's cube gone wild. The professors gave it general praise. The only negative they had was her craftsmanship, an issue many first year students have. They criticized her use of hot glue, which looks messy when applied to a model. She became upset upon hearing this, and decided to drop the class. Another student in my section apparently failed to complete a single model over the weekend. We would know; we spent over 24 hours in the studio this weekend and he didn't even show up once. When he arrived in class, he frantically attempted to completed a model. I've got to give the guy credit--he has serious skills in completing study models in under 20 minutes.


Since I only got four hours of sleep last night, I'm going to study for an arch history quiz, do my French homework, then go to bed.

Architekton

Today was a HUGE day for me. We received our first architecture studio assignments! Excitement rushed through me as I took the fresh-off-the-copier paper from Professor Ruff. My mind raced, my hands quivered.....

And then my jaw hit floor.

The paper stated as follows:

You are asked to make a construct that measures 9"x9"x9". You are allowed to use one, two, or three materials...intelligently. The materials used may inform the concept, character, and construction of the architekton. Is there an idea about your choice of materials - why those materials, how do they related to each other - do they affect the concept of the construct?

Ok, the first thing I thought was, alright, the first assignment. No sweat, Elliot, you can do this. I read the sheet a second time. Then, another thought: "Wait. What?!" The assignment is so abstract, so open-ended, that one can interpret it in any manner they see fit. The last line hit me in the face like a tiger mauling a zebra: Due: 27 August 1:00...

First of all, I blinked a few times, just to be sure that my eyesight was working properly. I pulled my jaw from the floor and it promptly fell down again. A two day deadline. What in the world. I truly felt like those guys in the Twix commercials: Need a moment? ABSOLUTELY. Nothing the professors said after that registered in my mind. Once class ended, I packed my belongings and drifted (Yes, drifted, because I was just that disconnected) to the bookstore. Still bewildered, I purchased matboard, wooden sticks, and an X-Acto knife for 30 bucks (School expense, so that's on the AmEx. Sorry Mom). Struggling with the gargantuan matboards and sticks, I returned to my room.

I flipped. Completely.

Then, however, I remembered something. I went to an IB school! If I suffered through four years of what truly was the Inferno, then I could survive anything. After convincing the Orientation Leader that my roommate (also an architecture major) and I just had too much homework, I got to work. I currently have an idea sitting on my computer screen (Thanks Google SketchUp!) and am somewhat ready to get to modeling. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that all of the necessary modeling supplies were locked away in my desk, in the architecture building, on the other side of campus. Oh well, guess I'll have to hit it hard tomorrow..

In the words of my fellow IB and architecture school comrade, Taylor Keefer, "welcome to the hazing period of architecture school."

-----The ArchiNerd-----

Skill Crane

Block Breaker

Black contrasting wood

Tulane University - My Home Away from Home

Just thought I'd post a little memento of new beginnings!

You're Gonna Be Bad-Ass

Today was the first day of classes! I woke up at 6:30 AM (totally overestimating the amount of time needed to catch some breakfast and cross campus to get to French) and got the day started. One thing that I'm still not used to, however, despite it being only the first day, are those marvelous breaks I have between classes! This morning I was able to return to my room following French, not having another class until Physics at noon. Today's Physics lessons: basically a reiteration of dimensional analysis, vectors, and velocity. This time around, I actually managed to get a seemingly fantastic professor. He's extremely nice, patient, and thorough in his explanation.


Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for: my first architecture studio class... *Ominous music plays while an angelic choir concurrently sings* Today was mostly an introduction and getting-to-know-you class, so it was pretty informal. I've been paired with Professor Scott Ruff, the coordinator of the Freshman architecture class. He gave us a bit of an overview of what we do, how we're graded, etc. He also digressed a good deal. At one point he explained how patience, creativity, and persistence are all needed to be a successful architecture student. Quote of the Year: After all of the work you've done here as a Tulane architecture student, you're really gonna be good at what you do. You're gonna be BAD-ASS; that's a quote I will keep close to my heart for the next five years! Here's to the future!

-----The ArchiNerd-----
Mayan pyramid
Cube
Extrude top face (3 times or more)
Skill Crane

Add a Dash of Melancholy

Well, I'm all moved in and settled in. The parents are gone, and it's a little sad.... Tomorrow's going to be another busy day!! I'm still a little too sad to really post something good, however, I'll be back tomorrow. 8 o'clock class, here I come.

TED Article from CNN

I found this article about Green design on CNN's site the other day. It's actually pretty interesting, even though the video actually doesn't exactly delve into sustainable design, I think. The video mainly focuses on this performing arts center in Dallas, I believe. Because of the Recession, the client had to cut budgets, and I we all know what that means.... However, when the budgets get cut, the innovation shifts into overhaul! The architects, working closely with the client, designed a theater that can completely transform; balconies and seats can be raised and lowered from the ceiling and can be shifted around at orchestra level. The stage also works in the same way. The stage director, or whatever he's called, can move stage panels and whatnot, to design various kinds of sets; he can choose to create a traditional set, or even go so far as to use the city of Dallas itself as the play's backdrop. If you want to read more, click here. This article made me want to look into this building and its program even further.

"Arriving at Destination" - Says the GPS

We've made it! My parents and I just arrived in New Orleans! Words can't express my feelings as I crossed Lake Ponchartrain and crossed into my new home. I'm sitting here in the hotel room, Mom is dozing--snoring really-- on the adjacent bed, and Dad has gone out to get something to eat--for himself-- ...figures. I found this to be a better time to post, considering that Mom remains in the dark on this blog. She wasn't one of the BIGGEST supporters of me starting this before I got settled in at Tulane. But hey, it's my life, so what the hell. 

As we crossed into the city, the bridge included, many sights tickled my eyes. Unfortunately, Dad was driving "a grande vitesse", so I couldn't get any pictures. However, my memory will serve as my perpetual photo album:

1.  While crossing Ponchartrain, I caught a glimpse of one of the many New Orleanian scars left by Hurricane Katrina. I saw not a bridge, but the segments and remainders of an older one. I could tell where repairs and renovations were being applied to it. It then hit me that the bridge on which we were driving was a more recent facsimile.

2. As we passed into the outskirts of the city, nice houses and apartments drifted by the window. These pristine sights were often interrupted, jarringly at times, by a dilapidated home. Now, these homes obviously weren't shacks; one could tell that said building was once a beauty. This juxtaposition of homes--both inhabited and abandoned-- piqued my interest. These places stirred within me these ideas of evolution, devolution, and life cycles. Welcome to the mind of an ArchiNerd:

     -- Upon seeing the dilapidated house, I quickly took a few mental photos, since the image was fleeting. I noticed vines and other plants creeping their way up the structure; I noticed how it splintered and sagged in the middle, as if ready to collapse at any given moment. I also noted the discoloration of the wood framing and cladding. The original color was some shade of beige. However, various areas of the wood were black or brownish, I inferred, because of exposure to the elements.

     -- I then began imagining the dilapidated house as a plant, either young or old. As a young "plant", the house would grow and evolve, cast off its natural constraints--the foliage--and transform into a beautiful, sublime structure, comparable to divine structures to either side. As the house "grew", it would then go through various stages of habitation, abandonment, and exposure; this would ultimately lead the the house's weathering, like the discoloration, sagging, and splintering.

     -- The house would go in to the final stages of its life cycle. The house would eventually become dilapidated again, much like its beginnings as a young "plant". Nature would then run its course and the house would, in essence, "return to the earth", covered in plants. The life cycle would then be complete.

All of this flowed through my mind, occasionally brushing against the elephant in the brain: TOMORROW IS MOVE-IN DAY!!!! I still have not come to fully comprehend that statement. I've to be up bright and early tomorrow morning to get a head start on the day's work. I'm truly "living on a prayer" right now.. o_O

New Beginnings

As I lie here on the floor of our family room, in front of my new laptop, my mind is swirling with numerous thoughts and feelings: feelings of excitement, sadness, melancholy; thoughts of what was, and will be... It's the night before a big change. Tomorrow I will embark on a 7-hour journey to my new home: Tulane University.

But pure happiness and fear encompass all.

I'm happy to begin this new chapter in my life - college is a big step up from living at home with your parents and going to high school.  I'm also so happy to experience new things: a new locale, new people, new intellectual roads to explore. However, no matter how hard I try to stay in this "happy place", the fear reaches its cold, skeletal fingers into my mind.

It's the fear of the unknown that clouds my mind.

Though I'm happy to travel the intellectual path set before me, I'm approaching my classes with a sense of apprehension. There are two subjects that are entirely brand new to me: Intro to Architecture and Design. Now, I try to think of it like this:  Intro to Architecture is simply a history class with a very specific topic at its core. Design is simply a REALLY long art class. At the same time, however, I keep telling myself: "Self, just what exactly are you getting into?" I tell myself, "I have no clue". "Architecture".....At this moment, that word seems more nebulous to me than ever before. Sometimes I feel like I done well to prepare myself for Studio; I've spent much of the summer researching different architects and their designs; I've continued to work on ideas through sketching and modeling; sometimes I feel like none of this is enough. Well, I guess I will see soon enough.

...................Time to wake up mom and dad so we can pack the car..............The time has come..for New Beginnings.....