3 weeks. 3 spaces.

For the past three weeks, our assignment was to design three retreat units, designed around one concept word. The word I drew out of the hat, (rather a sebastian the crab themed mug) was the word, JOINT. Additionally, we were required to utilize a "kit of parts" within each of our spaces. The kit of parts included :

1. One wall, and Two Columns

2. Two Columns, and One Wall

3. Two solids carved for occupational use

We could only use one kit it each space, and could not repeat that kit in any other unit. The dimensions of the three spaces, and the placement of the windows were already established as a guideline for everyone to follow, but which kits we used, and how we manipulated the kits varied from each student.

1) For my first unit, I decided to use the kit of two columns, one wall. I used my concept word JOINT in this space by celebrating the joinery throughout and encouraging the woodwork and craftsmanship to be exposed throughout the space. I manipulated the ceiling by having wooden beams line the interior of the space that exemplified the use of wood and joinery. I made the columns less of structural and more as functional, as the sharp turns of the columns provide places for eating and preparing food. There is a step up that distinguishes the living space from the sleeping space and bathroom. Furthermore, a 7 ft wall separates the rest of the space from the restroom, while still providing an open feel to the environment of the space.

2) In the second, square space, I manipulated the word joint in the sense of a joint partnership where two different things or people are coming together and uniting as one. The kit of parts I used in this space were the two carved, solids. On one side of the space, everything is carved from the wall. There is a place for sleeping, a closet, a table, and a place for bathing. On the opposite side of the wall, everything that was negative space on the right wall, was extruded as a solid on the left wall. So, in theory, of a force was to push the two sides together, they would fit together as a whole like two puzzle pieces.

3) For my third space, I used the kit of two walls, and one column. The way I incorporated the word joint into this space was through mechanical aspect of joints, like a joint found in the body. I wanted the space to be able to rotate, move, and fit seamlessly together. I did this through placing one of the two walls on tracks that would allow movement and change to occur. The walls can either fit together, be pulled apart, or rotated around.

This is an image showing the document for the laser cutter. These are about 3/4 of the pieces that went into making my models.

1.1 + 1.2 = Wi2

UNIT ONE DIAGRAM

UNIT ONE

Upon walking through the entrance of this unit, ones attention is immediately drawn to the ceiling which is composed of exposed wooden beams that align the gabled ceiling. Although this space is only 11' x 32' 4", the tall ceiling heights and open floor plan makes the space seem much larger. The conceptual word for this space is joint, and that is clearly represented throughout the unit as the joinery is exposed and celebrated throughout.

As soon as the guest walks through the door, they are facing towards the 32'-4" wall, lined with windows. The guest can walk straight towards the long wall where the seating is located to relax and view the nature outside, or they can go to the left to prepare themselves a meal in the kitchen and enjoy it while sitting at the bar. The kitchen is just as intricate as the ceiling, as customary built-in shelving and storage provide this small space with the most efficient way of preparing meals. The wood joinery in the kitchen is also elaborate and is demonstrative of the extreme care and quality of craftsmanship in this space. When the guest is then ready for a nap or to lie down, they walk towards the other end of the space where the bed is located open to the rest of the space. There is one step that divides the living space from the bedroom space. Although there is no wall, the floor change clearly indicates the distinction of spaces. The head of the bed rests against a 7.5' wall that discloses the bathing area behind. There is ample space to walk on either side of this wall to reach the bathroom. There are no doors, but rather an open passageway that allows easy movement from space to space.

The materials of this space additionally add to the concept of this unit. Exposed brick and wood are the two main materials and add to the idea of two things coming together and being joined. Braces, pegs, and joinery are exposed throughout the space and create a holistic environment centered around the word joint.

UNIT TWO DIAGRAM

UNIT TWO

The second unit conceptualizes the word joint in the sense of two things coming together as in a joint effort, or a shared partnership. Upon walking through the door that is in the center of the 22' x 22' space, the guest immediately notices the symmetrically of this space. More notedly, when looking to the right side of the room, everything is carved into the wall, while when looking to the left side, everything is extruded from the wall. Everything that is extruded on the left side of the wall fits perfectly into the carvings made on the right side of the room, fitting together just like puzzle pieces.

To the left side of the room is where the space to prepare meals is, as well as a private reading nook. To the right size is a table for dining, a bed that also serves as a window seat, a closet, and the bathing area. There is a designated place for every desired function within the space as well as ample space in the middle for circulation.

The layout of the space represents two separate members of a shared partnership. When apart, they are distinct in their own nature, but it is evident how well they fit together. This space is truly about part to whole.

UNIT THREE DIAGRAM

UNIT THREE

The third unit is modeled around yet another meaning of word joint. When the guest walks in this 22' x 32'-4" space, the viewer is immediately awe struck by the mechanical features of the home. The sliding walls, and pivoting countertops transform this space into a multipurpose unit.

The guest who walks through the door of this space immediately becomes a tool to transform the space. Two walls that are attached to tracks on the ceiling, and support the loft, allows the guest to manipulate the space to their specific desires. The walls fit seamlessly together and can be united to allow privacy or pulled apart to create an open environment. Each part of the space works together like a puzzle piece that is left up to the inhabiter to put together.

In the Rengel reading, the book addresses that rituals of a person determines the function of how spaces are designed. While this space provides adequate function for every need of the guest, it also allows the space to be custom to whoever inhabits it. The sense of joint in this space is inspired by the joints found in the human body, that pivot and rotate to provide us with a wide range of movement. That same wide range of movement plays out into this space.

Bio, Revisited

January 10th marked the start of another great semester. To kick off the new year we were asked as a class to reflect on our goals for this semester, to acknowledge our strengths, and to enlighten our peers with our previous design experiences. After writing down and acknowledging our goals, strengths, and weaknesses, they were immediately put into practice as we were handed the first assignment.

The goals that I initially jotted down the first day have not changed. I listed that I hope to sharpen both my visual and spoken communication skills. I desire to learn new techniques, and become more acquainted with the history of design and what has been and is being produced. I also aspire to have better time management and learn not to settle on one idea before exploring others.

These first two weeks of class have given me a chance to assess my goals and see if they are reasonable. What I have discovered as I work on this current project is that time management is by far still my biggest obstacle. I often struggle with what to do first and how to allocate my time. I have been trying to come up with new methods to improve my time management, and I although I have noticed improvements, I still struggle with balancing my workload.

An additional goal that I would like to add to my list is to learn how to work fast and efficiently. In this first project, we were only given three weeks to design and model three retreat spaces. With such a fast approaching deadline, it required me to hit the ground running. It brought out my weaknesses of being a pragmatist as I struggled with weighing my ideas back and forth before producing anything concrete. This project however has forced me to make decisions, focus on hierarchy, and work towards what is most important. When this project is over, I hope to continue to work with the same sense of urgency.

In addition to listing goals I had to list my strengths as a designer. Having to pin point my strengths was difficult, because I know my strengths are not fully developed. With that said, I think that one of my strengths is that I am critical of my own work and only desire to improve. I am thorough, I pay strict attention to detail, and my peers additionally pointed out that I have high aspirations.

I have always had a love for design and architecture and the experiences one has when coming into contact with something that is designed well. I chose to become a designer so that I too can create designs that will inspire viewers and resonate in them a sense of awe. I am excited this semester to reach my goals, strengthen my skills, and grow as a designer to produce work that will create unforgettable experiences with those who come in contact with it.

Narative

(image of quick sketches and ideas in my sketchbook)

UNIT ONE

Upon walking through the entrance to the 11' x 32'- 4" space, the guest is immediately caught up in the floor and ceiling changes that take place throughout. The once long, narrow rectangle is now transformed into a space with many different nooks for activities such as sleeping, cooking, resting and exploration. Additionally, the second floor level change appears to be floating within the space which adds to the mystery and excitement. The diverse level changes and unexpected spaces are not the only appealing characteristics of this retreat however. Materials that differ in both texture and color combine to infuse the space with a melting pot of rich tones and surfaces. The story of the space speaks that of opposing materials, surfaces and colors coming together and uniting. The visitor upon entering the space becomes part of the story as he or she is just another addition that seamlessly unites to make the space complete and functional.

UNIT TWO

The attention of the guest is immediately drawn to the woodwork and craftsmanship of this space. The joinery is exposed and celebrated throughout. A portion of the ceiling acts as a skylight to the outside and is clothed with wooden beams that stabilize this opening. The vast amounts of light that flood into the space is a nice contrast to the woodwork and joinery. The plan of this space remains mostly open and free flowing with variations to the ceiling height. The experience of the space is one that emphasizes the joinery and allows the viewer to be submersed in sunlight.

UNIT THREE

The guest who walks through the door of this space immediately becomes a tool to transform the space. Two walls that are attached to tracks on the ceiling allow the guest to manipulate the space to his specific desires. The walls fit seamlessly together and can be united to allow privacy or pulled apart to create an open environment. The transformation of this space doesn't stop there. Furniture additionally is made up of moveable pieces that can pivot or rotate to accommodate multiple purposes. Each part of the space works together like a puzzle piece that is left up to the inhabiter to put together.

Designer Bio + Goals wi1

Monday marked the start of another great semester. We were asked as a class to reflect on our goals for this semester, to acknowledge our strengths, and to enlighten our peers with our previous design experiences. Additionally the class participated in an exercise that assessed how each of us deal with change which was fascinating to discover the broad range of results.

My goals for this semester are quite foundational. I hope to sharpen both my visual and spoken communication skills. I desire to learn new techniques, and become more acquainted with the history of design and what has been and is being produced. I also aspire to have better time management and learn not to settle on one idea before exploring others.

Most importantly, I wish to improve my skills as a designer on every level. Therefor, having to pin point my strengths as a designer is difficult, because I know my strengths are not fully developed. With that said, I think that one of my strengths is that I am critical of my own work and only desire to improve. I am thorough, I pay strict attention to detail, and my peers additionally pointed out that I have high aspirations. My result of the Change Style Indicator test categorized me as a conserver but also a pragmatist. This result only confirmed what I had already acknowledged to be both my strengths and weaknesses.

I have always had a love and appreciation for design, but it was not until my senior year in high school that I recognized that I was capable of becoming a designer. From that day forward I have become fixated with learning and observing all I can. I never would have projected I would be as far as I am today, and I can not wait to see where this semester will lead me.

Below I provided an image that illustrates a project I produced last semester. During this assignment, I adopted a new love for digital fabrication and hope to direct more of my attention towards this aspect of design.