Meeting 3, Steps 7,8,9

 Step 7, an emphasis on Volume, Massing, Structural Pattern.

My own structural pattern is relatively simple, but with complex engineering beyond my ability.

Parking below three floors of living/working. Each floor space is roughly 1200 sf. Bottom two floors are linked and of the same owner.

 Step 8, an emphasis to compose for beauty, elevations, section studies, character sketches.

Balance is certainly an important part of my project design. Another key emphasis is placed upon my window portals to key in on certain vistas and areas of the flat. Each 1200 sf is different and engages the site in different ways. Parking is below, a careful cantilever, a question of trust for the audis and bmws down there.

Step 9, an emphasis to test constructibility, systems, material expression.

Materials used are discussed here. Renderings are being updated daily, with detail added in photoshop in layers. background images will be added with photography later this week on site. My renderings will be very human-oriented. HOPEFULLY, nothing will seem out of place or hugely fake.

After talking to the design expo guys and gals, they understood my worries, concerns, and assumptions, and affirmed them all. Each and every one of them said "REVIT! REVIT! REVIT! What....hand drawings? What are those, but meager sketch drawings used as process for the napkin or tablet?"

Of course, hand drawings have their place in the world of Arch still, but their power seems to be dwindling. I've yet to talk to an architect who said that they were hiring young, technologically advanced college students Because of their HAND DRAWING SKILLS. I'm not going to say that all firms and all architects are only looking at our portfolios for our highly detailed 3ds Max renderings, but it seems to be the general swing of things. As a drawer by nature, this project (and the way I have decided to go about it ((all revit))) is slowly pushing me off a mountain cliff. But, I realize the importance and the obvious benefits of a computer program that doesn't fail [if the user doesn't fail]. I know that it is not revit's fault for my problems, but my lack of willingness to learn the software that is [for the moment] free. If I had semesters to learn revit, and not weeks, would my skill be greater? Should there be an entire class to learn revit? Did Mike do his job in 232? What separates those people who have a natural affinity for computers and those who don't? Are those people who know computers well also the kids who receive laptops for their 10th birthday? Is our enculturation the preemptive action here? And who told me in high school that a strong basis of Math and Physics are the only things I need going into Architectural School?

Certainly I wish that I'd have had better training on a computer before college. I'm working against the flow of my education K-12. But beggars don't receive good marks. They earn the street.


So it goes that I'm striding to learn what is put in front of me, and for anybody who reads this and agrees, I hope we all can get our heads out of our asses and learn something alien.
 

Cloud. Use It. Okay?

Cloud rendered this in 6 minutes? What can cloud do for you?

CRITIQUE 2

 Step 4: Diagram Different Site Responses

 Step 5: Firm Up Spatial Arrangement

Step 6: Look for Organizing Pattern, "Spatial Layout"

CRITIQUE 1

 Step 1: List your goals.

 Step 2: Background Information

Step 3: Case Studies

INSPIRATION/CASE STUDIES

 I love the vertical scale of this obviously rendered scene, and I hope that my own rendering can become half as awesome as this. Though my louvers won't similar to these, they may have more in common with the below picture, which fascinates me.

 As I've mentioned before, I see NO reason not to incorporate vertical gardens into my design.

Reasons they Help:

1. Less CO2 Emitted by building
2. Cleaner Interior Air
3. Less Dependence upon A/C
4. (depending upon climate...) Summer shade, Winter Solar Gain if plants are dormant.
5. Pleasing Aesthetic quality
6. Green Design
7. Spark interest in Green Design
8. Tie nature into the urban environment
9. Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect

 And with further pictures found online, here are some impressive cantilevered designs. My structure is intended thus because I want to leave parking as it is. As much as Possible, anyway..

 Tread Lightly Upon the Ground?

Perhaps we don't live in the same ecosystem or biosphere as these people do, but you get the picture. I want a touchable, growable feel to my design.