My Group's Color Model

My color model

Self-Reflection

1. Comment on how this course has changed the way that you view design as a fundamental practice central to humanity.

Before I took this class I never really considered a building as a whole. I thought that the interiors were really the only thing designed specifically for a person. However, throughout history the majority of buildings (especially in the Eastern part of the world) were designed for specific people and for specific reasons. They weren’t just “visually pleasing”, they had a purpose for that society. However, in the United States we are so focused on building as fast as we can for the least amount of money that we can that we do not take the time to consider how the outside and inside of a building should work together. As a designer, I should be considering ALL aspects of a building.

2. Select one building, space, or object that we have talked about in class or is contained in the readings for this course. As you encounter this object, space, or building, suggest how it links forward to design practice today. Select an image of your chosen artifact and include that on your blog.

The Crystal Palace was a truly modern building for the time period in which it was built, and has helped mold our architecture today. It was one of the first structures to utilize wrought iron and glass as its main materials. They really tested the materials strength and durability because it is an enormous structure, both vertically and horizontally. This building was an inspiration for our modern day skyscrapers. We still construct skyscrapers out of steel and glass. And we are always trying to have the tallest building possible.

3. Accepting the view that we always fall back on history, how do we create a new perspective that both embraces the past and says something innovative about our present circumstances?


We need to find a balance in today’s society. We have the technology to build great spaces. But we need to start considering quality again, rather than quantity. By utilizing our technology and past inspirations we have the opportunity to be truly innovative. Mixing technology with Gothic, Classical, Greek and Roman Styles could result in modern buildings that would define us as a culture.

Our "Moment"

More Views of Our First Model

1st Model of "My Sister's House"

TEAM STATEMENT

The combination of geometric and organic shapes flowing through the space gives a sense of embracing and comfort.

INDIVIDUAL NARRATIVE

All of our charrettes and designs have been centered around the 1950's. We assembled a book of designers, artists and architects that produced work in the 50's and we have drawn a lot of inspiration from that. I research Tina Lefer who was a fashion designer. She saw that there was a need for casual clothing for women because the home was becoming a more laid-back environment.
When designing the interior, exterior, and moment models, as a group, we considered a lot of different options. We wanted for our space to be open and inviting. We wanted to use curved lines inspired from the 1950's design. But most of all we wanted for the space to actually feel like a home.

Dragon Fire October 5, 2007

Our goal for my sister’s house is to allow the design to provide a welcoming, calming, and safe atmosphere while encouraging a positive outlook on life.


Today is my first day visiting the shelter where I’ll be staying for a while.
I’m excited and nervous at the same time.
Okay, I’m here and the place looks really nice from the outside.
It’s a uniquely constructed building, unlike the other plain shelters I’ve seen.
It’s time to see what the inside is like.
I walk into the lounge area and am overwhelmed with the sensation of being at home.
The room is suited perfectly for my son and me.
He points out how cool the recycled blue jean couches and curtains are.
He wants to take the pair he has on and make something with them.
I ask him if we could wait until he grows out of them, that shouldn’t take long.
I appreciate how resourceful they are by reusing the jeans; maybe they could let me in on a few tricks.
As we stroll into the kitchen my eyes are drawn to some very attractive cabinets.
I’ve never seen cabinets like these before.
They look like glass but feel more like plastic and they seem to have been dyed in a ray of beautiful colors.
This room is already one of my favorites,
it instantly raised my spirits.
There’s also fencing hanging horizontally from the ceiling used to hang pots and pans,
another resourceful idea.
Next we go into an office area,
another one of my favorites.
The room is sectioned off into private areas by using these dividers that look and feel a lot like the cabinets in the kitchen.
The dividers open and close by simply pulling them one way or the other.
This room will be perfect for when I need to do my schoolwork.
I’m about to be starting high school so I’m sure I’ll have a lot.
Finally I make my way over to our room.
It’s very nice and already has a few decorations.
There are several lamps hanging that are made from that same plastic-glass material I saw earlier in the kitchen and office.
They’re so cute and look like they came straight out of the 50s.
This place is amazing and I’m so blessed to finally have a place for me and my son to call home.