Portfolio

Hailey Mae Strobel Studio 102A, Fall 2009 Valery Augustin 11 December 2009

Table of Contents

Project 1---Project 2---Project 3---Project 4----

04-11 12-17 18-23 24-29

Project 1

Distillation This project explored both 2D and 3D media in three parts. Its purpose was to sharpen observational skills, develop a system of communication, learn compositional strategies, appreciate diagramming, see negative space, and explore ordering systems

I chose for my objects a rock and a glass bottle. Both objects are similar in their elemental composition, yet in all other physical aspects--texture, opacity, functionality--the two are polar opposites.

The composition is designed to show the contrast in materiality between the two objects. The ideas of balance and symmetry are used to highlight differences such as the varying complexities and the contrasting reactions to light.

1A

Compositional Order in Two-Dimensions: Organic and Machined Part one was to choose two objects to document ant photograph, and then from this information to create a collage, contour line drawing, and cut paper figure/ field collage based on a compositional relationship.

The two assigned buildings were very different from each other, Mudd Hall in the classic style and the Religious Center modern. The only unifying quality I saw in the two buildings was their constant use of repetition.

This composition is designed to create a hierarchy focused on the tower of Mudd Hall, supported by the repetition in the two building which creates a rhythm that moves the viewers eyes around the page.

1B

Compositional Order in Two-Dimensions: A Spatial Reading Part two involved the same creations as part one, but based on the comparison of two buildings instead of objects.

As the first 3d project, this project took shape as I experimented with various additive and subtractive techniques while attempting to combine the two figure/ground compositions into a single, cohesive design.

To unite the two compositions into the 11x14x3 frame, I decided that all circular elements from both collages would penetrate the entire structure, orthogonal would penetrate half the depth, and linear elements a quarter.

1C

Investigation of Solid/void Relationships in Three Dimensions Part three of the project explored the difference between 2D ordering systems of the first two parts and 3D spatial order; the task was to use the figure/field compositions from parts one and two and combine them in a 3D composition.

Project 2

Distillation This project expanded the level of design inquiry to more architectural parameters. It explored issues of scale, sequence, and path, as well as the abstract design concepts explored in Project 1.

Our section chose for the site conditions a small village and a freeway; my task was to create a 125 section of wall with a 50 width that connected the remnants of an existing wall adjacent to the village.

The basis for my design: a freeway has only one program while a village has many, the village is on a personal scale while the freeway is global, and the freeway has a linear path while movement in the village is varied and circular.

Project 2

Process This project expanded the level of design inquiry to more architectural parameters. It explored issues of scale, sequence, and path, as well as the abstract design concepts explored in Project 1. The assignment was to create a wall that connected two opposing site conditions.

My wall became a series of cubes arranged on a grid; their placement was determined by paths of changing scale between the sites and movement along the freeway; places of rest and of movement represent the different programs. The entrances from the village are indicated by the rectangular elements. The voids within the larger cubes relate to the solids of the smaller cubes.

Project 2

Final For me this project became an exploration of thinking about architecture on multiple levels: the ideas about program, path, and scale the architecture requires, and ideas about figure/field, balance, and other compositional elements that make architecture beautiful.

Project 3

Distillation This project delved even further into the architectural design process. New processes it involved were program/site analysis, the investigation of human scale, formal positive/negative space composition, transparency, and light/shadow/shade.

The basis for my design: a safe, tranquil place of rest created by opacity and shade; an inspirational place of work created by the play of light and shadow; and an open place of gathering created by light and transparency. These became points on a spiraling spectrum that also established change in scale from private to public, and a path of circulation always at the perimeter of the spaces.

Project 3

Process This assignment was to create a pavilion based on a Cartesian embedded in a dual-level site. It also included specific requirements and constraints including spaces of rest, work, and gathering on separate levels, a 20x20 area, and the use of two landscape elements

Project 3

Final This project awoke me to the fact that nothing in architecture can be arbitrary; every single form and space must be acknowledged and addressed so that every part functions as a whole with no unnecessary elements.

Project 4

Distillation The purpose of this project was to further our understanding of architecture by studying a unique building by a well-known architect. Our section was assigned Mario Bottas House at Riva San Vitale.

Project 4

Process This project included researching both Botta and the house, and presenting the knowledge through a research paper and a graphic presentation. I was particularly intrigued by the way Botta could use bold, man-made materials to create a structure that blends seamlessly with its natural environment.

Project 4

Final In studying Bottas use of different material and the areas he left cut out from these materials, I found they were aligned based on the golden section. This made me realize that simplicity can be the most elegant, and inspired me to layout my presentation based on the geometry of the house.