Journal 6

I’ve always had an interest towards Japanese art, design, and architecture. Specifically their minimalistic style and how they are able to incorporate nature and organic shapes in their design. Japanese aesthetics always embraced the idea of imperfection and transience. And this means that beauty is incomplete and imperfect. This idea derives from their religion, Buddhism. They believed the three marks of existence which are absence, impermanence, and suffering. One of my favorite Japanese aesthetic that I’ve always been interested in is called the wabi-sabi. This aesthetic embraces authenticity of the object. This means that it can be rough, withered, and simple.

This style inspires me because I’ve always been intrigued by how organic shapes can influence design. Additionally, I’ve always had an interest in different types of pottery which differ from each culture. And the best embodiment of the wabi-sabi aesthetic are Japanese pottery. At the Japanese tea ceremony, most of the pottery items that they utilize look imperfect and rough. They do not look finished because of how asymmetrical they looked.

I believe that this reflects on nature and its qualities. This is because of how organic it looks to be. In my opinion, wabi-sabi embraces nature because it uses the idea of how natural and unique making it look like it’s always changing and moving. Also, this idea brings how they are able to undergo change and unpredictable conditions. This provides somewhat intimacy with the object. The imperfection it provides shows complexity while accepting the idea of simplicity. This idea is not only seen in design but in their way of life. The concept of learning how to adapt to different environments depending on the situation. All these ideas are reflected on the wabi-sabi design.

 

Reading Questions:

Le Corbusier Type Needs

  1. How has decorative art become orthopedic which appeals to our imagination?
  2. What is the art of the engineer and what does it have to do with decorative art?

Loos Ornament and Crime

  1. What do you mean by “ornament is wasted labour and hence wasted health?”
  2. Why do ornaments today have no connection with us or human connection?

Loos Poor Little Rich Man

  1. What improvements did the man go through to make himself happier?
  2. What does it mean to learn to go about life with one’s own corpse?

Mary Mcleod Charlotte Perriand Her First Decade as a Designer

  1. What was Perriand’s main inspiration/influence in her designs?
  2. How has her design evolved over time throughout the decade?

27. September 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: History of Architecture | Leave a comment

Journal 5

Belgian architect, Victor Horta’s design intrigued me the most. He was able to establish the Art Nouveau movement with his remarkable work. From the Tassel House done in 1892 to1893 in Brussels and the House of the People done in 1896 to 1900. The way he was able to design the Tassel House in a way that uses all areas of the space is interesting because of how narrow the shape was. I was inspired by his design because of his way of interpreting Art Nouveau. I’ve always been interested in the way how architecture can show fluidity through organic shapes. This provides somewhat a softer setting giving a different message in space. Also, the ability to show movement in his design even with utilizing solid materials such as iron and glass. The stairs specifically clearly gives this example. Looking at the design of the stairs reminds me of musical movements. He was able to display this feature while providing structure is what establishes the Art Nouveau movement. Another aspect of this design that influenced me is how the outer design creates a contrast with the design inside. The outside provides contrast because of its solid structure displaying no fluidity or movement.

I’ve always had an interest in where how the outside of a space gives contrast compared to the inside giving a different perspective. The way the outside can be traditional while the inside can give a unique design and message to the audience. The fluidity and continuous flow in the design and being able to create movement while breaking barriers that are horizontal and vertical is what made his design remarkable. I believe this allows the audience to interact with the space differently. This is because of how the design stimulates differently compared to traditional designs.

 

Reading Questions:

Ahmed Zaib Khan Mahsud Rethinking Doxiadis

  1. How did Doxiadis’ Ecumenopolis vision of addressing issues of sustainability transform modernist ideas?
  2. Why was scale and time the central of the development in Doxiadis’ approach in synthesis?

Frank Lloyd Wright Living City 1

  1. Why must architecture see civic life in terms of such human economic freedom as here prophesied?
  2. How does natural/organic architecture build local embodiment of human freedom?

Frank Lloyd Wright Living City 2

  1. What does he mean by good ground and how it can determine the fundamental shape, style, or occupation in every structure?
  2. How does business and architecture connect to one another in this reading?

Howard Garden Cities of Tomorrow

  1. Why were Ebenezer Howard’s proposals considered to be on the conservative side?
  2. What was Howard’s prime contribution in this society?

Howard Town Country Magnet

  1. Was it important to follow the structure? For example, did the outer ring of the town only had to be factories, warehouses, etc…?
  2. Why was the principle of freedom holds good with regard to manufacturers and others who have established themselves in the town important?

LC Radiant City Radiant Farm

  1. Why was the Radiant Farm important during this time period?
  2. Were there any influences with the Radiant Farm during this time?

Le Corbusier City of Tomorrow

  1. What does he mean when he says increasing in density of open spaces are the lungs of a city?
  2. Why was it important to construct a theoretical water-tight formula to arrive fundamental principles of modern town planning?

26. September 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: History of Architecture | Leave a comment

Journal 4

Sainte-Geneviève Library

New York Public Library

Henri Labrouste’s design of the Sainte-Geneviève Library intrigued me the most. This library located in Paris has aspects inspired by Paris architecture. I noticed how it gives off a heavier appearance from the structure of it being a rectangular block. The inside space, however, feels airy and lighter from the natural daylight seeping through the large windows. The structure reminded me of the Crystal Palace. This is from the cast iron used. Cast iron permits high ceilings with sleek columns that support make it more functional when utilizing large spaces. It was easy to use as its main structure during this time. This was needed both in the Crystal Palace and the Sainte-Geneviève Library. At the Sainte-Geneviève Library, Labrouste exposing the metal frameworks and the slip masonry walls while exposing natural sunlight creating luminosity displays how he was able to push the capabilities of his materials and technologies to build. In addition, the inside structure of the library reminded me of our New York Public Library. From its windows which are arched shaped to its very similar set up with the chairs and tables. It made me further question, was the New York Public Library influenced by the Sainte-Geneviève Library? This is because the New York Public Library was established approximately 45 years after the Sainte-Geneviève Library. I believe there might have been a connection between both libraries because of both libraries launching a partnership together during a joint research symposium. This was to preserve and make accessible cultural heritage. Additionally, reading an article about Henri Labrouste’s exhibit on Structure Brought to LIght at the Museum of Modern Art made them to reconsider how they can develop and change the architecture of the New York Public Library to make it luminous like the Sainte-Geneviève Library.

19. September 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: History of Architecture | Leave a comment

Journal 3

After seeing the photo of the Red House, I immediately recalled the section I read from Rethinking the Interior. The image shown above is the drawing room at the Kelmscott House.

This image was important when describing the design of the house because everything in the house needed to be either of the two aspects; useful or beautiful. And I agree to this idea of it having to be either of those because space can alter a person’s mood or emotion which makes it livable or not. It’s interesting the way they are able to consider the many different aspects in how a placement, item, or color can instantly change the mood of the room. For example, this image specifically displays furniture that is necessary. The idea of not having any unnecessary furniture like occasional tables, chairs, etc, makes this space feel comfortable. The drawing room being the place where everyday activities are being carried out should be a place where someone who enters the room can understand the practical functions. Another aspect are the windows reflects natural light into this space. Even if the windows are not seen in this image, there is noticeable natural light. This supports the idea of how color can be a major factor when it comes to aura. It’s important to keep elements from the outside world. It doesn’t keep the room isolated as it further expands itself with its space and environment. The walls — the walls were not meant to have any art or photographs of any sort because it becomes a ‘broken wall-surface’. This statement in the book made me understand how not only furniture can affect the rooms overall mood but the wall and its design. Through this, I’m able to conclude that everyone has their own interpretation and opinion in design. Not everyone can perceive the intended meaning.

13. September 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: History of Architecture | Leave a comment

Journal 2

I was most interested in the development to modernity from the lecture on The Great Exhibition of 1851. From the use of cast iron and its overall structure. During the development, many structures started to utilize cast iron as their main material. The suspension bridge that was mentioned, was restored with cast iron. Cast iron is one of the oldest materials used for outdoor construction. It was easy to use and fast to install. Additionally, it was durable especially being relatively cheap compared to other materials. This included the Crystal Palace. The Crystal Palace used cast iron not entirely but as their main structure. It was easy and quick to install and it allowed them to save space. Cast iron permits high ceilings with sleek columns that support making it more functional. This lead me to realize that whenever I think about New York City, I think about the architecture.  It made me want to research further on cast iron and the reason why most of the buildings in New York City utilizes this material the most. Most of the buildings in SoHo utilizes cast iron as their main structure. SoHo is also known as the Cast Iron Historic District of New York. There are about 250 cast iron buildings. However, there are several downfalls to cast iron. It is not always the best material to use when handling tension or when having to be bent. This is due to the fact that its tensile strength is low and it may be brittle at times. It also rusts and oxidizes. This is not always a con when it comes to cast iron because it provides its own aesthetic in architecture. For example, New York City. The city has its own style because of the cast iron providing intricate designs and patterns.

06. September 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: History of Architecture | Leave a comment

Journal 1

I remember one afternoon after coming home from school, my dad showed me a famous architect named Frank Lloyed Wright. He told me he wanted to visit this specific house designed by Wright in 1935which was located in the rural parts of Pennsylvania. During this time, I was in high school deciding what major I wanted to pursue in college. I was deciding between architecture/interior design or business. My dad showed me the house called Fallingwater designed by Wright. After seeing this structure, I was immediately amazed by this and started to research on this house and the purpose of it.  I love how this house was not meant to be a public space for people to see and use. This house was designed for a family who wanted this to be their weekend home or their rest house. This family enjoyed being in the outdoors especially hiking and horseback riding. And they wanted a place to reflect on it. Eventually, it turned into a place where people could visit to appreciate. I thought it was so interesting that he was able to think of designing a house which was partly over a waterfall. He could have designed the house next to the waterfall but he decided to put it over which made it physically appealing. This architecture structure inspired me to take architecture to study because it made me understand how space can affect someones emotions because of their surroundings. Additionally, I’m intrigued in the way he incorporated nature in this structure. The way he was able to use what was already there into his architecture is astonishing. I want to be able to use what is already there from nature while altering different aspects to make the space a comfortable place to be in.

01. September 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: History of Architecture | Leave a comment

Final

layout link

 

12. May 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: Time | Leave a comment

Bridge 4 and 5

During the beginning process of figuring out what theme I wanted to focus on, I initially thought of climate change. This is because climate change has been one of the world’s most known issue. I researched on climate change that is slowly occurring in Battery Park. However, I realized this is not the idea I want to focus on for my bench. Therefore, I decided to emphasize on socializing and taking a break from social media or technology. Changing my location to Sheep’s Meadow in Central Park instead of Battery Park would fit better with my theme. Even though Sheep’s Meadow is located at the center of Central Park, I knew it would be the best location because it would attract people to visit. Focusing on socializing and relaxing at the park, I knew I needed to add another aspect other than the seating area. This is because the benches would not send the message of taking break from social media and technology. Accordingly, I decided to make it feel like a library outdoors by incorporating book baskets. These book baskets would blend in with the chairs not making it seem distracting to the main attraction. For the bench and the book basket, I knew I wanted my main material to be sustainable and environment friendly. Being part of an organization back home where we aim to support local artists who use sustainable products, I was inspired by this idea to be incorporated into my bench. Also, since I decided not to focus on climate change, I still wanted to incorporate something that was environment friendly in my design. Thus, I decided to use mycelium as my base and a waterproof biodegradable fabric. Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments. Today, many organizations fight to use sustainable products to save the Earth and environment. And through this, I believe the material I chose is one of my strongest aspects. Although, there are many aspects in my project that I can improve in. The bench could have had a better design if I decided not to use mycelium as my main material and base. Possibly finding a better location or being able to discover new ideas to emphasize on the message of socializing at the park. This is because I want to give New Yorkers a chance to take break from the fast paced city.

My goal is to be able to give New Yorkers a chance to socialize while taking a break from social media and technology. I want to allow locals and maybe tourists to reconnect and focus on their goals. Also, I want locals to be able to recharge and relax because of New York being a fast paced city. Moving to New York City for college, I noticed how many universities are not provided with a proper campus. This made me want to provide an area where students are able to visit to either study, read, or relax. I decided to pick Sheep’s Meadow as my location because I want people to be able to see this seating area and visit. If it was located at a different part of Central Park or park, I believe it would not have as much of an impact. Furthermore, the design of Sheep’s Meadow is supposed to be peaceful and calming to look at, letting those who pass or go there to feel refreshed even just by looking. This lawn is the largest area in Central Park and its designated to be a quiet zone because sports, balls, or any gatherings are allowed. Additionally, this provides as a platform for social exchange because this space is supposed to provide a platform for socializing between one another.

 

08. May 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: Integrative Studio 2 | Leave a comment

To See or Not to See

06. May 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: Time | Leave a comment

Transition Panels

06. May 2019 by Jaimee
Categories: Time | Leave a comment

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