Portfolio

CNNC Final Boards

2008-05-09T07:31:00.001-07:00

CNNC Desk Axon

2008-05-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

Desk Axon
1 1/2" = 1' - 0"

CNNC Branding and Logo

2008-05-09T07:26:00.000-07:00

CNNC Detail Sections

2008-05-09T07:23:00.001-07:00

Bamboo Panel Detail Section
3" = 1' - 0"

Soffit Ceiling Detail
3" = 1' - 0"

Wall to Floor Detail Section
3" = 1' - 0"

CNNC Reception Drawings

2008-05-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

Reception Perspective

Reception Axon
1/4" = 1' - 0"

Reception Section
1/4" = 1' - 0"

Reception Reflected Ceiling Plan
1/4" = 1' - 0"

CNNC Classroom Drawings

2008-05-09T07:13:00.000-07:00

Classroom Perspective

Classroom Axon
1/4" = 1' - 0"

Classroom Section
1/4" = 1' - 0"

Classroom Reflected Ceiling Plan
1/4" = 1' - 0"

CNNC Office Drawings

2008-05-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

Group Office Perspective

Group Office Axon
1/4" = 1' - 0"

Group Office Section
1/4" = 1' - 0"

Group Office Reflected Ceiling Plan
1/4" = 1' - 0"

CNNC Desk Model

2008-05-08T15:45:00.001-07:00

CNNC Group Office Model

2008-05-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

CNNC Classroom Model

2008-05-08T15:41:00.001-07:00

CNNC Reception Model

2008-05-08T15:33:00.001-07:00

CNNC Materials Model

2008-05-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

Group Office Materials

Classroom Materials

Reception Materials

Reception Materials

Logo

2008-04-24T06:25:00.001-07:00

Florence Streetscape

2008-04-15T16:21:00.001-07:00

Parallelism

2008-04-10T06:54:00.001-07:00

IAR 212 Magazine Ad

2008-03-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

I thought the color and composition of this ad worked well. The Symmetry of the foreground complimented the somewhat asymmetrical background. The orange they used at the bottom of the ad complimented the orange tints in the ground and ricks of the ad. They also chose a clever way to portray their product in an interesting and eye catching environment.

Moods A Many

2008-03-24T19:02:00.001-07:00

Pattern Perception

2008-03-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

CNNC Drawings

2008-03-17T19:35:00.001-07:00

CNNC Presentation board

2008-03-17T08:44:00.001-07:00

CNNC Process Work

2008-03-17T08:43:00.001-07:00

CNNC Preliminary Block Diagrams

2008-03-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

CNNC Preliminary Sketches

2008-03-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

My Sisters' House Final VIZ Images

2008-03-16T11:54:00.001-07:00

Living Room View 1, Living Room View 2, Kitchen View, Bedroom 1 view (respectfully).

My Sisters' House Podium

2008-02-03T13:38:00.001-08:00

My Sisters' House Scenes

2008-01-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

2008-01-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

IAR 202 - Welcome Mat

2008-01-18T07:45:00.000-08:00

Germany is a country about connection. The connection of people and the country. During WWII the country was split in half, separating people from their homes, family, and heritage. In 1989 the Berlin Wall was torn down and the country was whole again. However, it took time for the country to truly reconnect. The two parts had grown in different directions and it took a great deal of work for the government to create a united country.
Now, Germany is united and it reflects in the people. When friends greet each other the men always shake hands and the women always kiss cheeks. It is all about the connection of people. The weave of materials represents the connection of people and the reconnection of the country.
Germany is also known for its progress in sustainable design and energy. This is why the materials that I used were all green materials. I used cork and cotton fabric to connect and create the mat, creating a green design.

IAR 212 - Computing in Architectural Design Response

2008-01-16T17:48:00.000-08:00

Computers today are used expansively in the design field. We use CAD programs to create most plans for a structure. Hand drafting in the professional world has become nearly obsolete because CAD programs are more efficient. The program helps you to catch mistakes or flaws in the design. Also, by having your plans on the computer you are able to make changes in the design much more quickly. This is an important aspect of the program because many times you or the client will want to make changes and this gives you a more efficient way of doing that. We then use 3D programs to create models of the structure, which we are able to render in the program. Even when people create hand rendering, they are almost always scanned into a computer so you can present your design in a Power Point presentation. Power Point gives designers a cleaner and clearer way of presenting their work. Some designers need to present in front of a large audience and hand made presentation boards may be difficult for everyone to read. With computer presentations you are able to project your presentation to a scale that is more appropriate to your audience.
Computers have also helped designers in more expansive ways than simply creating the drawing and presentations. The internet gives designers access to information on past designs, materials, history, and any other information they may need to help with their design. This amount of information has never been this accessible before, which gives designers today an advantage over the designers of the past.
I feel the role of computers will become more prominent as technology and software advance. There will come a point when every part of design will be done electronically. The preliminary ideas, ‘sketches’ will all be done in some computer program. However, for this to happen there has to be advancements in programs where the program itself is less rigid. Right now you can’t easily ‘sketch’ your ideas on the computer. The programs require too many specific measurements and variable that you have to answer to. However, if a program were made that was less rigid and more free form, people would be able to work solely on the computer. This would reduce the use of paper and be more environmentally friendly, which is what people are working towards now.

Close to Home Reflection

2007-11-16T12:48:00.000-08:00

Blurring Boundaries Megan McClune

The “Close to Home” exhibit at the Gatewood building is a beautiful exhibit that perfectly reflects the concept of ‘Blurring Boundaries.’ Edward Loewenstein and his work in Greensboro was the main focus of this exhibit. Loewenstein’s interpretation of Modern design was unlike anything seen before. He created a space that was warm and inviting, something that most believed was impossible in Modern design. This feeling and concept was reflected throughout the “Close to Home” exhibit.
The exhibit was built and structured to create the illusion of blurring the boundaries of nature and the built world, of the outdoors and indoors. This is first seen in the lighting of the exhibit. A great deal of the exhibit is lit by natural light that comes through the glass wall of the gallery. This creates the feel of the outdoors and a sense of nature throughout the exhibit. There is track lighting on the ceiling to light the rest of the exhibit so that everything would be visible; however the natural light is the main source of light during the day.
The way the gallery was set up, and constructed further expresses the concept of blurring boundaries. The structures that were built to display the artifacts created a unique experience throughout the exhibit. The structures were built out of wood and were stained warmed tones to give the space a feeling of warmth in contrast to the concrete gray floor and the whitewashed walls. The natural wood brought in a feeling of nature and openness to a space that was primarily closed off from nature and the outdoors. Pathways were made by these structures that gave you a sense of being compressed and released throughout the exhibit. When you first enter the exhibit you are lead through one of these pathways, drawing you through the exhibit. The pathway is semi-covered by framework of plywood. This gives you the feeling of shelter, bringing the exhibit to a smaller scale and level. However, as you walk further you are lead to a large area that is open to the ceiling of the gallery. While in the pathway you are given the feeling of being sheltered, but when you enter this open space you are given a feeling of freedom and release. It is almost the same feeling you have when you go from the shelter of your home to the outdoors. This moment is repeated throughout the exhibit, leading you through the space.
The structures that create the exhibit further blur the boundaries of the gallery as they extend outside the gallery and into the lobby. When you look at the gallery it looks as if the walls extend through the glass, as if the gallery is unable to fully contain its contents. This aspect of the exhibit draws people’s attention and leads them into the gallery where they will be further enthralled by the space.
Throughout the artifacts of the gallery you find many of Loewenstein’s designs this concept of blurring boundaries. In his residential work, Loewenstein created a warm environment using Modern design by blurring the spaces throughout the house and blurring the line between the interior and the exterior. He used interlocking rooms to connect spaces within the homes, and creates an open floorplan design. He used storage spaces to block off private areas rather that simply put up a wall. This blocked off the space as well as keeping in connected to the rest of the public areas. This also kept the house open to people, creating the welcoming feeling Loewenstein desired. The space invited people to enter and experience the surroundings. Loewenstein also used local materials to create all the spaces, creating a connection to nature, and Greensboro.
The exhibit had several different types media throughout the gallery, and each possessed a different purpose. The first and most prominent were the posters that contained both images and text. The posters were the most informative aspect of the exhibit. The images drew people in, and then helped the person understand the information given to them. There were also two videos, which depicted homes Loewenstein had designed. The video took you through the space as if you were walking through it yourself. This was sometimes hard to follow because of the twists and turns of certain spaces. Also, because it was a silent film you had to simply watch and try and understand on your own. There was an informational poster placed next to it explaining the space and what you were seeing, but this split your attention between the video and the poster. The video was well done and it did give people a greater understanding of the space; however, I feel that there could have been a little less confusion, while watching the video, had there been a greater connection between the commentary and the video. The last type of media that you find in the exhibit is the computers, found on the back wall of the exhibit. The computers give people a more concise explanation of the exhibit and Modernism. This was an excellent way for people that are less familiar with Loewenstein’s work and the Modern style. Many people might have been overwhelmed at being surrounded by such a large amount of information. The computers information creates a stepping stone for them, giving them a basis of knowledge, which would help them navigate throughout the exhibit. The only problem is that the computers are placed in the back of the gallery, where people would have to search them out. With the information that they provide for people it may have been better if they were more readily available to the visitor. As a whole the media works well together to present the exhibit to the visitor, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience.
The visitors experience is further enhanced by the built components of the exhibit. The structures that were created exemplified the concept of the exhibit, as well as adding to the personal experience of the visitor. When you enter the lobby you start to see the exhibit of the outside, creating interest. After you enter the space you are immediately pulled in by the built environment that surrounds you. The pathways of space that were created pull you forward inviting you through the space. The size of these pathways also adds to this experience. They are the perfect size to allow just a small flow of traffic through them. This creates a more personal experience for the visitor, rather than a large open gallery where they might feel lost. The framed roof on these structures adds to this experience, creating a sense of shelter and warmth. As you are drawn through the exhibit you are pulled into areas that are open to the ceiling of the gallery. This open space at first may seem vast compared to the pathways that brought you there; however there is a bench in the middle of this space, creating a feeling of belonging. You are invited to enter the space, relax and look around. You are constantly surrounded by information and images, but it is not overwhelming. You are able to take the exhibit slowly, step by step, rather than feel bombarded with information. The structure of the exhibit works beautifully with the gallery space, the concept, and the work that is being shown to you. The exhibit is beautifully connected throughout inviting visitors to enter and experience the exhibit.

This is the first thing that you experience when you walk into the exhibit. You can see how the pathway leads you into the exhibit and creates a feeling of intimacy. This brings the large scale of the space down to a human level helping the visitor connect with the space.

This is the part of the exhibit you see while you are in the lobby. You can see that the structure that is outside the gallery visually connects to the piece side the exhibit. This exemplifies the idea of blurring boundaries, as well as creating interest and drawing visitors into the exhibit.

This is a part of the exhibit that you are lead to from the covered pathways. It is open to the ceiling giving you the feeling of going from indoors to outdoors. This exemplifies the concept of blurring boundaries. However the space still retains the welcoming feel because there is a bench in the center of the space giving people an opportunity to rest.

My Sisters' House: Suite Intent and Program

2007-11-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Intent:
It is my hope to create a functional and comfortable space for the girls and their children to grow up in. By using the right furniture and color I hope to create a welcoming environment in the living space to encourage the girls to interact with one another. In the private areas I plan on using color and light to create a tranquil area for the girls to retreat to as well as sleep.

Program:
Living Area:
Sofa
Chairs
End Tables
Dining table
Bookshelf

Kitchenette:
~4 ft. Counter Space
Sink
Refrigerator
Toaster
Microwave
Oven/Range
Small utility table

Bedrooms:
Twin Bed
Night Table
Crib
Dresser/Changing table

Bath:
Sink
Cabinet (under sink)
Toilet
Towel Bars
Toilet Paper Holder
Vanity Lighting

My Sister's House Color Model

2007-10-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

Design History Reflection

2007-10-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

1. Previous to this course I looked at history and design in very distinct styles, such as Egyptian or classical, not looking at how they related or connected. I now see that history and design is all connected, each style throughout history builds and learns from the past. It was also interesting to then connect this to the design cycle, where you can see a pattern throughout design being repeated. The people during the times thought that they were doing something completely new and different, when really they were just building on ideas that were already there. It’s interesting to look at design now, understanding history, and figuring out just how ‘new’ the design truly is. That is something that I hope we look into in Modern design because one hundred years from now there will probably be a clear connection to everything that we have created.
2. The design of Samuel McIntire’s houses in Salem is similar to many different building styles, both commercial and residential. McIntire’s design was based on creating a front façade that would set the tone for the building. The many windows if a symmetrical pattern around the portico entrance creates this façade. This same idea is often seen in commercial buildings today. Businesses design a building where only the front façade of the building matters. The front is all the people will look at and it sets the tone for the building. Therefore all the design and thought goes into the front façade of the building. This is just like the houses McIntire designed. The people that lived in those houses wanted to create a certain affect when people looked at their home, but only the front mattered. This is seen in other aspects of design where there is a main side that will be the most important and because of that the designer puts the most thought and energy into that single façade.
3. To start you need to have a good understanding of history and design. Many people have designed something ‘new and different’ but it wasn’t until later that people realized that it was similar to many things created in the past. Then you think about what you are trying to create, the statement that you want to make. When you understand that you can look into historical styles that may help you emphasis your purpose in the design. When you have that you need to look at the present and think towards the future. You can’t base your entire design on the past because that would be a step back in design. You need to think about the world directly around where you are designing and how your design will fit into contemporary design.
4. Television has a similar affect on the past as it does today. Television is the main connection people have to the rest of the world, and because of that Television dictated much of design. Through the new and different shows you are told what styles are ‘in’ and ‘out,’ and how it should be implemented in your life. Some of this is blatantly told to you in design shows, while other times it is simply implied in the shows that you watch. Fashion design is often dictated in popular shows by what the characters wear. People see that and it suddenly becomes the mainstream style that you find in every local store. Television also gives people a connection to other cultures and the rest of the world. People can see the styles and designs world wide that they would have otherwise never been exposed to. Television dictates many areas of design, and for many people, whether they realize it or not, that is their main source of information.

House by Samuel McIntire, Salem, MA

My Sister's House - Group Intent

2007-10-08T12:18:00.001-07:00

Our intent for My Sister’s House is to create a comfortable, contemporary space that will foster a healthy environment for infant/child care, learning/education, and family life. We intend to play with positive and negative space, allowing the interior forms to define the exterior. The materials we were given will create the unifying factor within and throughout our design.

My Sister's House: Individual Intent

2007-10-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

My Sisters House is a safe haven for pregnant teenage girls. It is a place where girls can go to without judgment or fear to begin their new family. This home gives girls a semi-permanent place to begin raising their children, while they themselves finish growing up.
The structure of the building is designed to reflect this mission. It is created in a modern style representing the contemporary nature of this home. Clusters of spaces are being created in the interior, which make up the exterior of the building. This represents the idea that the girls that will come that live here create the space itself.
The unifying factor among each floor will be the materials. We will use the materials to define each space as well as separate them. We will use aluminum to create the clusters of rooms, and mirrored glass will be used in between the spaces to close off the interior. These materials are similar enough to create a unity throughout the building. However the slight difference in the texture and look of the material creates distinct spaces.
This building is about individual girls coming together from different places and backgrounds for a unifying purpose. Just like the clusters coming together to create this space.

Materials Collage

2007-10-04T15:45:00.000-07:00

My Sister's House - Light Study

2007-09-20T17:01:00.001-07:00

9/19/07 - 8:00 am: Area #1

9/19/07 - 1:00 pm: Area #1

9/19/07 - 7:00 pm: Area #1

9/19/07 - 8:00 am: Area #2

9/19/07 - 1:00 pm: Area #2

9/19/07 - 7:00 pm: Area #2

9/19/07 - 8:00 am: Area #3

9/19/07 - 1:00 pm: Area #3

9/19/07 - 7:00 pm: Area #3

9/19/07 - 8:00 am: Area 4

9/19/07 - 1:00 pm: Area 4

9/19/07 - 7:00 pm: Area 4

9/19/07 - 8:00 am: Area 5

9/19/07 - 1:00 pm: Area 5

9/19/07 - 7:00 pm: Area 5