Consider.process.design

Stefan Sagmeister shares happy design | Video on TED.com

2010-04-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Stefan Sagmeister shares happy design Video on TED.com

Design[ing] Happiness

2010-04-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

CHALLENGE: For your final 2nd year studio project, we ask you to spend some time thinking about design happiness. What type of design makes you happy? What designs make you happy? Why do these designs make you happy? Why does designing make you happy? Where can design happiness be found?

In addition to looking inward, you should also look outward. What are the elements of design that make your classmates, fellow design students, and community happy?

Consider the relationship between design happiness and design thinking?

GOAL:
As a studio community, you are to create a design happiness map. It can take any shape or form, and be in any location….though we encourage you to think big. How can it make the most impact? How can you best express happiness?

As always, process explorations should be captured in digital form and continually documented on your blog.

Final Documentation…
The final documentation of this project is entirely up to you. You design the presentation format and style…follow your design happiness.

Important Dates…

426 . introducing design happiness
428 . presentations of happiness work time
430 . more presentations of happiness studio clean-up
503 . workday
504 . present your happiness

Invitation to Final Presentation

2010-04-21T16:40:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to invite you to the Final Presentation for Second Year Studio titled Consider.Process.Design.

The event will be held on Friday April 23rd in the Lobby of Gatewood from 1pm to 2pm. We encourage you to share any comments and questions about the student's work before, during, and after the presentation.

The projects to be featured include a reflection on the Makeshift Shelters and all three phases of Unity Village. The class is excited about sharing their work with the department and community. We look forward to seeing you on Friday.

Earth Day Celebration!

2010-04-21T08:58:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the campus’ Earth Day celebration in Foust Park on April 22, 11 a.m, Felicia Dean, Brooke Elliot, and Stephanie Brooker have documented the process of making your own recycled paper from shredded mail on a blog titled "At Home Paper Mill".

We will be displaying a number of paper creations at our table and we have created a limited number of small journals, which will be handed out to visitors during the celebration. We invite you to join us for the Earth Day celebrations on Thursday and encourage you to check out our process on the blog.

Capturing Process

2010-04-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

With Phase Three of the Unity Village project focusing on process, we thought we would share a few of the ways in which the design students are capturing their process. Through a mix of thumbnail floor plans, photography, study models, journal pages, diagrams, sketches, and 3D computer models, the students have highlighted the main components of their designs through the documentation of key elements of their process.

Thumbnail Study by Wesley Shamlian

Photograph of Process Documents by Tracey Wright

Study Model Photograph by Meghan Kaufmann

Sketchbook Process by Young Moon

Bubble Diagram by Kalani Gonzalez

Sketchbook Process by Ino Loloci

SketchUp Screen Capture by Hope Talley

Process Sketch by Charese Allen

Process Sketch by Carlos Smith

Example of Materials Board

2010-04-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

Below you will find an example of one possible way to layout a digital materials board for your process booklet. This example includes two pages. The first page would exhibit actual images of material samples that could be arranged to highlight how materials will overlap visually in the space. The second page is presented as a key and provides information about each material such as the name, manufacturer/supplier, color, number, and location (in designed space). This method of presentation allows for the materials to be showcased and easily identified.

Page OnePage Two

Phase Three Process Booklet Requirements

2010-04-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

The process booklet for phase three will be reviewed in draft form on Monday April 19th and the final process booklet will be turned in on Friday April 23rd. The process booklet should measure 8.5" x 11" and have a simple binding. The layout of the process booklet is up to you, however the items listed below must be included in the process booklet:

Plans (all plans are to be scaled to 3/16" = 1'-0")

A Floor Plan with Room Legend (this floor plan should not include moveable furniture, only built-ins)
A Reflected Ceiling Plan with Lighting Legend
A Finished Floor Plan with Room Legend (this floor plan should include all proposed furniture)
A Rendered Floor Plan

Details

Programming Document
User Needs Chart
Casework Details (includes sections, elevations, axonometrics, small models, and supporting photographs)
Interior Elevation(s) scaled to 3/16" = 1'-0" or larger
A digital materials board (example will be provided on Friday)
A document providing specified lighting, fixtures, and furnishings (excel document to be provided)
Interior Perspectives

Process

Sketchbook pages (scanned)
Blog posts relevant to phase three
Written process timeline
Thumbnail floor plans
SketchUp screen captures of process
Inspirational images
Reflections on process
Any other process related information

Designer Strengths

2010-04-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

With having a studio filled with talented and creative designers, it was only natural to ask the students to describe their biggest design strength...

"I feel that I was truly blessed with the gift of 'quick ideas/ solutions'." - Clairissa Anderson

"As I have been in IARC for just about two years now, I have really noticed my loving for organization of things." - Haley Preston

"I would have to say my biggest design strength, (or at least I hope,) is my ability to incorporate aesthetic beauty with form and function in my design work." - Jeff Linn

"With all of the research and observation i've done about people in space i think that i could proudly articulate the situations that would occur within particular living spaces." - Wesley Shamlian

"I think that my biggest strength has to be that i am so passionate about what i do. It makes me happy, i couldn't see myself doing anything else." - Tracey Wright

"One would say being knowledgeable in many design software programs such as Revit, AutoCad, ArchiCad to develop my design process would be one of my strength." -Ino Loloci

"My strengths as a designer have to do with the fact that I truly care about the users of the space. I put myself in the position of the clients and what they need or want." - Meghan Kaufmann

"I love making something from nothing and completely putting myself in everything I create." - Kalani Gonzalez

"I wouldn’t consider coming up with a concept a strength rather than thinking outside of the box and looking past cliché themes. " - Kelsey Rhode

"When I start designing a space, I never stop thinking about it." - Cassandra Gustafson

"I am good at being dedicated to long hours with out any rest or days where I don't get to do anything but sit in the studio all the time however it is always rewarding." - David Harrill

"I have a good grasp on perspectives and drawing how you would see something." - Brittany Stiles

"My design strength is that I have two different cultural backgrounds which are Korean and American cultural background. It helps me to understand a particular thing in two ways based on my various cultural background." - Young Moon

"In my presentation of space I enjoy using hand drawing skills to reflect the fullest extent of expression and atmosphere. I find that the user's imagination is engaged in the space more so though hand drawings than by other means." - Carlos Smith

"I feel that I am successful at managing my time and getting everything done correctly and efficiently." -Hope Talley

"I feel that my strengths as a designer lie with graphics and digital rendering." - Hailey Allen

Unity Village Residential Units

2010-04-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

Floor 12

1 - David Harrill
2 - Vacant
3 - Vacant
4 - Wesley Shamlian
5 - Veronica Harvey
6 - Felicia Dean
7 - Shane Jones
8 - Kalani Gonzalez

Floor 14

1 - Cassandra Gustafson
2 - Hailey Allen
3 - Haley Preston
4 - Young Moon
5 - Kelsey Rhode
6 - Jeff Linn
7 - Paris Williford
8 - Hope Talley

Floor 15

1 - Meghan Kaufmann
2 - Charese Allen
3 - Ino Loloci
4 - Tracey Wright
5 - Clairissa Anderson
6 - Brittany Stiles
7 - Carlos Smith
8 - Pamela Lilies

phase three : exemplifying commUNITy

2010-04-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

With having completed both phase one and phase two in teams, you will be tackling phase three solo. After a short design charrette, you will be randomly assigned a client and a unit space. You will use your creativity and design skills to develop a thoughtful and innovative private living unit inspired by your previous concept for phase two and your client’s lifestyle.

Design Development

As before, you will create a programming document for the unit noting all spaces to be included along with the user’s needs and wants. Prior to designing the space, conduct a search for a collection of standard for residential interiors and post these standards on your blog. Share any interesting information that you find with classmates.

Along with the above documents you will draft a floor plan complete with room legend. You are to use either hand drafting techniques or a computer drafting program. No basic SketchUp floor plans will be accepted. In addition to the floor plan you will create and turn in the following:

A finished floor plan with legend
A reflected ceiling plan with lighting legend
Casework details (includes sections, elevations, and axonometric)
A set of specifications (includes materials, lighting, fixtures, and furnishings)

Models

With having experimented with a variety of models throughout the semester, you will again be using your model-making skills to create a series of high-quality process models to reveal the ways in which your concept development influences the architecture of the space. Use this opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned from the previous models both in construction techniques and visual appeal. Take the time to talk to fellow classmates about their techniques and model-making processes. You are to have at least 3 key elements modeled for class on Monday April 12^th. The success of the models will be based heavily on care and craft.

Renderings and Materials

In conjunction with the above requirements, you will further present the unit you are designing through a series of perspectives, interior elevations, and a rendered floor plan. These perspectives should capture the human experience and highlight the main design elements of the space. The interior elevations should be used to show how the spaces connect to one another and connect to the occupants while the rendered floor plan will further emphasize flooring materials and spatial connections. Take risks with your presentation of these drawings…try new things…push yourself to expand your skills!

Process Work…

As was the case with previous work, your process explorations should be captured in digital form and continually documented on your blog with at least three posts per week. Continue with the strong tradition of capturing this work along the way rather than waiting until the night before any deadlines.

Along with this continuous process documentation on your blog, you will be creating a process booklet for phase three. This booklet should contain all idea generations, sketches, snap shots of process models, reflections, inspirations, and any other information important to illustrating your process. This booklet should be bound and turned in with your project on Wednesday, April 21^st.

Final Documentation…

Requirements for final documentation will be discussed well in advance of the project deadlines. However, you should keep in mind that you final documentation should take digital form and work to capture appropriate images during the course of the semester to make this process as painless as possible. Your final grade will not be posted until complete documentation has been submitted following all guidelines and requirements.

Important Dates…

4|5 . introduce phase three

4|9 . desk crits

4|14 . small group crits

4|16 . desk crits

4|19 . phase three draft due

4|21 . phase three final presentation

WEEK 11

M 4|5

W 4|7 phase two feedback

F 4|9 research paper proofreading due

WEEK 12

M 4|12 process models due

W 4|14

F 4|16 research paper final due

WEEK 13

M 4|19 phase three draft due

W 4|21 phase three final presentation

Design Charrette

2010-04-05T15:43:00.000-07:00

On Monday April 5th, the design students took advantage of the beautiful weather and participated in a 2 hour long charrette in the courtyard of the EUC. The students worked diligently within their 'pen pal' groups to design a residential floor layout for Unity Village. The challenge was to include 8 units with a square footage between 850 to 900 sq ft. Using both design skills and geometry skills the students worked to develop a series of functional floor plans. After two rounds of voting, a winner was decided upon...

Photographs by Stephanie Brooker

...the winning team was pen pal group 3, which includes Kalani Gonzalez, Veronica Harvey, and Tracey Wright. There plan, pictured below, included a series of curved walls to accent the entrances to the units along with a curved seating/lounge area directly adjacent to the elevators.

greetings from atlanta

2010-03-25T17:38:00.000-07:00

...and the longest escalator ever with the perfect scale figure at the bottom.

I've heard through the grapevine [email] that some [or is it all?] of you would like an extension on Phase Two. Stephanie and I've spoken and agreed that more time couldn't hurt. So here's the deal:

For Monday [March 29], we expect you to have a complete draft version of your slides. We will review these with you so that you can make any needed improvements prior to Wednesday [March 31], when all final presentation requirements are due. You will also present this day.

Until then, keep up the hard work!

Final presentation requirements for Phase Two: involving/evolving community

2010-03-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

For the final presentation of Phase Two of Unity Village you are to compose a digital presentation to turn in on Monday, March 29th. This presentation should be created using a combination of graphics programs and adobe PDF. The final presentation should be a slideshow consisting of six slides or less. You will write a script for this presentation and are permitted to use no more than three sentences per slide, or no more than 70 words per slide. For the presentation, you will read directly from your script (no improvising). This will challenge you to focus on the most important elements of the design.

You will also turn in a hard copy of these slides in booklet form printed on 8 ½ “ x 11” paper and bound with the other teams in your neighborhood. For these booklets, remember to consider a cover page, contents page, and organization style.

Grading Criteria:
Accuracy
Craft, Care and Quality
Visual Composition
Written Content
Follows Prompt
Creative Risk

Collection of items to turn in:
Digital copy of slide show (six slides max)
Digital copy of script (420 words max)
Bound Neighborhood booklet including all team slides
¼” Floor Model

What does design thinking mean to you?

2010-03-19T20:20:00.000-07:00

“Design thinking is about getting away from 'small' design and moving toward community-oriented 'big' design. 'Small' design is fashionable products that are interesting and perhaps desirable, whereas 'big' design encompasses a system.” – Cassandra Gustafson

“Design thinking is everything from research, diagrams,sketches, models, precedents, inspiration, programming...” – Tracey Wright

“Design thinking is problem solving.” – Meghan Kaufman

“Design thinking honestly means quite a bit to me. For years I have been saying that the world’s most valuable resource and final frontier is the creative thought processes of the human mind.” – Jeff Linn

“How I relate design thinking, use and implement it in the future will be based on my design experiences and processes. Design processes are trial and error, which lead to beneficial designs and answers.” – Felicia Dean

“Design should also not just involve the designer. The people that would be using a space or the related demographic should be incorporated into design decisions and to find the needs that must be met.” – Hailey Allen

new extra-credit opportunity

2010-03-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

Ashley and Suzanne L. are planning an early dinner and discussion for Gateway residents to talk about their experience living in the community. They are seeking 4 or 5 volunteers who can help set up and serve dinner, be note-takers during discussion, and take photographs from 3:30 to 5:30 next Monday, March 22.

If you choose to participate, you will receive 20 points of extra credit on your video assignment grade. Volunteers will be chosen and awarded on a first-come, first serve basis. So...if you're interested email Ashley right away at aewarrin [at] uncg.edu!

Reading Chapter 6: Ideation

2010-03-17T14:04:00.000-07:00

In helping to better understand concept development, you are to read Chapter 6 titled Ideation in Shaping Interior Space by Roberto J. Rengel. Make notes throughout the reading to aid in developing the concepts for the floors of Unity Village and post these to your blogs prior to class on Friday.

involving + evolving small teams

2010-03-15T11:56:00.001-07:00

Neighborhood A:

Ground Floor | Meghan, Tracey

1st Floor | Pamela, Paris, Shane

2nd Floor | Brittany, Hope, Young

Neighborhood B:

Ground Floor | David, Ino

1st Floor | Charese, Kalani, Kelsey

2nd Floor | Felicia, Jeff

Neighborhood C:

Ground Floor | Carlos, Clairissa

1st Floor | Cassandra, Hailey A

2nd Floor | Haley P, Veronica, Wes

phase two : commUNITY : involving + evolving

2010-03-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

model by Edgar Cabrera + Shannon Rya n

Congratulations! You have completed phase one of Unity Village. Utilizing the information and models you have generated it is now time to tackle the design development of the community floors. Working in groups of two or three, you will now develop a holistic design for either the ground, first, or second floor.

IT’S ALL A PROCESS

As was the case with project one, your design process is an extremely important part of this phase. As such you should strive to record all stages of your work via daily entries (3-5 posts a week) with photos and drawings on your blog. Committing to document the process daily will help us recognize the amount of work you are putting into the project and prevent you from having the headache of gathering your thoughts the night before the deadline.

SMELLS LIKE DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

In this phase you will develop the following (at a minimum):

FOR FRIDAY, 3|19

- A solid concept statement and collage of supporting images/precedents

- Collection of standards for specific interior spaces

- A series of sketches

FOR MONDAY, 3|22

- A table showing how user needs are met in the interior and exterior spaces of the floor

- A series of interior perspectives illustrating the human experience

- A dimensioned floor plan

FOR FRIDAY, 3|26

- A reflected ceiling plan

- A digital materials board for the floor

- A rendered floor plan

MODEL CITIZENS

As part of your design development you will add to the large model shell you created in phase one to showcase the decisions you make in phase two. In addition, the digital model produced in phase one should be further developed to reflect the design of phase two and as such should contain the addition of the following layers:

o Interior walls

o Doors

o Furniture

o Interior Details

o People

Work smart. Be sure to utilize your digital and physical models in completing the various design development objectives. Be certain, however, to manipulate your digital model in such a way that it reflects your skills in hand and digital rendering.

FINAL DOCUMENTATION

WEEK 8

M 3|15 introduction of phase two

W 3|17

F 3|19

WEEK 9

M 3|22 small group critiques

W 3|24

F 3|26

WEEK 10

M 3|29 phase two final presentations

PHOTO:SHOP

2010-03-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

I've found that a good place to begin a project like this one to compile images that speak to the qualities you are seeking. Check out these inspiration boards courtesy of Style Me Pretty as...well...inspiration! While these are geared around weddings, you can see how they begin to paint a picture of qualities that could easily be translated into an interior environment.

Don't forget to record these early stages of your design process on your blog. They are just as important as the final results.

Building: CommUNITY Grading Criteria

2010-02-26T15:32:00.000-08:00

As you all have been working diligently on the current project, we would like to announce the grading criteria for Building: CommUNITY due on Wednesday March 3rd:

fulfills requirements of prompt (review the assignment )
care, craft, and quality
creative risk
presentation and composition
accuracy

To clarify what items you will be turning in at the beginning of the class on Wednesday March 3rd please review the following lists:

Models

1/4" = 1'-0" Scale Model of First Three Floors
1/16" = 1'-0" Scale Model of Entire Building
Sketchup Model (select a few scenes and post them to your group member's blogs)

Programming and Diagramming ( These documents should be organized and bound)

Phase One Programming Document - see blackboard for updated template with individual floor sections
A bubble diagram for each floor (on a sheet of 11" x 17" or larger)
A circulation diagram for each floor ( on a sheet of 11" x 17" or larger)
An interior area map showing proposed locations of spaces ( on a sheet of 11" x 17" or larger)
A vertical adjacency study ( on a sheet of 11" x 17" or larger)

For these programming and diagramming documents remember to consider including a cover page and a contents page. Keep the labeling consistent throughout the documents.

Optional Community Assignment

2010-02-23T17:30:00.000-08:00

Take hold of an opportunity to add up to 20 points to your individual Video Assignment Grade. For this optional assignment you are to take a photograph of a space in Greensboro that fosters community. In 300 words or less, describe the characteristics of the space and how the objects and environment enable community.

You are to post this assignment to your blog and also hand in a hard copy on or before March 22nd by 3:50pm. The hard copy should contain an image of the photograph measuring 3” x 4” on a sheet of 8.5” x 11” white paper. This photograph and write up should fit on a single sheet of paper printed on the front side only.

The challenge for this assignment is that you are not permitted to use the words “community” (or any version of the word), “I”, “me”, or “good”.

We hope you participate in this assignment and look forward to reading your statements.

programming Q + A

2010-02-23T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here are some questions I fielded in my office yesterday. I want to share the answers here so that we're all on the same page...or...blog.

Q : Can we move the elevators and/stairs?
A : No, these elements need to remain in the same place.

Q : Can we move mechanical closets?
A : Yes.

Q : Can we add additional elevators if we feel they need more?
A : Yes, but be aware that more elevators means additional mechanical rooms.

Q : Can we move entry doors/ exterior windows?
A : No, must keep same shell

Q : Can we add another deck?
A : No, we want to keep you working within the current building shell. This, the elevator, and the stairs cannot change....everything else is fluid.

Also, please note that you should not based your programs on keeping your spaces under 25,000 sq. ft. This was an estimation Stephanie used after briefly reviewing the construction documents. You need to measure the space for yourselves to determine the exact gross square footage to base your programs on.

design is...

2010-02-22T07:11:00.001-08:00

Needing some inspiration? Check out a beautiful collection of eye candy via Shaw Contract Group's 2009 'Design Is..." award winners here. Find out even more details and see a great video montage of the winning spaces here.

paper revisions

2010-02-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

Hope you enjoyed the afternoon off.

Please revise and resubmit your Gateway Plaza reflection papers I handed back last class by no later than Wednesday, February 24. You should submit these papers digitally in the Drop Box under the folder titled CONSIDER.PROCESS.DESIGN.

Also, hold on to your original marked-up versions. We'd like these, along with other papers you've written this semester, to be included in a writing portfolio due at the semester's end.

Update : Your rewrites can exceed the original 500-word limit.

inspiration : TIM BROWN

2010-02-17T09:45:00.001-08:00

commUNITY users

2010-02-17T09:31:00.001-08:00

image by Geoff Wilson

Building on the information you have uncovered about your assigned user group, you are to collaborate within your pen pal groups to write a report describing the user, their needs, wants, abilities and restrictions. Included within this should be information about unique design issues, site constraints, social interactions, cultural issues, emotional wellbeing, physicological factors. Concentrate on connecting all factors to the physical environment. Consider what a user's day might look like. Go to places where you may further observe your users (i.e. Barnes and Noble, parks, grocery stores, etc.).

This paper should be approximately three to four pages in length (double-spaced). It is important that you work together on this assignment in such a way that everyone contributes but the paper reads with a unified voice.

Due at the beginning of class ~~Wednesday, February 24~~

Monday, February 22.

commUNITY understanding

2010-02-15T09:51:00.000-08:00

image by chris j. fry

In your pen pal groups, you are to conduct a study of an assigned user group. In this study, gather a series of articles, books, and websites that describe habits, traits, physical capabilities, economic concerns, and limitations associated with this user group. Do as much of this research as you can prior to Wednesday's class when more detailed expectations will be presented.

My Sister's House Opening

2010-02-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

The unveiling of the urban studio project, my sisters' house, will take place on Monday, February 15th from 3:00 - 6:00pm. Our class will be attending the opening towards the end of class on Monday. Directions to the event can be found below:

Take W Market Street
Turn Right onto Gillespie Street
Take first left onto Peachtree Street
Take first right onto York Street

The House is located on the right at 216 York st, Greensboro, NC 27401

fun by the pool

2010-02-10T18:41:00.001-08:00

Here's proving that it is never too cold [or windy] for synchronized swimming! Thanks for being such great sports!

End Notes on Housing and Community...

2010-02-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

Image by Tracey Wright

“This chapter has taught me to consider the residence, work with the governing body throughout my process, and pray to God for a good design.” – Clairissa Anderson

“If these cookie cutter homes with community pools are suppose to be a way to bring people together, why is that, that's not always the situation?” – Tracey Wright

“We need to research why certain communities work, so that we can better design for the future. Let’s bring everyone together as one big positive community.” – Hope Talley

“It is necessary to cooperate with a design itself and its given surroundings to fulfill the designer's duties.” – Young Moon

“Altogether, I want to learn how to be more thoughtful in my design so that I don’t create places that ignore the people, but rather embrace them.”- Kelsey Rhodes

“If structures are built solely for the purpose of sheltering humans or building eye-catching homes, they are not answering all the needs of a neighborhood’s community.” – Felicia Dean

tracing paths

2010-02-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

my mouse path : 2|9|09

In preparation for your site visit tomorrow, check out this post over at Door Sixteen. How can you apply a similar diagramming strategy when observing users in space?

Some notes on the writings...

2010-02-08T13:55:00.000-08:00

With the recent submission of your paper titled "Makeshift Process", we would like to address a few issues relating to grammar usage and essay structure:

Remember to proof read your paper three times. It can also be helpful to have a fellow classmate or friend read over a paper before the due date.
Spell check is your friend but even though a word is spelled correctly does not ensure that it is the correct word. (ie. "We were aloud to use five materials" should read "We were allowed to use five materials")
A paper does not have to be structured in chronological order. It may be best to group similar ideas and concepts together for a more cohesive read.
Watch those commas. Figure out when a comma is needed and when it is not.
Review the questions originally asked on the assignment sheet. Have you answered those questions in your essay?
Find a good, beneficial, needed, helpful Thesaurus. Begin to substitute in more suitable words. A great online Thesaurus can be found at Thesaurus.com.
Start your paper or essay with an introduction. Introduce the subject or idea that your paper will be discussing. This will help with overall understanding.

Friday Reading Assignment

2010-02-05T07:51:00.000-08:00

Image of Cover

With the introduction of the two projects this week involving community, we ask that you read Chapter 5: Housing and Community located on Blackboard under Course Documents. You are to read both part one and part two.

After reading this chapter, write a 200-300 word response on this reading. These responses should be posted on your blog by the beginning of class on Wednesday, February 10, 2010.

capturing commUNITY

2010-02-03T12:10:00.000-08:00

Image by Suzanne Cabrera

With the construction of our makeshift village on Friday, we begin to see the work that goes into creating a community and how spaces can bring people together. We ask that you think about how you would describe a community. The words you use and the point of view you take most likely differ from your classmates, your family, your friends, etc. There are generational and cultural differences that would effect how we would describe community.

With this in mind, your next assignment will require that you create a short film creatively displaying how people see buildings and spaces creating community in Greensboro. You will complete this project within your "neighborhood" groups. The format and process you use to create this film is completely up to you and your group members, however it’s important to remember to document your individual process. For this project it may be helpful to investigate the art of film making.

Your group’s video should be no more than four (4) minutes. We will look for these videos to be not only informative but entertaining.

We will be premiering your short films on Friday, February 12, 2010.

Sketchbooks to inspire...

2010-02-03T07:39:00.001-08:00

Sketch by Barry Jackson

A page from the sketchbook of Barry Jackson captures the scene of a London Museum. The artist focused his attention on the three small children in red jumpers but from this image we can get a sense the movement in the gallery space crowded with visitors.

case study one : commUNITY social

2010-02-01T12:03:00.000-08:00

image by Shane Jones

Throughout the semester you will embark on a number of case study investigations. The purpose of these exercises is to heighten your observation of details in environments around the world, thereby increasing your body of knowledge for future projects. For each case study you must construct a succinct analysis, complimented by an abundance of quality annotated/captioned photographs and sketches that expand upon your written investigation. Each case study is to be presented on your blog with appropriate links and citations prior to the beginning of class on its due date.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

For this assignment, in preparation for the new unit, we ask that you work with your pen pal groups (see the matrix) to investigate two environments that foster community (you are to interpret this requirement however you wish). The first of these environments is assigned below. You are to be the judge of whether they foster community successfully or not. The second environment is to be of your group’s choosing. Feel free to step outside the box in what type of community space you choose as you focus your attention on details that make it a good place for people to come together. In each investigation, you must make direct reference to a book you check out from Jackson Library. [Please note that we strongly recommend you wander the stacks of the 4th floor of Jackson Library for inspiration in all projects!]

INVESTIGATION ONE:

Pen Pals (1) Cabrini Green, Chicago, Il

Pen Pals (2) Centennial Place, Altanta, GA

Pen Pals (3) Westwood Heights and Longfellow Courts, Seattle, WA

Pen Pals (4) Cloyne Court Hotel, Berkley, CA

Pen Pals (5) Pruitt-Igoe, St. Louis, MO

Pen Pals (6) New York City Public Housing [you can identify one specific site]

Pen Pals (7) Honeycomb Apartments, Slovenia

INVESTIGATION TWO : Site of your pen pal group’s choosing.

You are to complete this assignment as a group and post to your blog for presentation by the beginning of class Friday,February 5. Each pen pal should have the exact same post as his group mates on his/her blog. In other words, cut and paste the html from one blog to another.

neighborhoods + pen pals matrix

2010-02-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

class cancelled : february 1

2010-02-01T07:18:00.000-08:00

We've received messages from many of you stating that the weather, public school cancellations and illness are preventing you from being able to make it to class today. As such, Stephanie and I have decided to cancel class this afternoon.

It remains important, however, that you get started with the next project, which we will post this afternoon. Please check back for that after 1. And if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know.

woolworth's update

2010-02-01T06:57:00.000-08:00

inverse footprints by hillary lipko

Hi Everyone---

Just in case you haven't heard, due to the weather, today's walk from UNCG to Woolworth's has been cancelled. ~~As such, class will meet as usual in Gatewood at 1:00.~~ My hope is that at some point during the semester we can visit the new museum, and celebrate our history, as a group.

See you shortly---

Suzanne

2010-01-29T16:11:00.000-08:00

A few images to remember the events of the day. We appreciate all the thought and hard work put into the design of the spaces. During this event we collected over $130 to donate to the American Red Cross to help with the Haiti Relief Effort.

Individual : Process

2010-01-29T15:13:00.000-08:00

Edited image by Edgar Cabrera

With wrapping up the Makeshift Shelter assignment, we ask that you compose a well organized essay describing your individual process for this first project. Take some time to reflect on the process from beginning to end. Some questions to get you started:

What role did you play in the team?
What process is exhibited in your individual sketchbook?
What were your strengths and weaknesses?
How do you feel about the outcome of your project?
How will you remember this project?
How has this project affected your way of thinking?
How did your writing and sketching activities inform your design decisions?
What was an important design decision you made?

Begin this essay by making an outline of the main points you wish to discuss. The questions above are to get you thinking about the information you may want to provide and you SHOULD NOT form the outline around answering these questions in their current order.

The paper should be no more than two (2) pages in length, single spaced, with 12pt font. In the header place your name and the title “Makeshift Process”.

On Monday, you are to turn in your paper along with your outline.

getting the word out

2010-01-28T11:10:00.000-08:00

poster by Hailey Allen

If you haven't already, be sure to put up your poster to publicize tomorrow's events!

think about it...

2010-01-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

We began the semester by discussing the disaster in Haiti. In the time since, we've turned our attention inward, working on creating shelters centered around specific activities for display within the walls of our building. What, if any outward impact [dismissing any financial donations we might receive] does the work we do in studio have? What is the point of this project?

Please record your thoughts first in your design journal and, again, on your blog [no later than midnight tonight] with a carefully curated (and cited) image of your choosing.

a walk to remember

2010-01-26T14:32:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of the international civil rights center & museum

Next Monday our class will meet at the site of our new project in downtown Greensboro [more details to come]. Prior to doing so, however, Stephanie and I plan to participate in this event honoring our nation, our city and our school's past, present and future. Please join us if you can:

Dear HES students, faculty and staff,

On Monday, Feb. 1, members of the UNCG community will retrace the steps taken by at least two of the three white Woman’s College students who joined the Woolworth Sit-in demonstrations on Feb. 4, 1960. This walk will start on the UNCG campus and conclude in the downtown area.

In support of our UNCG African American Studies Department which is sponsoring this event, I would like to invite you to participate in this walk if your schedule permits. HES students, faculty and staff who are able to participate will meet in front of Stone Building at 11:15 and then proceed to the Guilford Dorm to join other UNCG community members. We will then complete the walk to the downtown area. A bus will be available for those wishing to participate who may not be able to walk the entire distance. HEAT buses will also be available to bring you back to campus.

Please consider joining us if your schedule allows you to do so.

Sincerely,

John

John C. Rife, Ph.D., ACSW
Associate Dean for Academic Administration
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
School of Human Environmental Sciences

Reading, Writing and Sketching

2010-01-25T11:22:00.001-08:00

photo by elsewhere artists collaborative

In addition to refining your shelter ideas through models and sketches, for Wednesday please complete the following exercises:

1) Read the solo reflections of each of your group mates. Pay special attention to how each describes the interior environment. Quickly (spending no more than 15 minutes) sketch the interior of the space that they (as a collective) are describing. Use color.

2) Using your best hand-graphic skills, create a flier for distribution on campus that publicizes the makeshift shelter exhibition and the fundraising for Haiti. See this post for more details to include in your poster. Prior to distributing, you will hand your poster in during Wednesday's class to receive credit for your efforts.

Made With Love

2010-01-25T05:23:00.000-08:00

Given Shane's suggestion on Friday of creating Haiti Relief Ribbons, I thought you would all be interested in seeing this at Design Sponge.

2010-01-24T14:45:00.000-08:00

"A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

A Reminder...

2010-01-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

With the recent introduction of the first project, we have seen a great deal of excitement within the teams. We would like to offer a special thanks to the students who worked to divide up the lobby space and determine the areas where the shelters will be constructed. Please be reminded that for monday you are to have the two "solo reflections" posted in your blogs. Along with these writings, you should also have several process drawings that illustrate the concept and design of your makeshift shelter.

Post it...

2010-01-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

In a creative narrative, we ask that you use your imagination to describe an experience that an occupant would have in the makeshift shelter you are going to construct. This assignment calls for creativity in the way you describe both the details of environment and the actions of the occupant. Some questions to ask before you begin:

What is an appropriate experience to describe?

What words could be used to convey the experience of the occupant to the reader?

How much detail is necessary?

From what point of view will you write this narrative?

This work is to be done individually and should not be completed with your group. The narrative should be between 150 to 200 words. This narrative should be posted on your blog before the start of class on Monday and should be posted under the tag "solo reflection". Include a copy of your narrative in your design journal that is either handwritten or printed from the computer for Monday as well.

Sketchbook pages to inspire...

2010-01-21T08:04:00.001-08:00

drawing by Dhar Cedar

Throughout the semester, pages from sketchbooks will be posted on this blog in an effort to inspire your work and inspire the documentation of your process in this studio.

This page has been taken from a blog titled "Urbansketchers-Indonesia". This sketch was made in the afternoon and captures the scene of a Mayestik Market in South Jakarta. Follow this link for more information. Enjoy!

Post it...

2010-01-21T05:00:00.000-08:00

With the intoduction of the spring studio, you should begin to organize and update your individual blogs. We ask that you make your first post on your individual blogs by introducing your group members and the activity you will be designing for in this first assignment. In this post, give a brief description of how your group plans to proceed with the project. This post would fall under the "solo reflections" tag.

MAKESHIFT SHELTER

2010-01-20T12:31:00.000-08:00

drawing by edgar cabrera

In the wake of the devastating earthquake that recently hit Haiti, we cannot help but think how fortunate we are to have shelter that offers protection from outside elements and, equally important, affords us with a sense of security.

In this first project, we ask you to examine ways in which you can provide peace of mind within a public space using only found objects. The goal here isn’t merely to provide cover, but to explore the notion of how interiors shape experience. Over the next week and a half, working in teams, you will consider the notion of interiority, process solutions and outcomes, and design a shelter for a given activity. Your will then construct your design vision in the lobby of Gatewood Friday, January 29th.

For this exercise, you are to use only found objects, which are either scraps or repurposed objects. It is imperative that the objects you choose to include in your space be used for something other than their original purpose. In other words: no Snuggies as Snuggies.

As you begin the process of developing a shelter, discuss in your groups and explore in your design journals the following questions:

How do we define shelter? interiority?
Who will use this shelter?
Where should this shelter be built?
What is the minimum amount of space needed?
What activities will this shelter take on?

The shelter will, of course, be ephemeral but the memories will forever stay with the users. How would you want this shelter to be remembered?

Your ideas are to come to life in the form of a full-scale makeshift shelter constructed in the lobby of Gatewood Friday, January 29th. The shelter must be able to hold at least one person and remain standing over the weekend. Supporting your shelter, should be a thoughtful visual presentation of your teams’ process. Consider including at a minimum : a floor plan, reflected ceiling plan, exterior elevations, interior elevations and perspectives. These sketches should be free-handed and express the feeling of your design work.

1|20 . introduction of project
1|22 . group work day
1|25 . drawing review . collection of materials . write-up draft due
1|27 . group work day
1|29 . construct shelter. visual process presentation due . photo documentation
2|1 . review of project due on blog.folio