4.15.2009

ROAD TRIP!!

Roots – Roots was a television series back in 1977. But that has no relation to architecture; so on with OPUS. Roots, in ARCHITECTURE, can be known for its origin, what contexts it’s in, and what experiences it’s been through. For example, some parts of the Peabody forest in UNCG, has been destroyed due to expansion of the university. The first Curry building was an all girl school that housed the school of education. After it was burned down, a new building had to be erected for the university.

Congruence – Congruence is a similarity between two objects or ideas. Today we discussed a student’s precedent analysis and described how a dome signifies unity and togetherness as a whole. A dome in the terms of congruence is detailed by the shape and formation of a dome. In other words, the domes circular shape brings the material into an overhanging sculpture at a specific monumental point; which is the alter. Congruence plays a very important role in architecture.

Concept – As we had conversations on our precedent analysis, our teacher had some of the students give a concept about their building. A concept is an overarching series of ideas that come together to form a larger more broad idea. The concept of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai is hierarchy and peaceful. Tom Wright, the architect and designer of Burj Al Arab, has created a fascinating hotel with the design of a sail. The sail represents one of the many ideas that Tom Wright tries to accomplish. I will give more information on this with my precedent analysis.

Materiality – Wood, steel, metal, and concrete are materials that are extremely architect friendly. Designers use materials to express themselves and show creative thinking and in some cases like Tommy Lambeth say, “creative problem solving.” In our current project we are learning how to manipulate MDF to form designs that are light impacting. MDF is a sturdy wood material that provides no transparency so the challenge is there.

Compression : Release – In studio we have been taught to compress are drawings into tiny details and ideas. We have learned how to take an idea and take it from its origin, abstract it, and release it outwards. In History of Design, we are asked to create ten drawings of a building of our choice and expand using less information and more analyzing. The idea to compress information and then release it creates an explosion effect where ideas shatter onto paper.