the previous sketches

These are the sketches that lead to the diagramtic plans and sections that were previously posted here diagrammatic.

section 

section

ground level

ground level

level two

levels five through eight

level three

structural systems

So now I have switched gears into establishing a structural system. The suggested reading I have been given:

Daniel Schodek's, Structures, Prentice-Hall, 1980, pp 437-471; 501-524

Chapter 13 Structural Grids and Patterns

Chapter 15 Structural Systems: Constructional Approaches

This is not the typical architect's reading. It must be understood though.  To develop a better building. 

current graduate studio project

I just realized I never gave an explanation for the models with the pink foam and the idea studies.  The project in my current graduate studio is an addition to the University of Texas at Arlington library.  As supplied by the professor, E. Baum, the addition will be of a particular type, a wrapping of the existing library with a new layer of space and use.....one building inside another, the new forming a container for the old. 

This is not a new idea.  Buildings have always undergone changes during their lives.  In fact, those buildings that support changes best are often those who live longest; and as they accrete new growth, like a coral reef or a tree, they change in response to the demands made on them by their surroundings. 

image source

The best example Baum knows of wrapping one building with another is the Basilica in Vicenza by Andrea Palladio (1550), one of the great structures of the late renaissance.  Its superb colonnades and facade organizes the urban space around it and has been an inspiration to architects ever since.  But Palladio did not begin from scratch.  The Basilica is essentially a remodeling of the medieval market hall that had been there for centuries.  The new work is knitted to the old and at the same time gives it new life, and the city a new focus.

image source

So Baum explains to the studio class, by adding new space around the library we immediately confront all sorts of issues: varieties of use, building fabric, energy performance, and certainly not least: character.  We will be changing what the library building says to us and what it says about the university.  Finally, there is the opportunity of making an identifying place for UT Arlington. 

The process so far: 

• We as a class develop a booklet of precedent studies, photovoltaic research, program elements, and morphological studies: 

• From there we moved on to ideal studies, which was posted in an earlier blog post: ideal Studies and also idea studies list

• Wrapping studies were the pink foam models I did: various studies
  
  
  
• Diagrammatic models and plans, which was posted in an earlier blog post: diagrammatic

Edward Baum

Edward Baum is my current professor. Here is one of his projects:

Edward M. Baum

I like the simplicity of the project. The pallet of materials are simple.

diagrammatics

The expansion to the UT Arlington library continues. Here are diagrammatic plans and sections.  The drawings show zones of use, not individual spaces.  I used the following color keys to the plans and sections. 

yellow:   circulation, vertical and horizontal

blue:       expansion of primary library use, ie. reading and study areas etc.

red:        compatible ancillary facilities, ie. food service, large lecture halls, etc.

orange:  compatible independent uses, ie. faculty offices, classrooms, etc.

Also included,  a preliminary attempt to begin to shape the building fabric and form.  Not a finally solution, but it did start a dialogue of the potentials in the developing project parti.  Especially in outdoor space above the ground plane. 

Click images to enlarge.

 

habitat for humanity

I currently do not have a job.  I was laid off from my job of 5 years in the first weeks of January. It was a great experience.  The economy called for many changes and my former company only acted to stay afloat like many others.  Hopefully, I will never be in a position to have to layoff employees that have dedicated so much time and energy into a company.  Never less, what must be done is what was done.  It is a business. Funny to say even nonprofits were affected.  Unfortunately,  about 3 weeks ago Habitat for Humanity had to follow the same suit due to the current economic pitfalls.

I began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in 2007.  I always wanted to participate, but due to the demanding undergraduate schedule my weekends were spent in one of the numerous studios that line these hallways:

So soon after I graduated in Dec. 2006 I joined. After orientation and the introduction period I settled into working within the roofing crew.  Laying shingles are the primary thing I do as part of the roofing crew. Occasionally we lay down the felt if it has not already been done. The decking is always done before the roofing crew takes charge. 

Well, due to the layoff I had extra time on my hands.  Of course I am taking graduate courses, but with no work the typical rigorous schedule is left open.  I decided to send an email to the Habitat coordinator with all my qualifications.  Kind of a mini resume.  If they needed any of my expertise I was willing to volunteer the skills.  So, a week later I am sitting at my studio desk at home searching for ways to convert dwfs and pdf to into editable files.  After reading various online post and google searches, I succeeded!!  The next week I am working through elevations updates.  I am still in the process of updating drawings and giving attention to the more crucial permit based issues as they come. Its been great. Hopefully, I can quickly get their drawings up to speed. 

I would not have imagined four years back that I would not only be helping build Habitat homes, but also helping update the actual drawings that are used to build them. 

various options

These are the options on additions to the library. The beginning stages of what is to become a building.  The process is still in the works. 

idea studies

So here this what I ended up with.  

University Identity:

I billard or building of information pertaining to the school and the city.

Social Condenser: 

Increasing the density of the campus allows more intimate places

for people to social. 

Layering:

Taking different functional spaces and allow them to be layered

layered in different variations.

Shade generator:

A tree collecting engery and producing shade.

Book as object:

Reforming the typical book stack in a library to not 

only make the book a object within the field but also

creat usuable space within that field.