Probe 12: Sustainability Analysis

original orientation: winter

original orientation: summer

Probe 11 Spatial Joint

Probe 10: CANstruction

Probe 9: Adaptive Component

Probe 8 Rendering

Probe 7 : Modrawel

Response to report on integrated practice 1: Change or Perish

It is easy to understand why many architects would be alarmed by the remark that they must change the way they think and work or else they will be left in the dust.  Most of us have come to the architectural discipline through a love of drawing and artistic representation, not necessarily because we have hopes of maximizing environmental efficiency or choosing a design from hundreds of computer generated models.  Many of our decisions are intuitive rather than calculated and therefore Mayne's emphasis on performance and speed is somewhat alienating.  I know that using a computer does not by any means eliminate the human element in a design, it is simply another tool, but that is assuming that the process originates in the human mind. I would find an architecture that revolves around picking between different models generated by defined parameters to be quite cold and less able to generate the striking works we know that have a particular psychological and cultural effect on our environment.  I do agree that architects need to step up and take responsibility for more than just the decorative aspects of a building.  We should be concerned with all aspects of its function.

Probe 6 : Brickality

Probe 5 : Tattoo Parlor

Probe 4 : Family Counseling

Silly desk that I made.  A family is remarkably difficult to edit in terms of visibility....

Response to Report on Integrated Practice 8

This was a very compelling defense of BIM, demonstrating how much more direct it is to provide a 3 dimensional solution to a 3 dimensional problem rather than attempting to represent it on paper and relying on the builder's ability to interpret.  I do feel that the difference was somewhat exaggerated considering that even a computer model is still only ever a two dimensional image on the screen at any given time, but I suppose, as the author states, that the distinction is that the elements of the model contain the information pertaining to real structural parts, instead of simply representing them.  I found the case studies interesting and enlightening with regards to the interaction between different parties in the design and build process and how much back and forth is eliminated through the use of BIM.  It certainly creates a process that has everyone's interests in mind and prevents some dead end design work, but again, I think for designers it is almost as important to understand the reasons for failure as it is to be able to generate the right solution.

Response to Report on Integrated Practice 5

Report on Integrated Practice 5

As emphasized in the article, the key issue involving BIM and architectural education is the timing. It is clear that BIM must be introduced during education because of the way that it is shaping practice but the complexity of the program and the amount of information it contains can be both overwhelming and stifling to students.  I admit that my own bias prevents me from seeing BIM as a design tool but rather as a building tool that belongs later in the process.  I like to see a project with fresh eyes at each step and generate many approaches rather than spend time infinitely manipulating elements I have already built. However I can see that it just takes time to develop the mindset that these models are fluid and BIM has great strength in teaching students about designing in a holistic way where construction and the integration of building systems are a part of the process from the very start. Cheng comments on the important distinction between "problem solving" and "design  thinking" and I think there is a reasonable fear that the influence of BIM may mean that future architects will simply meet the requirements of a project and produce the most efficient solution.  I cannot help but feel that the best designs are those make sacrifices in some areas for the sake of a greater driving force, so how then can this sort of questioning attitude be nurtured alongside training in BIM where so many elements have been provided?

A Healthy Disruption

This discussion of how BIM will improve collaboration between many different spheres left me with a much more optimistic view. Beyond simply being a design tool, the way that information is documented within BIM alone will transform construction and business.  Knowledge is most certainly equivalent to power.  Of course, this easy transfer of knowledge will make every party more accountable and increase demands for efficiency from clients, but hopefully BIM can more than make up for the demand with its capabilities.

Probe 2 Labyrinth

The concept here is that the second level is really just a room that serves as the center or goal of the maze.  There are many views into it throughout the maze and moments where you walk alongside it but you are never actually on the second level until you reach the room. The section consists of a high and low road which mingle at the north and south ends but do not overlap near the goal room.

Probe 1: Barcelona Pavilion