January 2011
10 posts
I find it interesting that looking at the climatic conditions, sun path, solar orientation and environmental conditions are considered “critical elements for green design.” (Ecotect Video)
Actually, they are fundamental components of design. I feel that the “green movement” is just drawing attention to things that good architects have been doing for years. And, now it has turned into a system for architects to earn points for being aware of some basic characteristics of a site.
It’s almost as if getting points and awards for green design is the impetus behind understanding a site, rather than the understanding of the site being the impetus behind thoughtful design.
Architectural Design: Studio Instructor, Alan Organschi
- how to design, think and see
Visualization III: Fabrication & Assembly - Ben Pell & John Eberhart
- design by building complex geometries using high technology
Urban Design: Professor, Alan Plattus
- theory of urban planning and contextualism in urban history
Building Technology & Project: Alan Organschi and Adam Hopfner
- the critical relationship of resources, materials, and the final house.
Structures II: ARUP Engineer, Erleen Hatfield
- the math behind it all.
In addition, we will have assignments that require us to build a website (know code) and create animations. I’m pretty excited for it all! :)
“You know, it is life that is right and the architect who is wrong.”
- Le Corbusier
” —When things seemed unfair, my dad would always say, “life is always right.” I thought it was a profound way of saying “don’t think that you deserve anything, you have to fight hard for what you want.” I always knew he got the words from Le Corbusier, but when I found the actual quote and read that it ended with “the architect is wrong,” I was a bit confused. When I showed him the quote, he gave me a slight smile, and strugged his shoulders without a word. That was years ago, and it’s only now that I can imagine him saying to me, “I know, and I made it right.”
The lesson learned is that things can seem unfair, hard, or impossible, but it is up to you to make them right. You have to make the opportunity. You have to look at failures and adverse conditions as character building situations that don’t define your weakness, but are catalysts for improvement. So whether it’s a missed promotion or a wipe-out on the ice, use it as motivation to work harder, or be more careful. Use what has been given to your advantage - even if it means chopping off the punchline of a quote, perhaps…
- Vitruvius, De Architectura” —This quote was presented to us in our first Building Technology class today led by Alan Organschi. It was an awesome introduction into importance of being aware of the economy involved in transporting and utilizing local materials for a project - something of concern to Roman writer, engineer, and architect, Virtruvius back in 50 BC!
“You have so many suggestions, and I don’t understand any of them. But thank you for them.”
- one student to another
I was only recently able to access my email account for my website. To my surprise, I had a lot of them!
Lots of complimentary emails… ones of thanks… information requests… and a bunch of great questions! I am still responding to them, so hang tight.
Thanks for showing interest and encouragement. Glad that y’all are enjoying my website. More posts and updates to come! Happy New Year! :)
Daisy
PS. If you have a topic that you would like me to respond to or a post idea, let me know! email me: info at daisyames dot com