N I N O E S T R A D A

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FINAL LEARNING PORTFOLIO

ARCH 101: FINAL PROJECT BRIEF

“Installed: Form + Space

Transformed to Site”

Description

Explore and develop small-scaled environmental installation designs on an individual

basis; and then in teams of 3-5 members, select their site, collaboratively design and

install their full-size work on the hillside, adjacent to the courtyard. students are to

incorporate appropriate design concepts and principles; and utilize tools and

techniques introduced throughout the semester.

Site Significant Aspects

Landing at stairs

View between two hills to the distance

southeast

Existing tree

Site Analysis

Analyzing the site we realize as a group that

we wanted to incorporate the views of the

two hillsides and the soccer field into our

design. Due to the site’s unstable ground,

we decided as a team to create an

outward projecting design that goes with

the slope but then ventures out to create a

composition that stands out and makes a

statement.

Since the location of our site is nearby the landing area of the two stairways we

wanted the entrance of our model to begin adjacent to it.

Analyzing the site stirred up many ideas and possibilities of what we can create but

we were mainly inspired by St. Peter Square and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Falling water.

With St. Peter Square we were inspired how

the site forms a central open space were

people congregate and interact. The

square’s structural forms create a unity and

balance to the composition that we wanted

to resemble with our design.

Inspiration

Falling Water’s overall structure motivated

us to create a composition that follows

the same design approaches the house

embodies. The house projects out into

space that creates drama that responds

well within the space and the manner in

which the house gives the impression that

it naturally grows from the site.

Design Iterations

Figuring out a design that would best utilize

the site and maintain originality was harder

than we expected. Although we had a

general idea of what we were trying to

achieve we weren’t sure how to get there.

Sketching and building design proposals

was a long and frustrating process. I wasn’t

sure whether or not to make our designs

curvilinear, linear, long, small, tall, etc. I

would bring a few models to class but I

didn’t see much enthusiasm from the rest of

the members. Many of the ideas I wanted to

achieve such as creating a design that

incorporated kinetic architecture or making

the design curvilinear didn’t sit well with the

other members. As a group we all had to

make compromises with each of our designs

in order to achieve our overall vision.

1st Iteration

2nd Iteration

3rd Iteration 4th Iteration

5th Iteration 6th Iteration

After a few design proposals we all decided

to make our composition linear to blend

with its surrounding such as the Batmale

building, soccer field, the stairs, etc. We also

decided to make the model linear due to

the fact that we all wanted our material to

be wood making it easier to work with the

material.

We all liked each other’s ideas but we all

agree to attempt to combine my last two

iterations into one for the final proposal.

Everyone seemed to like the asymmetrical

shape of the model as well as the ideas

behind them such as sectioning, mirroring,

and transformation. We wanted to combine

the framing from the 7th iteration with the

point and flooring of the 8th iteration. We all

also liked the idea of skinning the model

with open spaces to create interesting and

compelling shadows.

7th Iteration

8th Iteration

Final Iteration

The final iteration incorporates all the ideas as a group we been building on

for the past few weeks. We wanted to create a structure that naturally grows with the

site. The entrance adjacent to the stair landing projects out that eventually hangs over

the slope creating a dramatic structure. The framing and support of the walls are all

different sizes and angles yet they set a felt of equilibrium and unity through

asymmetrical balance. There is a sequence of progression in the framing that

transitions from a distorted arrangement of parts into a dominating overhang that

point to our desire view. The model has a lot of open space in order to take

advantage of the natural surrounding around the country site and give an impression

of openness and liberation. There is also contrast with the verticality of the walls that

stress on hierarchic and the surface plane that emphasize on length and yet they

mirror one another and meet at the same point.

Challenges

Transportation of Materials

Cost

Cutting and Forming

Weather

Finding an appropriate time for all of

us to meet up

Finishing on time

Construction Process

Tools

Power Saw

Cordless Power Drill

Materials

2 x 4 x 8 Premium Kiln Dried Whitewood

Stud

Deck Mate #9 x 3 in. Tan Polymer-Plated

Flat-Head Star Deckmate Wood Screws (1

lb.-Pack)

Deck Mate #9 x 2-1/2 in. Tan Polymer-

Plated Flat-Head Star-Drive Deckmate

Wood Screws (1 lb.-Pack)

Within our group the only person who’s had

any experienced with construction was

Connor, raising huge concerns whether or

not we would have enough experienced to

create a model as difficult as ours. Connor

suggested we ought to create a deck with 2

x 4’s in order to achieve our vision of a

composition that projects out of the slope.

We bought all our materials at the Home

Depot located in Colma. None of us had a

truck and most of us didn’t drive to school

besides Connor so we had to use his car as

a means of transporting our materials.

Connor’s Mustang was only able to handle

eight 2 x 4’s at a time so we had to make

multiple trips. In addition, we also bought 2

and 3 inch screws to attach the wood,

gloves to protect our hands, goggles, and

reusable corded earplugs which we never

used.

We began by starting off with the framing. Since

we wanted our design to grow naturally with the site, we

didn’t want to flatten out the flooring but instead place the

frame directly on top of it. Since the frame was position on

top of the tam park the frame was very unstable but

Connor advised us to not worry since it would stiffen up as

soon as we began placing the 2 x 4’s on top of it.

We wanted the design to be angular, linear, and

big thus we created a frame with an irregular shape. Since

the frame was so big we had to connect pieces to it

through different angles, arrays, and points that made it

seemed very radical. As a group we decided that the

deck should go in a diagonal direction to coincide with

the unorthodox shape of the frame.

When we started building the deck we

couldn’t simply just place the wood on top of it

and screw it on for one main reason, the frame

was still unstable. We had to add more pieces

within the frame that connect to other parts of

the frame to stiffen it up and then screw in the 2

x 4. This process continued on all throughout

the frame that cause us to spend more time on

the deck then we had hoped. The process

could have been quicker if it weren’t for the

fact that the cordless power drills at school

kept running out of battery. As soon as the

battery died we couldn’t keep working on it

thus having Edith bringing in her dad’s drill as

well as Connor buying his very own.

At first we wanted to create sectioning to

lead people into the point but we figure it

would take too much time. We choose to

create one depressed plane that leads you

to the point overlooking the view. For this

aspect of the design Connor suggested we

change the direction of the deck from

diagonal to vertical to create contrast and

to catch people’s attention that would

cause them to walk in that direction.

When the deck was finished it was pretty stiff and sturdy except for the point. The

point still wasn’t as strong as we hoped for but there wasn’t much we could do to fix

it. We wanted the point to cantilevers out without any support to create a dramatic

and dynamic design so we had to settle for the fact that it was a bit unstable.

We began placing the support of the walls beside

the frame to avoid having to drill holes on the deck

and to give a more aesthetic appeal. We wanted

the walls, similar to the model, to naturally transform

and grow from these small scale walls to this

hierarchical structure that point to the southeast

view that mirrors the deck. We also wanted some

aspects of the walls smaller than others because we

wanted to create a frame on top on it and with

these small angular walls it would create something

asymmetrical, dynamic and interesting.

While working on the walls we decided to create a few benches since the structure

is so huge and because we wanted people to be able to spend time there and

socialize. We wanted the site be a gathering place that’s convenient and

tranquilizing where people can eat their lunch or hang around while they wait for

their class, ride, friends, etc. The benches were pretty straight forward we use pieces

of wood that we weren’t’ using anymore and connected two 2x 4’s for the seat, two

2 x 4’s for the support and one 2 x 4 underneath where you seat for extra support.

We created three benches each going diagonal following the deck and each

framing a different view.

With our design we wanted to create accidental encounters, provoke

others to appreciate everyday life and create something unique to that site.

We decided to create something big that would catch people’s attentions

and cause them to wander through our site. Also having the site by the stairs people

would pass though it as they go on with their everyday routines and would

acknowledge our design. We wanted the design to be approachable and

welcoming thus deciding to create a sense of space and openness to the

composition.

Having the site on the countryside we wanted people to enjoy experiencing

the site by recognizing their surroundings. The composition is encircled with trees,

plants, nature, and beautiful views so we wanted to encompass all these elements

within the design. The design looks out to the southeast view pointing towards the

soccer field, and the two hillsides creating a frame view that people can take

pleasure, reflex and relax. We wanted people who experienced the site to be able to

forget about their everyday troubles and to live in that moment in time.

Since our design is on a slope we wanted to create a composition that only

works within that space. We wanted the design to fit cohesively with the site so that if

you place it anywhere else it wouldn’t function the same way.

Design Intentions

Narrative The most significant aspect of our design is the point that overhangs the top of the entire

structure. Everything that is connected to it leads people to that sight of this hierarchical overhang that

points in the direction of the southeast view. Another significant aspect is the depressed plane on the

deck that also points in the southeast direction that mimics the point that overhangs it. The point that sits

on the deck is a single experience design in a fashion where only one person can be on the edge of the

point. The point is meant to give that individual a place where he can gather his thoughts, reflect, and

escape to the breath taking views. Another important aspect is the deck where the entire structure rest

on. Without it everything else wouldn’t function with the same dramatic effect. The deck gives a chance

for people to live and emerge within that space and experience something different that they aren’t able

to find anywhere else on the ccsf campus.

A first time viewer would see the daunting huge point that can be seen from multiple

directions as you get nearby the area. As they approach would notice this big deck that they can walk

on. They would feel curiosity, walk in, and get emerge to the complexity of the frame and how it draws

your eyes to follow it leading to the point where they would walk towards. The audience would

experience humility because of the environment surrounding them. They are gathered around trees,

plants, little creatures, gazing views that allows them to appreciate the little things in life. They can lose

themselves being around nature and forget for that one moment whether it be a second or a few minutes

of their worries.

Our design is meant to represent growth and transformation that the audience can relate to.

Most of the audience is college students and each of them can acquaint themselves with this concept.

Every student in ccsf is learning and growing to someday becoming something more than what they are

and the site represents that by the walls starting off small and gradually growing to the point that it

becomes. The composition represents change. Change is scary and not easy but if you take it step by

step you can achieve it. Change can be a good thing if you’re heading towards the right direction such

as following your hopes and dreams. We grasp that idea by having the point a single vulnerable

experience where the audience can see the southeast view overlooking the city contemplate their

desires and attempt to possess it by having the climax where you’re on the edge of the composition

feeling as though you are at the highest point you can reach and grasping for more, in a sense reaching

for sky.

Strengths

Good Craftsmanship

Simple yet maintains complexity; not attempting to do too much

The frame creates interesting shape and pattern

Can see the rhythm and transformation from the framework/walls

Weaknesses

The deck overpowers the framework and overhang; your eyes wander

to the deck rather than the southeast view

The deck isn’t very interesting; no spacing, no change in rhythm, very

static

The structure isn’t as interesting from the outside as is from the inside

Jury’s Critique

First half of design studio was rough, I didn’t have any knowledge of design

language or theories and hearing Jerry go in such much depth into it was intimidating.

Starting off applying these methods was a frustrating experience. Thinking of what to

create and spending countless hours trying to come up with ideas and applying them

in an effective way was a lot harder than I though. Building models were no picnic

either, getting cuts from your exacto knife, burn marks from the hot glue gun, or losing

sleep in trying to redesign your model because of what you design isn’t physically

possible. But I believe the hardest part was taking the criticism, you spend so much

time working on your model that it becomes a part of you and when Jerry or other

students disapprove of your work it was hard to take. Sometimes people weren’t able

to see the intent you were trying to accomplish within your design but only through

constructive criticism and practice can you improve in that aspect of design, so in

many ways it was more helpful than harmful even though it may not seemed that

way.

The second half of design studio was the real test where we implement

everything we learned so far and apply it to our final project. Acknowledging that we

only had to develop one design within a group and simply improve it each week

seemed much easier that the previous half but in many ways it was just as stressful.

Coming up with a design where people can physically interact in was tricky. We had

to do a lot of research to figure out what exactly makes a great space and what

causes people to want to stay there rather than just walk pass it. We had to examine

people’s behaviors and to a certain degree their needs such as making it convenient

and comfortable for them.

Final Thoughts

Moreover, working with a group gave each of us a firsthand experienced

what it would be like to work in an architecture firm. Firms often don’t have one person

working on a building but multiples arguing over what they ought or oughtn’t to do

which was the same case with this assignment. Groups members trying to figure out

how to combine the best ideas, making sacrifices and letting go of egos in order to

pursuit the best composition we can possibly make together. In addition, it also

reminded us why with we don’t like working with groups such as team members not

showing up, not doing any work, lack of responsibility, and having to pick up the slack

in order to finish the assignment on time.

The final project was truly our first attempt in creating a space with design

concepts where people would experience. Even though throughout the semester we

practice these concepts, they were more like baby steps leading up to this point.

Rather than designing a space arbitrary the way we want it, it cause us to be selfless

and think of others and what they want in a space and we as designers to make it as

comfortable and enjoyable for them. The final project was a good learning experience

in the process of design such as what gets cut off, what remains, and how ideas get

developed even deeper. It also allow us to get familiar with the struggles of making a

deadline and working as fast as you can to reach it exposing us to reality and how the

work environment would be like.

Final Thoughts

Overall I went from being a spectator of design to actually practicing it. I

learned dense design concepts and theories that at times overwhelmed me but little

by little learned to apply them into my models. I figure out how to build small scale

models and communicate my intentions through my compositions. However, the

biggest thing I learned in this class is to critically analyze and examine the world

around me. This class caused me to view things differently and notice little subtleties

that I once would avoid. I walk around buildings, houses, sculptures no longer just

seeing but studied them, why did they do this?, what caused them to make this and

in the fashion that they did?, what emotions are they evoking?, and what message

are they trying to communicate to me? Practicing design for a semester caused me

to appreciate not just architecture but all forms of art such as music, literature, film,

etc. because of my experience I understand now how the artist is taking risks and

putting themselves out there which I can now appreciate.

Final Thoughts