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Architecture 102 - Learning Portfolio By

Soraya Ramzi

What is Architecture? Date: 08/23/2011

Our first assignment for the semester was to write two paragraphs. In those paragraphs we had to explain our understanding of the meaning of Architecture. Then we also had to cite the answer of an Architect, and identify what we think the Architect meant.

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The assignment was to make a gesture model out of 500 toothpicks with the allowed usage of glue. The gesture model had to represent a word of emotion. In my gesture model the word of emotion is happiness. I tried to abstractly represent the notion of rhythm which I than connected to dancing. Symmetry is demonstrated through balance and asymmetry through variation. The hollow parts of the model and the rhythmic asymmetrical pattern is intended to create a sense of complexity.

Toothpick Gesture Model Date: 08/23/2011

Some students respond was that the orientation of the toothpicks combined with the sharp angles contribute more to a negative interpretation rather than a happy emotion.

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Islamic Holiday (didn’t come to class)

3 Sheets on Architectural Education Date: 08/30/2011

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Since I missed the previous class I didn’t know about the assignment. Instructor told me that it was ok not to have the assignment due to my religious holiday.

Program Agenda Date: 09/01/2011

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Program Agenda Date: 09/06/2011

My program agenda is in order according to a time table, which allows the attendees to have a clear understanding in how their time at the summit is spend. Refreshment breaks, Q & A, reception and complementary lunch is planned in a way to allow the attendees to have enough of time to enjoy, relax and interact with other attendees. The accreditation ceremony is intended to be the time where the summit gives out some sort of award or mentioning of achievement to specific attendees who have attributed an immense role in Architectural education in California in the last couple of years.

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The assignment was to create three gesture models without the use of glue in response to the program of the summit. All three of my models were made out wooden strips, which had an rectangular shape and were cut in different sizes. The intent of all three models was to represent the different topics that are going to discussed at the Architectural Education Summit. All of the strips are made of the same material to show that all the topics discussed are still about the main topic of Architecture. I am sorry but I don’t have any images of the models.

Gesture Models Date: 09/06/2011

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4’’ Gesture Model Date: 09/08/2011

Detail View

The 4” gesture model is the 2nd iteration, which responds to the ‘Program Agenda’ of the ‘Architectural Education Summit’. The intend of the gesture model is the different topics that are discussed between the attendees. The blue thread that is keeping the wood pieces connected represents Architecture because that is the overall topic of the summit. I wanted the thread to be visible in this iteration because it intended to make the connection between the pieces clear. The one thing that didn’t work was the size my instructor asked me to make the overall dimension of the model 4’’ for the next iteration. 8 Soraya Ramzi

Two 4‘’ Gesture Models Date: 09/13/2011

The upper row of two images are images of one gesture model which is an iteration of the previous model. In this gesture I tried to intensify the density by adding more pieces in various sizes. I also incorporated rubber bands in the core of the model, which demonstrates the major topics that lead to smaller independent discussions. The lower image is a new gesture model which is responding to the dialog that will occur at the summit. Each piece represents discussions, and some pieces have a black inner color that shows discussions with conflict.

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Drawing of Model & 3 Biases Date: 09/15/2011 3 Biases: The model represents the dialog at the Architectural Summit event. The separate curved elements represent the different small or large groups that are going to be interacting with each other. The little openings show that some discussions have flexibility in topics, opinions, etc. Some discussions can turn into arguments which are represented by a black stripe in the inner face of some elements. On the other hand few discussions also sometimes turn into a heated discussion, which is demonstrated by one of the elements which has a black inner face. Overall all elements are connected to show that all dialogs are still about the main topic of Architecture.

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Site Model & 4” Model Date: 09/20/2011

The site model is the image to the left, which was constructed according to measurements given in a 1/8th scale. It gives an understanding of the ratio between both sides of the ravine. The two images to the right are images of one gesture model, which is an iteration of the previous model. In this iteration I added wooden strips in various thicknesses and lengths. The wooden strips represent the environment surrounding the site. Some of the wood strips are positioned in some of the pieces, which shows that the structure is sometimes integrated into nature.

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Gesture Model responds to the open space criteria for the AIA Summit structure. At the same time it responds to sun light. Since the curved elements are open they allow close interaction with nature. They also block the majority of the sun light, and let some natural light in through small circular openings which are found on some of the elements. Those small openings also create a design pattern through the shadows. There is no connection between the two sides of the ravine because I didn’t want to block the ravine.

1st Iteration - Gesture Model on Site Date: 09/27/2011

Angled View

Angled View

Angled Top View

Section

The instructors respond in improving the gesture model was in creating more density, and trying to connect the two sides of the ravine without actually connecting them.

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In response to the 1st iteration of the gesture model I tried to create density by adding different sizes of the circular shape. Furthermore I added some transparent black elements to create more contrast. In this iteration I also built partly into ravine on both sides without actually connecting them. By not connecting them I was able to create tenseness between both sides. (It almost even looks like the two sides of the ravine are reaching for each other.) The overlapping of transparent and void elements with different textures was intended to create a higher contrast.

2nd Iteration - Gesture Model on Site Date: 09/29/2011

Angled View

Detail View

The instructors response to the 2nd iteration was that density level of the model was good but the connection between each element was still missing.

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Plan View & Side View of 2nd Iteration Model Date: 10/04/2011

Plan View (transparent)

Side View (transparent)

•Both views were drawn as if they are transparent •Gives it a 3D quality

What doesn’t work: •Drawings show that there aren’t connections between the elements

What works: •All axis show density •Tension starts to be created between both sides of ravine

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3rd Iteration of Model Date: 10/06/2011

I am sorry I totally forgot to do the 3rd iteration of the model!

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Charcoal Gestural Drawings of Model Date: 10/11/2011

1st attempt 4th attempt 2nd attempt

Gestural drawing of 4th iteration model

•three drawings to the right are gestural drawings in respond to the previous model •1st attempt reaches over the ravine on both sides which creates tenseness •2nd attempt focuses on the z axis by creating more volume (density) •4th attempt explores the site and so I curved the ground on the right side of the ravine •Attempt was a failure - shapes of the model are curved and the curved ground would be overwhelming instead it is better to have contrast •The drawing below is a section of 4th iteration •Integrated model in to the site thru openings in ground •Sharp angles identify the edge of the ravine 16 Soraya Ramzi

4th Iteration of Model Date: 10/11/2011

Angled View

Detail View

Plan View

• 4th iteration of my model originally had more elements on the site •Wholes were cut into the ground so that the model was partially integrated into the site • wholes were also found on some of the elements so that they were able to be connected •The sectional gestural drawing of the original 4th iteration model is on the previous page

What doesn’t work: •to crowded and so doesn’t have clarity of the intent of the model

•instructor pulled out pieces of the model in order to give it more clarity.

What works: •Tension between the two sides of the ravine •Cut out openings into the ground to connect the model to the site

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5th Iteration of Model & 1 Paragraph of Intent of Model Date: 10/13/2011

Angled View

Detail View

The intent of my site response is to show the tension between both sides of the ravine in the x, y and z axis. The environmental aspect of the sunlight is another major point in my model. Circular openings and curved shapes in each element are intended to cast different shapes of shadows depending on the position of the sun. The program of my model is to gather, and at the same time have individual space to be alone. The two big elements on both sides of the ravine act as a gathering place for large groups. Smaller pieces act as spaces for smaller groups. The very small pieces act as spaces for meditation and rest. 18 Soraya Ramzi