Location Studies

Recording of experiences or information to develop intentions

Use of materials, processes and technology or a combination of materials,

processes and technology to develop ideas

I took a variety of pictures of the location at first to have images to work from and get an idea of the lines and shapes that appear regularly throughout the area. I did various studies at the location to build up a collection of small drawings that I could work into and develop into bigger pieces. I took a selection of rubbings from the area in order to see if any patterns were repeated or if any would be useful in further development. Photography also allowed me play with compositions and see where the light hit certain areas to highlight particular features.

This A1 mixed media piece allowed me to loosen up slightly and move away from using a ruler to ensure all my lines were ‘perfect’. Before starting the drawing I experimented with a range of compositions using my photographs to see how I could best use the space and scale. I also considered which materials I would use to best represent my area and looked back on my previous drawings in a range of materials to get some inspiration. I decided to make some features bigger than others to give a sense of scale and showing the combination of materials stand out. As I started to develop the piece more I think I got more confident with my ideas and wasn’t as concerned about how neat I was being which took pressure off me and therefore I wasn’t as worried about making ‘mistakes’.

Location Studies

Developing multimedia ideas by combining the use of technology processes.

Using SketchUp was interesting way to get an idea of the scale of my area because I had to measure to areas of the location to get the proportions right on the model. It was a good way to simplify the building and look at the individual shapes within the structure that gave it the austere exterior. In SketchUp I was able to make a short animation that gave a quick 360 degree tour of my model. This was a good practise run for when I started to make my video collage of my 3D sculptures. I used Adobe After Effects to piece together a range of videos and photographs using transitions in between to make it run more smoothly. This was a good way to show the development process from my A1 multi-media work to my final 3D sculpture.

Location Studies

Recording of experiences or information to develop intentions

Use of materials, processes and technology or a combination of materials,

processes and technology to develop ideas

To start my dry point printing method I started by tracing over a photograph I had taken on a piece of acetate using a sharp tool to scratch into it. I thought that this would be a good path to take using my photos to see if I enjoyed using the dry point print method, if I liked the outcome and if I wanted to peruse it further in the project.

I found it very challenging to get the correct amount of ink on the plate in order to get the right finish. At first I wasn’t removing enough of the ink therefore I was getting very dark prints that didn’t show the definition of the lines. After I got the hang of it I did like the outcome of the print because it gave a sense of depth and was able to capture some of the shadows in my original photographs.

This is a representation of my location in a 3D sculpture that I made which was also inspired by my A1 multi-media drawing. I mainly used wood because I thought that some of the strongest features on the building were made of wood. After I had played with a few compositions and assembled the shapes, I went over some areas with ink on a sponge. I did this to highlight the natural grain of the wood, but I also left some pieces without paint to highlight them like some shapes have been highlighted on the original building.

Using historical and contemporary research

Research into historical and contemporary work

Use of contextual references in own work

I looked into 3 artists who have all looked at architecture at some point in their artist career. I used the information I found on them to create a piece of work in the style of the individual artist. I did this to experiment with styles and help me branch out on what I already know. I’m not very confident with painting so this gave me the opportunity to try painting in someone else’s style, although I found it hard to stick to their style I allowed myself to run with an idea to extend my thinking.

These are three pieces of work that I looked into in order to inspire me and give me ideas about what I can possibly do with my own work. This would help me to find what I was interested in and what I may want to look into when I start to develop my own brief. At this point I was extremely excited by the prospects of architecture.

Developing your personal brief

Develop a range of ideas in response to the brief.

Resolve the needs of the brief to develop intentions

I answered a range of questions to narrow down what I wanted to achieve at the end of this project and what form it would take. My final brief is ‘To design a multi-functional space above my given location that can be utilised by both students and staff and can be used for gallery space to a meeting room. The final outcome will be in scale model form accompanied by a SketchUp model.

I have looked at 3 contextual studies that have inspired me in some way. At this stage I thought it was important to once again look at wat already exists and evaluate how successful they were in meeting their briefs and how the accomplished this.

Once I had some ideas in my head I just started to note them down in drawing form so I had something to look at and pick put which parts I liked and what I wanted to incorporate into my design.

Developing your personal brief

Plan and produce final outcome Develop and produce ideas

I started to visualise my final product using SketchUp so that I could get an idea of how big it would need to be and the dimensions I would need to use. Then using my drawings I started to design a caged window for my final design.

In the making of my final outcome I decided foam board would be the best material to make the model from due to it sturdy and versatile form. Once I had cut all the shapes out by hand I spray painted the sections a matte black to givethem an industrial look.

To show how the extension would sit I put it into situ on top of the current location. Although I had planned for it to be the other way I decided that I liked the flow of both diagonal roof tops put together in a continuous line.

Personal, Portfolio Development & Progression

University for the Creative Arts: Canterbury

University of Brighton

University of Portsmouth

Arts University Bournemouth

Chelsea College of Arts

I have visited a variety of universities from general universities to specialist arts universities all offering the same course (or of similar approaches) Interior Architecture.