Involving + Evolving: Assessments

Part 1

Neighborhood A- Ground Floor- Tracy and Megan

The strengths of this space were in its open layout. All of the spaces converge in the middle so that there is an open shared zone, effectively opening each space even more. Wall elements and lights leak up the ceiling. The Floor seemed to be the only area that was lacking. It seemed to be one continuous material. Floor elements could have been used to delineate specific areas better.

The graphical layout for their presentation was balanced and legible. The perspectives were connected with "Z" motion datum lines. The color of the Z seemed to change according to the area displayed.

During their presentation Megan and Tracy spoke of the balance of the space. Because they were on the ground floor they were able to work with a more square space allowing them to join each area together.

I would ask Tracy and Megan about their process in terms of which design ideas came first.

Neighborhood A- First Floor- Paris, Pamela, and Shane

The strengths of this space were in the strong lines and the unifying motif symbol. The geometric floor lines break up monotony. I would advise this group to be more creative in joining floor, wall, and ceiling elements together. Despite some attractive shelf forms and wall colors, the office rooms are very predictable.

The presentation composition was hard to read in that perspectives blended into each other. This could be reduced with some sort of framing around each perspective. The location of the plan also changed from slide to slide-making transitions hard to adjust to. The grayed out scale figures were at times distracting. The technique used for showing the perspectives' location in the plan was well done.

This group seemed to be solid in their identification with their unity concept/motif. It was nice to see them brand their design, bringing it closer to reality.

I would ask this group about their use of color and why they chose a darker color scheme.

Neighborhood A- Second Floor- Hope, Young, and Brittany.

This space seems to work well in terms of circulation and small-personalized spaces. The library and gym both feature small "cubbies" allowing for private space within larger public rooms. The spaces could be improved in terms of their cohesiveness with each other and in material use. Tree motifs in one space with blue waving forms in another do not complement each other well.

Graphically, some of the materials/furniture in some of the renderings look very flat as if they weren't rendered at all. The method of displaying room locations on the plan was similar to the first floor group with the translucent color overlay. Showing primary materials on each page was helpful with identifying with the space.

I would ask this group about their choices in color and form in terms of each space's relation to the next.

Part 2: My Project

My design could have benefitted from much more development. The spatial planning of the south laundry room wall is a bit cramped. The curve of the wall could have ended with the vending machines to provide more accessible space. The windows of the gym area are not incorporated into the general aesthetic. I didn't develop way-finding elements for either of the rooms. Some sort of signage would have been helpful for the laundry area as there is nothing outside of the room hinting to the room's purpose. The strengths of the space are mainly in the gym room. It is open and airy blending well with the hallway; inviting passerby's to engage the space. I tried to develop ways to incorporate workout equipment with the structural columns so that these components do not litter the space so much.

My design process was often halted as the design originally started out as a group effort. We were over-reliant on sketch-up at first. I decided to take design beyond sketch-up to better understand the atmosphere of the space. As I am not often inclined to curvaceous designs, I struggled with the concept and the general aesthetic we were approaching.

My project affected the class with its creative risk. Perhaps classmates may think of ways of incorporating appliances, machines, etc. into the built environment.

My design thinking was first based on individual moments between the user and the immediate space around him/her. I plan to continue this sort of thinking without holding myself back with negative speculation. Declining interesting ideas before fully exploring them provides no progress.