Gateways

Our environmental design class was split into five groups to complete a project called "gateways". We are to construct a passageway that will be at the backside of our building out of cardboard and other materials inspired in my group's case by architectural works around the 16th century. Below is the start to finish (are rather finish to start as its laid out) process on this collaboration.

Some renderings of the final model.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17th

Finishing touches & final critique

Getting critiqued, explaining how and why our design changed and turned out as it did.

After hours of labor the arch finally stands.

The fire safe product, still not exactly up to code but able to stand long enough to at least a critique, oh the challenges of construction.

Our gateway was not up to code...ripping down our work..

Our completed, gleaming gateway. We knew that the frame alone would look entirely bare and would not be sufficient in creating any moment in space. A group mate, Jessica had these tweed like wallpapers we used instead of cardboard. Although wallpaper is a bit decorative we choose the most natural shades possible (in our possession) to try and prevent a gaudy look.

Perspective from bottom of the archway.

Up and early again to start final construction.

TUESDAY, MARCH 16th

Cutting and unstapled the paneling strips we spent a few hours on, looked at in grand scale i thought they looked much too rough, our group came to the consensus to drop this idea. 

MONDAY MARCH 15th

My classmate Faith amidst the laid out frame of our structure, helping secure the wood while Kayla drilled the pieces together.

On monday we assembled the frame by cutting down the wood we bought, outlining it to our design, and ensuing to assemble it through drilling screws.

Measuring...twice. Cutting once.

It didn't quite fit...

Colleen and I loading the wood, and ourselves onto the cart =)

This is the part where we explain our design and what we think we need and Andre tells us what we really need, it can be very helpful receiving outside opinions.

Test model made out of toothpicks, simply to demonstrate how the structural support from the lumber we bought would function.

Our assembled arch, made out of corrugated cardboard, fastened together with screws and washers, bent carefully to create the dome we wanted.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5th

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3rd

As the oculus will be situated on the domed roof, light will surely be passing through. In order to enhance this light effect, reflective material was added. Wandering around the IARC studio, I found some of these freezer bags you see in the above detail zoom of the test model-oculus. Thicker and less flimsy than aluminum foil, I glad to find a substantial material with a little bit of dumpster diving ( actually is was more of a pile..) resources are everywhere!

Full scale test model of our oculus. About 2 1/2 ft in diameter this large opening will be centered above the viewer passing through our structure. This test model was relatively thick though which would require a similar thickness throughout our structure...we decided this would be a bit wasteful in the use of our limited materials so our final will be a bit thinner. Below is a test model using aluminum covered styrofoam instead of wood at this point to demonstrate possible ways of laying the cardboard like paneling.

MONDAY, MARCH 1st

Contemplation shot. My group deciding which designs from our individual test models we wished to embody in the final product.

Structural support for the dome portrayed in Kayla's model.

Above is my model, of which i decided to ditch the stacked columns. Although I was entertaining the idea for a good bit...they simply would not work well in the rest of the structure. If i've learned one thing in design it is to not get too set on an idea you presume to be excellent, things don't always work out so I parted with the idea in this test model. I liked the silver strips lining the oculus as an idea though as you can see in this picture it catches the light nicely. It is sort of a chandelier incorporated into the oculus, a fun spin on traditional 16th century designs.

Next step: create individual test models. Keeping in mind these models simply are there to demonstrate ideas not exactly replicate them (were using cardboard at 1/2 inch scale after all). This is where we put in our individual visions so the following class when our group reunited we could collaborate minds...deciding which ones work and what we wanted to use. The oculus stayed along with the domed roof top.

A shot of our first model of the actual passage into the studio arts building.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26th

Below is a test model of column + a test model of the passageway.

Although this is just a test model I was not a fan of how this was incorporated within the structure.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24th

Inspired by Bernini's Baldacci alter in the vatican these curvy columns of stacked cardboard were my first idea for this project. I thought it would add both texture and interesting shapes with the curves.

Beginning sketches very elaborate, very decorative. This project moved me away from such concepts.

As one of five individuals coming together as a collective whole, I knew that group work would propose various challenges throughout the course of this project. From conflicting ideas to mutual resolutions, the “Gateways” project” took me through a wide process of different designs. My own personal challenges included letting go of initial designs in order to see what would work as a whole in our joint design, and learning how to effectively build a large scale structure in a miniscule amount of time. The century endowed upon us was the 16^th; A period of time filled with elaborate designs amongst the interiors and classical elements in the architecture. Keeping this in mind, my designs included very decorative and literal elements at first. It was getting together as a group that truly made me step back from these aspects of my initial designs and realize that this structure should be in lieu of 16^th century architecture, rather. Overall, this project gave me light to the concept of broadening a narrow focus and taking in all sorts of elements in order to embody good design. I know I along with all my group members have learned just how drastically a design can change once actual construction takes place, but also how changes are necessary at times and how to respond to what conflicts may arise among modification of the construction and group members themselves. Group work really makes you take a step back from your own thoughts and consider ideas that are even more wonderful when put together as a collaborative whole.