04 May 2011

IAR 451 assignment 5.0

For this assignment we were asked to research and contemplate aspects that shape the ever changing interior architecture profession. Surprisingly, I thoroughly enjoyed the research part of this paper. I looked on many design websites and not only found lots of information for the paper, but also found many useful websites for inspiration and simply being more in touch with what is current in the design world. For the paper I focused on the "green movement" and discussed the truth behind that along with the functionality of firms. How they network and shares ideas and projects.

I learned a lot from this paper and really enjoyed researching the profession I am about to enter. Maybe it will inspire me to research for fun!

IAR 451 assignment 2.0













I really enjoyed creating my portfolio for this assignment. I had fun going through my previous projects, and also enjoyed putting the layout together. Throughout my time in IARC I have learned that I typically don't enjoy computer work unless I am using photoshop or illustrator and since I used both for this assignment, I found it quite enjoyable. The thing I struggled with the most was trying to create at logo. It was hard for me to choose a style, colors, and a direction because I feel that my mind changes too often to "brand" myself. I chose something I like that is simple, but I am still struggling trying to decide if it is something I will keep for a while. Also, although I really enjoy doing the layouts, I am not 100% sold and happy with all of them. It was hard to keep it uniform, while making everything fit. I think making 2 or 3 more templates would serve me well, so that options could be used.

Looking back on this, I see improvements that need to be made, but I am happy with the outcome.

IAR 451 assignment 1.0


for this assignment we were to develop a proposal for a final portfolio and resume. it was interesting to look back on my work from the past four years and see how it has evolved and decide what should be included. it is also a bit intimidating putting this together and thinking about applying for jobs. It is also a liberating feeling knowing this is the first step towards a design career. I am excited to see what will come of it.

31 March 2009

Habitable wall 3D model

view from sleeping area
view from behind stairs/ workspace
view at bottom of stairs
view while ascending stairs

view from top right corner
view from entertainment area

06 March 2009

a place to bathe


perspective from upper pool


perspective from lower pool
south wall elevation

west wall elevation
south wall section

west wall section

ceiling plan

floor plan


In considering the design of a place to bathe, I looked at the Japanese bathing culture, and found that it is very different from that of which I am used to. There are three particular characteristics of their bathing culture that stood out to me. The first main difference is that they always cleanse themselves before entering the tub to soak and bathe. Secondly, their baths are typically very hot, and third, it is very normal to have communal baths. More often these are divided between the sexes, but it would not be out of the ordinary to have a combined bathe.
In my bath I intended to capture the Japanese style through materials and techniques. This pool area is attached to a facility that would fulfill cleansing, changing, and restroom obligations. Everything is complacent with the ADA disability standards, and if fully accessible to any and everyone.
My design consists of two pools connected by a series of level changes and flowing water. Three of the four walls are glass curtain walls to bring in natural light and create a very open, light and airy feel. The floor of the lower pool is river rock tiles, and the recessed ceiling is covered with bamboo stalks, both used to create texture and a more natural feel. The use of flowing water will create a more relaxing environment by creating a soothing background noise, and creating opportunity for water massage.
The water depth in the upper pool is two feet at the deepest point, allowing disabled people to easily navigate the pool on their own and with the freedom of no wheelchair.


Lower pool floor : concrete, river rock tiles Upper pool floor: concrete, white and green ceramic tiles South, East, West walls : glass curtain walls North wall: concrete, stucco Ceiling: plaster, bamboo stalks

25 February 2009

WPA poster

For this assignment I designed a poster modeled after the WPA posters. I looked at the original posters for inspiration and created a poster in Illustrator based on an image from the web.

22 February 2009

researching BATHE

what is a bathe? and what does it mean to bathe? we shall see.

The term misogi is used to describe bathing in Japan and means the ritual purification with water. It cleanses not only the mind and body, but also the kokoro, a persons spirit or heart. Bathing in the Japanese culture is very important. It is also very different from the American bath. Unlike Americans that fill up a hot tub and jump right in, the Japanese do the cleansing prior to soaking in an always, very hot tub. Typically a bucket of water is used to wash and cleanse the body, then a clean tub is used for soaking and relaxation.
It is also common to have mixed bathing, or see children bathing with their parents. This has caused some controversy because of the image it portrays, and at one time was banned in Japan. But, today it is often still seen. Sometimes this is done in complete nudity, or for those whom are more modest a towel or loincloth is used.

20 February 2009

unrban PATHways



this is a street scene from Bangkok, Thailand. i edited the image in illustrator. the top image is the original image.

19 February 2009

my MANIFESTO






my design manifesto is about creating something interesting and dynamic from something ordinary. i believe this shows that you can create design from anything, and create anything through design. my object was created from two recycled bottles, 1/4 in thick piece of foamcore, and strips of vellum. i chose to use three ways of connecting the objects; i used adhesive, one T pin, and the shapes of the objects to hold themselves together.