Pattern Perception

It is a flower, or a snowflake, a sun or an asterisk?
You decide...

BoliviaWelcome MatIAR 202

My country was Bolivia, which is South America. It is the poorest country in South America and has a wide range of ecological zones. I pulled my inspiration from the motto which is "unity is strength," which shaped the form of my welcome mat. Weaving is an important hobby throughout the country to make a living which is why the center is woven. The Bolivia flag colors are red, green and yellow with the Coat of Arms in the center. To welcome the individual to the United States, I incorporated the red because we both share red in our flags. I chose rope to signify a material used in Bolivia and cotton fabric as a well known material used in the United States. I wanted to create a spot that reminds an individual of their home and welcoming them to an unfamiliar setting.




Sketch Model, keeping circular form, only using rope as the material and gluing to a base







Finishing up the final rounds of the outside edge








Finished weaving the rope, now getting ready to wrap the fabric around the last outside edge to hide the rope







Tired and ready to go to bed, 3 a.m, getting frustrated and quitting







Final product, my Bolivian welcome mat

Computing in Architectural DesignIAR 212

Past Present and Future

Throughout the decades, the computer has traveled through many stages of life as well as technology. Computing plays a big role, whether it is for a simple structure or a complex monumental structure. Technology has increased greatly throughout the years, making our lives simpler. Living in 2008 and imagining what computing is today, it seems unimaginable to see how technology and computing will work in 10 years.

The roles of computing in design today results in the life of every human being. From expecting the doors at Harris Teeter to open automatically to being able to access Internet anywhere there is phone reception on the iPod touch. Computing has made life easier, simpler and more accessible then from the past. There is no particular skill known to be able to use computers and they are located in most households as well as libraries, which is why people use them. It is convenient to your schedule and allows you to explore, create or manage it anytime you want, especially since wi-fi is located in most coffee shops, restaurants and outdoor parks. It is amazing as to all the programs created to suit different needs of people whether you are interested in video games or architecture; there are software programs that will fit the need of anyone. The roles of computing have changed from being strictly a working method to an everyday method that is used for everything by everyone.

It is unbelievable to look back 10 years ago and to remember what was the “it” item to have. I remember getting a green game boy for my birthday. I thought it was so cool because I had that “it” gadget, but considering it had a black and white color screen as well as it was bulky and it had an awkward form, I did not know any better. Now, handheld games are more advanced because the way technology has formed. Not knowing what other new gadgets could be invented makes me wonder how technology will be in 10 years. It is moving and growing at such a fast pace, who knows what is next to come in the future. I feel that we are thinking and producing more products with the environment in mind, keeping them “green.” Computer software will be so advanced that actual structures will look so realistic you will have to take a double look. I cannot imagine the future, but I feel that it can only get better to help people and also the environment.

Overall in the article “Computing in Architectural Design,” computing has been used since the ancient times in some shape and form. From using a straightedge and compass to creating a multi-million dollar structure using CAD software, computing is important to everyone and with technology rising, the future is unexpected as to what will be introduced next.

Connections from the Pastiar 222

The Close to Home exhibit featuring Edward Loewenstein’s work collaborates many ideas of modernism and organizes them in a way that is displayed from the past to present day. As a whole, this exhibit comes together by connections, which leads from the past, the structures and the ideas shared throughout the space. In the space, material, light and color selections are limited. The materials, wood and metal, supports the whole design of the exhibit. The wooden beams are connected within the space, which allows the metal to be mounted and connecting the information evenly in the space. The dimmed lighting allows the focus more on the information by using spotlights to highlight the important facts. The exhibit also used the natural sunlight to increase the amount of light, which added very interesting shadows to the floor. The natural colors used throughout the space helped bring out the colors in the photos as well as the elements inside the gallery, such as concrete, the white and glass walls.



This sketch signifies the natural sunlight that is coming through the glass wall. As well as how the text and graphics are presented in an orderly, proportional configuration.





The images, text and graphics help to support my concept of connections by having consistent font, the sizes of the images, and aligned proportional on the metal. It had a very clean, organized and well thought-out message. I was able to follow the flow of the information as well, enjoy seeing the process pictures of how the project started from beginning to end. The trapezoid nameplates were a special feature that showed both silly and fundamental process parts of the project too. Overall, I felt the images, text and graphics made the project stand out, by having all the information and pictures in an orderly fashion really gave an idea of how Loewenstein’s work with modernism came about.

There were three different medias that reflected Loewenstein’s work within the space, the computer, sketch up models and the visual text. The computers consisted of the same material as the visuals but were displayed in way that felt less overwhelming than them. They did not give a feel for Loewenstein’s work only because the information seemed rather boring compared to the posters. The sketch-up models are a great part of the exhibit that showed how the space is used, but at times it was hard to follow and was fast paced. I felt that they were the less successful within the space only because it was hard to read. The black and white photos were very successful in the space, which connected to the past.




A wooden beam hides the two Apple computers sitting in the back of the exhibit. The information from the computers are the same as the visuals but are presented in a different form.

Connections through out the space had an impact on the way I viewed the large overpowering structures. I felt like I was in a maze, looking around at all the information hoping that I would not get lost. The interactions with the spaces felt enclosed in some places and in others became open and free flowing which allows the viewer the understand the design
as it relates to Loewenstein’s design on modernism.

This sketch illustrates the maze-like structures that allow the viewer to wonder in and out of the enclosed and open spaces.











Overall I felt that The Close to Home exhibit resembled both a house and art museum. With its information, history and images, the location of the display gives it a more art museum feel. However when interacting with the medias and reading the visuals, it gives the viewer a different understanding of how Loewenstein envisioned modernism and how it is showcased by the enclosing but connecting structures throughout the entire exhibit.

Detailed Suite Program Materials

Detailed Suite Program

What to expect in each of the Bedrooms:
-Twin size bed with storage underneath
-Crib with storage underneath and changing table
-Dresser
-Nightstand
-Reclaimed Hardwood Floor
-Area rug
-Ceiling fan with light
-Curtain rod
-Blinds


What to expect in each of the bathrooms:
-Stainless steel facets
-Glass tiled Bath/Shower
-Toilet
-Single or Double Sink with Storage
-Changing table
-Tile flooring
-Mirror
-Overhead lighting
-Towel bars
-Toilet paper holder
-Fan
-Shower rod


What to expect in the living area:
-Chairs
-Sectional
-Coffee Table
-End tables
-Play area
-Built in Entertainment Center
-TV
-DVD player
-Floor pillows
-Reclaimed hardwood floor
-Area rugs
-Ceiling fan with lights
-Cabinets for storage
-Toys
-Games
-Spotlights


What to expect in the Kitchen:
-Stainless steel refrigerator
-Stainless steel stove with oven
-Stainless steel microwave
-Stainless steel toaster oven
-Stainless steel Double dishwasher
-Stainless Steel double sink
-Granite countertops
-Plenty of Storage
-Plates
-Silverware
-Cups
-Serving dishes
-Garbage Disposal
-Trashcan
-Reclaimed Hardwood floor
-Area rugs
-Coffee Pot
-Skillets, pots and pans


What to expect in the dining area:
-Large table
-Chairs
-Highchairs
-Booster seats
-Reclaimed hardwood floors
-Area rug
-Overhead lighting

Intent Narrative

With the use of color, material, lighting and texture, My Sister’s House will be a welcoming home for pregnant teenage mothers and their children. Intertwining communal and private spaces with the ribbon effect throughout the suite, the mother’s will become a family to help, support and nurture each other while living in the house. Using natural cool colors from our group color model and the good, bad and ugly materials, I will create a relaxed atmosphere within a spacious environment.