thesis thoughts:02

Adaptive re-use of the strip mall and box stores that litter the architectural fabric of suburban and semi-rural expansion and growth. When a business or community no longer has a use for the typical retail building, how is that building recycled into the architectural fabric of our cities?

• functional uses
• economic issues
• aesthetic concerns - "face lifts" often applied to attract new business and customers
• wide spread movement to re-invest into downtown/urban areas - gap between this type of re-use and the ever growing expansion of our suburbs

thesis thoughts:01

Defining a thesis question...

"Space-time" and the beauty that is generated from the place of that observation.

• Manifestation in architecture.
• Factors such as light, temperature, color, texture, and the intended use or program.
• Basis of design or guiding principle as applied to many building types, ie: healthcare, educational, residential, office...

the arch and the path:01

Taken from email June 27, 2007
re: http://www.archofleadership.com/resources/bookexcerpts.htm

Here are my responses to the the workbook assignments for discussion. The questions proved quite difficult for me to address in the manner in which they probably should. I really do not lead anyone in the work place. Our office consists of two partners, myself as a project manager / designer, and a few technical support staff. The support staff does not "answer" to me and are usually assigned to assist the partners in their projects. My work is done in conjunction with the partners, where I handle a large portion of the project work load ranging from drafting and detailing to design and client meetings. So with that in mind here goes...

Workbook #1

Question 1.
Do you have followers? How do you distinguish between those among employees or reports who are your followers and those who are not?

Based upon the definition of followers as discussed in our readings I would say that I do not have followers in my current professional position. I do not have fellow employees who answer or report to me. Followers (true followers) I would say, do so to participate willingly because they are genuinely interested/invested in the task at hand. They believe in the end goal. Followers (employees) follow because they are told to do so. They do it as part of a job description and work place responsibility.

Question 2.
Scale of 1 to 5...

Love to organize - 4
I like to have things organized and structured. Especially in how drawings are laid out and drawn in the production phase. As I make the transition to project management, I find that I need to apply the same rigor. I rated this as a 4 only because I am not always driven to do the organizing.

Not just the facts - 5
I have a strong vision or image of the architecture prior to beginning of real exploration. A very vivid and strong sense about the experience that I want to create, ever the artist.

Living out of the future - 4
Not always in the future, but this is where my mind tends to focus. Instead of worrying about the "how to" I tend to fixate on the end point or goal. Sometimes to the goals detriment; knowing the "how to" is essential.

Always raising the bar - 4
I have very high expectations of myself and others. For myself, they are often unrealistic expectations given the circumstances.

Habit of change - 2
I prefer a bit of a routine. Unless a change is needed, I prefer to keep with what has worked thus far. If it is obvious that the course of action is not working, then seek change.

Workbook #2

Question 1.
How do you learn about yourself?

Learn about self mainly through introspective thought and self examination. Holding myself to my own high expectations and whether or not I fall short. Not an entirely healthy way to learn about self. This is an area that I need to become more objective in.

Question 2.
How do you move yourself out of your comfort zone? Describe the last time you did this.

I do not often make this sort of move. The majority of the time I prefer to stick with what I know. But I find this to be a characteristic that I want to change. The biggest shift thus far (and most recent) has been the Dist. M.Arch program itself. I feel challenged at times when it comes to conveying my ideas and thoughts in the academic setting. I am leery of failure and insecure in this area. The BAC is about challenging myself and proving to myself that I can not only complete the program, but excel.

So... a long break

...is just about over. It seems to be an enternity since we all last met in Boston. I am looking for to the coming weeks and the challenges they hold for us all.

I am currently trying to get myself into the habit of reading more. The summer seems to be an impossible time of the year. The two courses we are taking this semester look very interesting and I am excited about digging into studio - Core Studio II and Architectural Technology I.

My best to everyone for the last couple of weeks of summer and I'll see you all in Boston. I will have my Skype account logged on while doing some reading, feel free to say 'hey'.

~R

another blog...

So, I have created another blog for my professional practice studies. Please feel free to stop by and offer your comments, thoughts, and suggestions.

Practice Journal

Thanks,
~R

studio:07 crit - 1

Image One:

This first image/study model is the culmination of a series of sketches, photo montages, and study models that begin to explore the Apple experience, as I see it. The guiding idea behind the design can be summarized by the following equation:

playing + creating + sharing = learning and shaping

The notions of "play" and "create" are inherent within the Apple product line and is further embodied in Apple culture. Through the notion of "share" we are able to communicate ideas, music, art, photography, etc. Sharing then becomes a key element to the ability to "learn" and thus "shape" the minds of the future and past.

Architecture and technology embrace and foster the sharing of ideas.

studio:07 crit - 2

Image Two:

Digital study models explore and identify the key element of the building, the vertical gallery. Here, Apple customers have the opportunity to browse and share in the content and creativity of other Apple users as well as enter small digital studios where they can use their own Apple devices and/or explore new ones. The content created from the studios is then uploaded, blogged, etc. onto various projection screens throughout the multi-level vertical gallery and various listening stations on each level for audio content.