Assignment 1

In response to the article entitled “Computing in Architectural Design”, I believe that computing will continue to play a large part in the architecture field in the future.

Today, people in the architecture field use computer programs for computing more accurately such as the CAD systems that have been developed since the 1970’s, as well as rendering proportionately and more easily. These programs are helpful to prevent human calculating mistakes, and are making it easier to calculate curved shapes such as the fantastical designs of Frank Gehry. Without computers to help with calculating, designers would be limited to only creating 90 degree angles and box shaped buildings for fear of miss calculating. In using third generation CAD systems, designers can be informed when violating certain design codes or computers can automatically incorporate certain design aspects saving engineers tedious work. These programs are helpful and don’t inhibit the design process.

In the future, I wish to see further use of computers, but it is not in our best interest to depend on them completely. Computers should continue to be used in the future for architecture, but need to support the designer’s creativity and not hinder it.

Museum Visit Sketches

Fall Break- Charleston

I love visiting Charleston, SC and seeing the historic homes on the Battery. I love the old southern homes from the 1700's with the wrought iron and wood details. These homes strongly influence my design style today. I'm still a southern girl at heart.

This visit I was able to do some house tours which I have never done. I especially enjoyed a tour of the Calhoun Mansion which I do not have any pictures of, because they do not allow photography within the home as it is still a private residence. The Calhoun Mansion is ecclectically decorated almost like a museum, with decor from all around the world including some pretty creepy taxidermy on the 3rd floor.

My Bus/Shelter Design

I chose to experiment with a unique form, taking inspiration from a spider web reflecting the bus routes. This form allows bus users to utilize the bus stop in a different way. Rather than sitting on a straight bench, one can sit on any side of it and can still see the road because of the open design. The glass ceiling provides shelter as well as the opportunity to view the surrounding natural area located on Tate Street in Greensboro.

Alexander Fisher- The Peacock Sconce

The Peacock Sconce was made around 1899 by Alexander Fisher. A sconce is used as a holder of a light source on a wall. He designed the sconce for the sole purpose to be exhibited and not used within a home. However, if the sconce were to be used within a living space, the space would be designed in the style of the arts and crafts movement. There is also a strong influence of art nouveau, because of the peacock motif relating back to nature. The use of metals and the enameled decorative peacock feathers give off the impression that this would be a higher class home. The windows are therefore taller with long sweeping curtains, ideally velvet. The fireplace is more grand with a frame surrounding it along with a larger mantle. The furniture pieces included in the space are from the art nouveau movement with very organic details such as the swirling woodwork in the couch on the back wall. Furthermore, the decorative pieces added to the space reflect the natural theme of the peacock as well. There is a vase in the far corner of dried flowers and the rug in the center of the floor has an art nouveau influenced swirl. The same swirl motif is shown in the oversized mirror as well as the metal fire screen. Alexander Fisher’s use of metal is also reflected in several other areas of the room including the mirror on the opposite wall of the room and the fire screen just below the sconce. The Peacock Sconce represents a harmony between embracing nature with the art nouveau and arts and craft movement, and the industrial revolution with his use of steel and other metals.