SketchUp Library & Conference Room

isometric parallel

isometric perspective

perspective section cut

parallel top view

perspective top view

sketch up animation

library & conference

expanding knowledge...

As fascinated as I am with computer-based design programs, I have had difficulty keeping up with all the commands, shortcuts, tips and tricks. However, after a little game of catch up I have finished organizing my notes and thoughts. I have found it very helpful to have an area in my sketchbook where I can scribble down certain commands and reminders in reference to the different programs I am working with. 

I have had the least experience in sketchup but I did feel as if it had a much more simple set up then photoshop and illustrator, which I appreciated. I would like to just keep exploring this program and learning the commands in order to become more efficient. In fact, this is really what I desire to do for all three of these programs. I have the most experience in photoshop but it is still scarce. I know it’s about dedicating time and patients into it and that is exactly what I tend on doing. I want to know when its best to use what program and why; I know the very basics of each so I think that when I have learned more about each program then the differences will be easily seen.

I have always said I wanted to have a good grasp on the digital realm in design and I know what needs to be done for me to attain this. Technology/computers has always been a strong point of mine but I feel as if I have been holding myself back in learning these programs. I would say in the end I would like to be a master at photoshop, illustrator, and sketchup:)

blog assignment 006

i swear im not a lame-ooo!!! but i was one of those people who did not dress up for halloween...


for our final presentation, we will be presenting the design process and conclusion using the presentation we have put on the wall in the downstairs lobby of the gatewood studio building. moving from the upstairs studio space to the downstairs lobby gives us much more room to present out designs and gives it the opportunity to be seen by all the people walking in the building. we will hopefully be presenting this display to the IOB management,  board members, and some employees. 


we will also be presenting our design process in a book form so we can give it to the industries of the blind and have our process described in more detail. a rough outline on the book so far...

Textures:

When beginning the project we focused on the study of braille as a way to relate the nature of the company into our design.  We made sketch models of textures in different scales from the idea of braille.  As we moved throughout the texture studies we began to abstract our ideas and began to play with more angular shapes and textures.

Lighting:

Our next step in the process was to experiment with lighting and how we would apply it to the space.  We collect several light studies using the sketch models we had produced and playing with learning and exploring how light reflected off each individual for.

Color:

When considering color schemes within our design we focused on using warm colors to help tie in the idea of harmony, protection, unity, and community that represents the essence of the IOB Company.

Chaos Tree:

From angular shapes and forms we idealized an outside graphic installation that would help to draw people into the IOB.  This form would also become a symbol for the IOB and part of the interior design. Our original model was a study of very chaotic, playful triangles and shapes composing a tree shape in which positive and negative space played an important role in the design.

Hexagon Study:

In trying to find order in chaos we began exploring more structured forms.  We experimented with a hexagon and the individual parts in which it can be assembled.  From there we discovered a tessellated design that brought in unity along with order.  It also played well with the use of positive and negative space allowing for a play on eyes.

Hexagon Texture:

Once we had a final design we started back from the beginning.  Texture was an important part of representing the IOB and allowing for a heighten in the sense of sight so we began playing around with textures for the hexagonal pattern. From there we chose the design that could best be used as a way finder and way to explain the history of the IOB along with what would fit the spaces in which we were designing.

Application Studies:

These will be images of the installation downstairs and also of the perspectives throughout the process

Lobby:

Images and digital rendered images for the lobby space incorporating the new design.

Cafeteria:

Images and digital rendered images for the lobby space incorporating the new design.

Conference Room:

Images and digital rendered images for the lobby space incorporating the new design.

Bulletin Board:

Images and digital rendered images for the lobby space incorporating the new design.

blog assignment 005

at the industries of the blind lighting is something that is extremely important not only to illuminate a space but it may be used as a way finder for some of the people who are visually impaired. scott richardson paid us a visit and was very helpful in terms of what to look for/ think about when designing the lighting for the spaces.

how will natural and artificial lighting improve your space?
there is a lack of windows throughout the space so artificial lighting is the main source of light. with artificial lighting we have more control of the lighting through out the space; however, in my opinion, nothing beats that good ol' sunshine.

will you use focal lighting to direct people?
i think it is necessary for us to use key elements of the design, texture and/or lighting , as way-finding idea for people who are both blind and those who are not. not to mention our tessellating shapes that will have multiple affects with the lighting and shadows when hit with a direct light source.

how will you create moments of interest within your space using light?
we were were looking at our tessellating shape we realized it would be a good idea to incorporate a light source with in the shapes that make up the pattern. we will have to be displaying some of the products that the IOB sells for visitors and people of interest, we were thinking of a frame/outline around the products in order to make people want to look there.

balancing white walls and pine

images: dornob

george nakashima

my brother has been an arborist for some time now and in turn has picked up the hobby of woodworking. he showed me an artist that i thought did beautiful work, i was surprised i hadnt heard of him before. george nakashima...

conoid coffee table

r bench

assignment 004

elements + principles of design

texture has been one of the main elements the IOB group has been focusing on. there are hundreds of other things to constantly be taking into consideration but i feel as if it all comes back to texture and pattern. with that always in mind, the other elements of design begin to come into play, as well as the principles of design. we have been working with using texture to create an initial circulation/path/line that would be taken through the space. we decided to use more of a warm color scheme because we believe it will help the most with emphasizing the textures and would be more appropriate for creating a more welcoming space. a challenge we have been dealing with is maintaining unity through the lobby space all the way through to the factory and cafeteria areas. one of the forms we have been incorporating into the design is the hexagon and the shapes within. we are also trying out many different scales of the texture and patterns.

assignment 003

After our lovely Washington dc trip, followed the not-so-lovely speech assignment. Well at least in my experience. I thought it was extremely helpful to make such a formal presentation because I was able to see where I really needed to work on this semester: public speaking; I also enjoyed hearing what everyone else had to say about the museum and how they approached the challenge of the speech. I began planning my speech out I made many lists of key points I thought were important enough to talk about when comparing and contrasting the museums. I also made a list for each museum individually, on how the materials and structures used help represent the buildings and what they contained. Narrowing it down to one I thought worked really well, I wrote the speech down in more detail.

            I thought the presentations given by the speaking center were a little helpful, especially the second one when they gave us a packet of information. It helped me remember the structure of a formal presentation; I thought this important because it can be applied to the presentations we have to give in class for our final projects. I do not think I would go to the speaking center for help but I did appreciate what they did.

            For my next presentation, I want to plan a little better; I have never been one of those people who can just “wing” a speech at any given time. I will also practice a lot more so I can be more familiar with the flow of the words and not get choked up or nervous when presenting.