MODULES to PATTERNS

For the Module to pattern design, I really tried to pick two modules to explore that were really different from eachother. Both have aspects of the original inspiration in them, yet they are very different. After exploring the patterns more, I came to like the module with swirl in it becaust it lends itself to so many unique patterns.
I have really struggled with adding colors to these modules. That is definantly a weakness I have. It is real easy for me to get my ideas out with a Sharpie, but then going back, the addition of color really changes the abstract sketches. I need to keep working on playing with, and applying new colors.

ABSTRACTIONS to MODULES

This is the beginning parts of my concept development for an adaptive reuse remodel on the Pufferbelly Train Depot in Pullman, Washington. The picture above is the inspirational image with some abstractions. Things like, circular movement, connectiveness, looping together, and asymetricaldesign were all concepts that inspired these sketches.
I hope that I continue to follow these concepts and can closely relate all the work that follows back to these original sketches.

Field Trips: WSU Art Museum/Artist's Studio

This past week I was fortunate to have the opportunity to go to the WSU art museum. I was able to view some of the artwork there, as well as hear from the curator about the design of the museum and much more.
Here are some things the curator spoke to us about:
There are many things that go into the layout of an art show. Most importantly, it is about guiding the audience through the space. What do you want them to see first, second, third? What story are you trying to tell? The curator talked about getting into the heads of the audience, and trying to let them approach art in a way so that they can explore it. It is not about preaching your own ideas because there is no right or wrong answer, but allowing them to have their own experience with the pieces. Things like lighting really depend on the art that is being presenting, and the materials from which they were made from. The walls are mainly kept white, so that the piece can stand alone and speak for itself. The walls should fall away behind the work.
I also got the chance to see Carrie Vielle's art studio. She walked us through the space and the design process. Some keys things I learned from her that can be applied to the design I am working on for an artist's studio is that no matter what I should always double the amount of the storage they say they will need. I should also keep in mind storage that is move able. I will also probably ask my artist what methods of storage they prefer, everything that can be seen out in the open vs. all hidden away. Along with that, I will need to find out how they prefer to work, what kinds of light, is there a need for music or TV.

Disability-ability-Vision Workshop

In order to better understand what it is like to be visually impaired, I completed a workshop that would help me to see through the eyes of those with less then perfect vision. This included looking through plastic bags which simulated 20/60 vision (still legally able to drive during the day), folding the plastic bag over to represent being legally blind, and also wearing sunglasses that had petroleum jelly smeared on the inside of the lens.
With the glasses on and a partner there for safety, we walked around throughout the CUB and tried out a series of things like, locating different features on an ATM, going up and down stairs, getting on an elevator, and ordering coffee.
These are some of the things I took note of during the workshop:
-In darker areas, or places with more shadows, it was hard to decipher between objects and people.
-In areas that were all white, and really light, it was still hard to decide where the open space was to walk.
-Walking into the coffee stand, it was really loud and all I could see was a mess of colors so it was really intimidating. They also did not have a braille menu, which made it hard to order.
-At the ATM, there was a flashing light that helped me find where to slide my card, but there was no lights or anything by the headphone jack that would assist me in using the machine.
-Going down the stairs in the library, the little black lining at edge of each stair helped me see the steps a bit better.
-Walking around, I couldn't see people walking up to me until they were within ten feet.
From this small amount of time I spent visually impaired, I realized that we do not do very much to accommodate those with visual disabilities. If I did not know the CUB from previous experience, I would have had no idea where anything was. For example, the stairs, elevators or ATMs. The built environment should be accessible to everyone regardless of cost, because everyone should have equal access to public spaces and facilities. If one person in our society isn't able to make a contribution because of the built environment that is not only incredibly sad, but also a huge loss. The CUB is the student union building, a place for students to come and eat, study, socialize, set up booths and much more, and if someone, for example, can't come inside and and maneuver, that is not only a huge loss to that person, but also to the millions of other students that they could be interacting with.
The picture above, is something I sketched to model what I saw while the glasses were on. Basically, everything was extremely blurry. I could see only really bright colors and lights, and then extremely dark figures. Everything else blending in together.

Skamania Youth Center Design

With a group of people, I worked on designing a youth center for the the teens of Skamania, Washington. This involved taking a roadtrip to Skamania to meet with students and adults from the community, as well as measuring and taking pitures of the barn, which was to be the building for the eventual Youth Center.
There were challenges in using this barn for the center because once every year, it sitll had to be used for the fair. So we had to design a place that could be completely cleared out during the fair. We also had to think about materials and flooring that would be appropriate for playing and at the same time, could be used with animals.
This was a really exciting task because we got to work with these clients face to face. We got the chance to actually see the place, and the community it was in which ultimately helped design the place.