Assignment 5  Spatial Transitions

5.1 2D Composition: due Friday, September 5

NOTE: Acquire your drafting board and related supplies for class by Friday. 

Objectives: One will consider various design strategies on a two-dimensional surface

Begin with the following elements: 

  • 8 squares, ½” x ½” 
  • 1 rectangle ¼” x 8”-11” (the length can vary)
  • 1 rectangle ¾” x 3”-5” (the length can vary)
  • 1 circle 1”-3” (diameter can vary) or free form curved element (1/2" X 5")

Step 1: Design three new schemes using your new set of limits with. You may chose that one element may or may not be at right angles. All other elements must be at a right angle. Explore design concepts on an 11” x 11” format that define two (2D) spaces within this area, one dominant and one regressive. Initiate by sketch variations by hand and use Illustrator to generate final schemes. (Use layers with sketches and guides to illustrate process in your Illustrator version.)

Step 2: Using the Ching book, Architectural Form, Space and Order, explore the following design strategies in your sketchbook and produce one diagram each in Illustrator (using values, regulating lines and axes as appropriate)

  • Symmetry/Balance
  • Datum/Repetition
  • Axis
  • Hierarchy

Post your work on your program website per the guidelines learned in Assignment 4. Evaluate the three schemes on your blog with a concluding summary of the strongest composition to move forward in the next section. 

5.2 Drafted Composition (1 scheme): due Monday, September 8

Draft the final scheme @ full scale using  white bristol board: lightly draw the new 11 x 11 plate onto the center of your Bristol board. Your first layer should be a series of light construction lines (4h), regulating lines slightly darker (2h), then finally the elements themselves (h). You may need to adjust your hand or your lead.

Post your work on your program website per the guidelines learned in Assignment 4. 

5.3 Shallow Relief: due Friday, September 12

Objectives: 

  • To engage in transformation as a design process.
  • To use analysis, drawing and sketching to generate new interpretations.
  • To begin a transition between 2-dimensional investigations and 3-dimensional compositions.
  • To begin to think spatially and understand the spatial implications of two-dimensional compositions.

Vocabulary: additive space, subtractive space

Assignment: Using layers of corrugated cardboard (study model) and then 1-ply chipboard (final model) to make a shallow relief to transform your composition following these guidelines:

  • Continue to develop strategies that emphasize the primary and secondary spaces of your composition: a major space (figure) and a minor space (figure).
  • Preliminary study models will be made from corrugated cardboard to develop the layering technique. These models may be constructed from discarded boxes.
  • Use your sketchbook to explore in freehand sketches various possibilities and interpretations for the relief.  Be open to new possibilities of interpretation based on the process of construction.  
  • The chipboard shallow relief will measure 11” by 11”, and should be constructed of 1-ply chipboard material.  The zones of the shallow relief may measure from 1-8 layers of chipboard in thickness.  Layers should be glued securely to one another.  Take particular care with the quality of craftsmanship, and take care with the very sharp X-acto blades!
  • Use the relief to convey all information without resorting to pencil lines.

Post your work on your program website per the guidelines learned in Assignment 4.

5.4  Drawing Shallow Relief  due Friday, September 19

Objectives:      To develop skill making mechanically-assisted drawings. To appreciate line weight.

Vocabulary:     plan, plan oblique, axonometric, section, line weight, consistency, precision, accuracy

Assignment:    In Illustrator using a sheet 24” x 36” make the following full-size measured and drafted drawings of your shallow relief.  Refer to Ching, Architectural Graphics, pages 63-84 for sections, and pages 85-100 for paralines (axonometrics).

  • Plan view (from above)
  • 3 Section cuts (choose locations that best explain form and space)
  • Axonometric (Plan Oblique; draw vertical edges vertical)
  • 3 Diagrams: Composition of 3 Elements (Assignment 1); Regulating Lines (Assignment 3); and Major Space/Minor Space (based on the Shallow Relief composition); make all diagrams one-quarter size – 2 ¾” square

Process:    1.  Make preliminary drawings by hand on sketch grade tracing paper (medium to heavy line  weight). Plan, sections, diagrams due Monday, September 15, beginning of class.  

2.  Compose the sheet and make adjustments when you have drawn everything.

        3.  Use lightweight construction lines

        4.  Check all measurements twice for accuracy.

        5.  Outline and edge lines should be heavy line weight 

        6.  Section cut outline should be very heavy line weight 

        7.  Mark section cut locations on the plan view (see Ching page 202).

8.  Label sections and section cuts A, B, and C.

9.  Include the following title information in the lower right corner of your Illustrator sheet.  Use Arial font.

                SHALLOW RELIEF

YOUR NAME

ARCHITECTURE 171

PROFESSORS NAME (LISA MULLIKIN)

SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

Post your work on your program website per the guidelines learned in Assignment 4.