Week 4: The Visible Chameleon

Chameleons are known for their abilities to blend in with their backgrounds.

^Think Ralph from Disney Pixar's Monster's Inc. 

photo from here

This post is titled "The Visible Chameleon", as architecture generally doesn't quite become invisible to the human eye as chameleons can do.

^Think Pascal from Disney's Tangled

Pascal in the above picture from the film, despite his "concealed" presence, we can all see him for what he truly is, not a flower :) Likewise, are the designs are certain architectural structures. 

Although some architects may strive to have an environmentally-integrated design, this integration still has its distinction from nature and structure. I like to think of this concept as architecturally-enhanced nature. These manmade structures do not subtract from the natural environment, but rather highlight and respectfully mirror its qualities. For this blog post, I will focus upon the integration of structures into their natural environment. 

One example at LEA is their Paradise Valley Fire Station No. 1. Shown in the picture below, the ridged roof mirrors the downward slope of the mountain in the background. This fire station was designed with regards to the environment it is placed in, from structure to color. 

Click here for more details and pictures on this fire station!

Similarly, the Black Butte Ranch in Portland, Oregon is designed by the firm, Hacker. As the ranch was being designed, "...it was paramount that the project come off as secondary to the landscape". Both exterior and interior used wood, but the exterior wood material was with a dark-stained cedar siding, in order to blend into the surrounding forest trunks. 

Click here for more details and pictures on this ranch, from the article by Metropolis

I wanted to show how architecture was more like Pascal in terms of blending in... But there are some Ralphs as well, who nearly really become the invisible chameleon. 

The pictures shown below are of "Two houses in Moncao", by Joao Paulo Loureiro. There is much more than what originally meets the eye from an outward appearance. (I would've never guessed it was a home!)

Another one is the "Casa Invisible" by the Delugan Meissl Associated Architects. This one really left me in awe.

More "Ralph-esque" houses can be found from this article in the Architizer, here. 

Back to our Pascal-styled architecture, the "environment" does not necessarily have to be "natural" either. Sometimes, it is just about fitting into the current/appropriate surroundings. 

Below is "House 1014" by HARQUITECTES. It is located in a historic city center, and thus upholds the more classic brick-style. 

However, what happens when the natural space seems like it can only be disrupted with the addition of a manmade structure?

The "Seashore Library" by Vector Architects, shows an example of how simplicity is key to enhancing even the most blank of spaces.  

Both "House 1014" and "Seashore Library" are actually examples of monolithic buildings as well, from an article in the Architizer, located here. (Monolithic architecture: "massive building techniques", and historically have been for the purpose of emanating power.) 

This concludes my metaphor of architecture as chameleons! Eventually, I hope to explore the non-chameleon styled buildings as well. Until next time~

Week 3: The Windows Are (more than) Eyes to the Outside

When I was little, houses seemed like faces. If you were like me when you were little, you would draw 'happy houses' like this:

(doesn't it look like a face?)

My point is that I drew the windows as the eyes of my happy house. 

And, it's true. The only place we can look out and see outside, are the windows. 

Windows are transparent, and their purpose is for us to see the pretty scenery outside of our homes, peek outside to see who is ringing our doorbell, allow sunlight to come into an office building. Basically allowing us to still be connected with our outside environment without being outside.

Despite the aesthetic appeal of windows, their purpose is much more than just being the 'eyes' of a building/home.

Rather than being a transparent barrier, they act more like the membrane of a cell: by which heat is being diffused through.

Living in Arizona, we want our windows to have the least amount of heat transfer. Why? Because it's so HOT! (Especially in the summer!!) An effective house in the summer in Arizona would have windows with a low U-factor, a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), and a low air leakage rating.

The U-Factor is what evaluates the direct heat transfer. It is the rate through which house openings (window/door/skylight) conduct heat flow, measured in BTU/hr-ft^2-oF. Lower U-factor means less (non-solar) heat flow conducted, and vice versa.

The solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) is what evaluates the blockage of solar radiation through windows. When radiation passes through a window, it gets released as heat inside the home. (bad for Arizona summers!!) Similar to the U-factor, having a lower SHGC means less solar heat transmitted.
For colder places around the world, it might be a good idea to have a higher SHGC... This way the radiation from the sun won't get rejected by the windows, and in turn will actually help keep the warmth inside.

The air leakage rating evaluates the rate of air movement around the house openings, caused by the pressure differences between inside and outside of the space. It is measured in cfm/ft^2. Also like the previous ways of evaluation, the lower the air leakage rating is, the tighter the window will be, and thus less heat will be transferred inside the home.

Other solutions/mechanisms of reducing heat transfer through windows is adding more panes of glass, or putting a coating on the glass.

-In order to reduce the heat transfers, you can add 2 panes or even 3 panes of glass, instead of 1. The space between the panes are then filled a gas (usually argon), as it has a low heat transfer property. This way the heat from the outside (or even from the inside, if it's winter) will be buffered. Also, the gas helps prevent fogging between the panes.
-Coatings on glass are also effective in lowering the U-factor. Low-e coatings are microscopic (nearly invisible) metal or metallic oxide layers. Different types of coatings will allow different transmissions of solar gains (low, medium, high). Despite of course its higher price, it reduces energy usage at a higher benefit. These coatings also effectively reduce UV radiation as well (can be 70%!).

I hope you got my pun in my title... :D but, definitely windows became so much more than what I thought they could be!

I found all this information from "Sustainable Choices in Luxury Fenestrations" in the June 2014 edition of Architect Magazine. 

Week 3: Defining Space

Style. Just like how all of us individually have our own style of fashion, buildings too have their own distinctive quality. Or moreover so, the architect and client give rise to the distinctive trait of the structure. This relates to purpose and artistic trademark.

Frank Lloyd Wright. Bjarke Ingels. Tadao Ando.

All three architects are of different backgrounds, but I chose them to show you their different approach to designing a museum.

Of these 3 museums, one is a maritime museum, while the other 2 are art museums. I won't say which is which, because the interiors of these museums are worth a look. :)

(Names above respectively are: Guggenheim, Danish Maritime Museum, Chichu Art Museum)

The styles are so distinct, yet so fitting to their respective areas. Each detail or lack of detail gives the building a cultural sense. Simple versus intricate, both gives off different impressions that only enhance a building's purpose.

This idea is elaborated upon in the article I have linked below, "The Power of Space". Bev, one of my mentors, referenced me this article. It elaborates through how companies want to have a 'signature look'. Reflecting perhaps their company motto, ideals, goals. Basically a fitting design that allows the users to be at ease in their setting ("know what they're in for").

"Space". A medium through which energy flows. An infinite region for purpose.
      

“Walls, roofs, and floors enclose, divide and delineate space. They articulate architecture. More than just partitions or physical barriers, they facilitate change and exchange, managing the flow of energy from one space to another, such as the passing of light, air, view, and people” (Caplan 18). 

Referenced book: Buildings Are for People by Bill Caplan

Supportive article: http://www.interiorsandsources.com/article-details/articleid/20977/title/the-power-of-space.aspx

Links to photos:
http://theenchantedmanor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Guggenheim-Museum-exterior.jpg
http://www.archibat.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/MUSEE-DANOIS.jpg
http://heartfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/chichu5.jpg

Week 2: The Roster and The Archive

The Project Roster.

Does it sound intimidating? ... I guess not. 

But, as I sat updating this project roster (both of current projects, as well as the archived master list)... Wow. There's a lot of projects! 

Now, I learned that an architect's job doesn't end after the building is designed. Throughout the entire construction process of the building, the architect is observing and inspecting, making sure things are actually being built to the plans. 

*(Sidenote: It's so cool because Lance once showed me, a while back, the CAD drawing of one of his projects in comparison to the in-process being built building! I could see the similarities even though it was just the wooden frame!)

Even after the building has been completed, it really may not be "completed" until a year later. If the Construction Completion is 1/1/2017, then the Final Completion will be 1/1/2018. This is if the building has a Warranty Follow Up. This warranty is for if there are any 'flaws' in the structure. Most importantly if it causes hazards or harm to the users. 

So, back to the project roster. Relating it back to my last post, and how in simple terms the architect designs a medium that coordinates with client, engineer, environment...etc. Whilst having a page-long list of different projects, and coordinating with multiple people per project. Honestly, I don't have words. I have a newfound (additional) respect for architects. 

So, these projects... What do you think happens to all of the previous project blueprints and drafts? 

Archived! (Especially for bigger-scale projects) All information regarding their finished project is boxed up and stored. These boxes remain stored for 10 years. This is due to the high liability architects hold. 

We live, eat, sleep, work, play in these structures. A prominent part of our lives, that we might not even notice due to its abundance and regularity in the urban society. If something goes wrong, the blame goes to the architect. From there, it is the debate of who's 'fault' it is. With all of the project files archived, the architect can then have physical evidence to clarify the entire situation. 

I think this post will conclude the concept of being an architect. :) Prepare for next week!

-Victoria

Week 2: The Sweet Life of Architect and Design

Sweets! A seemingly fit topic for a post-Valentine's Day post.

The first time I saw the word "sweets", was in reference to LEA's "Sweets Library". This was a couple weeks back, before my internship had begun. The first thought that went through my mind was: "... Do architects need a lot of sugar to keep their brains going throughout the day?" I actually thought they had a library categorized with various sweets.

HOWEVER, they did not have a room full of sugar. Instead, it was a room full of books/binders/magazines/product information, which were called "sweets".

Sweets are categorized 1-16. These categories include: masonry, metals, finishes, furnishings...... (12 others!!)

The reason as to why I bring sweets up is that it reveals the amount of planning and research done for a project. Especially with our daily technological advancements, more improvements for lighting fixtures, walls, shading structures, etc. are constantly being produced. With so many possibilities of what a building may entail, how could an architect possibly choose between all of the infinite options??

Maybe they put on blindfolds and point their finger. Maybe they just choose the first one that they find. Maybe they choose the one they believe looks aesthetically the best. In all reality, all of the above instances may very well be true. But is it what a good architect would do?

I had a conversation with Lance, one of the main architects at LEA. He described to me what constituted a good architect.

A good architect wasn't defined by how beautiful his/her designs were.
A good architect wasn't defined by how massive and breathtaking his/her designs were.
A good architect wasn't defined by how structurally safe and sound his/her design was.

A good architect was one who provided a design that encompassed all consideration for what his/her building would impose upon people and its environment after it is built. This then includes the aesthetics (for they affect the building's users), the functionality (for this is what the client asked for), and the environmental conscious design (for buildings then become one with the environment).

Architects bring together all perspectives for this impending building, and make it into one cohesive idea. They don't just focus on beautifying the square piece of land they were granted to build on, but also think of how to integrate their new structure with the already existing landscape or other buildings.

**Also, as a quick note, when I say "architect's building"/"his/her design", this is not to neglect the other people that have a say onto the design. The design is ultimately a collaboration between architect, engineer, client, and more (I will find more about this!!).**

Week 1: Basics & Understanding

Hello again!

So far in the past week, I've done a lot of reorganizing in the LEA office. This calls for past magazines, past projects, past proposals... etc. With this type of description of what I've been doing for the past week, you might just glaze over it, and say "eh". HOWEVER, by just doing these tidying activities, I have come to learn so much even just about the process it takes to get an architectural project going.

Maybe you might think: "Some person needs a building, they're gonna call a few firms, probably interview them. After that, choose the firm they like the best and BOOM! Building will be planned and designed in a couple months"

Now, some of the statements may be true, but they are all completely simplified.

Bev, one of my site mentors, informed me upon this process of obtaining a project.

They are called "RFQs". "Request for Qualifications". (I spent time organizing these as well(: !)
So basically, it is true: a person wants a building, and may contact multiple firms. But, in response, the architectural firms will draft up a RFQ. This RFQ is basically a nice, project-specific, bound booklet containing all of the firms qualifications, information, past works... etc. (They look really nice!).

After the RFQ is sent out, after a while, a decision is made. Either the firm is ultimately rejected, or they move the next stage, which is about a few firms that advance forward. This is the point where things get more specific upon the necessities of the project: quotas, ideas... all to finally choose the final firm to complete the project.

Larry, LEA CEO, told me that much of an architect's work, goes unnoticed, unrecognized.

Sketches, drafts, ideas: everything that could be, but never was.

It is passion that really drives an architect forward.


Well, let's end on this note! Stay tuned for more updates!

-Victoria

Welcome! An Introductory Letter

Dear all,

Welcome to my blog! In this blog I will be documenting my 12-week journey into discovering architecture. This is my Senior Research Project for my last trimester in high school. From this whole experience, I hope that both you and I will be able to take away some knowledge into the efforts and thoughts that go into designing and constructing our everyday structures. 

My ultimate goal: Disclose the often-overlooked importance of our everyday structures, AND reveal their impact upon our own lives, environment, and society. 

I will be interning at a local architectural firm, LEA Architects. They are an amazing firm, and are very involved with the environmental aspect of architecture (LEED) as well! In my administrative/secretarial position, I will be able to observe the daily events that occur in the real workforce. I can surely say that I don't think there could have been any better placement for me than this, as it allows me to delve into this field and still learn, despite my lack in proper training or experience. 

I am so excited to share with you my revelation into architecture!! 

Besides my hours onsite, I will also be reading a lot upon the subject of architecture through books. In my perspective, architecture is some sort of medium that reflects upon human nature and society of the time. Behind every structure there is a story, a purpose. How else can I strive to learn and engage about the structures of our 'future' (or present), if I do not have background information upon the architecture of our past? :)

All in all, I am super super excited to begin this new journey/leg in my life! (I feel like an investigator, almost). Well, since I have already acquired a lot of old "sweets" and old magazines from my internship, the journey has already begun! 😏😄

-Victoria Lim

ALSO:
Some useful/informational links:
To view my project proposal, click here!
To view my internship website, click here!