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Ana Aceves: Architectural Design I

When we were first presented with this project, we used the Fibonacci spiral to learn about the Fibonacci sequence. After we saw that the sequence is created by a number being formed from addition of its preceding numbers we used three pieces, whose size comes from sequence, to build our first model. When building my first model, I did what I could to adapt it to the Tundra environment. It was hard conveying that idea, considering we just had three pieces, but I was able to model a closed, raised area. Once we were able to start forming the cube, I was able to focus on creating space that was not just designed for a certain environment, but to have a certain use or purpose. We had the opportunity to create different types of spaces: some could have been for sitting, standing, or laying. After finishing the cube, and adding basswood to define corners and design features I was able to close all sides of my cube and adapt it to the tundra.

Landscape: Tundra

The environment that I was assigned was the tundra. The first characteristic about the Tundra that affected my model was the ground stability. Because the tundra has ice mixed into the soil, building a building directly on the ground would cause the ice to melt and the building to tilt. Because of this, it is recommended that buildings be elevated at least two feet off the ground. The second environmental quality that affected my design was the tundra’s climate. Because it is such a cold landscape, my main goal was to create a very well enclosed space which as a result left me with an open multi-functional space on the inside. While the 9 pieces of cardboard weren't enough to completely close off the cube, the basswood helped me close off entire sides. The bottom of the building being raised also helped due to the animals that tend to live on the ground. Having a raised building protects the foundation from damage caused my certain animals.

Drawing and Models

Plane Study Drawing

Three Plane Study Model

My three plane models were all slightly above the ground. My goal when making this was to create and enclosed space, but the model above was the one that did the best job at that. All of my models used the same pieces with the same measurements. what changed between my models were which piece was used for the ground and how they came together. While I wanted a lot of floor space, I decided to use the largest piece to use as a wall. The main point of my three plane models were to show an enclosed are and this one did the best job because it fully blocked one side.

Final Cube: Isonometric

Final Cube: Interior Perspective

When building my final cube, I was able to effectively define the sides of the cube. I also used most of my pieces to enclose the space and create floor space on the inside. The basswood helped the most since it allowed me to define planes and their edges. I also used the basswood to finish enclosing sides. overall, my cube has enclosed sides by windows or walls, to protect people from the cold, and is raised at least two feet above the ground, to prevent the building from tilting.

Final Cube: Model

Project 02: EcoHouse

Research

When designing this house, we were to adapt this house to the stereotypical personalities of a millennial couple today and to cause as least of a negative impact to the environment as possible. After researching sustainable architecture, I found different ways in which houses can re purpose resources easily available around them to save energy. After sustainability I looked into the lifestyle of millennials today. I adapted the design of my house to fit a newlywed millennial couple with convenience, minimalism, and an interest in innovation in mind.

Design

When coming up with my design, I looked at how I could shape my house differently, while using space up as efficiently as possible. From the beginning I wanted slanted rooms that would allow me to collect water. most of my first sketches were full of straight vertical and diagonal lines. However, halfway through the process we were told to try to do the opposite of what we had in mind. Because of this, I decided to create a smaller, one floor house with curved ceilings. After a lot of consideration and drawing bubble floor plans, I decided to merge both designs.

Adapting my Design to Millennials

Designing a home for millennials was definitely a challenge due to them begin such a diverse group. However, i found that, as a groups, they are a minimalist group compared to the more traditional style of their parents and grandparents. Because of this, I wanted the outside of my house to sleek, while being interesting and showing motion. For the inside, I grouped rooms with similar purposed to make the layout more convenient. another trait most millennials have in common is being bale to entertain in their home. In order to facilitate this, I kept the dinning, living, and kitchen areas completely open to each other. Conveniently, millenials are also open to more modern, innovative designs, as well as sustainable architecture.

Sustainability

In order to make my project sustainable, I first looked at ways to cut down on water. The lot I was assigned is pretty big and I’m sure it would take a lot of water to keep it irrigated. The main slated roofs come together to collect water and push it toward the back of the house to be collected in tubs. Another way that the slanted roofs helped was for collecting sun light. As the sun travels east to west the panels would be able to capture sunlight throughout the day. When designing a sustainable house in Texas, a big concern was the heat. Using air conditioning all day everyday isn’t favorable for the environment. Because if this, my house has windows mainly in the front and back of the house. Through these, the breeze from the street can flow through the house. Most of the windows I chose are pretty close to the ceiling of the rooms so that the hot air doesn’t get trapped inside.

When building my final model, I wanted it to represent my house as accurately as possible. all of my walls, windows, and doors are to scale, and the model is placed on the exact spot that my site plan shows it is. On the inside, I have both the upstairs and downstairs floor plan. The roof comes off in one piece to reveal the upstairs floor plan. To reveal the downstairs floor plan, the upstairs walls along with the floor can be removed.