When printing our posters, we noticed that one was way too dark and gloomy- something pointed out in the critique. This is an easy fix for future posters. More importantly, it was brought to our attention that our goals were not clearly seen on the boards. Also, we are now thinking about making our new walls curved to follow the same language as the existing curved wall. We are going to keep moving forward with our design of the building and posters.

Ornament is looked down as decoration that was used previously by architects meaning that it does not fit in with the views of modern architects.  It is said in the reading that "Ornament was symbolic of historical forms of architecture." We learn in our architecture history lectures of all the elements that make up every era in architecture. Each one being specific, such as a rose window defining a Gothic church in Gothic architecture. However, why can't modern architecture include elements from other "historical forms of architecture" and still be considered modern. Modern architecture seems to be known for, as said in the reading, "less is more." But what if we no longer categorized architecture by ornament/decoration.

Architecture is more than just looks and function. Of course the intention of architecture in the beginning was meant to just put a roof on top of our heads to protect us from the rain. That is no longer the only reason for the continuation of architecture. Modern architecture should have a bigger focus on the experience rather than its basic function. Of course an architect can meet the regulations and codes for a building, but an architect's bigger challenge is creating a great experience with his or her design. Each and every building is different, and the experience in each will also vary accordingly. The architect has to find the best way in which to create a space that users will be attracted to.

I do agree with the author in saying that "the value is no longer in the hardware." Hardware has been the driving force in design time and time again through every architecture style. However, who says that this has to continue to be the way architecture is? Modern architects can design freely without having to continue to use certain ornaments. There are countless amounts of cars and phones and they all have the same basic function. Both the car and phone were invented for a sole purpose, but every year the designers and engineers try to create something new, something that will give its user a better experience. Architecture is also designed to serve a better experience for the people that it was not able to provide before.

Every style throughout time has its own ornament that separates it from the rest. Well modern architecture is set out to be different. Architects strive to be acknowledge and to stand out-this can be achieved by creating a different experience without specific hardware-by no longer being traditional.  Being able to design freely opens so many possibilities to the coming age of architecture.

Sketching

We are continuing to sketch out the reading area and courtyard. We have moved the courtyard to be in front of the reading area. Also, we messed with the roofs and the staff area to make our renovation more dominant.

Sketching

Sketching out the reading area is definitely helping develope it. We are moving to have exposed wooden beams and a curtain wall. Our design for the reading room has changed drastically since Wednesday.

Model

Wednesday 15.

We made a model to be able to better understand how our addition works with it's site. The reading space we have incorporated into the building has to be further developed. We are trying to figure out how it will correspond with the site adjacent to it.

Revit for dummues

Today's lesson on revit was pretty helpful. Even though I have used revit almost every semester there is still so much to learn! Knowing how to set up a curtain wall properly is going to be much needed in the future.

Proposed renovation

Now that we have a basic design party for our proposed renovation, we need to keep developing the spaces and site. Our addition to the building will affect the site and, we have to change the parking on the northeast side to fit with the building.