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Portfolio: Introduction

2007-11-02T18:09:00.001-07:00

Before the apple:
"Focus on dissecting perspectives and deriving the spatial construct required to allow the perspectives to “occur”.

The semester revolved around creating a three dimensional space from experience, feeling and perception.

The stark contrast of calmness and business is almost lost when there is context. The context here is the sleeping BB7 cast member. Usually, when two conflicting concepts are joined into one frame one of the two is more dominant. The image to the left is perceived calmness and the image to the right, with the context removed, is very busy, drawing the eye all over the place.

The Apple Store at Copley Square
Boston, Massachusetts

Activity: The first day of the intensive period will culminate in a 2 hour visit to the Apple Store located in the Cambridgeside Galleria.

Purpose: To provide you with a first hand experience of “the program” for the semesters design project. The different “zones” within the Apple Store Cambridgeside (i.e. checkout, merchandise display, kid’s play area, theatre, genius bar, etc.) will represent 75% of the program for the project. You will determine the remaining 25% of the program. Any program is acceptable, provided that the logic behind the selection is clearly and adequately explained.

Homework: Formulate a conceptual notion (i.e. a narrative – text or image based) that will drive the development of the design project. This notion should include speculations about the “remaining 25%”.

The Apple store design below illustrates the experience and opportunities to "visually shop"

Portfolio: Concept

2007-11-02T18:08:00.001-07:00

An exploration of how one could capture the "feeling" of the Apple store lead to these quick diagrammatic plans of how someone could experience an Apple store. After visiting a nearby store and pulling from past visits from other apple stores I created a list of senses that came to mind: Formal, clean, seamless, open, visual, touch, layers and material. This concept sketch, although very diagrammatic, explores many of those first senses. How one is lead through the store, how the product in presented. The direct path of travel, from front to back of the store, had a very formal 'progressional' attitude about it. This sense of formal progression was also present in the presentation of the product. The seamless transition of the product was very interesting. It made sense, you get the computer, then you get the software, then you get the "toys" to go with the computer. The apple store is like a candy shop for adults. My eyes were all over the place, even though there were a few physical boundaries, I was still able to get a glimpse of what was beyond. Layers and layers and layers of information, product, and visual information is all experienced at any given moment. The sketch above demonstrates these ideas: boundary, transparent, procession, public vs. private, visual shopping.

Portfolio: Site Plan

2007-11-02T00:15:00.000-07:00

Portfolio: Process

2007-11-01T23:59:00.000-07:00

The first series of pictures are from the first study model.

The next few are from the second study model.

What is the direct/implied connection between the roof and the front patio?
The connection between the roof and the patio is all about the people... this site, this store is more than a "retail" location, it is about people movement, a place for all users to mingle. A tourist attraction as much as a "locals" hang out. I would equate it like this... locals = MAC users and tourists = Ipod users; all coming together at one location.

What is it about this public platform that makes me want to go there? Especially at night?

The concept/ideas surrounding the "public platform" is just that... for many years (the earlier years) the MAC (apple) was an underground sort-of cult following. Since the advent of the Ipod and its huge success, the Apple name has grown leaps and bounds. Apple's concept of late has been that the MAC is user friendly, the Ipod is a way to express yourself, etc, etc. The public platform is not only a physical place but a ideology concept where all users, and non-users can interact and share experiences, knowledge, friendship, etc, etc

The public space could be nice... How would you get me there if I were a PC user?

The other 95%... This is where the genies of apple can shine. Apple has already started this type of thinking... the invent of the Ipod without the connectivity to the PC world would have been a quick death. How ever apple teamed up with HP to make things work...

Portfolio: Model

2007-11-01T23:50:00.000-07:00

When starting the model I focused around the "progressional" and layering aspects of what I wanted to create/have dialogue about. Which turned out to be the 25% aspect of the program as well. In two parts, I worked on the vertical movement with in the store as well as the a connection to Copley Square. The vertical movement would be this enclosed yet extremely open "people mover", and I wanted to take an element of the store outside to the square. I believe that both of these ideas work well with one of the first concepts: Layering. The angled 'people mover' presented itself with some logistical issues as well as circulation patterns. The latter I am very pleased with. The purpose of the elevated public platform is two-fold: it brings the store to the square as well as the square to the store.

Portfolio: Plans

2007-11-01T23:47:00.001-07:00

The floor plans were designed with the historical surroundings in mind. The 'public platform' is drawn out of the store to better serve as a connection to Copley Square and function as an extension of the square. Meanwhile the 'people mover' has direct visual connection to the John Hancock Tower. A three-story glass facade that peers into the Boston Public Library takes advantage of the benefits that South facing glazing has to offer.

The 'Genius Bar' is located just within the front entrance of the Apple store and is easily identifiable with room to serve many customers at one time. Also located on the ground level floor is the "support room" as its most sensible location with direct access to the public alley. The stock room will have access to all levels via the"product/support mover" that will have the same showmanship as its big brother the 'people mover' on a smaller scale.

The 'Public Platform' is located a comfortable 13' above the hustle and bustle of Boylston Street, providing a birds-eye view of Copley Square and glimpses of the activity inside the store. This place is intended to invite the 'other 95%' to experience an Apple product, enjoy a snack on the way to the next appointment, people watch, or talk with current Apple consumers, either way this 'public platform' is just that, an place for the public to interact with Apple being the host.

The second level or the main floor area for product display, sales, and interaction provides access to the the "Public Platform" from the store. This connection will bolster the concept of bringing the store into the square and Copley Square into the store. At the public platform consumers and non consumers can interact, have meetings, take a break from the busy day, or enjoy their new apple product.

The second level also allows for "visual shopping". Here, as well as the third and fourth/roof levels, consumers have visual access to all of the products and services that Apple has to offer. This concept of 'visual shopping' is continued throughout the store and is best seen in the following sections.

The abundance of glazing on the Boyston elevation also allows 'visual shopping' from the 'public platform."

Portfolio: Detailing

2007-11-01T23:43:00.001-07:00

The layering of product was one item that stood out to me. I explored the "layering" concept of how products were displayed and explore ways to convey that concept into the architecture of the space. One way was to have a visual path to all the products at all times, i.e.: while browsing the computers you could look past them and start visually shopping the accessories and software. The other was to have this "people mover" that was open to the store visually and while moving from floor to floor or space to space, there inside the "people mover" one could start to shop visually. Below is that "signature element" that would allow this type of activity. I focused more on the "container" (packaging) of the elevator (people mover). The glass elevator has been done many times over and I wanted the "container" to be the icon.

The signature detail/element for this Apple store is two-fold:

1. The enclosure or container/packaging for the vertical circulation is a system of structural glass, post-tension cables, and a concrete frame. The concept is to keep the circulation in view of the consumers from the floor area as well as provide views (visual shopping) from inside as you journey to different parts of the store. To support the two layers of 1/2" tempered glass, the post-tension cables are anchored to the streamlined concrete frame as the glass plates sandwich the cables with a fastener at each corner of the plate glass.

2. The main vertical circulation pattern is not truly vertical, rather a 'slanted' version of the elevator. The "people mover" transverses the store at a severe angle providing a view of the store and Copley Square at every point. This is better depicted in the sections.

Portfolio: Sectins

2007-11-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

The sections proved to be the best storyteller. I was able to work through some design decisions as well as explain better the focus of 'visual shopping'. This section demonstrates the views into the different levels and different products.

From the ground level there are opportunities to see up to the second and third levels, as well out to the 'public platform' and Copley square.

Like the ground level, the second, third, and fourth levels allow for 'visual shopping' through openings in the floor plates or half floor plates.

As previously mentioned, this section demonstrates the concept of 'visual shopping' and affords views into the 'public platform' as well as Copley square. This section also reiterates the concept of providing for or seeking the 'other 95%'. The upper floor (fourth/roof level) shows the opportunities this space can have for Apple and non-apple related functions to occur. The fourth floor gallery can be used for special/new product unveilings, art displays, or 'lunch and learn' seminars.

The roof deck plaza can also be used for a vast amount of other activities that could range from weddings to small acoustical concerts.

The idea of the roof plaza stems from the goal to bring a little of the store to the square and Copley Square to the store as did the 'public platform'. However, the expansive view extends this connection to Trinity Church, the Old South Church, the Boston Public Library, the John Hancock Building, and the Boston Skyline. This place could also generate additional income outside the sales of the product while serving as a great outdoor area with views of an important part of historical Back Bay.

Old South Church

Trinity Church

John Hancock Building
Boston Public Library

Portfolio: Elevations

2007-11-01T23:13:00.000-07:00

The 'public platform', as seen in the Boylston elevation, is the transition node between the public nature of Copley square and the consumerism-driven nature of the Apple store. At this "transition node" there is a nice blend of consumerism and public space gently co-existing in one place.

Another example of this concept of 'transition nodes' is the gallery that extends out over the store and above the public platform as it starts to engage Copley Square with a bird's-eye view as well as providing views of the Old South Church and the Boston Library to the West and South West and a great view of the John Hancock Tower from the front of the gallery.

Portfolio: THE ARCHITECT AS LEGISLATOR

2007-11-01T22:53:00.000-07:00

Topics to pay attention to... the Las Vegas AIA publication (FOURM) for February 2006 cover article is from Randy Lavinge, Hon. AIA - Executive Director.
Here is her first paragraph:

"What does that mean? 'The Architect as Legislator'? It means that in the fast-paced, ever-changing, cyber-uniworld we live in today, an architect cannot simply be a good designer. It means that architects can no longer afford to let someone else make decisions that define our communities and the practice of architecture. Architects must make a conscious effort to be more aware of... and more responsive to... the local, state and federal governmental agends and how they impact our communities. It means that architects need to get involved in the political process. They need to seek out and accept leadership roles in their communities, so that they can help to guide the policies and the decisions that shape our cities, our nation and our world."

This paragraph and article raises great questions and discussions:
the following are my thoughts as well as some of my classmates regarding "THE ARCHITECT AS LEGISLATOR "

This is a very interesting topic. But where do we draw the line? If we get so actively involved in so many different things, politics, etc. when do we have time to do things thing that got us involved in the first place. If what you love is politics, then by all means get involved... Maybe one thing that we forget as students in architecture because we can afford to look at grander ideas and theories, is that architecture is a service industry. We provide a service, not a product. That service is provided to a client who expects to get their monies worth.
~Karrick

I think that there is something to be said for the "architect' to participate in local government. Take for example the townboards, city commission, city council, these boards are usally held by businness, political, and developer minded individuals. These same people are the ones voting on what is approporate or not. One the most part they have NO architectural or city planning background, yet we (for the most part) allow them to make the decisions. I would like to sit on one of these boards some day and bring my knodledge to the table. I also agree with you about getting to spread out as a profession. that is why we hire people to do those sotrs of things so WE can focus on the design and do what WE do. I too would like to know where the line is.
~Ken

I'm interested in what the article has to say. Do leadership and community action begin with the legislation? Is legislation a vehicle for carrying out our community ideas? Or is it a hurdle to overcome, whether at the beginning or the end of a process?
~Anne

Portfolio: History/Theory Paper

2007-11-01T22:40:00.000-07:00

The City of Las Vegas and the surrounding Las Vegas valley has seen tremendous growth over the last decades. Since 1990, the population has doubled. All indications assure that this trend will continue. This growth provides a thriving community for many, as pointed out in the May 2005 issue of Architectural Record:
Las Vegas found an economic-success formula that eludes so many other places: high growth combined with low costs. It’s been affordable to all but the lowest-paid service workers—and many of them are far better paid than they are elsewhere because Las Vegas is one of the most unionized cities in the country. Low taxes and hands-off regulators make it easy to start a business here, and easy for those businesses to expand. Rapid population growth (around 100,000 per year) adds new customers and new opportunities every day. - May 2005 issue of Architectural Record
The rapid growth has also presented a small-town city with some big-town problems. Many of these issues go unseen or passed off as temporary, but as the growth continues, the problems worsen.
"If you want a bus to work, forget about it, but if you want a limo or cab to a casino no problem," says Marianetti. "Everything is geared toward the hotels and tourists but when it comes to the people who actually live here, they come last." http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2005-04-27-vegas_x.htm
During the 2003 Nevada legislative session, in the midst of a deadlock over raising taxes in the no-income-tax state, it became known to residents that the education budget was knit in with the general state budget. The deadlock held funding from one of the fastest growing and the fifth largest school district in the country, until some last minute Nevada Supreme Court decisions and legislative petitions and initiatives resolved to fund "Education First." Had that been allowed to happen, there was fear of schools not being allowed to open and teachers and staff not being paid.
GOAL: OWNERSHIP
Because of the Hotel/Tourism-based economy, the tremendous growth in the Las Vegas Valley, and a small share of residents being native to the valley, local ownership of the community is based off of how they perceived ownership of their previous city. "Home" for most residents in Las Vegas is somewhere else. The sense of ownership in Las Vegas lies in providing for the now 22% economic basis, the Casino Industry. There are plans underway to redevelop an unused former railroad property near downtown Las Vegas. Redevelopment of the Union Pacific Railroad site as a mixed-use development with residential being provided for locals vs. the result of "Manhattanization" with luxury high-rise towers built and sold to time-share holders, investors, and vacation-seekers. How can retail, business, coffee shops, boutiques cater to the local residents vs. the tourists? The residential aspect is a much-needed aspect in the revitalization of the downtown corridor.
A good example of a successful mixed-use development in the Las Vegas Valley is "The District," located in a high-end area of the valley (http://www.thedistrictatgvr.com/). While this example of a successful mixed-use development proves that residential and commercial uses blend well with and depend on each other for success, one key component is vacant. Constant night life from shops, restaurants and people walking the streets on their way home provide a great "place" to be and will continue to draw people to this development for many years to come. However, as mentioned earlier, there is still a key component missing: location. Although The District is nestled close to a major casino and has connectivity (both pedestrian and vehicular) to thriving surrounding neighborhoods, it is far from being central to the Las Vegas Valley. In contrast, though downtown Las Vegas is littered with casinos, there is a general lack of local citizens. The aspect which makes The District a success where it is located is PEOPLE. Without the human component, this site would be no different than what is going currently in downtown Las Vegas. The site is successful due to the presence of people, location, and need for shopping in that area.
Happening now in downtown Las Vegas is the opposite of what was created in The District. There will be residential, commercial, and business in these "beautiful" towers in planning and those currently under construction. However, what is happening is the downtown area may not be as a result of consideration of the residents of Las Vegas. All sorts of studies must be generated for final approval, including traffic impact studies, drainage studies, and impact of development to the schools, parks, churches, utilities. There are financial issues that have to be dealt with before high-rise mixed-use developments can be approved. The one leading factor that is left out in the planning and approval process is PEOPLE. Who will use and live in these towers? There is no hard data used in determining who will buy and ultimately take ownership of these high-rise communities. Yes, during the financial scope that has to be presented, staggering numbers are given that this type of development will succeed. Those numbers are primarily based on unit sales. On the surface, these numbers seem good and reliable, but one can question who is really going to live there. The target demographic seems to have been real estate investors, wealthy vacation home buyers, and famous people, most of whom live outside of Las Vegas. This demographic is not representative of the residents of Las Vegas. Generally, Las Vegans are, like most everywhere else, middle-age, working class families of 3-5. The developers are worthy of applause in moving forward with the right and abilities to develop such properties. However, the true everyday occupancy rate for these towers could potentially be quite low. These towers, on their own, will not help develop and rejuvenate downtown Las Vegas; it will only build upon what currently exists: a shell of a downtown that is supported and lived in by the tourist.
For these residential towers to be successful within the community there must first be a downtown to support the "families" that live in the towers. It would follow like this:
Growing businesses, + local amenities (shopping, entertainment), + people
= A successful downtown
The importance of this equation lies not in the variables, but in the order. A budding downtown business district, which provides the need for local amenities, which will draw people to it, will provide a successful downtown.
In contrast to this, Henderson, a growing city as well, has seen some of these mistakes and has developed a plan that addresses these concerns. As experienced in The District and other smaller developments, Henderson has set out to develop (and they did) shopping and business nodes, low-rise condos and apartments, and residential on a single-family scale. This development strategy has been carried over to the Henderson "downtown strip."
Nearly half a century ago during a visit to Southern Nevada, President John F. Kennedy predicted that the then fledgling City of Henderson was a "city of destiny." Little could he have known just how accurate a prediction he was making.
Henderson was actually "born in America's defense" ten years prior to its incorporation during World War II with the building of the Basic Magnesium Plant. The plant supplied the US War Department with magnesium for munitions and airplane parts.
However, in 1947, magnesium production was no longer necessary for defense and most of the 14,000 BMI employees moved away. Enrollment in the school system was reduced by two thirds and well over half the townsite houses, built to house plant workers, went vacant. In 1947 the United States War Asset Administration actually offered Henderson for sale as war surplus property. In an effort to save the city, the Nevada Legislature spent a weekend visiting Henderson evaluating the possibility of state administration of Basic Magnesium. Within days of the visit, the legislators unanimously approved a bill giving the Colorado River Commission of Nevada the authority to purchase the industrial plants. Governor Vail Pittman signed the Bill on March 27, 1947, helping save Henderson from becoming war surplus property.
With the help of local industry, the City of Henderson, Nevada, was officially incorporated on April 16, 1953. On May 23, 1953, Henderson, with its population of 7,410, elected Dr. Jim French as the town’s first Mayor. Originally about 13 square miles in size, the City quickly began to grow and flourish. Today, the City of Henderson has grown to more than 94.5 square miles and is the second largest city in Nevada. Henderson is often referred to as having small town values with big city efficiencies. The city's official slogan "Henderson—a Place to Call Home" reflects a community that enjoys small town values while benefiting from big city efficiencies.
http://www.cityofhenderson.com/mayor/php/history.php
I mention the history of Henderson for two reasons:
1. Not many people outside the Las Vegas Valley know that Henderson is their own city.
2. Like Las Vegas, there is a downtown, although Henderson’s downtown is strikingly different than that of Las Vegas.
Downtown Henderson is not a littered with casinos, it is not complied of multiple large buildings, yet their vision is the same: bring people back into downtown. Henderson’s downtown is one street with small 30-foot section streets connecting the 1940's magnesium plant housing. The only anchor is the City Hall on the South end of the road. On the other end of the road, Water Street provides a normal corner that feeds into Lake Mead Highway. On one side is a small motel and the other a gas station. However, located in between is a series of small shops (mainly single story, with an occasional two-story building from the 1950's).
Recently, the Henderson Redevelopment Agency has developed a plan to build up their downtown.
Downtown: Projects totaling more than 230,000 square feet and including retail, residential and office components in Downtown Henderson began construction in 2005. These projects are located along Water Street, the cultural heart of the city and feature galleries, murals, artisan and craft boutiques, restaurants, and a new Henderson Events Plaza."
Downtown Henderson will be undergoing many changes in the very near future. Construction is complete for upgrading the utilities in Water Street, and Phase II of the construction to expand the sidewalk, and make the pedestrian areas more beautiful and inviting is underway. Standards have been adopted to require ground floor retail storefronts in multi-story, mixed-use buildings to allow for a diverse, exciting Downtown experience.
In 2003, the Redevelopment Agency adopted the Downtown Investment Strategy (DIS) to guide the development of Downtown Henderson. The DIS identifies target niche business types in which recruitment efforts are focused. Those niches are Specialty Retail, Convenience Retail, Arts & Culture, and Market-Rate Housing.
The Agency provides development incentives in the form of grants, low-interest loans, take-out financing, and more. Two programs have proven very successful in assisting new and existing businesses to thrive: the Facade Improvement Program (no longer available) "and the Revolving Loan Fund. These programs have provided financial assistance to business and property owners for improvements, start-up capital, equipment and the like. The Agency also administers the Homeowner Assistance Program, which provides grants and low-interest loans to residents living within the Downtown Henderson Redevelopment Area.
There are many unique and original shops and restaurants, as well as owner-operated service businesses located in the Water Street District of Downtown Henderson. The Redevelopment Agency helps to recruit additional target businesses to the area. The fun and vibrant Downtown is home to a gold caster who designs custom jewelry, several fine art galleries, artisan and craft boutiques, and
a wonderfully cozy used-book store. In addition, there is a custom embroidery store, several beauty salons, one-of-a-kind restaurants, real estate brokerages, banks, florists, local casinos, and much more! Each store is operated by the owner and provides the ultimate in specialized customer service.
The Water Street District is also home to many Agency- and City-sponsored events, including ArtFest, the Springsational Heritage Parade, Concerts in the Park, Super Run Car Show, Water Street District Celebration of the Arts, Henderson's Terrible 300 Off-road Race Tech and Contingency Event, and the Children's Christmas Parade. In addition to these events, the Downtown Henderson Business Association also sponsors Third Thursdays, which is an art-walk that is held the third Thursday of every month in the Water Street District of Downtown
Henderson, and a weekly farmers market. Country Fresh Farmers Market recently moved to the Henderson Events Plaza in front of City Hall. Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and features farm-fresh produce, plants, flowers, and unique gifts and food
http://www.cityofhenderson.com/property/redevelopment/php/redevelopment.php
It started simple and slow: find developers and partner with them to develop commerce. This is a key point, one that Henderson didn’t back down on. Riding on the backbone of their concept to develop places where day-long activities could and would take place, building started to emerge from the shambles of the few vacant lots. These vacant lots are now restaurants, art galleries, business offices, coffee shops and book stores. Yes, they are multi-story, but on a small scale. The city hosts block parties, craft fairs, car shows, etc., and on any given weekend, something is going on. These changes took time, and that was okay with them. They found developers that wanted to enhance their downtown area in the fashion that the city set out. While these new developments were in planning and construction, the City started a working on improving the pedestrian scale of the street. The ‘Water Street Project’ is a three-phase plan to revitalize the area:
Phase 1 improvements included:
1. Removal of existing sidewalk, curb, gutter, medians and asphalt on Water Street between Atlantic Avenue and Basic Road
2. New curb, gutter and asphalt on Water Street between Atlantic Avenue and Basic Road
3. A new storm drain in Atlantic Avenue from Lead Street to Boulder Highway, and in Basic Road from Water Street to Boulder Highway
4. Sanitary sewer in Basic Road from Water Street to Boulder Highway # Water distribution upgrades in the intersection of Water Street and Atlantic Avenue, and Water Street and Basic Road # Conduit in Basic Road from Water Street to Boulder Highway
Phase II improvements included:
Revised landscaping and street lighting
New sidewalk, curb, gutter, and asphalt on Water Street between Ocean Avenue and Pacific Avenue
Water distribution upgrades in the intersection of Water Street and Pacific Avenue
Re-pavement of Lead Street between Basic Road and Atlantic Avenue
Re-pavement of Basic Road between Lead Street and Water Street
Phase III improvements have not yet been scheduled, but they will include: n Revised landscaping and street lighting
New sidewalk, curb, gutter, and asphalt on Water Street between Pacific Avenue and Lake Mead Drive
http://www.cityofhenderson.com/works/waterstreet/php/waterstreet.php
The three-phase Water Street Project, funded through a combination of sources, including grants, redevelopment funds, and water and sewer funds, provides for $12 million in infrastructure and aesthetic improvements in the core of Downtown Henderson. The project will serve area businesses, special events and continued development.
Water Street is a five-lane street for the better part of it. With consultants ranging from civil engineers to artists, they transformed a small street that was, for the most part, pedestrian-friendly, to a two-lane street with wider sidewalks.
Coming on board is a project that we have been working on, the "City Tower," which consists of offices, residential, and retail on the same lot, at the gateway to downtown Henderson. The RDA sought out this developer and approached him in a way that shocked many in Henderson. He had applied for a development that fell in-line to the RDA/City’s vision for Water Street but was asked to go bigger and better. The RDA suggested that he develop a residential component to the development. Henderson had succeeded in providing people a place to be and was ready to start developing high-rise residential in conjunction with business and shopping in their downtown. As a result the residential component was approved with a lot of collaboration with the City, RDA, the developer and us.
The following may or may not apply, as the focus of this paper has morphed into something entirely different than I planned, and may change yet.

With the inclusion of Master-Plan Communities (Summerlin www.summerlin.com, The Lakes http://www.lasvegashomeagent.com/Lakes.html, Lake Las Vegas www.lakelasvegas.com, Anthem www.bartaustin.com/anthem/anthem-intro-index.html), people are living out their American dream of home ownership; however it’s a quarter-acre spot of land they value, perhaps their two-mile radius shopping centers or communities. What happens in downtown Las Vegas is not on their priority list. Moving people into the city at an alarming rate of 5,000 per month, is there or can there be a sense of ownership for where you reside or is Home still where you grew up?
With people moving away from the center of the valley, those areas become dilapidated, crime becomes more prevalent, and home values plummet… is this because the Las Vegas area has room to expand toward the outskirts of town? People would rather build new and run from the problems of the dying middle?
This emerging trend of living in the outskirts of the outskirts has created a cross-traffic congestion where people live on one side of the valley yet work on the other. Will this trend cause corporate businesses to want to relocate to the outskirts as well?
"Just five to 10 years ago, you heard all the time that this was a middle-class working town where you could ... work hard and afford a house close to your work," says Robert Parker, an urbanist at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "That's not true anymore. The frontier is moving further and further out to where a normal worker has to drive two hours just to find an affordable home." http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2005-04-27-vegas_x.htm
Homes are not more affordable toward the outskirts, but they are more desirable (i.e. new, better amenities, nicer parks, lower crime rates, gated communities, etc.) When these new communities are constructed, shopping centers, restaurants, etc., are farther away. Infrastructure takes time to catch up.
Water
o Water construction sites to keep dust down, but water restrictions. Assess needs of water based on air quality?
o Water shortage, usage restrictions.
o 90% comes from Colorado River- in a drought
Infrastructure
o Constant Construction
Constant construction spread across the valley spreads resources thin. Trying to provide infrastructure to multiple sites across the valley at the same time and in a timely manner is impossible within the current state.
Many sites without utilities
o Constantly playing catch-up
o Takes months for gas & power to get to sites
Transportation
RTC is a start, however
Due to urban sprawl and weather climate, the Las Vegas Valley is primarily personal vehicular society with little or no attention given to an efficient transit solution for locals. Currently, the C.A.T. Bus system "carries over 50 million passengers annually," approximately 10% of the valley’s population per day, but the bus stops and clientele are often tourists and/or "undesirables." This type of service greatly differs from counterparts in other cities across the country whose transit systems are used as an everyday form of transportation for businessmen, scholars, families, and students.
Car society. Lots of traffic
o Rail system? Monorail to airport will help, but needs to branch out away from the strip
o Access to transportation hubs?
o Too hot!
Construction Methods
o Now: get it built quick, fix it later.
A few years ago, a whole residential development was built without weep screeds (http://www.donohueteam.com/suncity/Weep%20Screeds/Weep%20Screeds%20in%20Sun%20City%20Summerlin.htm). The inspectors didn’t even catch it. Thousands of dollars in litigation and repair later, not to mention potential health issues of people living in the homes, the result is an illustration of the danger in building with the speed that is followed in the Las Vegas Valley.
Fast construction + low budget = poor construction.
Possible solutions
Active involvement
· Unified, educated voice to influence, inform policy and city fathers
· Resources for research, finances, advocacy
AIA Nevada
www.aianevada.org
History:
In 1939 architects who were already practicing in Reno and Las Vegas formed the Nevada State Association of Architects. This group recognized the growing need for a regulatory body and their sole stated purpose was "establishing laws to protect the profession and raise the standard of architecture in Nevada."
AIA Nevada Mission Statement To unite the AIA membership in the State of Nevada in fellowship; To lead legislative efforts for AIA Architects in the State of Nevada; To engage the public with a unified voice for AIA Architects in the State of Nevada; To ensure the health, safety and welfare of the public is protected through legislative efforts; To recognize excellence in design and service to the profession and the community.
AIA Nevada appears to be moving toward the original mission statement by this month holding a day-long strategic planning session to determine a 5-year plan. With recent growth over the last 12 years, programs and services have also increased. AIA Nevada is also looking into bringing a nationally-renowned associate management specialist to help facilitate this session. The results of this session will be announced at the March membership meeting.
Professional Collaboration
o Two heads are better than one, most simply
o Share ideas and previous experience to better the profession. Not re-inventing the wheel. Build on other people’s knowledge and experience.
§ Other professions:
· Medical: SHARE new discoveries, techniques, etc.
· Education: SHARE same, ENCOURAGE to "steal" materials/tactics
· Legal: Billing standards
· Science: SHARE theories/results to evaluate, criticize, "prove"
http://www.utexas.edu/courses/streeter/fl1999ehrd690/overheads/oh6.html:
Intraprofessional collaboration vs. interprofessional collaboration
Intraprofessional collaboration among colleagues who share a common professional education, values, socialization, identity, and experience.
Interprofessional collaboration between professionals who may not share a common professional education, values, socialization, identity, and experience.
OTHER THOUGHTS: The rules don’t apply
The ability of Las Vegas to sell itself as a destination where the norms and rules of daily life are thrown out the window, continues to be the city's biggest draw. "Vegas has managed to learn how to make itself be all things to all people," says historian Rothman. "If you are into country music, there is a niche for you here, or if you are into NASCAR there is a niche, or if you are a billionaire or drive a Chevette or Yugo, there is a place for you." http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2005-04-27-vegas_x.htm

Final Crit: Conept Statement/Studio Introduction

2007-02-17T04:46:00.001-08:00

This first initial concept sketch was an exploration of how I could capture the "feeling" of the Apple store. After visiting a nearby store and pulling from past visits from other apple stores I created a list of senses that came to mind: Formal, clean, seamless, open, visual, touch, layers and material. This concept sketch, although very diagrammatic, explores many of those first senses. How one is lead through the store, how the product in presented.

The direct path of travel, from front to back of the store, had a very formal 'progressional' attitude about it. This sense of formal progression was also present in the presentation of the product. The seamless transition of the product was very interesting. It made sense, you get the computer, then you get the software, then you get the "toys" to go with the computer.

The apple store is like a candy shop for adults. My eyes were all over the place, even though there were a few physical boundaries, I was still able to get a glimpse of what was beyond. Layers and layers and layers of information, product, and visual information is all experienced at any given moment.

Final Crit: Model

2007-02-17T04:45:00.002-08:00

When starting the model I focused around the "progressional" and layering aspects of what I wanted to create/have dialogue about. Which turned out to be the 25% aspect of the program as well. In two parts, I worked on the vertical movement with in the store as well as the a connection to Copley Square. The vertical movement would be this enclosed yet extremely open "people mover", and I wanted to take an element of the store outside to the square. I believe that both of these ideas work well with one of the first concepts: Layering. The angled 'people mover' presented itself with some logistical issues as well as circulation patterns. The latter I am very pleased with. The purpose of the elevated public platform is two-fold: it brings the store to the square as well as the square to the store.

Final Crit: Plan

2007-02-17T04:45:00.001-08:00

Final Crit: Plan

2007-02-17T04:44:00.002-08:00

The second level or the main floor area for product display, sales, and interaction provides access to the the "Public Platform" from the store. This connection will bolster the concept of bringing the store into the square and Copley Square into the store. At the public platform consumers and non consumers can interact, have meetings, take a break from the busy day, or enjoy their new apple product.

The second level also allows for "visual shopping". Here, as well as the third and fourth/roof levels, consumers have visual access to all of the products and services that Apple has to offer. This concept of 'visual shopping' is continued throughout the store and is best seen in the following sections.

The abundance of glazing on the Boyston elevation also allows 'visual shopping' from the 'public platform."

Final Crit: Detailing

2007-02-17T04:44:00.001-08:00

Final Crit: Section

2007-02-17T04:43:00.000-08:00

The sections proved to be the best storyteller. Here I was able to work through some design decisions as well as explain better the focus of 'visual shopping'. This section demonstrates the views into the different levels and different products.

From the ground level there are opportunities to see up to the second and third levels, as well out to the 'public platform' and Copley square.

Like the ground level, the second, third, and fourth levels allow for 'visual shopping' through openings in the floor plates or half floor plates.

Final Crit: Section

2007-02-17T04:42:00.000-08:00

The roof deck plaza can also be used for a vast amount of other activities that could range from weddings to small acoustical concerts.

Final Crit: Elevation

2007-02-17T04:40:00.000-08:00

The 'public platform', as seen in the Boylston elevation, could be considered as a transition node between the public nature of Copley square and the consumerism-driven nature of the Apple store. At this "transition node" there is a nice blend of consumerism and public space gently co-existing in one place.

Another example of this concept of 'transition nodes' is the gallery that extends out over the store and above the public platform as it starts to engage Copley Square with a bird's-eye view as well as providing views of the Old South Church and the Boston Library to the West and South West and a great view of the John Hancock Tower from the front of the gallery.

History/Theory paper

2007-02-17T02:32:00.000-08:00

ELEVATIONS

2007-02-17T02:26:00.000-08:00

SECTIONS

2007-02-17T00:50:00.000-08:00

Site Plans and Floor Plans

2007-02-17T00:30:00.000-08:00

Section-1 (test post)

2007-02-16T19:20:00.000-08:00

Section looking towards the "people mover". Various floor plate openings allow for "visual shopping". The "people mover" is clad in glass and is structurally suppoeted by post-tension cables anchored in an open concrete frame.

Plans

2007-02-11T18:50:00.000-08:00

Here is the first and second floor plans:
also here is an elevation of the outdoor "Public Platform", this will be developed further this week.

It appears the angled people mover is a bigger challenge to elevat that I first thought. I believe the section is a better picture of how it moves in the store.

let me know what you all think.

Process

2007-02-10T14:39:00.000-08:00

Here are couple sketches that helped me along the way...

the quality is kinda poor, as I did these on bumwad and am learning the best way to scan...

"Having fun again"

2007-02-08T14:44:00.000-08:00

Here is an article about a local Architect that my friend works for. Ed (the principle architect) left the largest architectural firm in Nevada, where he was a principle and CEO, to start a smaller, more grounded firm. Interesting I thought as Iknow that some in the group have had issues like this in the past or will be experiancing this soon.

click here for the link.

Signature Element

2007-02-06T20:02:00.000-08:00

Here is my signature element... while in Boston and the intensive studio I talked a lot about, in regards to the apple store and the selling of the items, layers and how the use of layers. The layering of product was one item that stood out to me. i wanted to take the "layering" concept of how products were displayed and explore ways to convey that concept into the architecture of the space.

One way was to have a visual path to all the products at all times, i.e.: while browsing the computers you could look past them and start visually shopping the accessories and software. The other was to have this "people mover" that was open to the store visually and while moving from floor to floor or space to space, there inside the "people mover" one could start to shop visually.

Below is that "signature element" that would allow this type of activity. I focused more on the "container" (packaging) of the elevator (people mover). The glass elevator has been done many times over and I wanted the "container" to be the icon. So i have developed a way to enclose the elevator that would allow full vision of the store in a way that, I feel, that would display both the store, the journey inside the elevator and the elevator.

I would appreciate comments and ideas of how to maybe expand upon this idea of "visually shopping."

Click on the image to link to a better image.

Answers...

2007-02-04T11:12:00.000-08:00

Ken's questions...

What happens inside of the "people mover"?

Music, video, talking, interaction, engagement

What is the experience inside and outside of the "people mover"?

Inside: party, excitement, engagement w/people
Outside: sales, learning, engagement w/product

Will the experience inside be the same or different from the outside?

The same experience, yet the experience will be different, in that common element will be "you". The engagement will be with either people or objects.

This space has, to me, the same feel as the outdoor "public platform" and the roof top.

I want to exploit the working components of the "people mover", structure, culture, surroundings... How can this concept be explored into the rest of the store?

The use of materials, scale (walls, ceilings) and texture will allow for these concepts to bleed through the store.

Is there a way to have the "people mover" open to the outside?

I believe there is... if the "people mover" is just a big elevator then the travel car is what can be used to explore this idea. The travel car can be concealed from the elements and the "container" (the packaging) can be exposed to the elements. Allow for some portions of the package to open to the city and others open to the store.

Chris' questions...

Detroit's people move is a loop. The HighLine's is a line. What is yours?

It is what it is... I don't think it can be called a "loop" in the traditional sense, it is closer to a line. In this application it moves people from A to B, but not from the traditional sense that it is place to place as in the HighLine or a subway system, but more of a destination to destination within a destination. Maybe it is a lineal-destination-loop".

Both of those first two examples are quite large in scale (i.e. 10+ city blocks). The typical people mover in a building (given the scale) is an escalator or an elevator. Thoughts?

Like I mentioned above, maybe it is the elevator... I am okay with that, a lot of the time things really as they are and that is why they are... the question I have now is, "what is special/different about this elevator that Apple will need to have it in this store? How does it relate to the other concepts of the store and fit into the experience of its surrounds?
I believe that I have answered these questions above....

I believe there is... if the "people mover" is just a big elevator then the travel car is what can be used to explore this idea. The travel car can be concealed from the elements and the "container" (the packaging) can be exposed to the elements. Allow for some portions of the package to open to the city and others open to the store.

Is the people move the primary (or only) means of vertical circulation?

Yes and No... Is that a fair answer? I think so. The vertical circulation will vary with every patron that visits the store as well as the "public" that may want to visit the building. Here is what I mean. I would like and I intend for the elevator, aka "people mover" to be the main circulation. There is also a "path", either stairs or ramp or both, that will have vertical circulation from the second to third floors. The primary use of the elevator is to move you to the second level as well as to the gallery and roof top space; those two will have an exterior stair element.

No iWalk, just an iPod

2007-02-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

What the hell... I have typed this post like 3 times and when i get ready to post it is gone....

anyways...

I ran across this article on Geek.com while doing some more research on Apple. Here are some of my favorite reviews on the First Generation Ipod's:

Whoop Dee Doo (3:27pm EST Tue Oct 23 2001)This is the
earth shattering lifestyle device that Steve Job's talked about.Whoopee.I
especially liked the 20 minutes of skip protection. If someone is shaking this
device for over 20 minutes, then someone should call the doctor because the guy
is probably having a seizure. - by

Prediction (12:42pm EST Wed Oct 24 2001)Apple -- gone
as a computer hardware maker by the end of 2002.If one's going to climb out on a
limb, I say go all the way.Apple is afloat because of Filemaker Pro, Inc. and
Pixar.It's been bleeding money over the last 12 months and has only been able to
temporarily stem the decline. The next to Xmases will tell the tale. - by JJ
Brannon

THE ARCHITECT AS LEGISLATOR

2007-01-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

I just received out local Las Vegas AIA publication (FOURM) for February and the cover article is from Randy Lavinge, Hon. AIA - Executive Director

Here is her first paragraph:

"What does that mean? 'The Architect as Legislator'? It means that in the fast-paced, ever-changing, cyber-uniworld we live in today, an architect cannot simply be a good designer. It means that architects can no longer afford to let someone else make decisions that define our communities and the practice of architecture. Architects must make a conscious effort to be more aware of... and more responsive to... the local, state and federal governmental agends and how they impact our communities. It means that architects need to get involved in the political process. They need to seek out and accept leadership roles in their communities, so that they can help to guide the policies and the decisions that shape our cities, our nation and our world."

Tonight I will scan in the rest of this article and post it to the 'Blackboard' for those of you that wish to read the rest of it.

Studio- Develop Signature Element

2007-01-29T20:36:00.000-08:00

The "people mover"...

The central figure vi sable to all levels/layers of the store.

This space will weave inside and out of the store... each stop along the way providing for a different view...

What happens inside of the "people mover"?

What is the experience inside and outside of the "people mover"?

Will the experience inside be the same or different from the outside?

I want to exploit the working components of the "people mover", structure, culture, surroundings... How can this concept be explored into the rest of the store?

Is there a way to have the "people mover" open to the outside?

Some of my initial concepts of the space were:
-LAYERS-TOUCH-VISUAL-OPEN-SEAMLESS-CLEAN-FORMAL-MATERIAL

This "people mover" can address all of these ideas. The travel of the unit will penetrate all the layers. There will be visual clues of both the store and square that it fronts. The material (glass) can create openness, both visually and physical.

The elevator at the ICA provided me with inspiration and direction to follow in developing this element. The large scale of such an item can allow the elevator to be much more than just an elevator or "people mover", it can stand alone and also compliment its surroundings. The elevator used as a means of transportation from one level to the other is common and often not thought of anything else. Done right the "elevator" can set the mood/anticipation for what the destination will be.

On the outside looking in the experience is much different. At the ICA, every time I saw the elevator running I wanted to ride it again. Like a revolving canvas, each ride will provide a different, although similar experience.

At the Apple store it can be: buying the latest Apple invention, going to an event on the roof top gallery or plaza or heading out to the "observation deck" to people watch.

WATERLESS NO-FLUSH URINALS

2007-01-29T08:06:00.000-08:00

For all of you that thought I was losing my mind. I would like to introduce everyone to the "waterless urinals". This is a blurb from their web site Waterless Co.

"Waterless Co. welcomes you to the ultimate fixture in maintenance reduction and water conservation.Our patented No-Flush™ urinals work completely without water or flush valves. The system is touch free, improves restroom sanitation and eliminates odors. Waterless No-Flush™ urinals can be easily installed to all restroom applications. High traffic facilities benefit the most, either through retrofits or in new construction.A Waterless fixture saves up to 45,000 gallons of water and more per year per urinal and supports our intent for sustainability of our natural resources. While seemingly an unusual fixture, its simplicity is what convinces. Over the past 15 years Waterless Co. has installed thousands of No-Flush™ urinals in the US and abroad. Some high profile installations include Liberty Island, New York; Petronas Towers, Malaysia; The Jimmy Carter Library, Georgia. Our proven track record for a functional fixture, cost and man hour savings, reduction in maintenance and the improvement of our environment have made Waterless Co. a leader in this new industry.Waterless Co. strives to offer premium products, price stability, lowest long term operating costs, exceptional customer service as well as product innovations throughout its product line. Get The Dry Facts!! "

link to the info video

cost benefits

specifications

Post Intensive Studio

2007-01-27T18:45:00.000-08:00

I would like again to comment on the studio and the one week intensive studio. Like Rick said, "there is a lot to learn from 'fail fast'", to be able to make something fast, analysis, critic, and adjust can and has been extremely productive for me in the past. The week in Boston brought out that way of assessment and I am eager to follow those patterns again.

Most of the comments I received were paced on the model with the yellow sticky notes, and then some others on the pictures of the models, yet again with the yellow sticky notes. I was a little disappointed that no one took "sharpie to paper/model", oh well. The comments were still very thought provoking and addresses points that I had yet to think about or had thought about but hadn't completely resolved.

Notes from the models:

Note #1 - What is it about this public platform that makes me want to go there? Especially at night?

The concept/ideas surrounding the "public platform" is just that... for many years (the earlier years) the MAC (apple) was an underground sort-of cult following. Since the advent of the Ipod and its huge success, the Apple name has grown leaps and bounds. Apple's concept of late has been that the MAC is user friendly, the Ipod is a way to express yourself, etc, etc. The public platform is not only a physical place but a ideology concept where all users, and non-users can interact and share experiences, knowledge, friendship, etc, etc

Note #2 - The geometries are nice - how can they begin to break down at the smaller scale?

I am not sure that I want to break these into a small scale... I think they work well as they are, I feel that if these shapes start to appear all over the place in a "smaller" scale there can be a loss. I don't think that by bringing these geometries to a small scale it would enhance the feel.

Note #3 - Connection to Copley Square - Good start. Good idea.

Thank you... I originally was wanting to build below grade and only provide a glimpse of the store on the site... after visiting the site and getting some background of the square and what this store geographically would share its location with and what these other sites mean to the city and architecture as a whole, I wanted to start to bring Copley Square into the store as well as share the store with the square.

Note #4 - Can the top of your angle piece be a light shooting out into the sky?

I am not to sure about that... this site does not scream out the "Luxor", if in Vegas, maybe... But I am not to sure about how that would fit into a historical area like Copley Square.

Note #5 - What is the direct/implied connection between the roof and the front patio? Can it take a more direct route rather than underneath?

The connection between the roof and the patio is all about the people... this site, this store is more than a "retail" location, it is about people movement (as I mentioned earlier, a place for all users to mingle). A tourist attraction as much as a "locals" hang out. I would equate it like this... locals = MAC users and tourists = Ipod users; all coming together at one location. As far as a direct route... sure... How? that is something I will explore as i further the concept/design. I like the thought that there is some inter connectivity between the store, the outside areas and the roof top.

Note #6 - The public space could be nice... How would you get me there if I were a PC user?

Ahh the other 95%... great question! this is where the genies of apple can shine. Apple has already started this type of thinking... the invent of the Ipod without the connectivity to the PC world would have been a quick death. How ever apple teamed up with HP to make things work... I would assume that the large amount Ipod users are also PC users. A quick survey of my cohorts in the study showed only one MAC user among us... yet I would say nearly half of use had an Ipod. Back to the question... I use an Ipod, I don't use a MAC.... being at this "Public Platform" and being emerged in the Apple products (much more than i would be using my Ipod at home or in the office) I feel that the consumer (me) would venture to see the other products...

Notes from the images:

Chris, I was originally thinking that the "people mover" would be the connection between the public spaces. Access to the top level, also a public space, would be by invite only.... The invite only idea doesn't really work well with Apple's concepts or show connection to the Copley Square, a public space. The addition of the stairs would be two-fold: there would be public access to the "events" as well as a great upper plaza and I can see this "path" as an amphitheater to Copley square, a place where people watching can take place. This transition from public space to public space, from the vantage point from inside the store, would be wild, not to mention that the intended use of these "places" would also happen on the way to each one. Great point!!!

I agree with the "need" for the a clearer path... I, with the points made from the previous comment and reply will be able to expand on that.

Paul, I think you hit the nail right on the head! The ability to attract/keep people on the site, both during the day (store hours) and at night (after hours) is crucial to the success of mixed-use projects. Although there is no residential use in this program, maybe there is a need for residential at this corner? In any case, from what I saw during the night hours (after hours) there is still a high number of people that walk in the area going from here to there. I feel that if there is a reason (public space, art gallery, restaurant, night club, etc) this would then become a destination spot for the night life.

I think I hit on this point with the previous statement about wanting to create a place of destination by providing a space for an art gallery, restaurant, night club, etc. I like these comments because I feel that I got across the notion of what I would like the place to feel, now the questions are.... what will it be?

Ahh, the best description I could give at this point is... it would be like a sidewalk cafe area for consumers of the store as well as any person wanting to take a break from getting from A to B to come up to an elevated seating area to do what is usually done at any sidewalk cafe seating area would allow: people watching, meeting friends, have lunch, conduct a meeting, etc, etc.

I would imagine that Apple would be all over this... As Paul mentioned, "more people + Apple = more $$." Not only would there be more people on the site for longer hours, I can foresee people wanting to have receptions, weddings, art shows (revolving displays) lectures (during the "good" weather) as well as many others uses that will just happen as the "place" evolves on the roof/terrace.

The concept of the layers does not need to be as literal as " one set of rules stacked on another set of rules", rather I saw layers in the way the store was laid out... first there was this, then there was that to use with this, and then there was this to use with that to help use this. I wanted, and I think was successful, in that as the consumer shops there would be a visual link to the next item that he/she will need to have/want to make their MAC using experience better/easier. An example would be, as you are browsing the Power books you can see past that and start to get a glimpse of the software or the accessories that will make the experience better. I, personally shop like this, not necessarily having the visual connection to the "add-ons" but in my head I am thinking ahead to what else I can get for the product to use with it. I would like to bring in the visual aspect of this brain thought to the shopping experience. This will not only keep the brain thinking ahead for the next purchase, but allow the shopper to visually pick out the next product.

History/Theory - Week 3 .... 4

2007-01-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

(some of the major points from the Thursday assignment)

Why Help?

- I am looking at a exploring the possibility of introducing a homeless "city" into Las Vegas
- How can I look at the model of this homeless city in Portland, OR. and implement the principles and goals of their community into Las Vegas, NV?
- A place with rules without the social mandates of the city homeless shelters?
- Provide a sense of belonging... a fresh introduction back into the main stream "society". A sort of "halfway" house/place for the "bums", "vagrants", "undesirables", etc...
- implement the Portland model into the Vegas Valley
- re"architect" the components that I see as "Hurdles" in the process of assisting a process for a communal distortion of "RECIPROCITY"

FORESEEN ISSUES:
- Location
- Value
- Participation
- Favor/support/interest
- Education
- City ordinances

Karrick wrote:
- Overarching goal is the Architect not only as designer, but a mediator of social differences
- What makes "undesirable"? What makes transitional? What is the root problem? Many studies have been done on the homeless (in) D.C. in the late 70's? bought homeless people bus tickets to anywhere they wanted to go. Can a shanty town be desirable? What other buildings house the homeless. Search Single residential Occupancy (SRO) - Chicago, Columbus. The commons at grant.

Anne wrote:
- How could you (I) involve others like you (me) in the process? You could even improve on the model in Portland by involving the community as a whole: fundraising and volunteering. It would be key to get businesses, educators, etc on board. Can you (I) teach those who want to learn? Yes. Can people who want to work, work? Yes. How could you (I) convince others to take a chance on these people's future? How can you (I) began to educate people about the benefits of helping others.

How?

Portfolio: Process

2007-01-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

The first series of pictures are from my first study model.

The next few are from my second study model.

"Studio/Classmates"

2007-01-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

Karrick and Carli

Karrick

Master T's space (Tom)

Felix and Carli

Felix (Tom O. and Kyle's space)

Tim Shremshock

Ken's space (my corner of the studio)

Pete's area

Boston...

2007-01-15T16:13:00.000-08:00

This is the BAC building... this was done in the same time period as the SALK INSTITUTE. This building was highly acclaimed during that time. the next few pictures are of the house/building that Tom Brady used to live until just recently....

Here are some pics just outside our studio.

some rain, mainly just a drazzel... and get this it has n=been colder in Vegas than it has been here.

Intensive Studio...

2007-01-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

For all of you that are still reading this.... we are not really posting this week. I will give you some insight to what we have been doing....

more info later....

Bewildered and excited...

2007-01-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

This last assignment seemed a slam dunk, yet I found myself fighting with myself... I get it, or at least i thing I do, draw a plan... draw a section... I wounder if I chose a poor image to further explore... It appears to be a straight on shot... the only activity or interest is focused directly center.... Essentially it is a box in a box.

It is safe to say that I look forward to getting to the BAC and having a face to face conversation about this one...

I also think that I can have a bad case of ... if it 'quacks' like a duck, swims like a duck and smells like a duck... it must be a duck. Having a diverse pool of academia this week and concentrating on thinking in ways that I may have set aside is good for me. I hope to get a broader sense that there is more than way to solve the problem.....

Once again looking forward to this week and all the challenges, experiences, and classmates.instructors.

Assignment - 2 cont.

2007-01-12T18:20:00.000-08:00

After looking at this shot again, I recognize that this is no "real" ceiling, rather a perceived ceiling or rather where the set ends. The awnings along the back wall provide the eye, aka the viewer and possibly the cast members the illusion that the "space" ends here. These new images provide, probably a better sense of the space as perceived by the viewer.

The viewer can only see what they are allowed, I can speculate that this is in fact a set, my guess near an airport... does this look like the front an air plane cockpit?

Anyways.... The section of the view is captured to only allow the viewer what is important to the show... the SET, rather than the "warehouse" setting in some studio set. I am not a follower of the show, and I may be way off here, but the "Brady Bunch" was a set in a studio lot right????

Scheme 2

Why We Buy or the handbook for successful profits

2007-01-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

After reading most of the book, I look forward to the rest of it while on the plane ride into Boston. The examples Underhill offers as the first steps towards effective marketing are the what the majority of the shop owners lack. The insight to locate the displays with the consumer in mind, not just the how the display looks in the store before the doors are opened. Simple suggestions such as move the "Top Ten" list lower, put the display away from the counter as to not block it while customers are in line, and designate a "space" for the queue to start.

While at UNLV I had the opportunity to work in retail at a "Western Wear" store here in Vegas, which has paid off, I still get a great discount, haven't missed a year of the PBR, NFR and get some concerts tickets still.... anyways, I remember that when a new display came from corporate arrived, it was up to us to figure out where it should go. The goal was always to have it in the most "trafficked" (sp) space, which usually is always near the entrance/cash wraps. It never failed that the next day we were moving it to another location because it affected the way we and the customers navigated around it. These displays are sent to stores with the intent that it will provoke the customer to buy that product, instead they seem to be in the way or forgotten. Enclosed with the display are always instructions of how it is to go together but never how to make effective. I can imagine the thought process.... okay, now that we have it together.... where should it go.... Where is should go is the most important piece of information that it should come with. I would equate it this way... not knowing where best to put the display is like driving to a undisclosed location with hopes to finding it without any troubles.

This book should, if not already, be on the "must read" list of every shop owner/manager when opening/operating a store. Underhill describes very well things that everyone should pick up on(among the other not so obvious), instead someone is to busy with a ton of things on the "to do" list that the obvious is just forgotten or over looked.

Assignment-2

2007-01-11T21:19:00.000-08:00

I have put image 4 to plan and section. Below is a plan and section of the outdoor "living"space:

...............................................................Plan - 1

......................................................Section - 1

PLAN & SECTION - 2

Assignment - 1 (re-posted)

2007-01-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

1. Many studies linking colors and moods have given insight and direction to many professions. Here we can see the gray of the cabinets and flooring create an atmosphere where a calm, civilized conversation takes place.

2. The stark contrast of calmness and business is almost lost when there is context. The context here is the sleeping cast member. Usually, when two conflicting concepts are joined into one frame one of the two is more dominant. The image to the left is perceived calmness and the image to the right, with the context removed, is very busy, drawing the eye all over the place.

3. The order of space and its spatial cohorts can be a very powerful device in how the human element interacts. There are clear and perceived boundaries within how this patio furniture is configured. As we have been discussing the Brickford's essay, it has become clear to me that the issues brought up are part of everyday life and different "people groups" can have very different perceptions of the same physical space.

The "user" areas are defined in red, the yellow indicates a larger area that is meant for a social gathering/sense of comfort to be used by all cast members, the green indicates the perceived boundaries while blue physically defines obstacles (gates). Even though the open feel of the space is meant to encourage openness, free discussion and honest communication, there are still boundaries.

4. "Exterior Living" space, probably the most used space of the entire set, other than the maybe the bedrooms provides many levels of comfort, feel and use. Much like the previous screen shot there are common elements between the "levels" of this screen shot and the defined spaces and sense as discussed in the Brickford essay. Layered levels of materials are stacked upon each other. First I explored the "hard" surfaces, as indicated in the blue color group. I found what I could define as hard, then the soft. I thought that there would be some constant character that I would group together, no. What I found was that in each defined corner there was pattern. the same type of surfaces stacked on on the other. Fire pit on raised concrete patio, on concrete patio... billiards table on raised concrete patio on concrete patio. In the other direction there was layers of soft on soft, as indicated with the green "color group." Pillows on recliner on grass, pillows on pillows on couch. The Spa is a great example of a mixture of the two - soft and hard. This can represent what Susan was talking about, a mixture of the hard (public area) and soft (private area) co-existing in the same built environment.

Also the frame shows an example of the human element co-existing in the "hard" and "soft" environment sharing a game of billiards. As well as where the "soft" and "hard" are directly interacting, the couch on the concrete raised concrete patio. The most interesting part of this frame for me was (and I don't know this for sure) is that baby steps were taken, most likely as the "house guests" first were introduced to each other. First, there is human interaction, one on the "soft" surface the other on the "hard" surface sharing a common element. Then I would presume that after the idea of having "diversity" in such a small area the interaction started to take place in a common area, what all cast members (people groups) could call a private area (the soft surfaces).

Adapting to the diversity the final diagram indicates "people groups" can be in a public area and welcome others into a private area.

Thought provoked...

2007-01-06T22:57:00.000-08:00

After reading all of the different posts, viewpoints and comments that either share the opinion or slightly disagree, I have come to these conclusions. I admit that this has been a fast and intense week of blogging and sharing thoughts, beliefs, perspectives and personal experiences that have truly molded everyone's views. I must admit that I have not always commented back on as many posts that I would have liked to, but I also know that I can quickly become a broken record.

Whatever the opinion may be regarding this essay, I will dare to say that like myself, we have all had an experience either personally or been a close witness to that has been brought to vivid memory. I will also mention that this is in my forethought. How can we, as young adults seeking to be part of the solution to these complex issues, implement “Design citizenship”, provide sustainable buildings, be budget conscience, etc.
(and yes, Tom, I will include you into this grouping, even though you are a experienced Architect seeking to improve your knowledge).

I have mentioned that I live in Vegas (Sin City), but prior to that I grew up in So. California, 60 miles East of Los Angeles. That put me in the middle of San Bernardino, and at that time it was known as the murder and welfare capitol. My childhood neighborhood was extremely "diverse." I didn't grow up in a gated community, then again gated communities were not the big thing. My brother and I and the neighborhood friends played football in the streets like, I sure, many of you all did. We felt very safe.

The first time I remember being "different", and this experience is somewhat similar to that of yours Herb, I was at a minor league baseball game (San Berdiano Spirits, yes I saw Griffey Jr. play before he was big) and was in the parking lot getting a glove or something. A foul ball came my way in the middle of the parking lot and I went for it. There were some others trying to get it, but I made it first and got the prize. That didn't last long as the other boys didn't like that to much and they proceeded to jump me (for those that are not familiar with that term, I was beat up by several people at one time). I guess, looking back at it now with this essay under my belt, I had crossed the "boundaries". The lesson I learned was this: when you find yourself in the wrong area at the wrong time, though it may not be your fault, you tend not to put yourself (especially when you grow up and have your own family) back into those situations. Yes I have heard of "driving while black" but I have also heard of "reverse-discrimination" and there is little talk about how to solve that.

Back to Las Vegas... my wife and I live in a neighborhood that is extremely diverse, where we, as the "white, middle-class" family with one dog are the minority. We know our neighbors, we don't have them over every weekend for dinner and football, but we know them as much as we can while struggling with a language barrier. My neighbors don't feel intimidated by me being a white middle class man. In fact I don't think they really care to know me. Then again, I may be naive to the fact that I really am intimidating them by living next door to them and I just don't know it.

I agree with Bickford, that there is a need to be a better, as Herb put it, "design citizen." I am eager to see where this new insight will lead me.

The terms listed in Heb's previous post:

escape, or moving away from the stimulus (leaving a noisy room, for instance)
division, or erecting a barrier between us and the stimulus (closing a door, for instance)
withdrawl, or body language that indicates you don't want to be disturbed (not making eye contact in the elevator, a group of friends in a close circle that disinvites others from entering, etc.)
anonymity, or going to a place where information flow doesn't matter because people don't know who you are and so the information isn't really linked to a person (every small-town gay kid who grew up and moved to a big city knows about this one)

These are all mental as well as physical items. The journey to resolve the issues will be, as many have already stated, education of not just Architects but City Planners, Developers, Contractors and Investors.

I can expect that, if nothing else, I will be more sensitive to the everyday people that will be part of my future "built environments." The part I am not looking forward to is the "beat down" that is always part of the job when dealing with the all important factor for the owners, developers and city planners: MONEY. That sadly is the reality in which I work.

And now, after 10 hours on the computer today, my wife is strongly suggesting that I close up shop. :)

After finishing the entire Essay

2007-01-03T20:04:00.000-08:00

Continuing on my last thought...

I said, "I really take offense that there is suggestion, strong suggestion that Architecture (the built environment) is to blame for the in-opportunities, inequality, homeless, etc..." Though I hear the comment that, "What design does is makes some actions easier and more likely and others more difficult," but where is the individual responsibility? Yes I agree that certain "built environments" are more conducive to various behaviors and perceived notions about the people that occupy those spaces. However, the behaviors/actions that were discussed in the essay can take place in almost all areas, whether it be in the Ghetto or in gated communities.

The idea that policing an area could make certain people "feel distinctly unwelcome" is odd to me. Stealing the words of the great Colin Cowherd, "that is a you problem." On the flip side of that, I agree that it is not for me or anyone else to say when someone can feel fear or be uncomfortable. But let it be clear that these are real feelings and are on both sides of the proverbial "gate."

Which is why, I guess, that families move into the gated communities with these grand illusions that this is the promised land of bliss and comfort. I have less then little compassion to those who buy into the CC&R communities and then later decide to fight their way out of a contract. Although I agree most of the power within the CC&R boards is overstated and seemingly out of control, but keep in mind it is known at the time of purchase what the rules are. Paul Garland said it best, "....and it drove me crazy. I know live 35 minutes away from downtown on a 10 acre horse farm, and yes I have a trampoline in the backyard visible from the street." Well said, well said.

Picture of greatest example of
Urban Sprawl in Las Vegas, NV

Instead of crying about fairness, freedom, the lack of privacy and the denial of diversity, make a change. Play by the rules or get out.

Boundaries are inevitable, whether planned or just hap-chance. People groups enjoy boundaries and expect them. Boundaries in many ways define people, they can be geographical, physical, mental, etc., but they still define people. I feel the major problem with boundaries comes when boundaries are placed upon groups of people by other groups.

The architecture (built environments) and the real social effect on society is a concern and should be addressed in the style, feel, materials, and scale of spaces. How people move in and out, interact with "strangers" in either a residential or commercial node, and get from "A" to "B" should be well thought out and sensitive to all that will (and will want to) use those spaces. Small movements such as downtown revitalization, a better mixture of rooftops and retail pads, and affordable housing (not apartments) is the start. Side bar... why are apartments called apartments when they are all stuck together?.. anyways....

This subject, now that it is in the forefront of all of our thoughts, can really shape the feel, experience and style of our intensive studio project.

the readings....

2007-01-03T07:26:00.000-08:00

Just after I went and made new friends...

The new days begin. I got up a litter earlier today than normal to start the readings from 'Blackboard' site and found that I will most likely still get to work about 8:30. The reading, Bickford, Susan. 2000. "Constructing Inequality: City Spaces and the Architecture of Citizenship." Political Theory 28:3, 355-376. )is a good read so far. I have made it half way through and cannot wait to finish it up during lunch today.

So-far this "Political Theory" is just that. I really take offense that there is suggestion, strong suggestion that Architecture (the built environment) is to blame for the in-opportunities, inequality, homeless, etc. I can and will get into this a little more, later tonight.

I would like to add this for thought until my next post.

Do not all persons, irregardless of race, religion, political persuasion, economical status have the same root? Each person is born into this world able and eventually capable to make decisions that ultimately pave the path to their future. How can it be that a "safe" environment for one "group" can not be the same "safe" environment for another?

an open invite create account

2007-01-02T12:44:00.000-08:00

Come one, come all. As many of you know I have started my studies at the BAC in pursuit of my M. Arch. This site will contain the majority of my work at the BAC, and will serve as the link between students and instructors over the next eight weeks and from what I can tell, the through completion of the degree.

Here at my 'Blog' all is on the table for thoughts, comments, reactions, critique, etc. I would like all who visit this site put their two cents in. This BLOG is not only for the use of my fellow students and instructors but to also get outside comments. Comments from outside the "architectural community" are valued by me because there is an added depth that is not always voiced; that is the end user and the general public. The general public will always have comments and very rarely have a platform to be heard. I would like to see this Blog become that plat form.

The BAC blog, Distance M.Arch Blog!, is where our course calendar, assignments, other student blog pages and readings can be found.

In order for your comments to make the page you will need to create an account. This account can be set up by following this link: Create an account. Just follow the steps and you will be all set.

More Info about me

2007-01-01T19:27:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is, my name is ...
(sorry couldn't help myself)

I answer to about anything. My wife calls me Kenny, my boss switches from Ken and Kenny and my co-workers call me Ken. Kenneth is what my mother and sister call me. When at the office I use Ken, but all my paperwork is signed Kenneth. Whatever is more convenient for you is good.

My firm, well Suzana's firm, contracts many different types of work. Just recently I have completed two small residential communities for Suzana. We have also finished up some entitlement work for a 15 story office/residential tower, and in the coming weeks our construction document phase is expected to start. This past year has been a bit odd in the way of signed jobs... We signed four or five large custom residential projects that we will hopefully have all completed in the next few weeks for submittal. We have done everything from large warehouses to office complexes to the every day TI jobs that seem to add up to several a week. Also, a large part of the contracts are entitlements, from Use Permits to Non-conforming Zone Changes. If I had to pick one area that we specialize in I would have to say shell office and then completion of the interior build-out for the end user.

My passion is providing spaces for the public. Places that are destination nodes, places that make people look around the corner in anticipation and explore their surroundings. I think that we will have an opportunity to develop those ideas with that 15 story 'City Tower' job as the City of Henderson has deemed the site as the gateway to their downtown.

As far the as the energy efficient methods... I have taken the initiative to starting designing with tankless water heaters in all residential and in commercial projects when I can convince the owners that it is really a cost/conservation effective item. Of course, we utilize Low-E glazing, zoning for the HVAC, and proper glazing orientation. The local government entities seem to have all gone to LEED (green buildings), but getting the private developers to turn green is still a challenge. From what I have read so far it appears that we will get a lesson or two about green building envelopes and then I can take that back to the developers and engineers and put it into practice.

until later...

test-1

2006-12-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

this is a test to see if I can create a blog.