Module 2: Starting in a Modeling Program
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/1/8/111859715/editor/image-3.jpg?1640984458)
The prompt itself (shown above) made me initially think about transformative architecture and specifically public space. Thus, I wanted to create a space that would open to the public and could serve a variety of functions. I also thought a lot about architecture as an iterative act: we are constantly changing and redesigning when we work on projects, a process that qualifies as "architectural in nature", and this sense of transformation was important in the conception of the design. In terms of the public good, I thought about the present state of the pandemic and how it makes us more reflective of human relationships and needs. In thinking about my own degrees of relationships and association, I had the idea of these transforming structures that could be used like sculptural spaces.
This project was started in SketchUp and done in Photoshop and a drawing app. My inspiration for this project was the degrees of human connection/relationship and how they transform over time between people. Each of the 4 structures represent a degree of connection through the weaving- the structures go from more open, large and short to more closed, small and tall. I think the digital modeling platform works well with this due to its iterative capacity, as all of the structures are just transformed from the one before. Weaving itself is an act of unity, going along with the theme of connection. I decided to do the elevation to show the varying heights and the extension of each structure to the front datum piece, and then added the axons of each to show the overall footprint as well. The hands in the back and the scale figures also show the theme of connection, as they start more isolated and become closer with each structure.
This project was started in SketchUp and done in Photoshop and a drawing app. My inspiration for this project was the degrees of human connection/relationship and how they transform over time between people. Each of the 4 structures represent a degree of connection through the weaving- the structures go from more open, large and short to more closed, small and tall. I think the digital modeling platform works well with this due to its iterative capacity, as all of the structures are just transformed from the one before. Weaving itself is an act of unity, going along with the theme of connection. I decided to do the elevation to show the varying heights and the extension of each structure to the front datum piece, and then added the axons of each to show the overall footprint as well. The hands in the back and the scale figures also show the theme of connection, as they start more isolated and become closer with each structure.
Module 3: Maximalism vs. Minimalism
The maximalist drawing shows the design in axonometric view. This design is inspired by the art of weaving’s ability and its use as a metaphor for human connection. Humans connect on a variety of levels, and the interconnected structures in the object represent the transformation of those relationships from acquaintance -broad, surface level and frequent- to those we love -specific, deep and special. The axonometric view encourages the eye to start at the bottom of the image and go through the structures as if journeying through, and also showcases the changes between each structure. Multiple aspects of the drawing highlight this idea of transformation, including the completion and placement of scale figures, the increasing proximity of the hands, the size and composition of the garden space alongside each structure and the material itself. Copper is utilized due to its “living” quality, where it changes over time (symbolizing age), and for its association with money and value, pointing to the invaluable nature of close relationships. The gradient in the background changes from dark to light throughout the drawing, symbolizing the importance of close relationships to happiness in our lives.
For the minimalist drawing, I chose to depict an elevation because I thought that the view showcased the core of the concept; in elevation, the closing of the weaving, the ascension between structures and the height change alongside the consistent width are all apparent, suggesting the themes of transformation. I decided to use less color in the minimalist, only letting a bit peek through to show the aging. Instead of using the copper patina to show that progression, I relied more on vegetation which is emphasized in black- the structures become more "overgrown" in succession and thus suggest aging. Lastly, I decided to use white and repetitive scale figures, more at the front and less at the end to again parallel how rare and unique those close relationships symbolized in the last structure are.
For the minimalist drawing, I chose to depict an elevation because I thought that the view showcased the core of the concept; in elevation, the closing of the weaving, the ascension between structures and the height change alongside the consistent width are all apparent, suggesting the themes of transformation. I decided to use less color in the minimalist, only letting a bit peek through to show the aging. Instead of using the copper patina to show that progression, I relied more on vegetation which is emphasized in black- the structures become more "overgrown" in succession and thus suggest aging. Lastly, I decided to use white and repetitive scale figures, more at the front and less at the end to again parallel how rare and unique those close relationships symbolized in the last structure are.
Module 4: Shadow
In thinking about shadow, I found that it would be a great way to showcase how the weaves close as the structures progress, as well as the realistic interior of the structures. Most of the drawings that I had done of the project so far illustrated the exterior experience, so I was excited to go inside as well. I thus decided to utilize section perspectives of each structure and then put them together in one drawing. The use of simple black and white in depicting the structure especially emphasizes not only the closing of the weave, but also how that creates darker and thus more isolating experiences as the structures progress. I placed each of the section perspectives on a pedestal and then create steps between them to showcase the ascension between them more abstractly. The scale figures follow the same pattern as previous drawings; they progressively get fewer and more attached.
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Module 5: Final Image
Although we are individuals, our relationships can also hold significant space in our lives, defining who we are as well as how we interact with others and the world. A public gathering space with open-ended usage, this series of sculptural enclosures provides its inhabitants with a sanctuary to make new relationships and reflect on those existing. This project seeks to reflect on how relationships develop and change. The structures resemble the act of weaving, which speaks to the unification of separate entities into one, as well as containing associations with art and handiwork. The first enclosure is the largest in footprint, shortest in height and loosest in weaving- exemplifying broad, common relationships like acquaintances. Over the course of the rest of the structures, the footprint shrinks, the height grows and the weaving tightens. This progression represents how relationships go from unspecific and banal to unique and monumental as people grow closer to each other. The shrinking footprint creates compression, the growing height creates monumentality, and the tightening weave creates intimacy and isolation from the outside world. Alongside this concept of progression/aging, the structures utilize copper due to its “living” quality, so they change over time similar to relationships. Each structure rests on higher ground than the one before, creating a sense of ascension and journey from the first to the last. Open on the inside, the structures can be used for gatherings or individual activity, creating open-ended utility.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/1/8/111859715/editor/anderson-arch44b-finalimage.png?1640990161)
This image was done using SketchUp, Photoshop, and a drawing app. The axonometric view works well in showing the progression in footprint, height, grade and weave of the structures. It also creates a strong diagonal mirrored in the cut of the canvas, which draws the eye from the first structure to the last. The use of light/shadow views within the structures provides a glimpse into the life inside of them as well as an emphasis on each form of weaving. The hands are reaching not only into the drawing (an effect intentionally created by the cut out canvas inside of the square frame) but to each other, creating a tension and transformation again mirroring relationships. The veins within the arms grow both more intense and more into vines through the drawing, bringing weaving into the image through a more living context. The circles at the end of each represent them as individuals, and at the last structure they connect and become one view. They also speak to the levels of intimacy, as they show more of the inside as they go. The copper texture and varying patinas are the only use of color on the page, creating a visual focus and connection between varying elements; the hearts of the figures, the veins and vines of the arms and the materiality of the enclosures all speak to living connections. The use of entourage works alongside the compression of the structures and concepts. Beginning with a large crowd that is fairly spread out, the people become closer in proximity but lesser in quantity as they go. This works with the idea that closer relationships are more unique and intimate, seen especially in the last scale figures embracing one another. The gradient background provides texture without taking away from the architecture and also signals transformation. Overall, the image conveys the main concepts of weaving, (human) connection and transformation through the methodology.
I really loved this course! I had been wanting to experiment with representation in my drawings, but I never had enough time or energy to experiment during studio (and I was also a little afraid of what the reviewers say). This was a safe and encouraging space to try everything, and I'm really happy with how far I progressed by the end! I will definitely be using the skills I got in this course on other studio projects going forward.