Computational Design and Architectural Production

Computational Design and Architectural Production

This is a wiki that contains the work of myself and my fellow classmates in the Arch 590: Computational Design and Architectural Production class at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

"The class focuses on How does the design process begin? How do we as architects define and develop viable methodologies in digital environments? Is this site of architectural production a more fluid and adaptable setting for formal manipulation as well as graphic visualization? Within the context of computational design, the manner in which these questions are addressed has immediate implications to the understanding of how one makes form in virtual spaces. There is a potential for new design methodologies to emerge that can exploit algorithmic, parametric, topological and animated modeling processes. These processes can offer designers new tools for resolving complex geometries and facilitating

innovative form making."

"This course will be a critical investigation into digital modeling and computational design. This class will seek to not only inform students of the theoretical underpinnings of computational design, but also to familiarize students with the process through critical engagement via the Rhinoceros modeling software coupled with basic parametric input. Considering the multiplicity of approaches various digital designers are currently using, the focus is on which of these practices are successfully at producing viable architectural methodologies."

Travel: World War II Memorial: Washington D.C.

The United States National World War II Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the Americans who served in the armed forces during WWII. It is constructed on the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

The sighting of this building, as well as all of the other memorials in Washington D.C. are staged very well in relation to one another. The procession between the spaces and the other memorials is truly breathtaking and provides a place for people to reflect inwards.

The design of the memorial drew 400 submissions from architects and designers around the United States. Friedrich St. Florian's design was selected in 1997, yet was altered during the review and approval processes for memorials in Washington D.C..

The Freedom Wall is on the West side of the memorial that has 4,048 gold stars each representing 100 Americans that died in the war.

I was really happy to finally be able to see this memorial because my grandfather fought in the war. I am very grateful that a memorial was finally erected to commemorate the solders of the war. This was is very powerful memorial that I think very very successful despite the critiques that the memorial is too blocky and monumental. I think that the space is at a human scale that is relatable to the individual.

Travel: Washington, D.C.

The St. Regis Hotel in Washington D.C. was built in 1926 and is just two blocks away from The White House. The ceiling of the lobby was very ornate and detailed. Harry Wardman was an English Architect who was the son of textile workers. At age 17 he came to the United States, and after several years of living in the United States, he began working as a carpenter which helped him design row homes, and hotels with very high quality construction detailing and materials.

The White House was built between 1792 and 1800. John Adams was the first president to move into the White House. The White House was designed in a competition which had 9 proposals. The design was inspired by Georgian era Irish country houses in plan and interior details. Inspirations also are derived from neo-classical chateaus. Since the original construction of the building, it has went under many renovations with each new president.

The buildings of Washington D.C. are very conservative and designed in the romanesque, classical style. These buildings really inspire me to focus on the details of tectonics and the layering effect of spaces and materials. The deep inset windows of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Executive Office Building creates a very strong contrast of shadowing effects.

Blog: Objectives

The objective of this blog is to create a space for visual discovery through the eyes of an architect. Architectural concepts, visions, spaces, and perceptions will be discussed, critiqued, and posted. The way individuals interact with spaces created is a great inspiration to me as an architect. Architecture is public domain no matter if the building is private or not. People interact with buildings. Buildings need not only to fulfill the requirements of the program, but need to cater to the needs of the users, and passerby's. Architecture is what brings life to a space. ArchEyes will ArchIve buildings, spaces, ideas, thesis, projects, and places that demonstrate or inspire these ideas.