Design 1 (D1) is an introductory course that focuses on primary design elements and systems. This was the first course I took that introduced me to architecture and how it manipulates space. This course introduced me to the elements of design, as well as design programs like AutoCAD that I’d be using for the rest of my career. Students had 4 hours of studio time with their professors, which included one-on-one time with them and learning the ropes in the studio environment.
THE THICK SQUARE
Final thick square project
The design of a 9x9x1 square, using concepts such as shifting, folding, balancing, and cutting with our materials. I first began with construction paper, then moved on to cardboard and basswood sticks. For my design, I used shifting, layering, folding, weaving, and intersecting. My design focused on giving the viewer different concepts, while still tying everything together.
THE THICK CUBE
Final thick cube project
Using the Thick Square project, I had to create a 9x9x9 cube with the same elements. My concepts remained the same– shifting, layering, folding, weaving, and intersecting— while I brought my square into its cube-like potential. I used chipboard, white museum board, and thicker basswood sticks to create the model, along with sections, axonometric drawings, and a plan.
THE STAIR PROMENADE
Final stair promenade project
This project took from the two previous projects we had done in the semester and required us to design a living space populated by stairs. We had to focus on carving into a given piece of land to create this. For the final project, we were required to have a large model (cut in 2), plans, sections, and an isometric drawing. The model was made of white foam board, with the section cut being denoted with blue construction paper.
