Impaired Vision Experience

In part of developing an appropriate space for someone who may visually impaired it was crucial to understand and at some level experience what it may be like to be impaired myself. I currently wear prescription glasses for my near sided condition, but the experiments we had to perform were a real reality check for some people who are legally blind.

The plastic bag portion was interesting, draping it over my eyes only allowed for me to see a figure and ground effect. I was not able to read any of the newspaper and could only make out some of the larger text and title block areas. As people walked by I could only see a blur of what was passing by, and as soon a large groups of people started to walk together it appeared to create a wave like effect.

The simulator tool was interesting as well, I really had no idea what to expect, the variety in vision impairments really varies and can all have their own level of challenges. The one effect that really took me by surprise was the loss of part of the visual field, where there were crack like portions throughout the whole view.

At last I participated in the petroleum jelly sunglass activity starting at the bottom of the Holland atrium stairs. This was a challenge due to the colors used within the space, I say this because as I began to walk I noticed that the colors began to blend in and since there were no really variation in colors I was experiencing myself bracing for something to hold on to. I reached out with my hands as I appeared to be searching for something to hold on to. I walked very carefully up and down the stairs, lifting my foot with extra sense of caution and fishing for the right place to land.

When using the ATM I did notice that the flashing light was very helpful, I rubbed my hand around the machine and adjusted my senses to the feel of the options on the machine. I was not be able to see well enough to ensure that what I was doing was correct on the screen since it was a digital projection with a low light. The whole experience was very interesting the way that my senses readjusted was quite fascinating, I definitely have come to get a better understanding of what It will be like to better develop a more efficient way of design taking these factors in to consideration.

Santi-One Bedroom and Common Space Design.

The final presentation for the semester has been a great experience. As required to follow up on the semester’s lessons and project we were instructed to produce a final presentation that would develop the kitchen and bathroom into a one bedroom apartment and common space. The goal was to create a presentation that could be potentially presented to our client. The client’s needs were established in the beginning of the semester and were always a key component to the design that we wanted to translate into our designs. Along with the clients need we would evolve our concept of what and abstractions to integrate into our designs.

For this project I approached as a realistic opportunity, my goal and objective was to create a presentation that would translate over well to the clients needs. The process work that lead to my final project was very crucial to my over all design, as I analyzed my concept I recognized the possibilities of creating a very interesting modular shelf idea that I had started in the Kitchen and Bathroom project of the beginning of the semester. I wanted to incorporate the modular shelf idea throughout the whole space and have it lead into the common area, not to only provide extensive storage space but to create a sense of unity. In the common area I took the shelving aspect as an opportunity to create an artistic and decorative feature; it would house the lighting out of sight and give the space a real sense of direction. I also used columns to create a directional guidance for people who would solely use the common area as a passage space to the Spa or third floor.

Along with the positives there were also many things that I learned along the way so that I would adjust for my next projects. In presenting my concept and design I relised that the idea of sustainability is more that a lament term that goes along with a green tag. Doing a little more research is necessary when trying to understand the aspect of your own design, that will stick with me forever. I have never felt so unprepared to openly discuss green ideas. I know that for the next project I will be ready. Overall the one bedroom design fit well into what I felt the clien asked for. This was a great experience to prepare me for real life situations, the loose drawing and rendering styles were very effective and a positive touch to help narrate the design.

 

Take the opportunity to look over the posters I created and offer some feedback or comments about what you may want clarification on. Thanks for reading.

Meeting with a professional

As part of the residential development for the site we are currently working on, we were required to meet with a professional designer who would help us further develop out designs, and give us feedback to the work we have created. To the meeting we were required to take a drafted set of plans, materials, and over visual aides that would help guide them in understanding our designs. I had with me some very crucial elements that I felt would give some reassurance to what I was trying to do, and when I met with the three designers from WSU I felt it was a great success.

I met with Joanie Thomas, Jennifer Reynolds, and Stacy Gravel who are all employed here at WSU with the Architectural and Engineering Services department. I got some very good feedback that would follow through into my design solutions. One of the most important topics they brought up were the idea of really emphasizing the modular shelving and using materials that would reinforce my concept. I was originally thinking of using some sort of plastic or resin based material for my shelves, but they thought that by creating as much visual texture it would help push my fingerprint concept a little further, along with the whole natural material feel that I was pursuing. Overall I was really happy with the result and know that their creative input really helped give me a better approach overall, and led to a great product and result.

Bathroom Design

Working again on the "Santi" residence I have come across a new challenge, this time I was developing my concept that tied together the idea of unique individual definition of what a home is to a bathroom design. Along with the concept and mentallity of functionallity and aesthetics I was taking into consideration the accessibilty aspects, this was a challenge when deciding were I was to place my toilet, sink, and the design of the shower. I knew that I wanted to have a open floor plan that would allow easy turning peraminters for people who may be wheel chair users without compromising the look and feel of the project, the materials were all chosen to reflect my thought and concept that related back to the clients need as well as my conept of creating ones own definition of what home may be defined as.

After a process of creating smaller floor plans, I decided on a side mount accessible taoilet with that advantage of a roll in shower and fully accessible sink. I made sure that there were side bars on the side of the toilet that followed ADA recommendations as well as sink and countertop heights and storage space. This was a really eye opening expereince to recognize how much things can change with just a matter of inches.

Overall the completion of this project was in my opionion was successful, but could use a lot of improvement. I would have to say that more time could be used to add sketches and possible perspectives, and the overall poster layout could use some improving but I would say that I am happy with the result.

Seattle, Showrooms and Habitat for Humanity

While in Seattle I was fortunate enough to find some real important locations that I had never really heard of or knew even existed. I have live in the Seattle area my whole life and have driven past many of the showrooms we go a chance to visit.

The first stop was at the Seattle Design Center, located on fourth Ave. I never knew what was behind such a simple facade, I was taken back by the showrooms that were located within this center. I am excited to travel back and take some more time to peak around, I know that this will be a key location for my future, after that we were escorted around near the area to tile and marble showrooms and warehouses. The amount of information that given was almost like an overload, but so helpful. I was very impressed by 3form, the place was amazing! We got a chance to learn so much about lighting options and the possibilities of resin, as well as how the process of these fixtures can help in the innovation of our own designs.

Another great site that were able to visit was at the Seattle Center Pavilion, there we had a chance to visit a new project that Habitat for Humanity is getting ready to launch and mass produce. It is called "House of the Immediate Future", a very remarkable step forward for low income housing and a great focus on sustainability. The key feature that I would have to say I was not too thrilled about was the double fill walls that wrapped the exterior. Just as it sound they have placed two full structured framed walls to keep better insulated the whole house. I am sure that the amount of conserved energy will be great, but feel as though there really could be a better solution to the problem with a less invasive building process.

Overall the project and visit to all the showrooms were a great experience, and I am so thankful for the time and expertise by all the people who showed us around and gave us insight to the world of design.

Seattle Urban Sketch Crawl

This was the first sketch that I completed at the Seattle Sculpture park In Seattle. There was a great turn out from the Seattle Urban Sketcher, and was a lot of fun working around them and seeing how they approached the park.

My second sketch below was a quick 10 minute sketch that was influenced by my teacher Bob K. he had previously suggested that I try a more free and loose style. I think that I was able to accept that it was very sloppy after the fact that I recognized that the features in the environment were still coming through on paper.

Kitchen Project

If there was one major thing that I have learned thoughout this process of developing an idea to a final design solution it would be how important the idea of time is. There is no 25th hour and the time that is allowed is not an impossible feat to work with. I have to say that there were some sucessfull exectutions that I am proud which completed my vision, but at the same time there are many things I would like to go back an fix.

One of the most successful features would be the elevations and section in my drafting, I dont know why I colored them in, matybe to offset the fact that my perspectives seemed to be so poor or to really give an additional vibe of completion.

There are way to many things I would go back and fix but know that no matter what I would never be fully satisfied with a "finished" project.

With that being said, I feel that my board could use a lot of improving, as well as my perspectives, and the overall layout that was the result of my rushing.

Some detailed information:
-The shelving that wraps around the dining and kitchen area, would be modular, allowing for more or less storage space. Gloss blue finish.
- The counter top is white.
- The Cabinets below are of a dark Birch Wood.
- All appliances are Maytag EnergyStart, in a white finish.