Ashleigh Ng - Architectural Studies

Monday, June 22, 2009

Final Dining table

The dining table represents the different types of power that Obama and Madonna embody, and how, if they might act if they were to combine, The table and seating set show aspects of both Madonnas sexual power, and Obamas charismatic, political power through the use of pink cushions and dark grey table as can be seen the above posts.

The table is shaped like a swirl or a cyclone, with the seating placement in the middle. This is reflecting of the power and influence that surround the two client, and how they affect those around them.

The use of the single seat suggests the intimate power relationship that might occur if the two clients were to meet. Both clients are able to sit together in close contact on the center cushion, and recline along the longer cushion next to the glass. The glass would give them a sense of privacy, and is textured with a linear texture to reflect their movement and dynamism.

Progress and drafts

Madonna drafts

For Madonnas building, I wsa attempting to create an organic shape, fluid and smooth, and vaguely resembling a female figure. After several tries, the method I used was simply making a flat, curvy shape, joining up the sides with arches, and drawing lines between them to create surfaces.

While this method worked well to create the shape, it was very time consuming and I am not convinced it is the most effective method.

I had many problems when trying to upload my model into UT, without getting holes in the geometry, as can be seen below. This was fixed when I reversed the faces, and changed several of the settings of the texture I was using.

Obama drafts

I decided to change the shape of the Obama building to the one below because I felt that the earlier model was too rigid. I found myself simply trying to copy the facade and structure of American buildings from books. The model I eventually used I felt conveyed more movement, and was a more refined and clean structure.

The model is made up of platforms, reaching out over the entrance and connected by glass blocks which provide an interior space.

The elevator shaft has the double purpose of lending support to the platforms, and providing a space in which the elevator can move. I like the design as it contrasts a more dynamic, scuptural form with the solid, rectangular structures of the rest of the building.

Filefront link

http://files.filefront.com/13920610

edit: Corrected file

http://files.filefront.com/13920652

Madonna - Google Warehouse

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=113fb36093b3a8ad64280ca0e6ed4f6a

Obama

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=29529ff68bc3515a64280ca0e6ed4f6a

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Obama draft + dining table draft

The dining table has only one seat, the pink cushion in the center, to emphasise the closeness of contact between the two clients, Obama and Madonna. The entire table surrounds them, representative of the social context in which they operate i.e. how parts of the political/entertainment, social, and economic world revolve around them. The glass wall enclosing the table is to give the two clients a sense of privacy, and a moment where they can escape the observation of all that follow their movements.

In Obamas building, I am seeking to portray the control, the dynamacy, and the sheer power that he embodies. The glass is stepped, noting the building codes American skyscrapers had to adhere to in the past, and reflects American society.

The black metal poles on the facade will all eventually penetrate into the building, to join at the base at a single point, either at the base or at the top. If at the base, the elevator will move up through this column of poles to the top of the building where Obamas office will be located. His office will have a view of the atrium where the poles join up, below.

If at the top, the poles with end at his office, and be supported by a central support in which the elevator will move up.

I am having trouble with this building because I have doubts of whether it is too building-like, too simple in shape, or even if it is the path I should follow. Hopefully this with resolve itself very soon.