Three Weeks, Three Models

This is the model I designed based on the concepts in my precedent. It is a refuge by the lake, surrounded by tilt-up concrete walls. It also had to provide storage for three canoes and be a setting that either one or many could enjoy.

Detail model of the skylight under the cross.

As I began to build the model up, I discovered that it would be very hard to see inside the church with only the small wall removed. I then adjusted my plan and created a removable roof so it would be easier to see the pews and pulpit. You can also see the skylight under the cross - a lot of fun to cut out, let me tell you!

With wall removed.

A normal section model would only show part of a building as it is supposed to represent the view if you "slice" through a building at a certain point. Due to the nature of my building, however, my professor suggested I rebuild the entire thing and simply make a wall removable.

Section model - in production

My section model

My massing model (i.e. no holes for doors or windows).

After two weeks, I presented my massing model (front right), section model (back), and detail model (front left), along with my analytique poster. The models are made of chipboard, dowels, vellum, and Elmer's glue.

The first three weeks of classes were intensely challenging, but incredibly rewarding and exciting as well. Our professor told us on the first day "Since you all have your undergraduate degrees, we are going to start from there and take it up a notch." Boy, he wasn't kidding. We had our first 10 minute presentation on the third day (Yes, it was an architectural analysis, believe it or not. Talk about learning quickly!). From that point on, I was in studio 15-20 hours a day, seven days a week, for three weeks. We were each given a church to study as a precedent (mine was Bethlehem Baptist Church in South Central LA by R.M. Schindler), and were expected to analyze it, build a massing model in 1/8" scale, build a section model in 1/4" scale, build a detail model in 1/2" scale, and create a graphic analytique (interpretive poster), all in the first two weeks. That left us week three to use what we had learned from our precedent to design a refuge at the lake on campus, model it in 1/2" scale, and draw the plans that corresponded with the design. I learned more than I ever could have imagined in those three weeks.

Due to the aforementioned schedule, I spent quite a bit of time with my 14 classmates in the first few weeks. We now know each other quite well and are looking forward to the fall (which begins Aug. 25). Quite a variety of backgrounds make for an interesting group, and much of what we learn from each other has to do with our past experiences in other industries.

I miss all of you, Los Angeles, and Four Seasons dearly, but couldn't be more pleased with my new adventure thus far. God has truly blessed me in many ways and I covet your prayers as I have heard the fall semester will not be any easier than the summer!