MODULE 1
FOUNDATIONAL
STUDIES
PROBLEM ONE
RECTILINEAR
In this practice, we were to make approximately six rectilinear structures that are visually interesting. Each rectilinear structure needed a dominant, subdominant, and a subordinate rectangular 3-Dimensional component, and we were to thoughtfully place the three pieces together to create a visually interesting final structure.
I really appreciated that we did these sketches of our first six forms because it made me view my structures in a new perspective. Surprisingly, by drawing the structures in 2-D on paper, it made me actually see the relationships of the three components in each form a little differently. I think by sketching them out I thought more critically about the proportions because I was able to imagine some slight changes that could be made in my original six forms. Through this, I noticed some structures that were stronger or not as strong due to the proportions between their dominant, subdominant, and subordinate components. Overall, the sketches were a great way for me to be able to narrow it down by considering how well they worked in both 2-D and 3-D.
I chose the figure from Sketches #1 and #2 to be my final structure. I really like this piece because from every angle, the three components work together very well and attract the viewer's eye. This structure reminds me of something tiny and small, yet it has so much power and elegance because of how well the components are arranged. I think it proves to me how such simple shapes and forms can create strong and meaningful designs. I think this is a very meaningful project because it is simple, and is applicable to architecture in real life.
PROBLEM TWO
PLANAR
Six Forms
This phase was all about playing with paper to create a strong statement that is both dynamic and interesting. It was interesting to use linear 2-D shapes and use bending, curling, and placing pieces of paper in positions where they were interlocking. I also enjoyed thinking about all the different types of planes that could be used to create a form with movement and tension. I liked incorporating both bent shapes and curved lines within my forms; having a component that was dramatic contrasted with a smooth, dynamic one was something interesting to play around with.
Sketching
The process of sketching provides the opportunity to critically examine and critique my compositions. This is the phase where I conclude what each of my compositions remind me of, and I sometimes give them names in the cases where they strongly represent something. Sketching helps me imagine the possibilities with my compositions; I can see the movement and directions in which the structure could continue, and the connections between each component.
Refined Composition
I decided on this composition because I really like the curvy lines with the dominant and dramatic triangle through the lines. It is going to be called 'Shark' because it reminds me of a shark fin sticking out of a wave. This design is very harmonious and dynamic because of its curvy lines, and the triangle makes a strong statement moving through another plane almost perpendicular to the lines. This project taught me how important it is to consider different planes to create tension and movement in a form.
'SHARK'
Convex-
PROBLEM THREE
concave
Six Forms
While looking back on the problems we worked on in this module, I had the most fun with this one. It was interesting because using the clay at first seemed most challenging. The clay starts out just as a glob, an imperfect sphere-like form, and the potential feels intimidating, yet endless.
Beginning to play with the clay in my hands, putting pressure in certain areas, making some areas thinner and others thicker, was exciting. The unlimited forms I could create were determined how my hands felt it was right to move. Making these six forms felt natural, and I loved that. It was difficult for me to determine my 'favorite' among them all.
Sketching
These compositions were fun to exaggerate in sketches. I enjoyed getting different angles of shadows in my images and sketches since I felt it added drama and emphasis to the figures.
Concave
Convex
Refined Composition
The refined forms I chose were the strongest because both were created without judgement or little previous thought-process. It is special to me that the ones I felt I used the most instinct to create turned out the most beautiful. This process taught me a lot and is really helping me develop my mind as a design thinker.
