First buildings completed

Finished the first set of site buildings today. Work will continue over the weekend and hopefully model will be finished soon. Dr. Bozorgi emphasized that we needed to be spending time out of class in order to complete the base model in a reasonable amount of time.

The first set of models

Larry working on a building

Nguyen continuing to model

Beginning to Model

The construction of the site started today, with Tony giving instructions on the method we would be using to construct the buildings. Others split off to work at computer stations so that we would be able to laser cut the more intricate parts of the model (arches, windtowers, etc.). An emphasis was placed on the longevity of the construction and the necessitate of making sure the model stood up over a long period of time.

Meeting about Model Construction

Brad starting to work

Studio at work

Layering the Base

We received the laser etched fiberboard pieces for the base model and proceeded to lay them on the base. Next, sanded each piece to create a more uniform look and to remove burn marks from the laser.

Placing each board in place

Lining up each board

Partrick gluing down the base

Link to Persian Architecture Movie

This is an external link to a great movie showing the geometric principles of Iranian architecture

Iranian architecture movie

Laser Progress

Today, Robert brought some of the final "Laser Etchings" for our model base. The etchings will be the base for our site model and shows the locations of existing built structures. The class began discussing Klaus Herdeg's book (link listed at right). Dr. Bozorgi also gave a short talk, in retrospect, about life in Iran that gave a glimpse back nearly six decades. We are planning to be fully underway on the base model construction by next Friday.

The Laser Cutter at work.

William shows off the base etchings.

Master Planning Ideas

Conceptual Master Planning

Dr. Bozorgi worked with the groups of students helping them formulate conceptual master planning. First, the professor emphasized the area that he felt we would focus our "brain-storming/pre-conceptual design" efforts. Also, preparartions were being made for our first group presentation on Wednesday. Tracings and color and dreams. Today, broad strokes were made in our design- the studio was alive.

Where will we design structure.

A work-station.

Lee Montano drawing.

Set-backs

A good portion of the class congregated at the Model Shop to view the progress made on the site model etchings. The laser cutter is faster than we expected! Back at the studio we observed that the masonite was too dark to use. We would have to use lighter wood product- like MDF. Additionally, the "Gray Plum" matte color we ordered was too purple. We made plans to replace these materials with something more suitable. Two groups were dispatched to search local lumber yards and to make telephone calls. It would be weekend without further progress.

Heath and Courtney in the workroom.

Laser Training

Today there was a training workshop for six students to learn the laser cutter. Mr. Nick Thomas hosted the workshop and demonstration.

Mr. Thomas and the machine.

Peyton coordinating the cuts.

Kerman Video

-thanks to Brad

Wednesday Meeting

Dr. Bozorgi treated the students to a graphic demonstration on geometry. Tony has the order of 50 sheets of matte board that we will be using for our project's existing structures. He will take to the Model Shop to be cut down. There will be a laser-cutter training session hosted at the Model Shop in the morning. In groups, we are to begin master planning the site in Kerman. By Friday we need to be diligently working to build the model. Next Wednesday, we are to present our ideas.

Deadline

Labor Day Holiday

No school!!

Model Design Abstract

Today we performed a model design abstract exercise to explore and contemplate the notion of the architecture of Kerman. We learned more about space conception, which, we know (by our map) is dealing with the sub/void mapping concept. We practiced this relationship implementation and also began conception development of the master plan.

Mapping out conception development

Analyzing Site implementation