Monday
Sunday
Architecture is not in the empty building, but in the vital interchange between building and participant. (Pelli)
The presentation to AIA Shreveport went well Friday. This presentation, as well as the one to AIA Monroe, have been the center of anticipation for us. From this meeting, we hoped to gain interest of architects and contractors from the area. We were ready to hear any feedback that was offered to us and answer any questions that were posed. The goal was to clearly present our diligently designed project, beginning with the research phase and following through to the current status of the project, including context and the partner family's influence on our work. We wanted to express our mission and enthusiasm for the project, in hopes that the professional world would also share our excitement.
Shreveport Architect discusses our project further, once the presentation ended.
There were several people very impressed with our work and how we addressed the issues we faced.
We were pleased that so many people stayed around to converse with us about the project. It was a compliment and shows us that our visit was a success.
What you do should be an extension of who you are.
An architects most useful tools are an eraser at the drafting board, and a wrecking bar at the site. (Wright)
Last week was pretty productive from my perspective. Another 5th year student and I went to a few businesses in Shreveport to introduce the HabiTech10 project and petition for donations. When visiting Bobby L. Greene Plumbing previously, I was asked to visit again once we had plans and a tentative schedule. So, that was our first stop. After presenting our plans and informing Mr. Greene that a local Ruston plumber had agreed to donate the labor for plumbing, they agreed to donate the plumbing materials. I spoke with them about Mr. Tim Kennedy and they contacted him to coordinate
needed supplies. They also gave me a sample piece of each type of piping and explained the differences between them. I was very please with the outcome of that visit. That is one more thing that is taken care of and we do not have to worry about now.Our next stop on this outreach trip was Allen Millwork. We spoke with Mr. Tommy Kelly. Again, we introduced our project and reviewed our plans. He agreed to do take-offs and also agreed to speak to James Hardy for a possible donation of Hardy siding. He was familiar with the Habitat for Humanity projects and seemed to be willing to help in any way that he could.
Next, we visited Custom Built. We repeated the routine again there, and were unable to get anything definitive. We were asked to follow up later with Mr. Will Lee. They were unable to talk with us very long because they had a meeting to attend. Politely we thanked them and left our business cards and project plans with them.
And our final stop was B&J Flooring. There, I spoke with Mr. Andy Juneau. He too was familiar with Habitat for Humanity projects. He was interested in LaTech Architecture's partnering with Habitat, and again I reviewed our permit set plans with him. After a fairly extensive visit, he agreed to donate all of the flooring for our project, as well as labor. I did explain to him they we, the architecture students, would also be physically building the house and that we would be doing the flooring work too. So, I told him I wasn't sure if much labor on his part would be required. He said, in that case, he would be glad to join us and supervise where we needed. I was especially pleased with the success of that visit. A donation of that scale is not easy to come by.
Also this week, I made arrangements for the delivery of the 10-Interior doors that were donated by Mr. Larry Clevenger of Marshall Mobile Homes.
This week in the studio, we have been trying to make final decisions on design. The roof has been a topic of debate and a decision on that had to made quickly. There were many meetings to discuss the pros and cons of each design and it came down to a vote on three different proposals. We finally made a decision. Though, we can not make everyone happy, I believe that we all agreed to disagree on personal preferences. After all, this project is a group effort and we will all have to relinquish our egos at one point or another.
Monday
The food of the soul is Light and Space. (Melville)
This week the topics have been diverse. Beginning with the need to finalize the plan design. There has been a lot of back and forth about what the individual spaces within the plan are supposed to communicate. Much debate has centered around the dinning room, the living room, and the long hall which splits the two and leads to the private bedrooms of the house. Many people have had differing opinions about the language of these spaces. There is no right or wrong answer. And as long as the design is fluid and unified, there is not necessarily a good design or bad design. We are dealing with very limited square footage. So manipulation of light and space is crucial to the overall success of the design.
With the number of people working together on the project, it is understandable that there will be opposing ideas on each of the spaces and design elements. What is most important is that we all agree to disagree. Given our impending time constraints, there is no more time to debate the potential of one design or the other.
Through the week these issues have been addressed. The permit set was submitted to the city. And now is the time to start finalizing design details. Each of us have selected a topic of personal interest and some formed small groups. As each person researches specific elements of the design, the findings have been brought and presented to the group. I have begun to work on plumbing research.
Also, the site was cleared and Richard and I met with Mr. Calendar about the ground work. We have to get this going so that we are able to start the foundation work. Clearing the site of the bamboo and kudzu was a daunting task. It took several people several days to cut bamboo and navigate through all the vines and brush. Not that I expected the bamboo disposal to be an easy feat, but until you get into the thick of it, you can't accurately estimate what it will take to get the job done.
When talking to Mr. Calendar, we discussed the dirt needed to fill in the hole near the northwest corner of the site. It was concluded that, in order to fill the hole and just smooth out other smaller variations of the ground plane, we would need 4-loads of dirt hauled in. We have to clear the ground of the remaining vegetation and grub. This is necessary to keep the ground work stable if dirt is to be brought in for filling and smoothing. If grubbing is not done, shifting can and will occur. Therefore becoming a hazard and creating a serious foundation problem.
With the number of people working together on the project, it is understandable that there will be opposing ideas on each of the spaces and design elements. What is most important is that we all agree to disagree. Given our impending time constraints, there is no more time to debate the potential of one design or the other.
Through the week these issues have been addressed. The permit set was submitted to the city. And now is the time to start finalizing design details. Each of us have selected a topic of personal interest and some formed small groups. As each person researches specific elements of the design, the findings have been brought and presented to the group. I have begun to work on plumbing research.
Also, the site was cleared and Richard and I met with Mr. Calendar about the ground work. We have to get this going so that we are able to start the foundation work. Clearing the site of the bamboo and kudzu was a daunting task. It took several people several days to cut bamboo and navigate through all the vines and brush. Not that I expected the bamboo disposal to be an easy feat, but until you get into the thick of it, you can't accurately estimate what it will take to get the job done.
When talking to Mr. Calendar, we discussed the dirt needed to fill in the hole near the northwest corner of the site. It was concluded that, in order to fill the hole and just smooth out other smaller variations of the ground plane, we would need 4-loads of dirt hauled in. We have to clear the ground of the remaining vegetation and grub. This is necessary to keep the ground work stable if dirt is to be brought in for filling and smoothing. If grubbing is not done, shifting can and will occur. Therefore becoming a hazard and creating a serious foundation problem.
Nothing great was ever achieved without ENTHUSIASM! (Emerson)
Getting started again after our Christmas break has been exhausting but exciting. There was a little problem with our site, to say the least. The site we had chosen, designed for, and recommended to Habitat for Humanity, as well as the Partner Family, proved to be near impossible or impractical to develop. The drainage issue created a problem by adding expense to the project, and prolonging the time schedule for the project. Neither of which are acceptable reasons in justifying a demand to use the E-Line Ave site. Though our design was derived, in part, by extensive analysis of this site, it also gave us a good opportunity for insight with respect to testing our project thesis. Our mission states that HabiTech10 is an organization committed to the design of a new standard of cost-efficient and adaptable housing. Our housing strategy combines modular building systems, prefabricated construction methods, and a flexible design that will adjust to site and family conditions. As aspiring architects, we wish to benefit a family, Habitat for Humanity, and ourselves by optimizing the use of habitable space and combining innovative building strategies. I would not say this was a welcomed challenge for us, but one that we are taking in stride.
Our confirmed new site is 1010 Jones St. There are several positive ways to look at this new site. One being that Lisa Archie (the partner family) is still within close walking distance of her place of employment. Second, she currently lives just next to the new site. Therefore, she will only have to move next door. She already has established relationships with the neighbors and is familiar with her surroundings. This works to our benefit as well, because I feel that there will be less tension amongst the residents. Instead of a new family and Habitat for Humanity house moving into their territory, I feel they will be more supportive and welcome the opportunity given to one of their fellow neighbors. If we are met with little or no opposition from the neighborhood, that will give us a better opportunity to focus our attention in more productive areas. Additionally, I also see the site change as a chance to bring a little bit of the arts to another neighborhood. Previous Habitat/Tech houses have been built adjacent to and near our first site. If we had built there as well, it might have seemed to saturate that area with new, architecturally designed homes, while neglecting or shunning other parts of the community. That, by all means, is far from the impression we hope to give our community. Finally, the new site dimensions are not much smaller than those of our first choice. Both are a fairly narrow width of 50 feet. However, the new site is 150 feet, where the other was 200 feet. Given our limitations on square footage of the house, this doesn't pose any serious problems with our current design. A few minor adjustments can be made to relate the design to this site.
This change does present another perspective with regard to geographical orientation. Subsequently, the sun direction on this site will effect the house design differently. Previously, the southern sun faced the house transversely. Now, the sun will face the longitudinal portion of the house. This is not negatively viewed, but provides a challenging opportunity for us to exhibit the elasticity of our skill, through progressive design.
Our confirmed new site is 1010 Jones St. There are several positive ways to look at this new site. One being that Lisa Archie (the partner family) is still within close walking distance of her place of employment. Second, she currently lives just next to the new site. Therefore, she will only have to move next door. She already has established relationships with the neighbors and is familiar with her surroundings. This works to our benefit as well, because I feel that there will be less tension amongst the residents. Instead of a new family and Habitat for Humanity house moving into their territory, I feel they will be more supportive and welcome the opportunity given to one of their fellow neighbors. If we are met with little or no opposition from the neighborhood, that will give us a better opportunity to focus our attention in more productive areas. Additionally, I also see the site change as a chance to bring a little bit of the arts to another neighborhood. Previous Habitat/Tech houses have been built adjacent to and near our first site. If we had built there as well, it might have seemed to saturate that area with new, architecturally designed homes, while neglecting or shunning other parts of the community. That, by all means, is far from the impression we hope to give our community. Finally, the new site dimensions are not much smaller than those of our first choice. Both are a fairly narrow width of 50 feet. However, the new site is 150 feet, where the other was 200 feet. Given our limitations on square footage of the house, this doesn't pose any serious problems with our current design. A few minor adjustments can be made to relate the design to this site.
This change does present another perspective with regard to geographical orientation. Subsequently, the sun direction on this site will effect the house design differently. Previously, the southern sun faced the house transversely. Now, the sun will face the longitudinal portion of the house. This is not negatively viewed, but provides a challenging opportunity for us to exhibit the elasticity of our skill, through progressive design.
Sunday
Refining Design
So how can an anti-cubic approach change the way in which one experiences their existence within their immediate environment of home?
By breaking down walls and creating a open plan, one can have a sense of freedom rather than restriction. Instead of the designer dictating which box should be used for each programmatic element, the occupant will have options in how they wish to use each space. Additionally, our concept of flexibility can be manipulated in such a way that allows multi-function spaces. This does not suggest that it will lack an inherent sequence of spatial movement, but supports the families authorship of the homes spatial functions.
Ultimately, we hope tot influence the practicality of each space, but ensure that its experientially enjoyable.
Resolving obstacles that arise during the design phase has proven to be an arduous feat. During each review and within each group discussion, every idea is being dissected and critiqued for its logical and conceptual relevance. It seems to have become a somewhat robotic response. But we must persist in our attention to the ethos of this project!
Below are some images that depict relevant sustainability design research
By breaking down walls and creating a open plan, one can have a sense of freedom rather than restriction. Instead of the designer dictating which box should be used for each programmatic element, the occupant will have options in how they wish to use each space. Additionally, our concept of flexibility can be manipulated in such a way that allows multi-function spaces. This does not suggest that it will lack an inherent sequence of spatial movement, but supports the families authorship of the homes spatial functions.
Ultimately, we hope tot influence the practicality of each space, but ensure that its experientially enjoyable.
Resolving obstacles that arise during the design phase has proven to be an arduous feat. During each review and within each group discussion, every idea is being dissected and critiqued for its logical and conceptual relevance. It seems to have become a somewhat robotic response. But we must persist in our attention to the ethos of this project!
Below are some images that depict relevant sustainability design research
Saturday
Demands in Design
After a short break, getting back into the studio has been exciting. There have already been many surprises, and I'm aware that it's only just beginning! The pre-break announcement that some of the 4th year students would be working with us on the project disappointed me somewhat, at first. I felt almost cheated in some way, or like someone had informed me that I would no longer have a lead role in my own play! This is our final exhibition project which should be a physical representation of the knowledge and skill we've gained during Architecture School.
After giving this some consideration, I realized that I was thinking about it the wrong way......
No one, is taking our spotlight. This is an opportunity to experience team work on a higher level and on a real-time project. It's an opportunity to influence others, and share our perspectives and interests, while being introduced to their ideas as well. Hence, fostering a mutual appreciation and respect that could be a huge advantage to outcome of the project. We've all worked long and hard to get to this point and it is a privilege to have this experience. This is still our project as long as we invest ownership. It is up to each of us, how much ownership we take. If we don't have a certain conviction about what we hope to accomplish, we can't expect the 4th year students to bring the same amount of motivation to the table. This is a chance for everyone to display leadership and ambition. And ultimately, if individually we fail to take advantage of that opportunity, it will be detrimental to our project as a whole!
On a different note, I was also doing some more thinking about design. One of the architects I admire is William McDonough. He is regarded in high esteem and is a world renowned designer to whom three U.S. Presidential awards have been given. He designed and built the first solar-heated house in Ireland in 1977. He has remained the leader in sustainable development. I believe the Pine Island Residence is one of his most beautiful works.
It's a rustic and intimate family retreat. It incorporates the design of traditional Japanese housing and seems to blur the boundaries between its interior and exterior space. Many windows and simple red cedar wood, surrounded by tall trees, grasses, and a beautiful marshy wilderness completes this effect. It is designed to link the home to its surrounding by opening up to its landscape. Its natural cooling is successful by cross-ventilation of one-room-deep structures and deep overhangs providing shade. These features seem to subtly, yet conspicuously encompass one within the visual and physical environment.
One of my personal hopes for this project is to design a plan that organizes a fluid transition from one functional area to another, while producing a unified, open-air dwelling. This would relieve the partner family from the traditional, cubic spatial cells which are so confining. Thus, allowing the occupants to experience more continuous space within limited square footage.
After giving this some consideration, I realized that I was thinking about it the wrong way......
No one, is taking our spotlight. This is an opportunity to experience team work on a higher level and on a real-time project. It's an opportunity to influence others, and share our perspectives and interests, while being introduced to their ideas as well. Hence, fostering a mutual appreciation and respect that could be a huge advantage to outcome of the project. We've all worked long and hard to get to this point and it is a privilege to have this experience. This is still our project as long as we invest ownership. It is up to each of us, how much ownership we take. If we don't have a certain conviction about what we hope to accomplish, we can't expect the 4th year students to bring the same amount of motivation to the table. This is a chance for everyone to display leadership and ambition. And ultimately, if individually we fail to take advantage of that opportunity, it will be detrimental to our project as a whole!
On a different note, I was also doing some more thinking about design. One of the architects I admire is William McDonough. He is regarded in high esteem and is a world renowned designer to whom three U.S. Presidential awards have been given. He designed and built the first solar-heated house in Ireland in 1977. He has remained the leader in sustainable development. I believe the Pine Island Residence is one of his most beautiful works.
It's a rustic and intimate family retreat. It incorporates the design of traditional Japanese housing and seems to blur the boundaries between its interior and exterior space. Many windows and simple red cedar wood, surrounded by tall trees, grasses, and a beautiful marshy wilderness completes this effect. It is designed to link the home to its surrounding by opening up to its landscape. Its natural cooling is successful by cross-ventilation of one-room-deep structures and deep overhangs providing shade. These features seem to subtly, yet conspicuously encompass one within the visual and physical environment.One of my personal hopes for this project is to design a plan that organizes a fluid transition from one functional area to another, while producing a unified, open-air dwelling. This would relieve the partner family from the traditional, cubic spatial cells which are so confining. Thus, allowing the occupants to experience more continuous space within limited square footage.
Wednesday
My Wondering Mind
I have been thinking about what a home is to those who are less fortunate than most. There were some saddening thoughts which presented themselves. One might think that a family who comes from a disheartening, poverty ridden environment would want a traditional style home. I asked myself why: And I concluded that perhaps its because it is what they are most familiar with and exposed to through daily travel or TV or magazines. They see the cute little house with the picket fence and just daydream of having something better one day (that is unless, their spirit has been completely broken). They might consider this recurring image of a home as a luxury. And I considered why: The home serves as stability. I imagined what it must be like to live in an environment where some of the appliances don't work, or maybe there is masking tape over a broken window, or if there was only heat/air-conditioning in some of the rooms, or if there were rodents and pests which invaded your space and caused destruction to the place you call home, or if the floors were not fully intact or uneven or not level, or if your bathing area was sub-standard and the room in your are supposed to feel clean and refreshed left you with a sense of disgust instead. These may be extreme thoughts but there are many who live in those conditions for their entire lifetime. The psychological effect this might have on a person is beyond my imagination. I would think that it leaves one feeling continually uneasy, never being able to relax knowing that something may break or colapse at any time and still you must work to survive in this environment. Or worse, knowing that you must raise a family in these conditions.
A profound realization about why I have chosen the field of architecture occurred within me. I want to create an environment which builds self confidence, integrity and identity. People who live in these conditions are oppressed by them. They don't chose these environments and therefore, they are unable to completely embrace an identity which is their own. They see what they relate to normality and yet they are independently not capable of attaining it. I would like to improve the livelihood of a family who may suffer from some of these living conditions. I would like to help design/build a home of which one can be proud and relax. And one which encourages personal/family growth with comfortable amenities among a welcoming community.
We are all part of a community of human beings. And it is our responsibilty to be proactive in improving lives all around us. We all have unique talents and skills. What are they worth if we don't share them to improve life.
A profound realization about why I have chosen the field of architecture occurred within me. I want to create an environment which builds self confidence, integrity and identity. People who live in these conditions are oppressed by them. They don't chose these environments and therefore, they are unable to completely embrace an identity which is their own. They see what they relate to normality and yet they are independently not capable of attaining it. I would like to improve the livelihood of a family who may suffer from some of these living conditions. I would like to help design/build a home of which one can be proud and relax. And one which encourages personal/family growth with comfortable amenities among a welcoming community.
We are all part of a community of human beings. And it is our responsibilty to be proactive in improving lives all around us. We all have unique talents and skills. What are they worth if we don't share them to improve life.
Monday
Black Monday
I got an email from Ken Taylor. He's my Habitat for Humanity contact for IRS forms and documentation of Proof Of Exemption status as a non-profit charitable organization. I need to get a copy of Habitat for Humanity's IRS Form 990 and IRS 501(c)3 Authorization Permit, in order to send in the grant applications for those grants we are targeting. I spent many hours researching of any grants that might be available to our organization. At first, it was a struggle and I was not turning-up anything in the way of potential funding for our project. There were so many of which we had missed the deadline, or we did not qualify for one reason or another. Then things began to take a turn for the better. I found 8 grants for which we qualified and deadlines were not an issue. In getting all the information together to begin the application process, I found that they required IRS proof of status as a charitable organization which is tax exempt. I discovered that HabiTech10 was not able to file under the schools Tax ID number and Status because we are not an established student organization (each 5th year class designs a different project and is independent as a student organization from previous classes).
Unfortunately, the email informed me that Ken has searched all documentation given to him by his predecessor, and there is no IRS Form 990 nor the IRS 501(c)3 Authorization Permit. Furthermore, there is no evidence that the forms had ever be filed by the Ruston chapter of Habitat for Humanity. I'm not sure has that can be, but none-the-less that's the status I've been given. He did inform me that he would take all steps toward finding out if the chapter would be considered under the International organizations exemption. No one ever filed a Form 990 or Tax Exemption 501(c)3. He said he would begin to file an IRS Form 990. He expressed that he assumed it would take several weeks to get a reply from the IRS.....GO FIGURE!
So, it's the waiting game until I hear back from Ken and hope dearly that we don't fail to meet the application deadlines due to this obstacle!
Unfortunately, the email informed me that Ken has searched all documentation given to him by his predecessor, and there is no IRS Form 990 nor the IRS 501(c)3 Authorization Permit. Furthermore, there is no evidence that the forms had ever be filed by the Ruston chapter of Habitat for Humanity. I'm not sure has that can be, but none-the-less that's the status I've been given. He did inform me that he would take all steps toward finding out if the chapter would be considered under the International organizations exemption. No one ever filed a Form 990 or Tax Exemption 501(c)3. He said he would begin to file an IRS Form 990. He expressed that he assumed it would take several weeks to get a reply from the IRS.....GO FIGURE!
So, it's the waiting game until I hear back from Ken and hope dearly that we don't fail to meet the application deadlines due to this obstacle!
Thursday
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