December Extra Blog

On this particular meeting we went to the kpff consulting engineers firm. This firm was where some of our structural engineer mentors worked. The interesting fact about this particular building was that it was the part of Pasadena’s chamber of commerce. What I found to be most intriguing was the fact that when the building was being renovated, kpff decided to keep some of the building's history in it by preserving some existing features.

 

 

During the ACE meeting, the Pasadena Team had taken a tour of the building and gotten to see our mentors workspace. After we went over to the kpff conference room there we were introduced to a short diagram.  

The diagram was informal displaying a basic image of what a typical structure is made of various components. First concrete is set as a foundations and steel beams are set in place vertically and perpendicular steel columns are established to support the slab between the secondary beam.

 



Our mentors also explained the various viewpoints in order of importance when constructing a building. For example a structural engineers' order of importance is safety is the number one priority when designing a building then serviceability (being designed in a practical and user friendly manner, and respectable purpose,) build ability (designing a building that is easy to construct and not problematic,) appearance (aesthetics.) An architects main concern is focused on appearance the atmosphere of the building and how the design creates fluidity. For a contractor his focus is on the build ability of the design and how practical it is to build. The owner or client is concerned with the value of their design, being that they want to get the most worth out of their money.

 

 

 The main topic we spoke of during our meeting was scale and the purpose of how its used to create designs in an optimal amount of space. What I learned from this meeting was that since buildings in actual size cannot be drawn onto paper we conserve space by using scale drawings. Based on what scale you chose: 1/8, 1/16, 1/4, 1/2, 1, 3/8, 3/4, 1 1/2, 3 inch. you have to calculate the total area of the square footage of a room and the width and length in order to make the design practical for the user.



November Extra Blog

On Thursday the 26th of November the Pasadena Team went on a field trip to a local engineer firm, known as TTG (TMAD, TAYLOR, GAINS.) As a group we were introduced to two specialists in their field a Mechanical Engineer and an Electrical Engineer. You could tell that both the engineers when they talked about their past education and job experience were passionate about their career and loved what they were doing. The Mechanical Engineer had majored as an Aerospace Engineer, but became licensed to engineer and design buildings. This was because the Mechanical Engineer found it rewarding to have a finished product and in aerospace engineering many project designs never make it to space and there is a slim chance of seeing a finished product. On the other hand the Electrical Engineer had lived in India and his family had all majored as Anesthesiologists and he went for his dreams to become an Electrical Engineer and not follow in the same footsteps as his family. After the Electrical Engineer moved to the United States and got his license in California; and he loves working at his job and all the positive rewards you get as an engineer. Both the engineers when introducing there company spoke of how there office is becoming more sustainable with new renewable energy, and wanted to show us how they are contributing to renewable energy by having us fill out a the sustainability scavenger hunt paper on labeled renewable energy items throughout our guided tour. After meeting with the two engineers we went on our guided tour of the building. One of the most interesting features about the building was the way it was designed in angle to promote community and communication from all the engineers' office spaces and the head corporate offices. At one our stops on the guided tour we met a civil engineer and he had showed us how he designs air filtration systems and plumbing systems using computer drafting programs in both 2-D and 3-D. The Civil Engineer had also explained that based on the number of maximum occupancy of the building influences the designing of the air and plumbing systems in order to meet the needs of the users properly. What I took out from this ACE Mentorship meeting was the fact that being passionate about your career can influence your work efforts and becoming an engineer is tough path but once you are there you are using problem based skills to solve certain circumstances to work alongside your colleagues and to make the project function as a whole.

Blog 9: EQ

1. "I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ."

2. Tell us if it meets the rule of 3 criteria. Tell why it does or why it doesn't.

My Working EQ: "What is the best way for an architect to incorporate the natural surroundings in a building design?"

In response to the rule of 3 criteria: When carefully analyzing my EQ, I found that my EQ did fit the rule of 3 criteria, and below I have supported my response to each of the 3 criteria.

• Providing a framework for studies:

                  My current essential question allows me to access a wide-range of research, offering many open-ended questions. Within my EQ, my question states "what is the best way" this choice of words presents to any viewer that my question can be answered in more than one way. The reason why my EQ can be answered in multiple ways is that you can find many "best ways...to incorporate" nature into a building design; in which all answers can equally be considered "the best way." For example one of my current answers to my Essential Question is through the use of observation many architects can learn the forms of nature's structure and incorporate their observations into a project design. Another possible answer to my EQ is by literally incorporating nature into your design by designing a building that is engineered to mold around pre-existing land marks to purposely not harm the pre-existing cite.

• Taking a stance:

                 Overall my EQ offers an extensive outlook of research, which include facts, historic and modern examples, as well as methods of how to incorporate nature into your design. Keeping in mind that our EQ must argue or support our point can be represented with the word choice of arguing "what is the best way...to incorporate" nature into a building design. This phrase allows me to explore and support my EQ by defending my research supported response answers by finding the "best ways."

• Formatting:

                The wording within my EQ is grammatically correct as well as it uses appropriate language to offer an open-ended response. My EQ uses specific phrases in order to get a specific point across particularly pertaining to  the "best way."

2.
a.  What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?

• This question does not meet the rule of 3 criteria since it can only be answered through a factual based standpoint tying to the stance criteria to argue a point.  

b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

• This question does not follow the criteria, because its formatting is not specific to defining the EQ. For example "What is most important" instead of address the EQ in that format the EQ could have been worded like "What is the most important factor" (this way specific addresses a factor when securing a conviction.)

c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

• This question does not follow the criteria, because its formatting is not specific to defining the EQ. For example "What is most important" instead of address the EQ in that format the EQ could have been worded like "What is the most important factor" (this way specific addresses a factor when creating a hairstyle.)

d.  How can an Anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?

• This question does follow the three rule criteria since it offers an elaborate study of different ways an Anesthesiologist can best treat chronic pain. In addition, this question takes a stances that can argue a variety of different standpoints on how to best treat chronic pain. Lastly the formatting on this quest does fit the criteria since it is very specific and clear on its point on "How...Anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?"

3. Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.

How can an architect sufficiently incorporate nature into a building design?

October Extra Blog

For my Independent Component I had met up with the Design and Construction Committee of Habitat for Humanity, on October 9th. During our meet we discussed the present progress of previous Habitat builds in addition to the upcoming housing programs in process. After the meeting I was given the chance to view certain design layouts. I found it very interesting in analyzing from the floor plan to the roof plan, and getting to see all the components that make up the structure of a house. What I would take from this meeting, is to learn how the layout of a build is logically placed.   

Blog 8: Research & Working EQ

1.  What is your working EQ?
-What is the best way for an architect to incorporate the natural surroundings in a building design?

2.  What is a possible answer to your working EQ?

- By using observation and analytical skills, architects can best understand and define their natural surroundings in a project design, allowing them to incorporate surrounding natural elements into their design.

3.What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ?

-New Organic Architecture: The Breaking Wave by Pearson, David

 

 

4.  Who is your mentor, or where are you volunteering, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

-Currently I am volunteering at a program called ACE Mentorship. For the past two meetings our class had been focusing on collaborative work efforts as a team, by designing and constructing towers and bridges. This concept ties into the realistic aspects of how both architects and engineers work as a team to have a resulting product that is both structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing. My mentorship activities relate back to my EQ by covering the notion of how a building must have fluidity in all its external and internal components. In the theory organic architecture states that a building's materials must come together as one and no such material should be distinguished from on another; as well as the idea of using limited materials in organic architecture to express natural forms. Within my mentorship, building and designing a structure with restricted materials exposed us to the idea of "limited materials" used in organic architecture; in addition to the idea of fluidity throughout a building we as a group had to brainstorm how to utilize our assigned materials in order to create a structure where all its components tie in together without having any one of them that is useless or stands out.
 

Blog 7: Independent 1 Component Approval

1. Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

Recently I have been working/volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, (non-profit organization that provides housing for low-income families) the Pomona Valley H.F.H. Volunteer Coordinator Morgan Sternquist, explained to me that Habitat has a Design and Construction Committee. The Design & Construction Committee meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 3p.m. Our committee consists of volunteers, board members, artists, and licensed engineers as well as architects. During the meetings we as a committee will be discussing current and future activities happening on each different construction site. Currently, this month Habitat will be constructing the Green Design build in the city of Walnut, we as a committee will be discussing the Walnut design and also consider the city requirements. By joining this committee I expose myself to design project ideas, experience how to construct an idea, and tie my achieved knowledge in design into my essential question.

2.   Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.

In order to prove I have completed my thirty hours I will continuously take photos to keep up dated on my progress. I will also take notes during each meeting, of important notations that apply to Habitat job sites or any details associated with my essential question. In addition, I would also like to use art work as evidence to show progress in my design theory and also create designs of my own by using the designs I am exposed to during our committee meetings.

3. And explain how what you will be doing will help you explore your topic in more depth.
On my own time, I will take several visits to pre-existing sites and take a sketch book in order to allow myself to analyze different architectural designs, and how to incorporate natural surroundings with in a design. I will specifically focus my attention on the design factor in my research, as well as asking key questions from professionals in the field how I could research my topic in a deeper depth.

ACE Mentorship: Pasadena Team's First Meet

 

On the 19th of September, I went to my new mentorship called ACE Mentorship for the first time! There I had the privilege of meeting several different licensed Architects and Engineers in the field. As each Mentor introduced themselves they gave a little back story of their education and career. One mentor that made a significant impact in her presentation was an Architect that specifically designed high schools. She showed us a video that overlooked her design of the school with a program known as Sketch Up. She also asked us questions to consider in the design, such as whether the school needs a library, gym, and specific arrangement of elements. Towards the end of the meeting, the class was split into different groups. I was assigned to a retired Architect named Don, who I later found out that he actually was on the design team for constructing the Getty Museum. In our conversation I had explained to him that the Getty had actually looked as if it were on a grid plain. In response, he had explained that he had never actually worked with a grid plain design until the Getty. All in all, I had an exciting experience getting to meet Don and listening to the other Engineers' and Architects' backgrounds. What I would take from this experience, is seeing and knowing exactly how each ACE mentor got through their education and where they presently are in their career, and apply it to my education, career, and life.

Blog 6: Second Interview Part 1

1. Mentorship in progress

On Thursday the 19th, I will currently be switching my mentors. Tomorrow I will be joining the ACE Mentorship Program in Pasadena at Marshall Fundamental High School. There I will meet other high school students who are interested in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction; in addition to licensed practitioners in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction, known as our mentors. Over the course of the year each ACE team will undergo an annual design project, visit professional offices and tour construction sites, etc. Due to the fact that I am switching my mentors, I will postpone the answer to my first question, and later add an additional blog stating the background information of my mentor.

2. Background questions:

• What is your educational background, and what did you specifically major in?
• What is your past design philosophy?
• What sets your Architectural firm apart from other firms with similar experience?
• Based on your past experiences, how would you as an architect effectively and efficiently run a firm?  
• When you are promoting your business and yourself, what are some good tips to sell/win over your clients?
• How do you effectively balance business with ethics when working with clients, construction workers, and engineers?
• In your experience, what is the easiest way to consult with engineers and construction managers when coming to an agreement on certain design changes?

Blog 5: Project Reflection and Working EQ

 1.The Pentagon:
Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?

• Since I have been working with Habitat for Humanity, which is a non-profit organization that provides qualified low income families with decent, safe and affordable housing. I have seen the effects of how the organization changes families’ lives for the better. On that note I recently had the ability to work on a construction site in Rancho Cucamonga. The Rancho Cucamonga house was given to a Mother and her two kids; it was such a price-less experience to actually get to meet the family and see their gratitude and zeal for all the volunteers who worked on the house, and seeing the house itself. In addition I was able to gain a basic knowledge and skills of working on a construction site. This will in turn help my future as a pursuing Architect to connect more with the construction manager, when a problem arises in a project. Having a good relationship with the construction manager can enable an Architect and a Construction Manger to easily resolve an issue in changes of a design, etc.

2. EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic?

• During my interview with my mentor Monica, I remember a key fact that imprinted in my mind. In fact it was a realization that struck me, of how much the user of a building is impacted by any structure. Even though the general public isn't really aware of how much they are affected by architecture throughout their daily lives; the user in a sense is affected by the function of the building, its safety, and the design/ layout in which affects the mood of the user. As a result my interview has helped me to become more aware of my surroundings in how I view architecture around my daily life. For example when you look at a building, you have to see through eyes of an architect and look at how the building is positioned with the ground, lined up with the streets, and connects with the sky and surrounding foliage.

3. What has worked for you so far in the senior project?

• Being able to find great sources has helped enrich my understanding of Architecture. Keeping this in mind, I was able to find reliable sources online such as articles and p.d.f. as well as books; that have open my mind to a new view Architecture. In addition my mentor Monica is a family friend so she was willing to help answer any questions about Architecture that needed any clarifying. Monica has also introduced me to getting familiar with my surroundings and to recognize Architecture in my neighborhood.

4. What hasn't worked so far? 

• Throughout the summer it was very difficult to find a mentor I had contacted places locally, but there were no openings in their mentorship department. My mentor Monica had also offered to put in a good word for me at an Architecture firm; although the firm was in down town LA so the distance is about an hour drives from my house. In the end I was able to contact ACE Mentorship, and they were glad to let me join their Pasadena Team at Marshall High School starting on Sept. 19^th.

5. Finding Value:         -What is a potential question you would like to study this year?  (working EQ)

• A potential question I would like to study for my senior project would be “How can a licensed Architect set their-self apart from other competitive Architects, in order to better their community?”

        -What do you plan to do for mentorship?

• For mentorship I would like to visit architectural monuments and be able to analyze specific details with other students who are pursuing Architecture as well. In addition I also look forward to connecting and working with other students my age who are pursuing Architecture, Engineering, and Construction and being able to hear out their opinions on how to execute a project to fit the a client’s needs/desires.   

 

 

Mentorship/Senior Year Project Goals to Accomplish

Applied Knowledge
     During my interview with my mentor Monica, I remember a key fact that imprinted in my mind. In fact it was a realization that struck me, of how much the user of a building is impacted by any structure. Even though the general public isn't really aware of how much they are affected by architecture throughout their day; from the function of the building, to its safety, and design or mood, it all affects the user. In addition, Monica had also recommended I be more aware of my surroundings and look at how a building is positioned with the ground, a lined with the streets, and connects with the sky. All in all, I merely just don't want to take Monica's advice and just intake it I actually want to follow through and experience her advice first hand this year.

To Do List for this Year:

• Take a trip to a well known monument of architecture, and analyze its detailing of its exterior and interior. Bring a sketch book along to visualize and record what you evaluated. Ask yourself how this structure makes you feel, and later do some research on the structure and its architect to find design facts on the building.
• Also take a walk in your neighborhood and analyze the architecture, bring your sketch book along and pose questions as to why the architect decided to follow through with this certain style of design?
• Attend a seminar or presentation about architecture, and note important facts.
• Learn something new each day about Architecture.
• In addition, do an internship at a construction cite to also be knowledgeable in the construction field. Since in fact Architects need to be able to communicate and have a good relationship with Contractors during a design project.
• Take an Art Class that is highly skilled in distinct lines, shapes, space, colors, textures, compositions, light, tint, shades, tones, shading, proportions, and glaze.
• Craft your own structure/ learn how to use CAD drafting system.

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1. Who do you plan to interview. Why?

 I plan to interview Monica Estrada, due the fact that she is a graduate from Berkley University with a major in Architecture. In addition I have also kept in close contact with Monica since her husband Robert is a colleague of my father.

2. You have to ask 5 questions.  What additional questions do you plan to ask?

Additional Questions:

• What sets an Architect apart from other architects with similar experience?
• When working on a project what problems should you foresee on a construction site?
• When there is a change of plans on a project what additional fees do you have to consider as an architect?
• What do you see as important issues or considerations in any project?  

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Semester 1 ESLR Goals

1.  List your topic here: Architecture
2.  What do you plan to do this year to show growth in each of the ESLRs?  Be specific and use an example.  Examples can come from senior project, model assembly, core, and/or participation in senior class ASB or other organizations on campus (clubs etc).

• I-poly Citizen:  
  Presently I have completed one hundred hours of community service and still working on completing the other half. By self-motivating myself and showing an initiative, I will follow through with meetings at service learning hours, through the effective use of time managing my schedule. This year my goal is to not have a reputation of coming to class late and being absent. With that in mind, I will manage my time wisely so that way I don't over tire myself to be absent the next day or be tardy. In addition, I myself would like to participate more in the I-poly community whether it be joining a club or committee. I have not yet decided on how to contribute my time, but I will take the time to ask where my help is needed by the office or my teachers.

• Effective User of Technology:

  As of right now my skills in Technology are pretty average. Although I am having a bit of trouble with my blog since it is a new website I have never used. By developing my skills in technology I can hone the skills of utilizing and producing a web page and creating a short film adaption. I will encourage myself to ask questions from my classmates or from my teachers on any technological problems from my blog, to find a creditable source that supports any of my points within projects.
• Effective Communicator:

  Over the years I have realized that being an effective communicator is one of my weakest points. Having come to realistic terms, I propose that it is necessary to overcome my fears since it will affect my occupational goals. With this in mind, listening to someone without interrupting while they're talking is a major objective for me. Furthermore the ability to send clear verbal and non-verbal messages, through conversing with some in person/on the phone or being able to send a clear and concise email covering all major points.
• Effective Learner:

  In order to effectively and efficiently complete all my tasks at hand for this year I will invest in buying a planner. In addition, demonstrating originality and problem-solving skills in my senior project will essentially benefit me in the long run; by setting me apart from other Architect majors competing in the same field of study. As well as working on my problem-solving skills when answering the essential question (in my senior project), will establish a logical and analytical mind set when addressing and solving issues.

 

 

          

Summer Mentorship Component

Literal: 

 

1. Mentorship Log 

2. Dennis Tierney (626) 945-0033

Adress: 8543 Hamilton ST, Rancho Cucamunga CA 91701

3. Question that Arose

• What materials will I need to familiarize myself with, and there uses    in order to properly use them correctly?
• In order to be independently employed and financially stable, how should I budget my construction supplies in order for myself to have enough material while making a profitable income?
• If an unknown problem arises like a rotting wall, how will I cover myself for unseen problems in my budget?
• How would I manage my time properly and logically in order to effectively and efficiently get a construction site done in good quality by the deadline?
• Will I need people skills in order to communicate my point across to engineer, architects, clients or simply getting a license or permit approved?

 Interpretive:

4.

 Having the opportunity to join Habitat for Humanity on the proactive side of actually building houses, was and still is a great opportunity. This experience gave me an in sight in the future career path I was seeking, and allowed me self discovery. As a result, even though I was given the tools and knowledge to cock a cabinet, level out ground and layout a certain ratio of manuer to top soil; finding myself was important to me in terms of my future goals. As the days of my mentorship prolonged, questions arose of if I really would like working along side a construction cite. Although it was not the labor that changed my mind but the fact that I felt like I wanted to express the idea of forming a structure.

Applied:

5.

 Originally I had wanted to construct buildings hands on yet I realized how much I enjoy thinking outside the box; coming up with analytical ideas of how to utilize space and design. My summer mentorship allowed myself to come across the field of Architecture. One day at the construction cite I had met the Architect who had made the blue prints for the house. Once getting the chance to meet him gave me the opportunity to ask him questions on his job. Turned out he got his BA in Art, and he had employed himself as an Architect for a side job since he was in his twenties. He explained to me his job, and I asked him what he liked most about his job. For short he told me the potential of space and how to utilize it in a modern way. In a way it prompted me to view Architecture differently, and made me open minded to my environment and look around at all the buildings in my area. Questioning how or what motivated a person to detail or construct a house or building to its unique network. In all I am grateful for my summer mentorship because I don't feel it as a waste of time but rather a self- discovery that allowed me to be in tuned with my surroundings and inspire me to envision and create new and modern structures as an Architect to benefit my community.  

 

  

Blog 1: 2013 2-Hour Presentation Reflections

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Blog 1: 2013 2-Hour Presentation Reflections

1. The presentation I viewed were:
Electonic Dance Music-Jorge E.
Making an Album-Jessica B.
OBGYN-Marilyn G.
All Star Cheerlead (Safety)-Dominic Z.
Automotive Repair-Nicholas G.
Yoga-Alyssa S.
Structural Engineering-Andy G.
Yearbook-Emma S.
Drifting-Ricardo M.
Cancer Survivors-Darlene D.
Car Audio-Daniel L.
Vieterinarian Oncology-Cheryl W.
Teaching Algebra-Hedman
Wedding Dress Design-Jeanette D.

2. My questions in relation to the senior project, would be how much an activity is accounting to your senior presentation. In addition, would you recomend that I start researching my topic during the summary for articles?

3. Based on my interpretations, having the ability to know your topic throughly shows that you have done extensive research on your topic. As well as being enthusiastic about your subject intrigues your audience to want to learn about your topic.

4. For my senior project I am considering to do is Architecture. The idea of expressing your creatively through the abstract and geometric figures is amazing to me. In addition, I have kept in contact with one of my dad's co-worker's wife who is an Architect herself, and has willingly giving the me the opportunity to intern.