Observations of Class Presentation to David Jones and Becky Boles
Made by Hong Mang
Introduction: Presented by JVJ & Jessica D.
All proposals by the building committee were presented as stated in the document. They mentioned that the class read and had studied Edward Hall’s Hidden Dimension and William Pena’s Problem Seeking as part of early programming stages. They also mentioned the psychology of space, the desk proposal, as built drawings, analysis of UT Arlington’s Architecture building and precedent buildings, space types, surveys, interviews, and finally the problem statement.
Study of William Pena’s Problem Seeking: Presented by Alaina
Alaina mentioned that there are list of questions that are associated with each of the 4 categories, which will aid in the design process. Professor Jones asks why Pena’s method was explained to him. If he were the client, why would he need to know the process that we make? He has read the book himself, had studied his process himself, and has even spoken to Pena himself; therefore, he knows the whole detail of the programming process. He suggested that whichever method the designers make to program and design, the client need not to know about it. It is consider of irrelevance to them. He mentioned that in the real world, rarely does a designer talk about the programming method. Professor Appleton explained that we only wanted to let him know our process from the beginning to now. Professor Jones gets confused on his role, whether as the client or as a professor. He also suggested Robert Summer’s Personal Space. He talked about how he and Professor Boles has their backs to the door rather than sitting on the opposite end of the table. This type of action is described in Summer’s book. Professor Jones encouraged us move beyond Pena’s methods and to ask other questions that might be relevant to the programming stages. “Have a healthy skepticism.”
Documentation of User Group Needs: Presented by Son
Son talked about everything on paper as Professor Boles read along. Professor Jones sits back and listens attentively to Son. He chuckled when Son mentioned how some staff described the administrative office to be like a doctor’s office. Professor Jones stated that it was a fair assessment. He wasn’t aware that the dean needed a second conference room so this was of good information for him. He wanted us to consider the following: Did we interview the right people? Was the interview extensive enough? If Dr. Ruzicka was interviewed, should Charles be interviewed as well? Professor Jones stated that every time he has a conference at this architecture building, it embarrasses him because either the dimmers are not working properly or the microphone doesn’t work. Apparently we have spent a lot of money but the results have not matched up.
Study of Edward T. Hall’s The Hidden Dimension:Presented by Brooke
Brooke mentioned everything that was on the paper. Professor Jones said that there is a tendency to think that if a resource is 20 or 30 years old, that information is obsolete. But that is not always the case. He believes that the information is just as current today as it is back then when it was first written. This information cannot be tested in a lab like how a scientist would do it, but they can be observed and be repeated over and over again.
Precedent Studies: Not presented
However, Professor Boles asked what is relevant about the research that we did in which we could apply to our building. Professor Jones suggested that we should always question the source
Creating As-Built Drawings: Not Presented
However, Professor Appleton explained the whole process of dividing the building into quadrants and assigning them to small groups in the class. She mentioned that the class was responsible for measuring and making sure that the drawings were drawn correctly. Professor Jones complimented on the overall look of the drawings, especially the good line weights.
Observations of Gathering Patterns: Presented by Eddie
Eddie talked about the locations that students and faculty gathered for each quadrant. Professor Jones stated that the library would be valuable to include in the observations of student gathering. He wished that we could utilize it more, such as having more of that small, new conference room. He thinks that the current location of the computer terminal prevents the circulation through that area. He suggested having the observations and a sketchbook next to you to make drawings and all kinds of observations. Professor Christensen talked about how our class acts as both the programmer, and the designer. Professor Jones mentioned how William Pena was more of a programmer because he was really good at it. He didn’t do so much designing. Professor Jones suggested that we write an email to him a list of concerns that we may have about the building so that he can present it to the building committee himself. Professor Christensen asked about the render farm size and how big it should be. Is it legitimate to have half the size of the computer lab downstairs? Professor Jones replied that it was too generous and that 100 square feet space is just enough for the computer mainframe itself.
Building Analysis: Presented by Jamie
Professor Jones suggested that we make realization of the fact that the materials choice we make relies heavily on the cost.
Space Type + Area Summary: Presented by Danny
Professor suggested that we make notations on which space is under utilized. He mentioned how he is working on a plan where only the third year fall classes are offered only in the fall. By doing so, it should free up 3-4 studio spaces in the spring. Graduate studios can have a minimum of 5 students while undergraduate studios have a minimum of 10 students. So should we find a smaller space to accommodate those smaller studios?
User Survey: Presented by Mary
Professor David asked us: How do you put those preferences such as a lounge into the design? How can a senior ad a commentary such as “Go Sustainable”. What does that mean? It needs to be more detailed. Give priority to certain features/problems. He agrees that furniture is the main concern.
Problem Statements: Presented by Kaci
Professor Jones said that it was a start, but it still needs further elaboration. He said that we have gathered raw materials but once we get into the design phase, more questions will evolve. We will always need information to design. The more information we have, the easier it is to make good decisions. Professor Boles said that we have a qualitative summary but we’re going to need to know x number of offices and x number of studios as well. For example: If we are going to add 4 lounge area, what should we remove to adjust the space? Professor Jones mentioned how when Room 105 did function as a lounge, no one used it. The space was a failure. Professor Boles asked if we thought about adding a food cafeteria. Professor talked about the annex once being a food cafeteria where it was used by many of the Architecture and Fine Arts students. Professor Jones finally ended by saying that it was a reasonable start. We are not prepared to design but it is time to start designing anyways. We need to look back at the last four pages of the document summary, come to an agreement as a class and start designing.