Group Exercise Dry-Run

Water group meeting

Ok hi guys,

Just met with the Water Team. They wanted to make two big maps, one macro (big site and surroundings) and one micro (house plus neighborhood; recreation space, farm, and street) so that the groups can organize and draw out views, private/public areas, access, and room program on trace, or post-it notes.

When it comes to our exercise, they really like the idea, but was afraid that it was to detail when it came to actually drawing out the rooms. I think it should be quite easy to merge their and our exercise into one.

Now we have a better idea of what they want to do so that we can adapt our ideas closer to theirs. So, what's the next step?

LOGO / CARD DESIGN IDEAS

Hi, here are some more of the card design suggestions from Kim.
I have just drawn them in ill and added some random colors, trying to stick to Warhol-style

The New Alchemy Institute

Another possible great resource, The New Alchemy Institute is located on the Cape as well. They are strong proponents of the bio-shelter concept. Many of their projects manage to successfully integrate residential programs within structures that are also able to produce a bountiful stock of goods: aquaculture, subsistence crops, herbs, flowers, etc. The concept may be a little progressive to be a useful model for us but I think this is a good direction to be thinking in.

Here is a link to a .pdf of some of the completed projects from their site:

http://nature.my.cape.com/greencenter/pdf/BiosheltersofNAI.pdf

THE Malcolm Wells

So I have really been enjoying researching Malcom Wells the last few days. I think some of his concepts and certainly his philosphical approach to arch are definitely applicable to us. He is like the definitive pioneer when it comes to "underground" design - and not like "out of the mainstreem" but really underground, i.e beneath grade.

Here is a link to his studio which is on the Cape where he lived most of his life and executed many of his projects. Sadly he passed just several months ago. His home/galllery is currently being run by his wife, a talented landscape painter.

http://www.malcolmwells.com/index.html

 Alternative:

 

(pics from Malcolmwells.com)

Group Exercise Brainstorm

Simple House Template: Individuals draw in specific elements desired. Maybe to work in partners? Could also have vocabulary describing certain features to accompany and clarify the drawings.

Blind Contour Drawing: Dream House

House Pictionary: Work in teams or in whole group and draw specific elements of a house until it is completed. Good way to amalgamate group ideas into something visual.

Similarly to the previous exercise splitting in to partners: One partner would describe the features while the other draws what is being explained. Maybe we could even pair up students with the board members to help with drawing?

Studio Notes: 2.11.10

Team / Project Introduction & Mission Statement

ABOUT US:

S_O_D_A (Sustainably_Orientated_Design_Associates) is a collaborative effort between four Boston Architectural College (BAC) students assisting the Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC), of Hyannis, MA to contribute in the development of their Community Green project.

We are a diverse brain trust comprised of broad experience on a global scale, novel ideas, and a youthful enthusiasm due to hope for the future.  Each member brings a unique perspective and design approach to S_O_D_A resulting in a collaborative, dynamic unit, the value of which is significantly greater then the sum of each individual’s talents.

OUR MISSION:

S_O_D_A aims to embrace a gentle approach to crafting the built environment. This means not just making considerations of our greatest resource - the natural environment - but rather making it of the highest priority. A successful design should not only protect the natural environment but enhance it. Our belief is that designing sensitively need not necessarily compromise a built structure’s impact. Furthermore, we hope to shift the perceived paradigm that seems to imply that sustainability and livability are in conflict.

We acknowledge the inherent threats to future generations due to prolonged conventions in the building and design industry with regard to energy use, resource (land, material) consumption and waste production which constituted the status quo for so long. We openly accept the pressing challenge facing the global community and strive to be leaders in addressing the issues of sustainability. We are encouraged by recent trends that exemplify the significant role that designers have in advancing the Eco-Age and align ourselves with those professionals and organizations committed to this responsibility.

PROJECT STATEMENT / OBJECTIVE:

Community Green is a forty-five acre, mixed-use site in Sandwich, MA with a primary mission of fostering a self-reliant community. The population is comprised of post-homeless and lower income families and individuals.  Through direct communication and thoughtful integration, Community Green looks to engage stakeholders (future residents) into the multiple stages of the project development. Additionally, they seek to provide employment opportunities that will both maintain the site and provide job training in the areas of conservation / clean energy / culinary arts / construction and more.  This is a progressive model that offers a more invested and engaging approach to lower-income housing, with the hope that it will create a sense of pride and ownership for the community members.

As a design team S_O_D_A will work closely with the HAC and the community stakeholders, to help them achieve their goal of creating a single-family dwelling on their expansive property.  We will consistently refer to the HAC's model as we begin the process of designing this home and we will mindfully take cues from the existing site, the Cape Cod vernacular and the community as a whole.  While sustainability is of the up-most concern for our team, careful consideration must also ensure that the design does not become a "machine" devoid of the human element, but rather a "home" that the client will feel comfortable in and proud of.

S_O_D_A is proud to be a contributing member to this project and eagerly awaits developing productive relationships with our project partners and the community.

Kick-Off Post

We now have our very own blog!



Recap of 2/9 Meeting at the BAC

• Establishment of Team Name:
  

We came to agreement on SODA and all seemed interested in its relevant/pop connotation and the acronym that Mikkel had come up with:

S - Sustainably
O- Orientated
D- Design
A- Associates

Whether we stick with this exact wording or not, there was consensus that it is what we will go with for now.

The responsibility for the 2 remaining required team elements were allocated:

Kim and Mikkel are going to handle sketching up 3-6 iterations of the logo and subsequent business card design.

Nik and Seth are going to develop a list of key/buzz words that will be incorporated in fleshing out a team mission statement to steer our design approach.


Some Topics to Begin Guiding our Research:

History of Cape Cod / Regional (local ) Context

1. Building Materials and Design
2. People
3. Economy
4. Planning/Zoning
5. Community Preferences /Dominating Attitudes
   
6. Etc

Waste Treatment Options

1. Water Reclimation and/or Processing
   
2. Human Waste / Organic
   
3. Solids / Inorganic
4. Living Machines
   
5. Alternatives
   

Examples of Community Exercises - possible ways to engage stakeholders early

1. Photo/Vid site documentation or reflection
2. Casual Design Charette
3. 
   

Evolving List of Uncertainties / Questions

• When is project due?
• What are the other important dates?
• When is the first site visit?
• How can we learn more about the client / family?
• What form will the final document take?
• What are the responsibilities, in terms of deliverables, for the waste management aspect of the project?
• How can we begin collaborating with the "Water People"?
• How does the Curio House integrate into the site?
• How established is this community?

OTHER ORDERS OF BIZ IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER:

• We need to start keeping track of hours spent each week working on the project which will be submitted to Nik. Agreement was on targeting 15-20 hours/week.
• There should be at least an acknowledgment of group emails ASAP, if nothing more then a confirmation of receipt.
• We should begin to assemble dossiers of:

1. Successful / Inspiring Designs
2. Architects that impress us
3. Appropriate Precedents & Case Studies
   
4. Sustainable Approaches