Studio Seminar Session, 20.03.2018
Hello,
Today it was a rather chilly Tuesday in our studio. How we are doing - you wonder? Well, I think we are generally still pretty joyful, working each on our own little projects, with an occasional burst of laughter every couple of hours. That is, when we don't think about the (scary) fact that we have 8 weeks left of our degree...
But before I get distracted and start typing away about bits and bobs, let me get to the point. We had a studio seminar session with Graham today, and you'll find my notes below. We also did a little exercise and had a look at previous students' work around our studio, in order to understand the level of detail that we are expected to produce in our GA drawings.
Studio Seminar Discussion Notes
By next week, we should have an overall scheme of the design done, complete with our GA drawings. These should include a general indication of what furnishings/fittings there are.
We should already have a set of drawings as existing, which are extremely helpful in defining the existing build as opposed to the proposed design solution. This is also what is commercially required from designers.
A circulation plan should be more diagrammatic. It is an useful tool to explain the narrative at the beginning of a presentation.
Some requirements to keep in mind for GA drawings:
Scale. Can also be achieved by placing human figures in your plans/elevations/sections.
The existing structure of the building: graphically specify materials (brickwork, steel etc.)
Draw and specify F. F. & E. - furniture, fittings and equipment.
In some cases, you might need some proving drawings, to prove that there is enough space for furniture/equipment, keeping ergonomics in mind.
What is it that you are trying to show in your GAs? You could focus on structure, FF&E etc. Make that clear.
Specifying FF&E should make it clear what you are trying to do. These show your overall scheme.
Represent the materials used graphically (concrete, brick etc.) They all have symbols - use them.
If something is not on your drawings/presentation boards, that shows you haven't thought about it. If you have, use that information and present it.
A reflected ceiling plan - lighting plan.
The GA drawings that you are using in your feasibility report should have more annotations than the ones on your presentation drop, which should be graphically designed and beautifully presented.
Hold onto the principle of your concept - don't give up on your ideas.
In terms of detailing, you should choose a specific area (eg. reception area) and draw it up at 1:50/1:25/1:20. These drawings show how materials and shapes come together - joints. Then choose specific aspects of that area (eg. reception desk, door etc.) and detail it in more depth at 1:5.
Now it's the end of the day - time for me to go home first, then back to designing. Think, draw, think, research, think, model, think etc. I'll have to repeat that to myself. Thank you for stopping by!
