FINAL PROJECT

LEARNING

PORTFOLIO

Architectural Design Studio I

Mychal Andrew M. Magalong

Instructor: Jerry Lum

Spring 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Design Objectives

• Tasks

• The Site

• Site Analysis

• Design Proposals

• Final Design Model

• Inspirations and Influences

• Building Materials and Concept

• Let’s Make This Happen! (the installation)

• Conclusion

DESIGN OBJECTIVES

To create a design concept that responds to the given site that is

located at Batmale hall’s Courtyard using three of the following Experiental Nodal

Environment types:

•Meditative and Serene

•Mysterious & Magical

•Monumental & Evoking Awe

•Intimate with opportunities to note Fleeting Beauty

•Tantalizingly Threatening

•A place to enjoy a framed view that makes the mundane precious and sacred

•A place for one person to sit and quietly reflect, relax, study or read for pleasure

•A place for accidental encounters and the opportunity to socialize with others

TASKS

•To work as a group and come up with a final design for the site.

•Conduct a research on how to respond to the given site. Considering the shape

of the floor area, the wall and varying climatic conditions.

•Use at least three of the experiental nodal environment types on the design

•Research about what materials to use for installation, considering the time,

budget and resources that the group needs to have the ability of

keeping the structural integrity and finishing the project.

•Keep up with written reflections from day to day basis, taking notes about

design problems and solutions.

•To work as a team player.

•To make prototypes and testing of materials to ensure the structural integrity of

the project.

THE SITE

THIS IS THE NORTH WESTERN HALF OF THE COURTYARD, IT HAS A FEW

ELEMENTS THAT WE HAVE TO CONSIDER REGARDING OUR PROPOSED DESIGN

FOR THE SITE.

• the curved retaining wall

• 6 four foot square panels with faces of former students cast in

concrete

• 7’x7’ planter square

• threaded holes

SITE ANALYSIS

•Responding to the site had become a challenging task for our group. We

conducted a brief research about the sun path and the wind direction. These are

two major climate changes that we encountered on our design process.

DESIGN PROPOSALS

•Each member of the group came up with different design proposals that

responds to the site, these are some of the sketches that we made while we are

brainstorming for what our final design will be.

FINAL DESIGN MODEL

• After all of the brainstorming, arguments and discussions about what should be our final design.

Kia came up with his iteration using the scaled site model that I made. He used wire and paper to

represent his model. We all decided to use this design because it responds right to our site and it

has curvilinear forms that we need to aesthetically satisfy our design. Spaces such as Meditative

and Serene, Monumental & Evoking Awe and Intimate with opportunities to note fleeting beauty

were all present on his design. So we all moved on and continue with this iteration.

INSPIRATIONS AND INFLUENCES

• A tensile structure is a construction of elements carrying only tension and no compression or

bending. The term tensile should not be confused with tensegrity, which is a structural form with

both tension and compression elements. Tensile structures are the most common type of thin-shell

structures.

• Most tensile structures are supported by some form of compression or bending elements, such

as masts

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensile_structure

BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONCEPT

• While in the process of discussing which materials we need to use for our structure, we did a

little bit of research of what materials to use to build the frame of our structure.

• We considered using bamboo sticks for the frame, because of its flexibility and its strength that

will not easily break when bended. But we figured out that bamboo is not easy to look

for in the market. So we decided to use pvc pipes to build our frame structure.

•The pipes has the flexibility and strength that we need for our design. When used with the right

tension the pipes create nice curvilinear forms that basically molds our structure.

BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONCEPT

As we go through our goals in every tasks that we try to finish, we always encounter

significant problems that slows us down. Being a team player each of us started a task where in

each group member could be productive of. Some of us started researching for some other building

materials that we could use for our design. I volunteered to do some sketch up models that could

help us clarify and define each connections and measurements that we are about to do.

BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONCEPT

In order for us to achieve the concept of tensioning we tried to look for different

types of fabric that would satisfy the requirements that we need for our design. Creating a tensile

structure using materials that we have not tested yet makes it harder for us to justify if the

design will work or not.

The only solution that comes to our mind is taking the risk and trying the materials out

for its integrity and stability. Here are some of the materials that we checked out from the fabric

store. Out of all the other materials that we tested, we

decided to use this material. (Nylon Lycra)

Because it has the characteristics that we need

and it will work best for our structure.

BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONCEPT

• We also used grommet to create holes on our fabric in order for us to connect the ends of the

fabric with the pvc structure.

• We reinforced the attachment from the fabric

to the pvc pipes with eye bolt and S hooks for

added structural support.

We tied each corner of the fabric to each eye bolt to test the flexibility and the

stability of both pvc pipe and the fabric. There have been a lot of trial and errors

before we achieve the right form that we want.

BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONCEPT

• For the foundation and main structural support of our pvc pipes, we decided to use 2x4x8’ studs.

Using these studs gives us the opportunity to use the screw holes on the courtyard’s

wall. As we place the 2x4x8’ studs to its designated points we put holes that will act

as slots where in we could insert and lock the pvc pipes in place.

This angular joint was built

to support an extended

ground foundation. This

particular joint was change

due to its weak stability.

(check page 17 for the

proposed solution)

BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONCEPT

• Using the plant box as reinforcement for our ground foundation.

Before we started the installation, we

encountered a problem on how to make the ground

foundation stable enough with out using any weights or

sand bags.

Kia came up with a brilliant idea of using the

2x4s and placing it on the side of the plant box as a

tight frame that will act as the ground foundation of

the pvc pipes. Using the plant box as a reinforcement

for extra support from the ground. The plan worked

and the problem was solved. The wooden frame

perfectly supports the tension that is coming from the

bended pvc pipes that was slotted in the holes of every

end on the 7x7 wooden frame.

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

• We started the installation by putting the studs first to its designated areas where in the ends

of the pvc pipes will be slotted and form its curve.

It was our first time making this kind of project,

most of us was skeptical and was not afraid to try the risks of

building. But because of the challenge that was given to us by our

professor we we’re inspired to pursue our project and make it

happen. It was an eye opener for me when I first saw the frame

structure that we’ve accomplished, I started thinking that any

design is possible its all about perseverance and putting the design

to work.

We discovered that the pvc pipes are very robust

and flexible that it could endure the tension from bending with out

breaking. At first we didn’t expect that the structure will actually

stand up and be stable. The system that we used for connecting

the pipes to the 2x4 studs was remarkable. We didn’t even have to

use any kind of adhesive or screws to reinforce the stability of

the connection. This is how we end up making a curvilinear form

that corresponds to the curve of the courtyard’s wall.

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

• As soon as we got the Nylon Lycra fabric, we started testing and stretching

different sizes and shape to see how the pvc pipes will react.

•To save us from putting a hole on the pipes with out making sure that the fabric

is on the right place. We used duck tape for temporary attachement for the

fabric’s tension points.

The duct tape was a big convenience for us when we are

in the process of trying different tension points for the

fabric to create the form that we want to achieve.

It was very

helpful and easy

to work with. I

recommend using

duct tape for

temporary

connections. It is

durable and

cheap.

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

• We encountered another problem while building our project. One of the

foundation points needs to be reinforced for more stability. So we think of ways to

make it stable, we thought of putting weights like sand bags or weight lifting

plates for added support.

• We end up building a rectangular frame to support the protruding pipes and it

actually solved our problem. We didn’t even need to put added weights to support

the foundation.

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

• The use of grommet improves the

strength of the fabric and prevents it

from being tore due to excessive

tension.

• The Eye bolt was used mainly for

attachments from points were we want

the farbic to .

•We use S hooks to attach the fabric

to the eye bolt . This way it is easier to

make adjustments because of the easy

access for attachment and

detachment of the fabric.

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

• Construction of the grommet for the fabric

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

Constructing the fabric was

a lot of work and was fun to do at the

same time. We planned to cover the

whole frame structure as much as

possible with different geometrical

shapes of fabric, we leave gaps

between each separate panel of fabric

to prevent the structure from being

pushed by the strong winds.

Using this system lets the

structure to dance with the windy

climate with out falling apart. On the

south west side of our site where most

of the wind was coming from, we used

smaller fabric shapes to create a “wind

breaker”. It still have gaps in between

each fabric panels to let the air flow

and avoid too much pressure from the

strong winds.

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

It took a significant amount

of time before we finish all the spaces

that we need to cover. The time you

have to spent from cutting the fabric to

its desired shape, marking the pvc

pipes for the attachment of the eye

bolts, putting the grommets on the

textile and installing the fabric to its

desired spot.

Using tensioning as a major

element on our design thought us how

to work with tensile materials. It was

remarkable how this materials create

nice looking geometric curvilinear

shapes that responds to the site

requirements. The greater tension we

put on the fabric material creates

better shapes and forms.

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

• Constructing Kevin’s Kite

Kevin came up with a brilliant idea

on how to show the tensile ability of the fabric

that we used for our design. He decided to

construct an over hanging kite like structure

using strings and the Nylon Lycra material that

we used as a skin of our structure. He started

by making a small prototype and as soon as he

is 100% sure that this thing will work, he

started building it on top of our structure. The

kite was made of two pieces of fabric that was

connected to different strings that is

connected to opposite directions.

He successfully finished the tasks

and was a great addition for our design. The

structure surely shows the remarkable tensile

ability of the material, as well as the strength

of it. The stability of the structure was really

impressive as well. A lot of windy days and

nights passed but the structure remains

attached and in place.

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

• Constructing the wooden

flooring for the intimate and

serene space

We decided to construct a

wooden floor on top of the 7x7 planter

to create a much more defined space.

This design responds to the wood

materials that we used and also serves

as a deck where people could sit down

and enjoy an intimate space protected

from the sun and the cold wind.

LET’S MAKE THIS HAPPEN!

• Constructing Kia’s bench

We we’re brainstorming on how to

construct a place where people could stay and

reflect. The first thing that comes to our mind

was creating an area where two to three people

could sit down and have a conversation or just

simply smoke. Kia came up with a great idea,

He decided to construct a bench using the 2x4

studs that was left from the materials that we

have used. He made a bench attached to the

wall and to one of the ground foundation of our

structure.

The bench was extraordinary due

to its nature. He used threaded metal rods that

holds the studs together and created a flat

which acts as the seats. As soon as the project

was done we all test the bench out, we were all

amazed because the bench was really sturdy

and comfortable enough for the people to stay

and enjoy the view of the sculpture on the wall.

Conclusion

Architecture Studio 101 was an awesome experience for us architecture students. It was

an eye opener for most of us, this class made me realize that being a designer was not that glamorous

as most of us think. Designing does not mean just drawing and creating structures or objects that

other people would appreciate. It is a composition of steps and rules that will correspond to each other

as the design evolve.

Being able to do this kind of project made me realize that creating a design does not stop

thus it evolves and become a much more developed creation. One of the things that I learned from my

professor Jerry Lum was being able to get out of your comfort zone. It was hard for most of us to do

such a thing, being out of one’s comfort zone is like being out in the jungle and trying stuff that you

have never tried before. It is like thinking out of the box or doing something from scratch with out any

idea of what materials to use or any thing to follow. It was a great experience to be able to do this

project, the things that we have accomplished was a great addition for our learning process and also to

our daily lives.

The design that we have accomplished in this class will always be a great experience to

me as a team player, although my presence was not 100% on the building process I was able to fulfill

the requirements of my group mates. Kudos to my group mates who has the determination to work

everyday and really give the project a significant time. Credits to my group mates Kia, Kevin and Maria

Luisa, for their hard work and the time we shared to complete this final project.