Cloud Jumper_ Project 'Refine'

For the final studio project, Refine, when first introduced to the assignment I found it extremely daunting as I had never before constructed a physical model to the scale required - especially as an individual. Initially, as I contemplated over what section of my DDI design I should endeavour to construct, my thoughts were overcome with a variety of fears such as how I should best assemble this, will I have enough time to achieve that, and similarly which materials would be most appropriate for the task at hand. One particular concern that lingered above all others was that earlier during the semester I distinctly remembered my lecturer warning me, that if our final design fails to stand like a real building should, then unfortunately without doubt that student will have not satisfied the unit prerequisites. Hence, as I continued to contemplate over the most appropriate section to select for this project, the distressing thought that my model would crumble upon the day of presentation loomed in my mind….

After considerable forethought entwined with a desire to be daring, I decided that I would attempt to model an aspect of my design that clearly demonstrated that I had experimented with the architectural play of roof forms in previous design work. Not only did my chosen area demonstrate an appreciation for a unique roof form, but similarly for the DDI presentation earlier I had failed to clearly communicate the architectural expression of my design, an experience that continued to disappoint me. Ideally, through the construction of this model I was hoping to shed new light on my design in a manner that would with luck, allow my peers to similarly enjoy my design concept. The following sketch is the initiate example of what I intended to model for the Refine project at a 1:20 scale.






In hindsight reflecting back over the project though the refine model was without doubt the most exhaustive project I have so far done in my tertiary career, I still feel that despite the numerous imperfections the end product was a tremendous success, especially in parallel to the initial sketch proposal. As a consequence of choosing to construct a physical model I feel that I am now better prepared to tackle future model making tasks, particularly in terms of estimating the quantity of resources and time need in order to construct a successful model. In the beginning when I first set out to estimate the quantity and cost of materials involved, similarly the time I would need to assemble each section, I had severely under resourced many aspects of the project – a learning experience that endingly left me with many sleepless nights and a serve budget blow-out. Though I am extremely content with the final product as it was an extremely rewarding feeling to acknowledge that my model had not collapsed on the day of presentation, if given a similar project in the near future I would most likely opt to construct a digital model as the quantity of resources involved in a project of this scale was incredibly burdening for a single person. I think that the erection of a physical model to the scale that I had attempted to construct would have been more appropriate not as an individual exercise but with a partner in crime.

In comparison to the neat work presented to us by the University of Stuttgart, though I have no professional experience as either an architect or mentor, I felt that the architectural vibrancy and excitement of my student peers is exceptionally good in comparison. On the day of presentation for the refine project, I was considerably overwhelmed by many of the works on display, as some of the design concepts were incredibly creative, such as Koli’s subterranean habitation, Raymond’s shelving unit, Phil’s perspective sketches and Andy’s DDI model as well as many others.
On a final note, I would just like to add that I have really enjoyed this semester as the projects set have given me an excellent opportunity to really excel my architectural skills on a variety of levels and though I am desperately keen to enjoy the summer break, similarly yet, I am somewhat excited to see what challenges await us in the coming studio year….