Year 2: Semester 1: Craziness

I have been in Kent for a month. It feels like much longer than that. Everything is extremely crazy around here. Studio is starting off well enough; we have a lot of work with which to keep up. Our first project is a housing unit. We've been working on the design for the past couple weeks. The first final model of it was due last Tuesday. This weekend we are creating a 3/32 scale site model which includes topography and street as well as surrounding building models. It will be interesting to see how our whole class works together to finish this assignment; I hope I'm ready for the telescopic look at group dynamics! The housing unit project is a lot of fun so far. I've fully realized my love for diagramming! We did a precedent study through diagramming in pairs/groups while we developed our own concepts and design. Max and I chose to research and diagram MVRDV's Parkrand Apartment building located in Amsterdam. We discovered an excellent informational article/critique of the building that helped us brainstorm diagramming concepts. It is fascinating to me the endless diagramming opportunities that present themselves after only a short time of research; the best part is that these diagram ideas continually stemmed from one another producing an elaborate construe of perspectives and ideas. Even after we presented our production to Turnidge, my mind was flipping through new ideas for diagrams. It seems the more I study architecture and design, the more I view things around me in a, frankly, strange way; buildings become hand crafted elevations, floor plans and sections, I find patterns in everything, subsequently these patterns morph into diagrams and design sketches. To some this may sound completely insane but for me it is a profound, even explosive, experience that I know will only continue to engulf my thoughts as I delve further into the architectural world. Until the next time I have a free minute...carolyn

The Studio Files II

I've started another blog--well vlog this time--about studio. The Studio Files II is a video log of random occurrences in studio. It will take a few weeks, but I'm starting to upload the video clips from first year to this blog. Click on the title of this entry to access the new blog. I'm mostly starting this new vlog because the video uploader for facebook is ridiculously slow--this will be a much more efficient way to share live studio moments! (be forewarned, some language used in the videos is considered offensive). ...carolyn

First Year Design Studio 1 is Complete

I have successfully completed my first year of Architecture Design Studio. Because I enjoyed the year and learned so much I wouldn't say that I am relieved to be finished. Honestly, it doesn't feel over yet; my mental concept of time hasn't quite caught up with reality. I don't leave for home until next Saturday so I have time to recoup.

The final crunch to finish our projects was not nearly as stressful as fall semester. Though a few people didn't complete their projects it seemed that everyone was much more calm about the final. Maybe it's because our studio experience has increased or maybe it's simply the end of the year and the prospect of summer is so near a freak out wouldn't even be worth the trouble.

It will be strange not to be in Kent for three months...the absence of studio will be even stranger. I think I'll be fine; though I'll miss seeing my friends here every day I will be busy at home with work, family, summer projects, other friends, and the city! I look forward to sharing the stories of my first year of college adventures and experiences with my family. Inspired by my fall semester studio prof Lauren, I'd like to compile a photo book officially documenting my first year at Kent. It will be a challenge but after this entire year I know that I enjoy those and can be successful when approached by one.

Thank you to my amazingly supportive and caring family (yes--everyone!) for living six hours away but always making me feel like I was still only a few minutes away. Thank you to my new friends of the Kent State Architecture Program for being so damn cool--you guys are some of the most interesting people I've met thus far and I'm excited to share more studio time with you in the next few years.

I hope summer is a lot of fun for everyone. Maybe I'll get to show some of you my city over the next three months but if not, I look forward to the fall semester of our second year of architecture at Kent.

...carolyn

Almost Finished

It's Sunday. The air outside is heavy with grumpy gray clouds that loom around Kent and promise rain. I am taking a breather from studio to reorganize my thoughts and concentration but in a few minutes I will once again enter the realm of crunch time and hair-splitting intensity surrounding the fourth floor of Taylor Hall.

For tomorrow, Stauffer requested that we have our 1/16" model finished (the 1/32" model was due Friday). Next week we will work on final drawings. The entire final project is to be completed by the upcoming Friday. As things wind closer and closer to the end I feel relatively comfortable with the end-of-the-semester studio work load. There is more work than last semester but it all feels manageable. Now, if only I didn't have any work due or finals to study for in my other classes!

Alas, the next week will be very busy for me and my classmates. The plus side of this for me is that I don't have time to anticipate returning to Chicago; I won't have any last minute homesickness to deal with because I have too many other things on my mind.

The week will go by incredibly quickly: things will wrap up nicely (thought not without some stress) and I will be back in my favorite home and city in two weeks! Now, it's back to work again.

...carolyn

Update on the Final Project

Today in studio, Stauffer laid out the agenda..."sort of"...for the final project. As I've said before we've technically been working on the final project since the beginning of the semester but now we'll be getting into final production mayhem.

So, in three weeks we are required to produce the following:

one 1/16" scale model including immediate context
one site plan including our building and its immediate context modeled to 1/32" scale
[insert number of levels here] floor plan drawings laid out on 24"x36" vellum
one section drawing including context also laid out on 24"x36" vellum

Studio Stauffer says goodbye real world, hello fourth floor Taylor. We have a busy, sleepless (or close to that) three weeks ahead of us.

...carolyn

Final Projects and a Visit to Half-life

We've been working on our final project since the beginning of the spring semester. Of course, that statement is somewhat relative but I think it is safe to say every concept, drawing, and model has influenced our final project. Even if something hasn't directly made the final design cut the whole semester has been an important process of thinking. Now we have officially started finalizing the results of this thought process. Our final production project is due in about three weeks; that's pretty unbelievable to me. My first year of architecture design school is coming to a fast end.


 On Friday the studio took a field trip to Half-life House, a design of Stauffer's own creation located in Chagrin Falls. We met bright and early at the Starbucks (no surprise there! On the maps Stauffer hadn't marked Half-life House but Starbucks was clearly highlighted) in town then made our way back into a more wooded area where the house was neatly tucked away. The owners Ken and Karin were so welcoming and interesting. They showed us around and shared stories about the house. The house was dubbed Half-life because Karin grew up in it and returned to it after college and living abroad. A beautiful addition was added and the original was rejuvenated. This experience was incredibly unique; rarely does one get the opportunity to tour a stranger's architecturally significant home. 


After the tour Kevin, Max, Dana, Megan and I drove around a bit, trying to decide what we wanted to do. We finally agreed to get "nom noms" from Dave's Cosmic Subs--a very good choice. The little sub shop was brightly painted with swirling designs reminiscent of a tie-dyed hippie. Inside, the walls were plastered with retro concert posters and famous 60's rock-and-roll artists' portraits. The atmosphere was groovy and the sandwiches were gourmet in the most chill way possible. The half-day field trip was a success!


...carolyn

The Return

The flat land of Illinois and Indiana wrinkles into Ohio; I know I'm halfway into the hills. Irregular swatches of farmland still patch the landscape bordering the highway but soon there won't be as many rows and rows of corn instead golden grains will become predominant. I wonder what part of Indiana we're in and kick myself for not checking on the rest stop map. We'll be in Toledo soon in any case.

There are quite a few more college students on this bus compared to my other trips with the Megabus. I've actually run into a few former Whitney Young classmates. We catch up briefly and are content with happenstance. Old faces are a relief; they remind me that the world is not quite as large and it definitely feels like it is only getting smaller.

One week at home was wonderful. It went by quickly and I still can't decide whether it was just long enough or too short. I'm leaning towards too short. A few deadlines hang lower over my head now that the week is closing and I can always get more Chicago time. I was lucky to get downtown a few times during the week; the spurts of city life I've experience throughout my first year away have been greatly treasured and keep my appreciation alive.

Though I will miss Chicago, Kent is only a couple hours away which means five more weeks of school are too. I am in no way dreading the rest of this semester -- it is unbelievable how quickly my first year of college has gone by! To avoid jumping to conclusions I won't say anything about what this year has or hasn't lived up to.

Now entering Ohio!

...carolyn

Spring Break: Warm Weather and Research Papers

I am relieved to be back in Chicago, even if it is for a mere week. The tall buildings and constant movement in the city are always comforting. A friend of mine asked me why I would ever leave the city for Northeast Ohio, he added, "don't you know that once you come to Northeast Ohio you can never escape!" I will never become an example of that phrase; the city life is for me with no questions asked.

My first day back I had the delightful opportunity to show off Chicago to my friend Taylor and his sister. We had tickets to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on Saturday night. It was a quick trip for them as Taylor's sister was not on her spring break and had to return to Pennsylvania for classes on Monday. Nonetheless, they experienced the whirlwind view of the city, complete with Chicago style pizza, Millennium Park, Chicago Cultural Center, Art Institute of Chicago, and multiple rides on the CTA.

Family visits crowded the rest of the weekend. It was the perfect prelude to the rest of my busy week, a week filled with reading and writing for two research papers. As I began the reading and connecting ideas for these papers, one focuses on the Pantheon the other compares the artwork of Frederic Remington to that of Western Native Americans, I realized that I completely enjoy researching. The task always sounds dull and slow, but I've found it is the most interesting thing. I'm able to find some piece of information in one book then discover a similar idea or, even better, a contrasting one in another book or journal. The whole process fuels my interest, often strengthening my passion for the topic.


Now my only challenge lies with the task of converting my interest into equally captivating words. Wish me luck! The results are yet to be determined but I have all hopes that they will be satisfactory.

...carolyn

Nice Weather Makes Ice Cream Taste Better

In the same way that a muffin tastes better with a spoon, warm weather makes the flavor of ice cream so much more satisfying. The whole thing is mental but when the temperature rises into the mid sixties on an early day in March who wouldn't be excited for the cold promise of hot summer days that ice cream gives.

David, Tyler, Nick and I couldn't resist the coolness of ice cream and the temptation of a last minute adventure before the warm day drew to an anticlimactic ending with architecture history class. We practically ran from studio down to where David's car was parked, our excitement was so high. The windows rolled down and music jumping from the speakers, David pulled out onto Main St. without any other directions save for the group craving of a cool sweet treat. After little discussion, we pulled into a Dairy Queen a few minutes away from downtown Kent. The restaurant was empty but hardly dampened out spirits as we each ordered different flavored Blizzards. We went outside to sit, eat our ice cream, and enjoy the beautiful day.

The short excursion was refreshing; it felt good to be so carefree. I was, and am still, lucky to have such fun and spontaneous friends. It is spur-of-the-moment ideas like the ice cream run that will keep us close and sane during our studio career.

In short, thank you to my studio friends for being wonderful.

...carolyn

No News is Good News

Not too much has been going on about studio. At least nothing super exciting. But I guess no news is good news.

We've been working with Raum Plan and Plan Libre; concepts created and developed by Adolf Loos and Le Corbusier respectively. The Moller House and Villa Stein served as our prime examples of Loos and Le Corbusier's thinking. We had to reproduce the plans and elevations for each house then construct replica models. I drew for Moller House and built for Villa Stein.

At first I looked sourly at the plans of Villa Stein. Its curved partitions made me wish even more that I had never started the semester off with curves. After spending an entire night, however, laboriously cutting tiny pieces of vellum, Villa Stein grew on me. Building that replica magnified my appreciation for Le Corbusier's Plan Libre by an incredible amount. In addition to the drawings and model, we were assigned to read essays on Raum Plan and Plan Libre. These held a wealth of information and perspective but my understanding grew so much more by building the house. Of course the reading coupled with actually creating a mini Villa Stein was the effective mix but I think the modeling definitely contributed more.

As much as I enjoy reading and gain from it, I think it is most valuable when what one has read reappears in something one does. When I modified my model the things I read in Raum Plan vs. Plan Libre made sense; the physicality of the model was proof to me of what I read. There was something tangible and convenient right in front of me, exemplifying the work and thought process of such an influential architect. It is a thrilling feeling when learned things make sense and become applicable rather than just stored knowledge.

The whole thing gets better too! This week, Stauffer requested that we use Raum Plan and Plan Libre to influence our market program. We'll see how that works out but I'm looking forward to the challenge.

...carolyn

Experience Economy: Verdict = Whole Foods > Trader Joe's

Team: Max, Kevin, Carolyn

Assignment: visit Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, experience and observe the atmosphere of each specialty grocer

First Stop: Whole Foods

Second Stop: Trader Joe's

The automatic sliding door glided open and we exchanged cheesy anxious glances. Upon entering a subtle scent of fresh foods washed over us; the produce was to our left. We walked around not really sure where to look first, though not because the organization was in any way overwhelming rather, because the presentation of interesting food stuffs was executed so well. The aisle were, for the most part, arranged in typical parallel style. The product placement was almost zen-like. Sweet potatoes and marshmallows were placed together, specific cheeses were set near apples or honey, coffees and teas were stacked with mugs, and cereals were across from milk. Nothing was out of place; there were no random novelty tchotchkes protruding obnoxiously into the faces of innocent shoppers. We awed at the interesting variety of foods Whole Foods offered: exotic fruits, tasteful cheeses, wholesome deli products, delicate desserts and pastries, healthy dairy products, whole grain cereals, and natural sodas. A sign near the entrance advertised a selection of 47 local and 179 organic products. Whole Foods stocked things one cannot buy in generic grocery stores, making our visit an experience beyond the physical uniqueness of the store.

We walked into Trader Joe's and our excitement from the first stop almost immediately diminished. The place was crowded and everyone seemed to circulate through the aisles in a set pattern. There were bright in-your-face signs hanging around the perimeter and above almost everything. Products were placed in a typical grocery store manner but there was a hipster air. Not to say Trader Joe's wasn't as interesting as Whole Foods, it just wasn't as welcoming; I would have to visit a couple more times before I felt totally comfortable. It seemed as though every shopper in the store was on a specific mission and their goal was very clear: complete the grocery check list of unique can't-really-be-found-anywhere-else items. I will commend Trader Joe's for stepping up that generic idea of a grocery store simply by stocking their shelves with more interesting food stuffs. Maybe we were less impressed by Trader Joe's because our stop to Whole Foods made the better first impression and was very high competition in our minds.  

...carolyn

Peaceful Saturday

Saturday mornings are one of my favorite times to come up to studio and work. There are usually only a few people working quietly which makes accomplishing something quite simple and very motivating. Today studio is empty except for a few second years so I settle into my drawing--a headache of curves and spirals with the thickness of extremely thin wire. This will be my first experience working with french curves. The ease and fluidity of each arch in the plastic templates stares me down, taunting me with their perfection and daring me to get this drawing right. I begin following the sketchy spirals that originally caused the drawing to appear disarrayed like a messy bird's nest. It is slow and tedious work but, for the sake of learning new skills and practicing old ones, I push on.

...carolyn

Anti-Valentine's Day Girls Night

On Saturday, a group of studio girls went out for a girls night in light of Valentine's Day. In studio the Friday before we huddled together to discuss the next evening's plans but ended up all talking at once and not getting very far with the planning. Thanks to cell phones and the new age tradition of procrastination we didn't really have to worry.

We met in the Honor College dorms at 6:30; Megan, Katie, Catalina, Molly, Karolina, Ryan, and I were all dressed up for the occasion. We had decided before hand that none of us would wear pink. Catalina and Katie would drive us to the Pufferbelly, a nice restaurant downtown. Before we left pictures were taken and last minute makeup and clothing adjustments were made. We arrived to the restaurant just before 8 and were seated rather quickly. Everyone ordered beverages and we all shared bread and a delicious warm artichoke dip before the food arrived. Each dish was thoroughly enjoyed; the Pufferbelly has a delicious menu. I ordered a flavorful Parmesan crusted Tilapia with steamed broccoli -- I was not disappointed. As a treat we each delved into the dessert menu, coolly eying those brought to the table near ours. Our selections were made and when they arrived we all cooed at the generous presentations and groaned that our stomachs might not be big enough.

The whole evening was full of giggly chatter and fun. I was glad to spend an evening out with the studio girls as it was a rare occasion. Before Saturday, we had all been, for the most part, singly connected by our declared major and studio. Now, we shared one more thing and it will hopefully become a bond that we can all enjoy for the next years that we study at Kent State.

...carolyn

This one's for you, Tyler

I've been slacking.
I have not posted a new entry in seven days; an ENTIRE WEEK! Wow. I really have been slacking.
Sorry, TyTy.

Though I should get some credit because there hasn't really been a lot of excitement in studio. AND I've been quite busy with other classes, thank you Arch History (our first exam is on Thursday).

In any case, without any fun and unique-to-studio stories, I will fill in about our next project.

We're starting programming on Monday, though I have yet to figure out what the final project for this will be. We were informed that, during the week, we would have to take trips to certain grocery stores and markets in the area: Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Fresh Market, West Side Market, West Point Market, and a few others that I can't recall. As he introduced the assignment Stauffer rattled off various restaurants, grocery stores, and markets where the experience and atmosphere of the space sounded more important than the food served. His enthusiasm sparked a strange curiosity in everyone's face; we yearned to walk down an aisle, stocked with foreign, fresh, and savory foodstuff, in Whole Foods. It is rather surreal to watch someone, like Stauffer, who comes off as professional and serious, mentally melt with a cozy sigh at the thought of the specific food experience one gets in a Trader Joe's. Passion is an interesting thing; one that can only be observed in the most fragile situations, however I believe that passions expose such fragile moments. Everyone possess an ardor for one thing or another and it is an exhilarating scene when that infatuation pulses through a group of people who are allowed in to experience a bit of a person's passion.

I guess what I'm trying to say, in a round about way, is that I am looking forward to the upcoming food experience field trip. Hopefully it lives up to Stauffer's rave review of the list of grocery stores and markets.

...carolyn

Snow, Snow, Snow, and Surprise! It's Still Snowing

On Friday, the fifth of February, Kent, Ohio was powdered with about ten inches of perfect-for-snowball-fights snow. It wasn't a surprise, we had been forewarned, but the winter storm came calmly. It was as if the clouds were matter-of-factly dumping their fluffy precipitation on us like someone unenthusiastically shaking salt on a dull plate of food. And there was no stopping it; no matter how much seasoning disguised that unappetizing dish the clouds would not be satisfied. By Saturday morning, when I headed over to studio at 9am, everything was covered with a generous helping of clean snow. My walk from Fletcher Hall to Taylor Hall took a little bit longer than usual because only a few paths had been cleared.

By Sunday a few more paths had been cleared by people trudging over the same set of footprints. On the way to the hub for dinner, a snowball fight ensued between me, Tyler, Molly, Dan, Ryan, and Katie. Cold chunks of snow flew through the air, exploding down vulnerable backs or simply crashing to the ground with defeated thuds. The whole scene, filled with laughter and in-good-fun revenge, made me despise snow a little less. At home it doesn't take long for snow to turn grey and slushy. Constant movement of vehicles and people, excessive piles of salt, and a smattering of dogs' yellow graffiti quickly taint the simple beauty of fresh snow. Here, though, remains expansive patches of unadulterated white snow.

We are supposed to get another six to nine inches of snow by tomorrow. It's snowing now. My phone buzzes with class cancellation notices for the Kent branches; I'm waiting with crossed fingers that the next one will announce that all Kent campus evening classes are canceled.

...carolyn

p.s. the black squirrel is still in the heaters on the fourth floor

The Hawks and the Black Squirrels

A week ago I experienced the great surprise of an unexpected intruder in the studio: a black squirrel. Although our unique furry friend is the unofficial mascot of Kent, it is not appreciated on the fourth floor of Taylor Hall. Luckily, its visits are fairly infrequent; last Saturday was an exception.

Hard at work, Nick's concentration was broken by a scurrying under his desk. He whirled around to glimpse a quickly moving black spot. Confusion mixed with excitement ensued in what would appear to any onlooker as a group of giddy children chasing a cat around a house.

"Where'd it go?"

"Oh! There it is!"

"Where?"

"Behind the pillar!"

"Oh man, get it outta here!"

"Look there it goes!"

After following the frightened animal across to the second year studio we realized there were two of them; two black squirrels on the fourth floor at the same time, how excitng! We met a mirror of ourselves in a group of equally excited and a bit confused second years. They were attempting to chase the other squirrel out of the building and into the clutching talons of a hawk, of which there were two staking out their would-be dinner had the squirrels not found refuge in the studio. One of the squirrels disappeared into the heaters that line the perimeter of the studio. We could hear it scuffling around the small warm place and wondered to each other if it would get stuck. Someone asked aloud where the second hawk had gone. As if to answer himself, there was a swooping flurry of brown and white from the top corner of the building. Everyone sighed and all eyes followed the graceful predator as it circled over the Honors College and beyond the Art Building. Soon to follow was the other hawk, which had perched in a tree directly across from Taylor Hall. They would catch their dinner elsewhere. We were left to hope the two squirrels would find their way out of studio without doing their business on any projects.

...carolyn

Visual Acoustics: Cleveland Premiere

(1.28.10)

The adventure began yesterday at 4 pm on Summit street. David, Nick, Tyler, Dana and I crammed into David's little car knowing quite well that we would have to book it and make no wrong/missed turns if we wanted to make it to The Cleveland Museum of Art for the Cleveland Premiere showing of Visual Acoustics: The Modernism of Julius Shulman at 5:30.

First missed turn: right onto 43. Note: still in Kent. Off to a good start!

The next missed turn was a crucial one; instead of taking the highway to Cleveland (which only makes sense, right?) we took a right towards Erie, PA. Thank you, GPS.

After Tyler's iPhone GPS rerouted the digital copy of our intended journey, we missed the next entrance ramp to Cleveland.

So, when 5:25 rolled around David's little car was crammed with five people, the majority of which were frustrated and anxious to find the Cleveland Museum of Art and make the 5:30 showing. The next glitch happened when we realized that 1831 E 36th street is not in fact the location of the museum. We were really at a loss now and Tyler's iPhone was steadily decreasing in battery life. We asked a parking lot guard for directions, he told us CMA was on 118th and didn't try to hide the you're-clearly-lost-tourists tone in his voice.

We arrived to the art museum at about 6:00 and bought our tickets for the second showing. With an hour of time to kill we walked upstairs to the galleries for a quick look at the museum's collection. When the Cleveland premiere let out a few minutes before 7:00 we found seats in the small lecture hall and the documentary began promptly. The opening animations were compelling, sucking our interest in with masterful ease. We met Julius Shulman, his garden, and his passion within the first few minutes. It was fascinating to watch architecture and photography meld together so cleanly that even one who has no interest in the two arts would feel a twinge of jealousy. Shulman delivered architectural modernism wrapped in a comforting homeliness to the world. He firmly, but in no way obnoxiously, stamped his artistic presence into history; Visual Acoustics conveyed this master's accomplishments beautifully. Thus, despite the frustrating drive from Kent to Cleveland, the whole adventure was a success and most enjoyable.

Julius Shulman Film (website)

...carolyn

Baked Potatoes and Birthdays

My mom told me that she baked five, instead of four, potatoes for dinner the other night; it made me miss home and family. I am glad to be back amongst my friends here though. Hopefully the level of busyness will pick up a bit; it will help me remember that I do, in fact, want to be here.

Now onto cheerier things. Yesterday was Max's birthday! So, late Monday night Tyler, David, Dan and I decorated his desk, and the surrounding domain of air, with various colored streamers, blue tape, trace paper letters, and a bit of Cap'n Crunch cereal (a personal touch added by a hungry Dan). Just before this decorating spree, Tyler and David were working out at the rec (or as Karolina and Steph like to say, they were "gettin' big"). So naturally, Tyler was a bouncing ball of energy. David's signature blue tape became the lucky outlet for the hyped-up-and-giggly-six-foot-guy-reduced-to-the-actions-of-a-four-year-old Tyler. In the end Max's studio domain looked like someone had too much fun with black crepe paper and trace paper; fortunately no false impressions were given by the birthday decorations because we did have too much fun with black streamers and trace. Happy birthday Max!

...carolyn

Oh, Sunday Nights

It's the first Sunday night of a studio project.

Time: 8p

There are a fair amount of people up here working; typical.

I aim to be out of here by 9:30...ish.

As relaxing as the month long winter break was, it is good to be back in the studio. Working up here is comfortable. Everyone has completely settled in and the space sways lightly with the sound of chit-chatting.  I'm listening to a bit of French pop and hip-hop music, the smoothly energetic beats match the positive feeling of working up here. Of course there will be times, maybe in the near future, when frustration points a loaded time gun at our backs, its cold reality an irritation of the worst kind.

For now though, with my upbeat French music and not-so-stressful assignment, I will enjoy the off white tiled floor and matching columns that surround me in studio.

...carolyn

New Patterns

For the second time this week the first year architecture students made our way to the fourth floor of Taylor Hall. Today the atmosphere was more even, less anxious; some students walk in sleepy eyed, others are wide awake and ready. This morning was vital to the analysis of our new profs. Of course we've all heard rumors and stories about each professor from our friends, peers, and other architecture students but today could be our first personal judgment of our instructor of choice.

The fifteen people in my section gather around one desk and Stauffer proceeds to haphazardly explain patterns. He told us that a pattern doesn't have meaning; only when it becomes an ornament does it acquire specific or vague significance. We all nod our heads in understanding but I keep the idea in my mind, rolling it around in an attempt to make it clear.

After a bit more ambiguous explanation and a few awkward silences, Stauffer announced that he would come around to check out the patterns we each selected. Seconds later he was no where to be seen. Our laxed confusion continued for a good ten minutes until someone exclaimed "Found him!" We followed a pointing finger outside to the sidewalk leading from the student center up the hill to Taylor. To some coffee is as essential as a right hand and no amount of anxious students will keep them from getting that bitter caffeine.

Jazzman's black in hand, Stauffer began to make his critiquing rounds only to disappear again on a quest for copies...or something. Despite my anxiety to get through this important first crit these unexplained mini errands, somehow, were not very distracting. I paced a bit and made little talk with my friends as I waited for Stauffer to come to my desk.

Eventually, I had my crit. The feedback was brief but concise and my next direction for the weekend assignment is present even if it is a bit wavy and grey. No matter though; as always we'll figure it out and besides, necessities are ness lecessary. 

...carolyn

And so it begins...

At 9:40 this morning the south side of fourth floor Taylor Hall was jittery with well rested first year students. A tinge of nervousness settled itself onto each desk as seats were claimed and everyone waited excitedly for the profs to enter.

A little after ten o'clock Stauffer made his way over to the far corner where we all waited anxiously. He set out two stacks of paper, instructing us to take one of each. As expected one of the sheets vaguely laid out the first assignment for Friday. The syllabus was discussed briefly and the required books introduced. Everyone was quiet and contemplative; mulling over the assignment and decided the best plan of attack what with such little direction. That's how it goes in studio: the professors present the projects with as little explanation as possible. I guess it's a way of leaving the thinking and exploration up to us. In any case, we were all blatantly faced with an assignment having something to do with patterns and all we had to do to complete it was "just stuff".

We'll figure it out.

...carolyn

Back in Kent

As I drove downtown to meet the Megabus at Union Station my eyes scanned the skyline soaking up the city one more time; the buildings seemed to stand at attention in the grey sky. The fog was wispy and beginning to succumb to Lake Michigan's longing grasp. Silvery sunlight glinted on the Stone Container Building and the Prudential Plaza in a final salute. Even the Auditorium Theatre hoisted its stout middle and stood proud, reminding me not to reject the vertically challenged buildings of Kent, OH.

Five hours later the Megabus pulls into Cleveland and about three hours after that, due to a few detours, I'm back in typical-college-town-Kent! Back to the looming disaster area that is my dorm room and my second home (though sometimes it seems like the first): studio. Though studio doesn't officially begin until Wednesday, I head up to fourth floor Taylor Hall to claim my desk and chair for the spring semester. 

In a few days I will report on the first day back in studio--
until then I have more unpacking to do :)

...carolyn