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