Probe 11

Probe 10

Reading Response

The Perez Gomez reading touched on some very interesting topics. The way in which space is represented by the architect and artist is ever-evolving alongside the development of new technology. He writes, “In architecture, as we hope to demonstrate, the focus is rather on defining the nature of a “depth” that the work must engage in order to resist the collapse of the world into cyberspace, a depth that concerns both the spatial or formal character of the work and its programmatic, temporal, or experiential  dimension.” This quote reminded me of how essential it is that an architectural perspective drawing intentionally illustrate a specific idea or set of ideas. If the drawings objective is unclear, the drawing is not successful.  Within a digital mode, this is often because it failed to, “resist the collapse of the world into cyberspace”. As computer software continues to become more popular as a design tool, this idea is very important to be cognizant of. 

Since I am a painter, and hopefully one day, an architect, I found the discussion of the difference between the drawings of the painter and those created by the architect very relevant.  The notion of accuracy versus perceived accuracy is, as I understand, the true difference between the two.  The painter is able to take more artistic license with the drawing because there is not an expectation for accuracy and the focus can be solely experiential. Whereas the architect has, in a sense, a different set of requirements.

Probe 9

8 Energy

Probe 7

Probe 6

Probe 5 Pt. 1

Response to Probe 4

Paul Aubin’s guide to Revit families was very helpful and saved a great deal of frustration.  While I found understanding reference planes, constraints, and parameters to be relatively straightforward, I really benefited from the explanation of nesting.  The single most helpful part of this document is the chart distinguishing the relationships between various Revit elements.  Since I am a very visual person, the tree provided a comprehensive yet straightforward view of all the parts within the program.  Furthermore, for similar reasons, I appreciate the screenshot included with step-by-step instructions.

While my resulting project is somewhat simple, creating it was definitely a learning process. Since I have gained a better understanding of this aspect of Revit, I hope to design something more complex next time around.

Probe 4

Reading Response

          I agree that BIM is the future of architecture as a profession.  However, this notion will be much more widely accepted among the next generation of architecture teachers as opposed to the current one. For instance, here at the University of Maryland School of Architecture, several members of the faculty are very forward thinking and support the teaching of BIM instead of more traditional tools such as drawing and physical model making. However, many professors still firmly believe in and support learning that takes place through the physical act of drawing by hand. Until the faculty not only at University of Maryland, but schools all around the world, accept and support the use of BIM as a new learning tool.  Furthermore, once this evolution occurs, BIM will be understood not simply as a representational tool, but an integral new approach to the design process itself.

Probe 3

Reading Response

Jordani’s “BIM: A Healthy Disruption to a Fragmented and Broken Process” and Bedrick and Rinella’s “Technology, Process, Improvement, and Culture Change” share the central theme of the importance of BIMs integration into today’s practices.  Jordani explains that BIM is a tool requiring collaboration between all stakeholders in a project.  He expresses that this is a positive step forward for the field of architecture that will result in a more efficient process as well as products of superior quality.  Project participants will have roles that are much more interwoven, increasing the level of communication.

Bedrick and Rinella strive to encourage those in the field to adapt to the BIM technology.  They explain that this step forward, though it may prove challenging, will pay off in the long run not only for the firm but for the profession and “quality of life on the planet.”  Bedrick and Rinella explain that BIM is a tool that is grounded in simultaneity. For instance, cost may be monitored alongside a design’s development.   This eliminates a great deal of backtracking, deciding which cost should be cut, and therefore hindering the original design.

BIM is revolutionary not only on a micro level of the intricacies of the program, but also on the macro scale of how different industries work together. The possibilities presented by these new tools are incredible. The only difficulty lies in convincing all parties to take part.

Probe 2

Reading Response

Chuck Eastman’s chapter in the Report on Integrated Practice titled “University and Industry Research in Support of BIM” presents many interesting issues and pressing concerns regarding the future of architecture as a profession.  However, one of the first points that caught my attention reminding me that the revolution is not only within architecture but in the construction industry (and several others) as well. He states that, “this change alters the tools, the means of communication and working processes.” Therefore, even if architecture firms are willing to adapt to these changes, it is essential that other industries share that same willingness. This notion makes perfect sense because each collaborator must speak the same language to yield a result.

Additionally, Eastman points out that the newer computer software is providing a much more legible and recognizable depiction of their building.  While after years of studying plans and sections, an architect may have the ability to visualize a three dimensional space from these simple drawings, the client has typically not developed these same skills.  Thus, it comes as no surprise that Eastman emphasizes the urgent demand for students with parametric skills.

Another point that was explored at great length throughout the chapter is the notion of “predefined spatial arrangements” and the idea that one method could be applied to many things.  This is very interesting because of the potential to brand a certain space.

Probe 1