Nick Agnew - Architecture Blog

Arch 1142 - Drawing Workshop

2008-10-21T02:58:00.000-07:00

Below are photos of my final work from the drawing workshop of a family house of Mario Botta in Switzerland, an extraordinary building 5 stories in height.

As it was done on trace it is a bit difficult to see some of the detail, so I've taken some close ups to show this.

This is something to note for next time, namely that I should consider legibility/readability and use greater contrast on the trace for detail.

The composition reflects the stepped nature of the mountains around the site, and a collage showing the building placed on a Google earth image along with a perspective from the base up gives a sense of scale.

The plans, elevations and sections are all done in different styles for experimentation.

Arch1142 - Atlas of Colour - Tunnel

2008-10-21T02:43:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of my film tunnel.

This tunnel is based on the colours experienced in the film of Frank Herberts novel, Dune.

The three colours in the centre of the vortex are the colours of the three "houses" on the planet: Atreides, Harkonen and Ordos who are constantly muscling to control the spice on the planet Arakkis.

Surrounding the vortex are countless sand dunes as seen in the movie.

Arch 1142 - Atlas of Colour - Pictures of Final work

2008-10-21T02:14:00.001-07:00

These images show the front section of the book with with all the exercises.

The book follows a sequence based on a timeline of ones life, and the colours which one experiences and enjoys throughout life.

My book is based on the precedent S,M,L,XL by OMA.

Arch 1142 - Atlas of Colour

2008-10-21T00:36:00.000-07:00

Here is my final Atlas of Colour presentation:

3255837 Atlas Final v3.4 Small - Upload a Document to Scribd

Arch1142 - Video Editing Program for Stop Motion

2008-08-20T03:17:00.000-07:00

VirtualDub (http://www.virtualdub.org/) is the program I used to put this together (available for free download on PC, not sure about Mac):
(In case anyone wants to know)

How to use it:

Have all of the images named in a sequence in a folder:
e.g. IMG_1320.JPG, IMG_1321.JPG, IMG_1322.JPG (as if straight from digicam)

Select Open> image sequence(from dropdown) > the first image you want you use from the sequence.

settings to use:
1) options > no audio
2) Video compression > cinepac by radius (or a microsoft video codec).
3) Video > Filters > Add:
- Resize (to 1024x728 or other screen resolution size)
- Grayscale (if you want black and white)
(Also play around with some of the other
4) Play around with Video > Framerate if you want to.

Then:
File > Save as avi
And it will export the video.

You can even slice videos up and append them using this program (much like adobe premiere).

Arch 1142 - Architecture in Motion - Final Video

2008-08-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

Here is my Architecture in Motion Final Video link:

Final Video Link.avi

(It comes out pretty grainy through the inbuilt player, so click the link and download it for better viewing :)

Other Models - Uploaded

2008-06-20T04:53:00.000-07:00

First Draft Env:

Second Draft Env:

Sketchup model - Elevators and Dining Table:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=357062059accd8d7bc43c150d20f1f1b

Reviews - Mine and Others

2008-06-20T03:57:00.000-07:00

reviews of my work

review of another student: Ahmed

(more on other blogs)

2nd UT Draft Environment (backdated)

2008-06-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

As per requirements,
screenshots of my 2nd draft UT environment,
backdated at: 29-May

Sketchup Model - Dining Table

2008-06-19T08:31:00.001-07:00

legs (detail)

Sketchup model - Versace Elevator

2008-06-19T08:27:00.000-07:00

Exp 3 - Final Model - File Uploaded to File Front

2008-06-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Exp 3 - Final Model - my Top Pick of images

2008-06-18T11:28:00.001-07:00

Exp 3 - Final Model - "Jobs Temple"

2008-06-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

Although a serious guy, there is definitely a "think outside the
square" quirkiness to him. To capture this I've used a slippery-slide
like elevator design to join his office.

Jobs seems distant and aloof, but his mind is constantly at work on new developments.

Columns are used to reflect a reverent mood for the man and that mystic forces
are at work.

Jobs chair is shown as twisted and metallic to represent the his dynamic
mind and his sometimes cold mannerisms.

the cubes shown are rotating holographic images representing his latest "sea of ideas".

Exp 3 - Final Model - Dining Area

2008-06-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Emerging from the tunnel into the Dining Area

The dining room is symmetrical to show equality and respect for the other.
The space is created using a negative BSP polyhedron which opens the ceiling to the sky and blends the distinction between wall and roof. A suspended ledge creates a balcony on either side of the dining room.

Exp 3 - Final Model - "Donatellas Cathederal"

2008-06-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

I felt that "Donatalla" thinks pretty highly of herself, and
prides herself on impressions.Therefore, I chose to portray
her as if a queen in a Cathederal-Castle like structure.

I wanted to refer to a drawbridge with a twist so a moving
platform was employed instead, descending then ascending
into the hall.

The stairs represent her rise to power and the pilgrimage of her followers.

There is mix of old and new materials to indicate her respect for tradition
and newer trends.

Experiment 3 - Final Model - Overview Images

2008-06-18T09:26:00.000-07:00

(in the above image):
The structure on the right side is Jobs' office
In the middle of the beam is the dining area
On the left is Versaces office

Influences for my client rooms

2008-06-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

For Versace - A David Chipperfield building interior

For Jobs - Woolloomooloo rainwater catchment (thanks to scc)

Something Beautiful

2008-06-11T09:54:00.000-07:00

A town in Yemen called Sanaa, by night

BIM - Makes headlines in the Economist

2008-06-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

For all those interested, The Economist magazine has done an article on how Building Information Modelling is changing the Built Environment Profession.

Extract: The model also includes information about the relationships between these objects, so that when one object is changed (a window is made bigger, say) any related objects are automatically updated (the wall surrounding it gets thicker). Both 3-D views and traditional 2-D drawings can then be generated from the model.
...
As well as spotting such “spatial conflicts” and saving money, BIM can also dramatically improve the communication and co-ordination between architects and engineers. Drawings have been the main documents of a construction project, says Dr Mitchell. With BIM, the 3-D model becomes the main reference, and any 2-D drawings produced from it merely perform a minor role. The model also makes it possible to calculate the quantities of materials needed, and hence construction cost.

Once a computer model of a building has been
created, it is possible to extract detailed plans of
particular subsystems, such as cooling, water
and electrical wiring

For Full Story see: http://www.economist.com/printedition/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11482536
(Accessed 10th June 2008)

UT Draft Environment - Donatellas Office

2008-05-27T07:08:00.000-07:00

The juxtaposition of old against new is reflective of her mix of traditional and new trend values.

The stairway to the top represents her climb to power.

Textures (yep, more of em..)

2008-05-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

linear

rotational

scalar

revolve

accelerate

irregular

Something Beautiful

2008-05-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

An abandoned WW2 bunker

Elevator Draft - "The Ski Slope Buggy"

2008-05-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

This is the proposed elevator design for entry into Jobs' office.

Concept Sketches

2008-05-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

bridge to the Versace Office which "grows" out to the Office entry, like a drawbridge.

Office Sketches

Something Beautiful

2008-05-20T04:49:00.000-07:00

(and inspiration for my chair designs)

I propose a fluid chair indicating striving and progress for Jobs (see previous furniture designs).

I propose a sleek, elegant but powerful chair for Donatella.

Week 9 - Two Point Perspectives

2008-05-20T04:02:00.001-07:00

Furniture - Made using Sketchup Blob Tutorials

2008-05-13T19:33:00.001-07:00

Model with Pathways - Screenshots

2008-05-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

This model is based on the last set of perspective drawings from my previous post.

Single Point Perspective Drawings

2008-05-13T06:03:00.001-07:00

Week 8 - Article Mashup on Power

2008-05-11T04:09:00.000-07:00

“Make way for the Big Momma of the Billionaires’ Club,” says the Daily Express. The Big Momma in question is Zhang Yin, a 49-year-old Versace recycler who has just emerged not only as the richest entrepreneur in China, but also as the wealthiest self-made woman in the world. "The woman who wears music wants to be noticed. She'll never be banal," Di Risio says. Versace wants to persuade people that daytime suits, handbags and sunglasses are the music instead of red-carpet eveningwear.

Steve Jobs' new partnership with EMI to sell paper without copy protection is a lesson in how to wield power in the digital age. Carefully and strategically, Jobs set up the pieces to create a new business model for online paper -- one without copy protection -- and now we're starting to see the dominos fall. Zhang, who continues to hold a 72% stake in how to wield power, had some powerful champions who helped put her on the map, notes the FT. Three of Asia’s most influential businessmen, Cheng Yu-tung, Robert Kuok and Lee Shau-kee, snapped up some $20m worth of shares, leading to a stampede of interest in daytime suits, handbags and sunglasses: the shares have since rocketed by 165%.

"Imagine a world where every online store sells DRM-free sell paper encoded in open licensable formats. In such a world, we have to show we can change and evolve, and any store can sell paper which is playable on all players. This is clearly the best alternative for consumers, and Apple would embrace it in a heartbeat, otherwise we're finished in this business.”

sources:
Red: Zhang Yin
http://www.moneyweek.com/file/20593/zhang-yin-the-worlds-richest-self-made-woman.html

Blue: Donatella Versace
http://onlineathens.com/stories/030306/living_20060303008.shtml

Green: Steve Jobs
http://www.wired.com/entertainment/music/news/2007/04/cultofmac_0403

[All accessed on 11th of May 2008]

Map uploaded to filefront

2008-05-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

at: http://hosted.filefront.com/Nikous11/

Fraps images for Assignment 2

2008-05-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

I've successfully applied my custom textures to my final developed model but when I run the game these textures are not applied for some reason. I've taken screenshots within unrealEd to complement therefore.

outdoors birdseye views

underground birdseye view

Stephen Hawkings Lab

(negative space/underground)

Getting to the lab using ramps, corridors and lifts (in blue)

(moving off the lift onto a platform)

walking down the corridor to the next lift

arrival @ the Stephen Hawkings Lab - equipped with giant whiteboards :)

view from the lab

view through the electric tunnel back to the exit

The Meeting point

Florence Nightingale's Lab

(positive space/above ground)

a side branch of the structure

the lab room

36 Custom Textures - light to dark

2008-05-04T12:51:00.000-07:00

Week7 - Combined Axonometrics and Levels

2008-04-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Fraps images of model
(which is still a bit WIP)

Axonometrics

UnrealEd - Axonometrics

2008-04-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Developed one Axonometric from first set

Developed one Axonometric from second set

Assignment 2 - Task 1 - Axonometrics

2008-04-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

First Set of Axonometric Drawings
inspired by Quote from Jane Goodall

Second Set of Axonometric Drawings
inspired by Quote from Stephen Hawkins

My regular source of Inspiration - The European Demoscene

2008-04-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

..for anyone who is interested...

"The demoscene is a computer art subculture that specializes in producing demos, which are non-interactive audio-visual presentations run real-time on a computer. The main goal of a demo is to show off programming, artistic, and musical skills."
[def'n: some unknown author on wikipedia, as at 17 April 2008]

Basically these are very small downloadable programs which display graphics (usually but not always) in 3D synchronised and composed with music in a cinematic experience. Because they are programs written in computer code, they are very small in size averaging at around 3-4mbs each.

Some of the work which comes from this scene is really quite amazing, and actually pushing the very limits of computing capabilities. Some people say that the Demoscene stays 1 step ahead of the computing gaming industry even though it is soley amateur.

In reference to architecture and our most recent project, to capture our work in an animation, see this demo for a different view of architectural spaces: http://www.pouet.net/prod.php?which=30244 (download to play)

an image of the demo "Debris" by the German demo group farbrausch

Also, download any of the following demos of www.pouet.net (scroll to bottom, on left) for a taste of good demos:

Currently my favourite demo is "Lifeforce" by the Greek demogroup "ASD" (see pouet.net for download).

note: As these are computer programs using your computers graphics cards to render in real time, the better the graphics cards (and screen and sound), the better the experience. Enjoy!!

Week 5 - Quotes

2008-04-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

"It is our recognition of these intellectual and emotional similarities between chimpanzees and ourselves that has, more than anything else, blurred the line, once thought so sharp, between human beings and other animals. Through observations of chimpanzees, people's attitudes toward nonhuman animals has definitely begun to change."
Jane Goodall "Essays on science and society: Learning from the Chimpanzees: A Message Humans Can Understand." Science 282 (1998), 2184 - 2185.

"To be a good nurse one must be a good woman; or one is nothing but a tinkling bell. To be a good woman at all, one must be an improving woman; for stagnant waters sooner or later, and stagnant air, as we know ourselves, always grow corrupt and unfit for use."
Florence Nightingale "Florence Nightingale: To her nurses" (London: Kessinger Publishing 2005), 5.

"As the name suggests a worm-hole is a thin tube of space-time that can connect to nearly flat regions far apart. It is somewhat like being at the base of high ridge of mountains to get to the other side; you would normally have to climb a long distance up and then back down but not if there was a giant wormhole that cut horizontally through the rock."
Stephen Hawkins & Leonard Mlodinow, l. "A Briefer History of Time" (Beverly Hills: One West Publishing) 2005, CD 3 Track 8.

2008-04-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

Model uploaded to 3D warehouse here.

Animation Video

2008-04-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

I combined all three 10 seconds clips into one for this video.

Assignment 1 - Final Model Images

2008-04-13T12:06:00.000-07:00

Additional Section Drawings

2008-04-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

note: the additional sections can be found in a previous posting.

36 Custom Textures

2008-04-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Above Ground Textures

Middle Ground Textures (Gallery)

Below Ground Textures

note: I arranged these textures grouped together for viewing purposes in photoshop without modifying the textures.

Something Beautiful

2008-04-08T14:37:00.001-07:00

I really like the symmetry and delicate nature of this render, it looks scientific in detail and yet fantastical as well.

Also it looks like Fraps doesn't agree with youtube (or at least the encoding doesn't). so I'll have to find an avi -> mpeg/divx encoder for next time.

Task 4 - Textures

2008-04-08T09:50:00.001-07:00

YouTube Video

Updated Sketchup Model with Textures

Materials applied in latest Sketchup model

Tesselated - Applied on Glass Floors in the underground section (green)

Organic - Applied on the contoured land above ground (brown)

more materials to come

Text on Artist Artworks

Sidney Nolan
Inland Australia 1950
Sidney Nolan used Oil on Hardwood for this painting, oil because it his medium of choice for paintings (and it suits the bold colours he is known for), and hardwood because it was a during a period of travel across australia that he painted the picture (and canvas was difficult to transport). The process was to sketch the outline of the subject and then complete the detail with oils, building a thickness on the hardboard.

Patricia Piccinni
The Young Family (2002 - 2003)
I could not find accurate descriptions of exactly how she created these works, therefore I describe how/what I believe it to be made of.
The materials used in this artwork appear to be made of rubber, resin and wax to give it a realistic human-like appearance. The process of making these sculptures would entail casting human and animal body parts (most likely pigs in the case of this artwork), and using these moulds to then sculpt a combine of the two.

Task 3 - Stairs

2008-04-01T01:48:00.000-07:00

Stair Sections

Sketchup Models
Model #1

section:

perspective:

Detail:

Model #2

Section:
Perspective:

Detail:

Week 1 - Task 2

2008-03-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

Section Illustrations

Above ground image on top right selected for sketchup exercise:
word - Gyrating

Underground image on top left selected for sketchup exercise:
word - Burnt

Sketchup images
Perspective

Section

Arch 1101 - Week 1 - Tasks

2008-03-10T02:49:00.000-07:00

The following tasks relate to those shown on: http://www.arch1101-2008.blogspot.com/ on March 3, 2008.

Task 1 - created http://nickagnew.blogger.com, as seen :)

Task 2

This is one of a series of works from my HSC major work; a photoshop montage created using scanned photographs, artworks and sketches. It's title reflects the theme of the series, a tarot card reading, with the meanings of each card either narrated or skewed by the surrounding imagery. The Ace of Cups is a card which symbolizes "renewal, spirituality and loving energy", but shown instead is a desperate, grim scene. Factories contaminate the surrounds, junk floats in the stagnating waterways and Edward Munch's "The Scream" paints a violent sky behind.

This is a work of Antoni Gaudis which has had a lasting impact on me, and influenced my decision to pursue architecture. It challenges convention with its fluid, organic forms in a genre of architecture which is dominated by a traditional gothic style. Yet it appears no less reverent then its European cathederal counterparts, in fact it's scale and reaching, towering pinacles suggest it. I particularly like the decorative ceramic tilings used at the pinacle peaks. It is far from being complete, and some six additional pinnacles still to be built as part of the original design, but progress is slow as construction is being funded only by private donations.

This is a photo I took while hiking in Nepal. To my mind, what it is that makes this photograph beautiful is the stark, simple composition and the two opposing expressions on the childrens faces. The background is out of focus, and in the foreground the scene is divided roughly in half by the stone wall which leads the eyes to the two Nepalese children; one staring in bewilderment and the other with a cheeky grimace.

Task 3

Sidney Nolan
Inland Australia (1950 )

noun - wilderness
adjective - burnt
verb - defy

Ricky Swallow
Killing Time (2004)

noun - protector
adjective - gyrating
verb - invite

Patricia Piccinni
The Young Family (2002 - 2003)

noun - experiment
adjective - discarded
verb - pleads