ARCH1142 Drawing

Final Presentation: Mario Botta House

(They are supposed to be viewed alongside each other, rather than below)
The Drawing class taught a variety of interesting points which i never considered much before - the importance of different line thicknesses, logical arrangements and texture, where the illusion of different shades can be achieved through the density of strokes or dots.

My work is an exploration of all these forms, as i alternated between 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 pens, and dotted the vegetation behind my section and elevation. Furthermore i have aligned my drawings according to the footbridge, which was the element of the House i found most dramatic.

The focus on the footbridge was also a major reason for the choice behind the photo i used for my 3D sketch, as it really draws viewers into the picture and towards the strong, structural form of the building. Therefore the photo does convey Botta's desire for his architecture to stand defiant and separate against the landscape. However at the same time, it works harmoniously with its environment and is extremely beautiful.

The only technique i didn't embrace from the experience, was freehand drawing of lines. Sadly my pedantic, neat and obsessed-with-detail nature meant that i drew everything with a T square rather than tracing, so that i could have the satisfaction of absolute precision.

For further drawings i will definately enhance the power of different line weights and achieve even more successful and logical layouts.

In Class Exercises

This drawing class introduced me to the technique of tracing or drawing on tracing paper! It was quite an interesting experience...again this perspective aimed to glorify the footbridge and i used normal ball point pens so as to avoid smudging. The hatching technique reinforces how different shades can be created through varying density of strokes.

2nd Peer Marking

I did attend the studio although i left in the break....sorry Brad!!

Anyways i evaluated the students i was designated on the day - Min-Chun and Bianca.

Links to Environments & SketchUp Models

Note: I did name the files according to what Russell specified but it's too long so my last name etc gets cut off...

Draft 1:

Draft 2:

Final (NOTE it has been slightly updated so it will be different from the previous file, if any of you downloaded it):


Sketch Up Models:
Dining Table:
http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=9fa9d9c14390d60e586947aeb98feeb
Zhang Elevator: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=b7a01415e3a2e13a248bf1e4f58f6d71
Versace Elevator: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=5e4acae1cbea927a248bf1e4f58f6d71

EXP3 Final Submission

NOTE TO BRAD: FOR MY ELEVATORS TO FUNCTION, U NEED TO SHOOT THEM! (after you get on) ONCE IS ENOUGH, AS OTHERWISE IT WILL TRAVEL BACK IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION

Zhang Yin's Office:

Zhang’s journey to power is conveyed through the strengthening structural form; the initially thin and weak ‘vines’ symbolise her impoverished past. However by developing into thick ‘branches’ which entirely dominate the bridge, it reveals how wealth has secured her present empowerment.

Zhang Yin's Elevater

Zhang’s elevator portrays her power as being derived from the paper cycle; the 3 lifts represent 3 stages in origami folding. The rebirth of dead material - paper - into a living object – lily - celebrates her ability to recycle waste into something valued by society.

Meeting Space & Dining Table:

The meeting space and dining table both feature curvilinear vs rectangular forms, to symbolize feminine empowerment in a masculine world. Therefore Zhang and Versace’s success in rising above the patriarchy, is evident through how the curved table flows over the rectangular seats. Zhang’s side features a spiral to capture her power as derived from the paper cycle, while Versace’s side increases in form, to portray the power of fashion as unstoppable.

Donatella Versace's Elevator:

Her elevator is a flamboyant stage, as her power is derived from the value of appearance and her role as trend-setter.

Donatella Versace's Office:

As Versace’s power is derived from fashion, the convoluted elevator system and multiple offices for maximum indulgence, imitate the excessive extravagance of fashion. Her lifestyle of comfort is portrayed through the ‘cushioned’ appearance of her offices. Abundant colourful lighting and glass then convey over-emphasis on appearance, as Versace is always on display.