Ceramics in Architecture

The reading was disjointed and technical but here are a few talking points for discussion:

Ceramic tiles require 4 things: earth, water, air, and fire.

The section on Processes for the product customization was interesting and easier to understand then the previous section. I was familiar with the grinder, hydraulic cutter, disc cutter and sand blasting but was interested in the future of the laser technology. When was this published? Has it grown in its industrial applications?

The last section was more historical and anthropologically based. It is amazing that the ceramic qanats (or canals) have lasted for so many years.

Architectural Metal Surfaces - L. William Zahner

Metal is a subject I feel that I know very little about. This reading was good to give me a better understanding of the subject matter.

Talking points-

Anodization: if you polish aluminum before the anodization process does not result in a more reflective surface after anodization. If you try to polish after anodizing, will damage the oxide film.

Copper: The color variation of this metal has always interested me. The patina is a result of sulfur and oxygen from the air that has combined with the surface copper atoms. The green patina of the weathered copper roof is very appealing to me.

Stainless Steel: This naturally reflective metal is a power metal with its corrosion resistance properties. It is interesting to note that the more this metal is polished, the longer its performance life.

In the Cause of Architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright

"The character of the wall-surface will be determined also by the kind of stone, by the kind of mason, the kind of architect."

I like this paragraph, "The Goths made most of stone. But stone became for the Gothic imagination a mere negative material which they employed supremely well in a structural sense."

Negative material?

I found it interesting that the second half of the readying Wright refers to mankind as "he", "him", and "his".

Textile Reading

This reading was a refresher for me since I took Textiles in my undergraduate. I was amazed at how much I had forgotten. I am so glad that I purchased this text to use as a resource as I continue with my studio work. Tables 3.1- 3.3 are flagged because I can see these being great references in the future. The weaving chapter, 5, was good to provide the proper vocabulary for talking with vendors and clients.

Concrete Reading

Highlights:

Le Corbusier had a great impact of the view and application of exposed concrete with the "invention" of beton brut from his Unite project. Beton brut is "concrete whose surface bears the imprint of the molding process.

Paul Rudolf took exposed concrete a step further when he created the Art and Architecture Building at Yale University. After the molding was removed, he had the exterior hand-hammered to expose the aggregate. Vincent Scully quote about the building: "slotted and bashed surface is one of the most inhospitable, indeed physically dangerous, ever devised by man". I can image the was the walls feel based on this description. I have scraped skin off my hands getting to close to such a surface.

In the 1960's the trend was to have the same materials on both the exterior and interior. Louis I. Kahn took concrete from one dimensional to 3D. He explored the realm of cast concrete.

GGA

I took part in Student Options that was offered through the ASID Washington Metro Chapter and IIDA Mid-Atlantic Chapter. This was a day long conference that allowed us to tour the GGA firm, the USGBC, and the Washington Design Center. We also to part in several seminars. The best part of the day for me was visiting GGA. The offices are Platinum Leed and are amazing. I didn't have my camera but I did find a few pictures off of google to post. The low walls allow for them to maximize the natural light. They reused parts of their former offices cubical cabinets by hanging them under all the windows and in other places around the office. These hold files, samples, and other supplies.

Competition - Bittersweet

I thought I would take a few pictures of another Old Town bakery. This is located in the heart of Old Town on King Street. It has only wooden and metal seating. It has limited seating and doesn't foster an environment to lounge and spend time relaxing and socializing. The flooring a cold and there is no carpeting to be seen. The display and food prep area is located in the middle of the store and makes it easy for people to enter and circle the shop and exit with your tasty treat. At Bittersweet, you go for the food. At Buzz, you also go for the experience.

Case Study Pictures - Buzz

I chose Buzz for my final case study because it is one of my favorite places to go and have coffee and just hangout. The fact that they make amazing pastries is also a perk. I will save more analysis for my presentation.

Hotel Monaco

I have always wanted to go into this hotel located in the Old Town district of Alexandria, VA. I have seen bellhops wearing purple velvet suits. Even though they were not around on this day, I knew I would find great textiles in the lobby. As you can see from the pictures, the designer was not afraid of color, texture, and mixing pattern. I love the vivid blue color chosen for the lobby. It is a beautiful contrast to the dark wood floors. The gold mantel and velvet sofas give a luxurious feel to the space. The red leather and gold studded check-in desk is unexpected. The last image is of the wall opposite the check-in desk. They are using an interesting side board piece that is used as a refreshment area for guests. The circular carpet creates a conversation area in-front of the fireplace.

More from the Gaylord

There is so much to see at this location, I had to create a second post. The first image is actually from the exterior; the walkway from the harbor to the waterfront entrance of the hotel. I took this picture to capture two of the treatments to the concrete walkway. Without careful observation, you would like you were walking on brick and wood, not stamped and stained concrete.

Image 2 is the exterior of one of the retail shops that is located within the hotel. I love the look of the stacked stone with the stained wood framed windows and doors. It sets the shop apart from the other spaces under the same roof.

The last 2 images give a better view of the large interior atrium. The glass ceiling and wall allows for natural light and beautiful waterfront views to be a part of the space. The bottom image shows the "town" within the glass structure. The town is varied with brick, wood, stone, metal, and interesting textiles.

Gaylord Hotel - National Harbor

I visited the Gaylord hotel to check out the glass ceiling and metal frame but was drawn to the other finishes. The top image is of the coffered ceiling in the reception area for the hotel check-in. This was repeated throughout the space. The metal look of the gold loops is illuminated by the recessed lighting and blue-grey ceiling and is an unexpected twist to the traditional crown molding framing the space.

The next 2 images feature a repeated pattern that I saw in the hotel area and the conference area. Look closely at the bottom of the red letter chair and you will see a wavy pattern carved in the wood. This same carved pattern is also covers the column in the 3rd image. In the conference are, there were entire walls covered with this treatment. I think it was used not only for visual interest but also to make the expansive space feel cosy and to control the volume created by large groups of visitors.

The last image is of traditional buttery columns that are very clean and smooth. This is a contrast to the other areas that it "touches". If you look closely, you can see the brick, stone, and metal that are a stark contrast to this structure.

Swarovski Retail Display

I wanted to take a picture of the storage units on the wall at Swarovski but I was not permitted by management to take a picture. I was surprised how many retailers and hotels have reservations about people taking pictures of their interiors. I found a image on google that shows the metal units that I wanted to photograph. They have are very simple and streamline and blend into the wall with the continuous use of red paint. The red also helps warm up the the cold metal. I also like that they used a matte finish rather than a high gloss. It doesn't take away from the sparkle of the product itself.

National Building Museum

I went to the National Building Museum with my drafting class to view the Palladio exhibit, which was amazing. The original drawings were unbelievable. After the exhibit, I took time to walk around and take photos and sketches of some of the building. The top photo is of the bottom of a large column in the atrium. I was intrigued by the pattern and design. The "marble" effect is painted cement. Next, the floor is covered with a patterned broadloom carpet. The third image is from one of the stairways leading up to the 2nd floor. I was interested in the pattern and color variations of the brick. The last image is from the 2nd floor arcade and provides a larger view of the space and how the various finishes work together.

I would recommend going to the Palladio exhibit but the rest of the exhibits leave much to be desired.