USE WHAT'S AROUND YOU
Project Premise:
The skill of paying attention is essential to our success. We must cultivate our curiosity through practice. As designers, architects and students we want to develop a strong habit of mind. In other words, this is not a standard assignment to be completed but part of integrating design sensibilities and methods into your everyday experiences. We have the opportunity through our bodies to learn about the world. At any time we can actively engage using curiosity to question, examine and test our ideas. For most of us, this means slowing ourselves down and
disengaging from endless distractions. Paying attention requires practice. The seemingly simple knowledge about our hands, touching, imagination is often neglected as we grow older. The best thinkers, designers, and artists most often continue developing their craft at the foundational level throughout their lives.
Paying attention is not a single act but the combination of observation, judgement and inquiry. We use our senses but what we become aware of is determined by if we consciously and subconsciously determine it is significant or not. Walk through a building as you normally do. This would most likely be a building you’ve gone to previously so you can easily stay on track with your typical method. Walk through the building now paying attention for moments of touch.
FLOOR PLAN & ARCHITECTURE STYLE STUDIES
city hall, ames
LOCATION: 515 CLARK AVE, AMES, IA 50010
BUILT IN 1939
AREA: 87,120 FT²
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: NEOCLASSICAL
ORIGINALLY AMES HIGHSCHOOL
AMES CITY HALL IS THE OFFICAL SEAT OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE CITY OF AMES
first united Methodist church
LOCATION: 516 KELLOGG AVE, AMES, IA 50010
BUILT IN 1908
AREA: 87,120 FT²
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE: AKRON PLAN
METHODIST CHURCH
details: stained glass, tile, railings
stained glass
Light is something I never really thought about until I joined architecture, even though it is a key ingredient in architecture. Windows add so much to architecture and buildings. Stain Glass windows specifically add so much more. Not only do they bring in light but they also add color. Thinking about is a window is meant to be touched, I would say no. It is meant to be used as a visual, however, we still have an idea of how they feel, because at one point, we've touched one. But, when you focus on the feeling of touch, it can change your perspective.
Ames City hall, had lots of windows, most of them having a square pattern on them. This was a very cohesive element thought the entire building. The windows that really caught my eye were the orange stained glass windows that were placed above the rounded staircase. The walls were a light pink, a very unusually color choice, but when mixed with the windows it was beautiful. It felt very retro, which I'm not used to in the modern age, but I could appreciate its beauty of the past. The windows gave me a sense of happiness. I think this is because of the colors. They created a sunset feel, that gave me a sense of calmness, but also joy. They had hints of blue, and an image of people from different cultures coming together, almost like they would in a city. I believe this was intentional for a City Hall. They were smoothed glass, which also helped with this effect. They were huge, which allowed more sunlight and blue sky. The detail within the windows were simple in areas and extravagant in others. These windows, made me very aware of the architectural details
The First United Methodist Church, obviously had plenty of windows, which
something you see in a lot of churches. The stain glass will always stand out to me. As a walked into the chapel of the church, it was a small room, specifically meant for you to spend time alone, or with a small amount of people. That way you can focus on your prayer and worship. It was a very peaceful and quiet room. The front of the chapel had 4 stain glass windows. They were rectangle with curvy
designs. They have a muted color pallet that matches the painting on the ceiling. The glass gave a textured marble look, but felt smooth. The unique part of these windows is that they hung in front of another set of windows. This allowed for more light, and a gave a sense of drama to the room.
tiles
Tiles can be used for many purposed. The main ones are for flooring and walls. They can be used as a decorative piece while still fulfilling its purpose. Tiles are usually not meant to be touches, however, it is very possible that they are. When walking on the floor, you don’t touch them due to your shoes, but if you were to take your shoes off you would be able to feel them.
Ames City Hall, was very retro looking. The bathroom I found, was full of tile. It covered the entire floor, and half the walls. What was unique about the tile, was the colors and the patterns they created. The colors where two different shades of blue and one shade of pink. The floor was made of mainly a dark blue with pink accents that created the pattern. The tiles were square but the pattern created diamonds that were made up of 4 tiles. The tiles were smooth, but I can imagine not as smooth as they were when brand new due to people walking on them, and
possible water on the floors. The tiles are smooth due to the material, of clay, and finish. The grout however, is more rough like a cement. The tiles on the wall were composed of a light blue with again hints of pink creating a diamond patterns. The tile was smoother then the floor. The bathroom gave me a weird sense of happiness, due to the colors and the patterns. I could really appreciate the retro vibes in it. I really got excited about the room in itself. When it comes to touch, people really avoid touching items in a bathroom for sanitary reasons. So,
intentionally touching the tiles on the bathroom, was a bit
uncomfortable, but interesting.
The First United Church had a very interesting tile design on the floor, when you entered the church. It was right in front of the grand
staircase. The tile was a mixture of black, browns, and tans. The tan tiles created a maze effect, in the space of a circle. Again, like the City Hall, the tile was used on the floor, so it wasn’t as smooth as it was originally, and the grout was rough. Like explain in the railing section, the room was very home like, and the tiles added a fun element to the room.
railings
A railings purpose is to provide safety and protection. Railings usually tend to be on staircases and balconies in order for their purpose to remain. I looked at both of these purposes when I studied this specific detail.
Railings are meant to be touched. You use your hand to keep steady. This helps you get a feeling of control and safety.
Ames City Hall, had a set of railings on the second floor, that looked over the stair well and part of first floor. When walking up the stairs the railings were visible with plants around them. It gave a feeling of being in an actual city and looking at terraces and balconies. The railings where made of two different materials, one being metal making up most of it. The metal was colder and smooth. The top of the railing where your hand would normally be placed. It was very smooth, due to the glossy finishing on it. The wood seemed to be older but it still provided the feeling of safety, mainly due to the metal. The railing had a square like design, making it visually interesting, which I believe also helped with providing a positive feeling.
The First United Church had a grand staircase leading up to the church area. At the top of the stairs there was an intricate skylight. Walking up the stairs, felt like the staircase to Heaven, which gave a really cool effect and feeling. The railings were very detailed and sturdy. The railing was made completely out of metal, which gave a sense of safety. The room was very home like, with couches, lamps, windows, decoration, and the carpeted staircase. This was a very calming, positive, space.
final collage
I wanted to combine the elements from my sketches, and inspiration from the details into my final collage. I was interested into touching architectural elements that you normally wouldnt focus or intentionally touch. Stained glass and the tiles played a huge role into this idea. I used a combination of stain glass tiles to incorporate a smooth texture and the colors that were used, small mosaic tiles to add a 3D effect as well as them bringing in the tile element, diamond beading to add interest and texture inspired by tiles, and finally paper squares to bring in more texture, color, and mosaic feel.
This tile was based on the stain glass from City Hall. I used the patterns and colors that were used in the windows.
This tile is mainly based on the curvy tiled floor of the church. I also added the colors from the church stained glass window to add cohesiveness to the collage.
This tile was a combination of the tiles and the stained glass window, from The First United Church. I used the colors and the shape of the window on the side, and the curvy line from the tiled floor.
This tile is a continuation of the tile above, as well as the top left tile. I incorporated the black lining that was used in the windows of City Hall.
summary
this project taught me how to observe architecture through details. i now find myself passionate about details in architecture, and it drives me appreciate a simple or extravagant building. personally details in architecture are now something i look for when I walk in a building, and has strengthen my passion for architecture. i notice details instantly and it has helped me to design with details in mind. I especially love that details help the designer convey their underlying meanings of design. overall, this project means a lot to me because it taught me to look at architecture through a different eye, it grew more passion in me, and it has helped me to grow as a designer.