Drawing is the New Heroin

HOW COME YOU NEVER GO THERE

2011-08-23T02:05:00.004-05:00

As it has become painfully apparent (to my maybe 1..2...maybe 3 followers?) I am fairly incapable of keeping up this blog, especially with the kind of content I originally envisioned. Over the last three years this blog has been a great sort of personal diary for me, as I navigated through the murky waters of University life, but as this is my last year before I graduate I feel like it's time to transition into something more in line with the direction my life is now heading.

I love fashion, and is something that makes a great hobby, and a welcome distraction from my "work".

From this point on I'm going to try and put more effort into creating a blog that will hopefully help me explore architecture, the field I'm training to enter, and will give me an opportunity to narrow my focus. If I get the urge to express some personal style I may sporadically update my lookbook . But other then that please check out my new blog:

DRAWING IS THE NEW (http://drawingisthenew.wordpress.com/)

This new endeavour is going to focus on architecture as I see it and as it happens in the world.

Also please be sure to check out my new twitter as well (DITNBlog)

SOFT SHOCK

2011-06-07T06:54:00.003-05:00

These are pictures from our final pin up on friday. The Australian submission system is so different than what we're used to back at home. This submission was our third for the same project (The cellar door) and this was the 'Developed Design'. We didn't have to present our project because at this stage our tutors are apparently meant to have enough understanding of our project that they can describe it to the other tutors (while marking as a group-another concept that isn't employed at home really). We had to hand up an A2 documentation set which was by far the biggest challenge of this semester. We actually went from never seeing a working drawing to producing 18 of them, ready to submit to a contractor. I was actually quite proud of what I accomplished, and I definitely learned a lot that I never would have learned back home. We also had to submit an A1 panel that conveyed our design both formally and conceptually. Then we had to do an A2 sized 1:200 site model and a 1:50 detail model. It was weird to have the guidelines be so specific for a submisison, but it was kind of cool how everyone was pinned up. Today the tutors were marking, and I'm actually quite interested to see how I do (It's unsettling when you don't really know how they mark, especially after getting so used to a specific system) In addition they are choosing five projects to send to the owners of the site, and I'm even more interested to see which ones they'll chose (and what basis they'll choose them on).

Overall they had a very different approach to their presentations than we're used too, but there were actually some really cool ones. There were also some really questionable ones (although I'm sure we have our fair share of those as well)

Panel with all the stickies (That's a good thing) by yours truly! Each student was given three stickies as part of a peer evaluation, and you were meant to put them on your three favorite panels (I got the second highest number in our studio!)

PLAYGROUND LOVE

2011-06-06T05:33:00.004-05:00

Where to even begin? These last five months have been incredible. Probably the best experience of my life, and to think before long it will all be coming to an end is almost unimaginable. Needless to say this little blogity here has been more than neglected (as it tends to be while I'm at Uni) but now that I'm pretty much done for the semester I'm planning to give it a little bit of love. I'm still in Australia for the next few weeks and then it's back north of the equator for a low key summer in cow town.

The people and experiences I have had while overseas are all so amazing. I am going to miss everyone and everything about this country. I'm hoping over the next few months I can chronicle my adventures, all the cultural, architectural and self learnings that took place.

The image above was taken last weekend during a sunset walk along a beach near westlakes. I had just spent the afternoon at AAMI Stadium watching the footy, and it was a perfect end to a perfect day.

GO LONG

2011-05-02T08:37:00.004-05:00

I'm planning on getting this tattooed on my shoulder. I wanted something geometric because I feel I wouldn't get bored with it. I like the infinite looping of it, and the triangular shape is vaguely reminiscent of architecture. I'm reminded of my all time favorite quote from The Great Gatsby,

"So we beat on, boats against the current, born back ceaslessly into the past"

ROMANCE IS BORING

2011-03-21T10:30:00.000-05:00

Good lord, I just realized I never published this post and now these images are like fifty years old in fashion years, but here goes nothing anyway.
I'm loving the idea of a man clutch and these Vuitton ones shown on the fall runways are getting me going in all the right ways. The terrible terrible things I would do to get my hands on one of these bad boys.

Also loving the embossed damier leather and desert boots. Why am I not a millionaire? Life would be so much better

ASIDE: Lately my life has been crazy and I can hardly keep up! (it takes a lot of work to be as lazy as me I'm telling you) We only got internet in our house like last week I think and it's the slowest internet I have ever experienced in my life (well second slowest, Cibos down the street where we got internet before wins the slowest)
I have developed an uncontrollable affinity for everything cheap since I am beyond poor at this point in my life, and can somehow therefore justify the purchase of like a million t-shirts all under 10 dollars from my new favorite Australian chain store Cotton On. haha oh man. I shouldn't even be writing right now, I'm somewhat delerious from lack of sleep due to the studio project that was due today. Well that's all for now folks!

I'LL BE WAITING

2011-02-26T00:25:00.000-06:00

I'm finally going to be resuming posting on this here ol' blog of mine. I've spentthe last almost 2 months now traipsing around Australia but I'm finally settling into Adelaide where I'll be studying the next semester. This post was actually planned before I left I just never got a round to posting it and then was without internet for longer than I care to think about. It does however sum up fairly well what things have been like lately. Hopefully I'll get my life organzied fairly soon and will have some great Australian themed posts coming!

Acne Shirt, AA Shorts D&G Sunglasses

FUTURE OF A NATION

2011-01-21T00:45:00.001-06:00

I have reached 100 posts!
It's so crazy to see how much has happened, how much has changed and how much I have evolved over these past 3 years.
Tomorrow I'm embarking on a journey across the world to AUSTRALIA
Here's to the next phase of my life, and this blog!

ANALYTIQUE

2011-01-21T00:40:00.000-06:00

As an exercise after Pavilions before we started our final project we did a one week project exploring 'design strategies' of renowned architects. We had to work in partners, and I actually had a lot of fun doing this project! Each group was assigned an architect and two of their buildings. We then had to create a three-panel 'Analytique' inspired by the 'analytiques' created in greek and roman times to analyze the buildings, specifically the strategies the architects used. We were assigned Mecanoo, a firm in the Netherlands we had never heard of (others were assigned Zumthor, Herzog, Hadid etc). We focused on collage as a design strategy, taking direct inspiration from some of the actual collages created by the firm. Other elements we incorporated included designing based on a 'human scale', materiality, and definition through contrast. Below is our Analytique along with the two buildings we were assigned. Hopefully the connections between the two are somewhat apparent without overtly referencing the buildings themselves. (part of the challenge was conveying the specific architectural project without directly using plans, sections elevations etc)

DaVinci College

TU Delft Library

"warm and tangible Mecanoo’s work balances pragmatism with design. The three words in the title of Francine Houben’s book: composition, contrast and complexity, sum up the basis of Mecanoo’s architecture.

With Mecanoo the sensory aspect is not only determined by form and space, but by the lavish use of materials. Mecanoo excels in subtle combinations of the most diverse materials, including wood, concrete, copper, bamboo, brick, pebbles, zinc, stone, vegetation, glass and planes of saturated colour."

Photographs and Text taken from Mecanoo

THEY BRING ME TO YOU

2011-01-18T17:13:00.001-06:00

As the SS 2011 campaigns come out, there are a few that I have been particularly attracted too. Coincidentally a majority of my favorites were all shot by Willy Vanderperre, a photographer whom I had never really heard of before, but I plan to be on the lookout for a lot more in the future. Of course I loved Jeurgen Teller for Celine and Marc Jacobs as well, and that got me thinking about how much impact the photographer really has on advertising, and how important it is to have a signature style. Whether it's Meisel for Vogue Italia or Teller for Marc Jacobs, that particular style and vision becomes synonymous with the brand. I am loving the raw vulnerability that Vanderperre brings to his images, they are very serene, but almost unsettling with an overt honesty.

I found that the Mens Prada Campaign managed to achieve so much through an almost overwhelming simplicity. It describes a way of dressing, and living that is immediately desirable. It almost feels like you're looking into a mirror of what you could be.

I am dying over the Proenza Schouler Campaign, the models and styling really just take it to the next level, I could look at it all day. This campaign also showcases the subtle hints of melancholy that seem to often infiltrate Vanderperre's work.

I also loved the Jil Sander Campaign. It made me excited to see something so directional photography-wise while acutely conveying the message of the runway show and showing off the clothes spectacularly. The images took on a painterly quality that inspired me to do a quick watercolor sketch. It's nothing special really but it was nice to just draw for the sake of drawing for a change.

All Images from FashionGoneRouge

DINNER IS SERVED

2011-01-18T09:57:00.000-06:00

Dinner is Served is one of my schools most famous projects. Started over 10 years ago it has gone through a few iterations, but essentially it has remained the same project and has become infused with the DNA of the school and what it means to be a third year student. This was an incredibly intense project that started off Studio 4 in September, culminating with a wonderful night in October (mostly wonderful because we were finally done the project haha). For Pavilions we had to work in groups of 8 (pre-selected groups) to design and build a 'Dining Pavilion' We were responsible for everything including a selection of foods that were to be served throughout the evening as well as alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. We were also responsible for building all the elements and the budget (Everything came out of our pocket, we were given no money). Additionally we only had 4 days on the site to build our Pavilion (So most things had to be prefabricated and assembled on site) and we had to dismantle the Pavilion the following morning. Hundreds and hundreds of hours were put in over the 4 week period (8am-11pm almost everyday) for a 3 hour event, that turned into an incredible fun party with the students and professors once the critics had completed their evaluations.
Definitely one of the things I am most proud of during my time in school, I learned so much during this project. For someone who hadn't used a lot of tools or every really built anything this was definitely a challenge, but one that I conquered! I welded, drilled, sawed, wove and wired. I actually really enjoyed the group that I had and we all got along and worked together really well. It's a special kind of bond that develops after working on something like this!
Photos from the event:

Our group with the critics

We served beef wrapped sugar cane on hot grills, as well as hot sake and green tea.

Towards the end there were lots of people at our pavilion, a pretty crazy night all together!

REFLECTING LIGHT

2011-01-17T23:30:00.000-06:00

I have always wanted a Burberry trench coat. There is just something romantic about the idea of walking around downtown in a city while it's raining and wearing a trench. In reality I know that I would probably never ever wear a trench (and it seems like every one I try on makes me look like a pedophile, seriously). Before Christmas I was looking around, not for anything in particular and came across the perfect compromise of wear-ability for my lifestyle and that 'trench-look' that is iconic Burberry. Needless to say I decided it was time to invest in a spring/fall jacket like this, and next thing I knew they were wrapping it up for me (I say I usually don't buy things spontaneously, but it seems all my major purchases happen this way haha)

Burberry London Single Breasted 'Packaway' Jacket

Worn with a Lacoste Gingham Button up, Nudie Jeans and J. Lindeberg Belt

I'LL TRY ANYTHING ONCE

2011-01-17T01:45:00.008-06:00

Last night was the Golden Globes, a veritable party scene compared to most awards shows, displayed a red carpet continuing a number of trends seen at award shows this season. With the exception of a few pops of vivid color (emerald being the hue du jour) peach, beige and gray dominated the starlets flocking the red carpet. The following is my choices of best and worst dressed (slightly controversial probably, but that's how I roll).

BEST DRESSED:

January Jones in Atelier Versace and Elisabeth Moss in custom Donna Karan. The fringe of Jone's dress was an unexpected and exciting twist on another red cutout dress. The color perfectly completed her complexion and her makeup and lack of overpowering bling made this a knockout look. Moss's rouching/draping was spot on and oozed old Hollywood glamor. I'm also loving her hair which was a bit lighter than we usually see her with, giving her a younger and fresher appearance.

Scarlett Johansson looked every bit a modern jazz age woman in peachy Elie Saab. the unconventional look will no doubt be panned by critics, but it was refreshing to see her veer away from the typical bombshell and be more demure. I also loved Julianna Margulies in vintage Yves Saint Laurent. The look was classic and understated, while still being red carpet appropriate at the Globes. (While Olivia Wilde looked gorgeous, I just felt her look was more Oscars that Globes, and she stood out like a sore thumb in my opinion.)

Claire Danes was stunning in Calvin Klein, while Tilda rocked off the runway Spring 2011 Jill Sander in a way only she could (also I Am Love was ROBBED for best foreign film)

WORST DRESSED:

Oh Tina Fey, when will you learn? I felt once again she looked sartorially confused in an off the shoulder L'Wren Scott number. Leighton Meester was also made another misstep in Burberry (gray is really not her color!) The frumpy top completely contradicts the up to there slit. which almost caused her to expose herself on more than one occasion (not classy).

Halle Berry Looked like she forgot half of her Nina Ricci dress, while Michelle Williams looked like she had just wrapped curtains around her on her way out (oh Valentino, why would you ever produce such an atrocity? oh right Maria and Picolo designed this...explains a lot) If she was wearing Valentino a look from their Pre-Fall Collection would have been much more lovely.

And lastly my worst dressed goes to Natalie Portman in Viktor & Rolf. I know she's preggo, but I had such high hopes for her (especially as the new face of Dior, why wasn't she wearing Dior? DOES DIOR KNOW SHE WASN'T WEARING DIOR?) As Charlize demonstrated in the not so distant past (in Dior strangely enough) Roses are NEVER a good idea on your chest. I rest my case.

GOLD IN THE AIR OF SUMMER

2011-01-13T00:21:00.007-06:00

I don't usually discuss things such as events in fashion, collections, models etc, but I thought it might be interesting to start doing that a little bit (And maybe some architecture stuff thrown in as well) now I'm just testing the waters a bit here, so we'll see how it goes the next while haha. Normally I tend to not get that excited about Resort or Pre-Fall but lately these in-between collections have captivated me a lot more than the main collections. I have found that while still retaining a commercial appeal, many designers are showing collections that are a lot more directional, and special in their own rights as opposed to merely a transition. There is something that I like in the concise vision of 15-30 looks as opposed to 60+ looks that are becoming the norm otherwise. I also enjoy how many resort and pre-fall collections are presented in a look-book style that have a more editorial approach (I think it tells the story of the clothes better when you can't see the actual runway show). Below are some of my favorite looks:

VALENTINO:

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli are actually starting to step up their game and not suck quite so bad. I actually thought this was a lovely collection, and it was nice to see them avoid gimmicks like the overt sexuality, studding and really questionable appliques. I thought this attempt was a bit more in line with what Alessandra Facchinetti was presenting at Valentino during her tragically short time there. I really hope for the sake of this storied house that Maria and Pier keep pulling off collections like this (it gives me some hope for their next couture collection also)

BALENCIAGA:Although I was somewhat disappointed with Balenicaga, the archival looks as well as some of the color-blocking really grabbed my attention. The dress is a fresh take on a Balenciaga signature and the colors are spot on.

GIVENCHY:

It was really refreshing to see Ricardo Tisci move Givenchy in a new direction without losing any of the signature he brings to the label. I felt like he getting a little one-note with his leopard print and lace. Experiments with transparent layers were extremely lust-worthy, and I am DYING over the armadillo print. I also love that the looks were shot on the street (the taxi just makes the image so next level imho)

CÉLINE:

Phoebe Philo KILLED IT at Céline. She always manages to move the brand forward with such a distinct ideal while making minimalist clothing that is never boring and always seems fresh and exciting. I want everything she showed (It may be weird but I would actually wear like a lot of stuff she showed haha). The statement coat came in a multitude of textures and styles. Denim on Denim patchwork really spoke to me as well (being a cowboy at heart I love anything and everything denim) I kind of need those patchwork camouflage pieces yesterday, so ingenious, definitely my favorite show so far.

LOUIS VUITTON:

Louis Vuitton balaclava. THAT'S ALL.

PROENZA SCHOULER:

Jack and Lazaro were all about the statement knits for pre-fall. They always manage to capture that cool girl vibe just perfectly (something Alexander Wang has been failing to do in recent shows) And I'm loving the perfect mixing of prints and kind of want the sweater on the right as a blanket.

all images from style.com

GLEBE CENTER FOR BOOK ART: DESIGN STRATEGY

2011-01-10T23:19:00.006-06:00

This is some of the conceptual/spatial explorations that I did for the Glebe Center for Bookarts.
I was focusing on the idea of cubism (drawn from my bookart) which is further elaborated below, starting with a photo-montage exploring the site through cubist strategies.

The act of reading by a reader becomes a culmination of various layers. Layers of history, experience, perception and knowledge become what define the words being read. Through this layering, reading becomes an entirely unique experience that can never be duplicated. What is read becomes a reflection of everything previously read or seen, and will go on to influence everything read and seen in the future. Time becomes a crucial element in the relationship that develops between the text and the reader. The written word is stable temporal existence within a narrative that continually transcends any physical reality. The relationship between the changing and unchanging characterizes an individual’s interaction with books, becoming an integral part of what a book is. With the perception of is also memory, where the memory of the reader is what distinguishes the layers that influence their reading.
It is important for the materials of a Center for Book Art to be sensitive to the relationship between the changing, constant and time; the inherent properties and connotations of concrete provide that parallel. Concrete also displays sensitivity to the history of the Glebe area, where there are strong roots in masonry construction; but still makes a modern statement contrasting the traditional turn of the century style buildings that line Bank Street. Concrete is defined by formwork, ultimately being a physical representation of a void that once existed. The skin of concrete has the ability to be imprinted with the texture of the formwork, creating of a visual layer and evoking its process of creation. Even as concrete is poured physical layers are entrenched in its appearance, a visual embodiment of the time over which the concrete was poured. The formwork can also be reused creating a constant, while each piece of formed concrete is unique. Tie holes, if left in the face also become a reminder of the construction process, and further evoke the relationship between the form work and the concrete. The buildings in the Glebe embody a duality between new and old, void and encasement, where many modern establishments are shelled in a traditional exterior.
Using wood as a formwork material would complement the metaphor of layering and time inherent in the concrete. A piece of wood suggests time through growth rings. The history of the tree is physically layered in the pieces of wood, each one unique, and that history then becomes transferred onto the face of the concrete. If wood was then used as accents for other areas of the space it would further highlight the relationship between the concrete and the wood. Having both materials visible would also create a greater awareness of the concretes form as a void.
To enhance the ageing of the Center for Book Art, copper detailing could be utilized to create a facade that continually changes and evolves. Copper has a rich history in Ottawa, so copper detailing could provide an allusion to other important buildings such as the parliament buildings. Copper is also capable of leaving and receiving traces, where it would continually mark the concrete, while simultaneously changing itself.
Light and spatial perception become crucial in developing a space that is rich in layers. Through framing views as you move through the space, an awareness of past and future can be created, developing an individual’s narrative within the space, and evoking time. Contrasts in space, such as open areas, closed areas, lightness and heaviness promote an understanding of the space, and how different layers coalesce to create a whole experience. Light is continually modifying the 3 dimension interpretation of a space, adding richness to the environment. Layers of the space become defined through light. Experiments with transparency and visibility add rich layers that begin to develop the contrasts between layers. Layering can also be used to develop the relationships inherent in the site, such as how interior and exterior relate, above ground and below ground, and the Center for Book Arts relativity to surrounding buildings.

Initial studies in light/shadow, examining facade details and how it could be used as a cubist technique for the treatment of space.

Developing the Plan

Sketch Models looking at spatial qualities

GLEBE CENTER FOR BOOKARTS

2011-01-09T23:38:00.006-06:00

This was our final project for the last semester of second year (studio III). It was a really interesting project because we actually started dealing with building codes and zoning ordinances. I really enjoyed this project and was really proud of the final result (it even got nominated for an award!) This whole semester was very emotional though and was just kind of a rough period, but also filled with some really happy memories as well. When I look at these images I am struck with so many images, smells and sounds from different things going on at this time. It sounds stupid but I can feel the unusually warm spring air in Montreal from my spontaneous excursion to see Miike Snow (one of the best days of my entire university experience).
For the Center for Bookarts were were supposed to draw inspiration from the book art we made Here is a brief abstract of the project:

"The center for book art is situated in the heart of the Glebe. Rich layers of a unique culture and history culminate on Bank Street, where historic buildings merge with contemporary culture. Textures are intertwined, with strong roots in masonry construction. The Center for Book Art is sensitive to the unique fabric of the Glebe while making a modern statement. Materiality plays an important role, showcasing an exercise in cast concrete. Different formwork is utilized to highlight the relationship between the concrete and its mould, as well as provide a variety of surface textures to interact with the senses. The Center for Book Arts explores modern treatments of space, inspired by the open floor plan of Le Corbusier. As an individual moves through the Center they are confronted with a series of experiences. The entrance dissolves the barrier between the street and the building, and highlights the traditional brick construction in contrast to cast concrete. The levels become a collage of experience, with the different programs dissolving into a continuous space. Levels are connected with light, sound and materiality. Moving through the space layering is conveyed through intersecting volumes. Lines and volumes are shifted to highlight a relationship with the surrounding buildings, as well as reveal directionality and utilize natural sunlight.
Ascending the main spiral stairs the volumes begin to be exposed, with a perception that shifts endlessly within the Center. Moving through the layers nooks become exposed, through skylights and terraces the spaces blend together with many different vantage points. An awareness of the space and how it was formed is created through viewing and experiencing it at different times and positions. The facade is formed from intersecting planes of dichroic glass. Light becomes reflected and refracted through the Center and the surrounding area, evoking further the idea of layering and time. Inherent in the properties of dichroic glass is its ability to change color depending on the angle and intensity of the sun, resulting in a unique experience each hour, day, and season. "

RAY OF LIGHT

2011-01-09T23:12:00.006-06:00

Current Model Crush: Arizona Muse

Everything from her name to that smolder in her eyes just has me smitten. I also love that she went from modeling T-shirts for urban outfitters to a Vogue Italia cover and Prada and YSL Campaigns in like 0.00213876 seconds. She epitomizes jazz age beauty, and is exactly the kind of woman I can imagine as Jordan Baker from The Great Gatsby. Can we also mention how this VI cover is PERFECTION and just shows how American Magazine covers represent everything that is deteriorating in this industry.

All Images from fashiongonerogue

"Daisy and Jordan lay upon an enormous couch, like silver idols weighing down their own white dresses against the singing breeze of the fans."

USED TO BE

2011-01-09T12:43:00.002-06:00

For Christmas this year I also got a Marco Lens for my camera (a Nikon D90). I was super excited because I have wanted one forever, and Macro photography has always been a really big interest of mine (plus it will come in handy at school because I always had to borrow other peoples before) My family just finished putting away all of the Christmas decorations, but before we did I managed to snap a few shots and I thought I would share them as an end to the season!

DON'T CARRY IT ALL

2011-01-04T22:53:00.004-06:00

For the last few years I have been doing what I can to start compiling a library of sorts from favored classics and Coffee table books on things like fashion, photography, architecture and exotic places. Not the most practical collection for someone who splits his time on two sides of a country, but something that I feel will serve me well as I establish myself as an architect. (You know what they say, "An engineer knows a lot about one thing but an Architect knows a little about a lot of things")

For Christmas this year I received a few very nice books. Including Marc Jacobs Advertising: 1998-2009 by Jeurgen Teller which I have been lusting after for quite some time. (I have another of Teller's books You Know What I Mean and it has been a point of countless inspiration to me)

I also got the wallpaper guide for Tokyo (If all goes according to plan I should hopefully be visiting there this summer!) New Small Spaces, Architecture Now 7, and Houses by SANAA documenting both their planned and built houses along with conceptual development and early inspirations, sketch models etc. It is so interesting to get a glimpse behind the doors of what is probably my favorite Firm.

FIBER ARTIST STUDIO

2011-01-02T15:37:00.006-06:00

This was our final project in computer modeling last year. Basically we had to use Autodesk Revit (a program we have never used before) as a tool to design a Studio for 'Lydia', a fiber artist. There was a lot of frustration in this project, because for an elective, the scope of work was a lot (it was really comparable to a studio project, and this was during one of the busiest and hardest studios of undergrad.)
In the end the assignment ended up being really rewarding, and although we only scratched the surface of Revit it was good to start to see some of the possibilities it could offer. We were given the choice between 4 existing sections as a starting point (although they had the potential to be interpreted as a plan or elevation etc.) As well we were given a site (very small) and a set of programmatic elements that had to be incorporated. On the site there was an existing wall that had to also be incorporated.

This was the section I chose (we had to recreate and develop it in Revit) We also had to develop all the plans and other sections in Revit, which was a really different way of working then we were used to. I chose to focus on the windows, bringing in the idea of a main window that 'wove' through the building, connecting all the levels. It was really cool when we started to render the spaces and really see them come to life in a way that is just not possible with hand drawings.In the end we had to use images taken from the Revit fine and create a hybrid drawing that conveyed the conceptual development of our design. (bring together the hand drawn and computer drawn)

DOG DAYS ARE OVER

2010-12-31T15:03:00.004-06:00

The past year has been full of so many highs and lows, and honestly I think I have done more growing, and become so much more aware of who I am and what I want in life. Although the year began with a rocky start, and there were a lot of trials and tribulations, the year is ending on an incredible note. I have cultivated and saved some amazing friendships, cut out a lot of toxic individuals, and even had an honest and fulfilling relationship. I won awards, was published, had an amazing job and amazing professors. I read tons of Fitzgerald, Timothy Findlay and discovered Ayn Rand.
In less than a month I will be leaving to go abroad for six months and I am so excited and nervous. Looking back I think I really worked at achieving a lot of my resolutions from last year; treating myself better, pushing myself, and working on relationships. This coming year I hope to grow even more into my own, as always, spend less and just enjoy life, taking every opportunity that comes my way.

All images Hedi Slimane

It eluded us then, but that's no matter - tomorrow we will run faster, stretch our arms out further...And one fine morning -
So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.
-Fitzgerald

HAVE ONE ON ME

2010-12-30T00:21:00.005-06:00

First+Last: D&G Sunglasses, Nudie Jean Jacket, Acne Shirt, Nudie Jeans
Middle: Lacoste Shirt, Nudie Jean Jacket, Nudie Jeans, J. Lindeberg Belt

Joanna Newsom is incredible, I have been listening to her album on repeat for the last month. Christmas was excellent this year as always. There is nothing like spending some good quality time with the fam and eating delicious food. I got this jacket and the Lacoste shirt for Christmas. The jacket is going to be perfect for Australia, it's super light and feels great. More Christmas stuff to come!

PARACHUTE

2010-12-23T00:07:00.006-06:00

I've spent a lot of time at malls the last couple days. The mall downtown just finished it's renovations and is incredibly gorgeous. Another mall in the south also expanded recently and now has Burberry, Anthropologie, Lacoste and Harry Rosen to name a few. I figured since it's almost Christmas I would post some of the most lust-worthy items on my dream wish-list (one day I will marry a millionaire, trust)

Hermes Medium Jypsiere Shoulder Bag
Deep Blue clemence bullcalf

Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Zippy Wallet

Hermes Large Evelyne III in blue taurillon clemence leather, silver and palladium hardware

Hermes Double wrap leather bracelet in black chamonix leather: I tried this baby on earlier today, perfection!
The Hermes bags are so next level, the only thing I don't quite understand is how the Evelyn is 2500 while the Jypsiere is almost 8000. Life isn't fair sometimes.

I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS

2010-12-22T23:58:00.003-06:00

Posting lately has been well, non-existent. School just finished up for the holidays and I have a rather long break before I leave on exchange at the end of January. I'm hoping to post my projects from the end of last year as well as this year and recount some of the more memorable highlights. This past semester was actually really great, I just had an insane amount going on from sublet drama to group projects to lots of personal developments. Since I've got home I've just been completely relaxing,SHOPPING drinking and eating non-stop. It's been so long since I just had nothing to think about! (I'm giving myself until the new year before I start thinking about preparing everything for when I leave, ahh!)
I love Christmas, and once again it's coming far to quick. A very Rosie Christmas, Christmas cookies, wrapping presents, and peppermint white mocha's have been a mainstay of this time of year, and I have been going at all these full force!
Can't wait to see what's hiding under the tree
:)

MY MEDICINE

2010-09-30T21:17:00.007-05:00

A quick update while pavilions are getting the better of me.
So far this year has been great. All the drama and the things that were upsetting me when I left for summer just kind of evaporated and are completely non-issues at this point. I honestly can't remember the last time I have felt like this!
In other news however, I'm posting the Murray and Murray Project that we get at the beginning of every year. Basically this is a school wide project/competition where everyone in the school (first year to masters) has to submit a drawing for completion marks (kind of to get you back in the swing of things I guess) but there are also prizes for first second and third. I usually never expect anything to come of this project, since while everyone enters and there are always some incredible entries (plus it's hard to devote too much time to it the first week while you're catching up with everyone and partying etc. haha). This year though, to my complete and utter shock, I won second place! I was so excited, for the recognition, and also the 1000 dollar award for second. It was definitely an incredible way to start of what is shaping up to be a great year!
This year the brief was to design a garden spaning two of the "dead spaces" in the school, one on the top floor, and the other at the basement level (both outside). I based my inspiration on a short story I read, Rapaccini's Daughter where a mad scientist kept his daughter locked in a garden as his ultimate experiment.

21st Century Life

2010-09-03T21:52:00.003-05:00

Pavilions to Scope

Keyword: Surveillance

Гравюра на дереве, дает Penetrating возможность сильным into сопоставление между светом и тьмой, создание the динамичных и ярких образов. Печать JA Джон Мерфи "Спринтеры" является прекрасным примером того, этот контраст, изображение изображение общества, что очень актуально в наше время, realm когда она была создана. Состав of этой части подкупает потому что это не сразу тому, что изображено, и это привлекает зрителя, чтобы получить лучшее понимание сцене my происходит. Существует двойственность между абстрактным и определены. Контуров определить эти цифры, но в то existence, же время они, кажется, the сливаются с фоном, поскольку eyes геометрические и линейные of формы the созданы.
Название "Спринтеры" дает зрителю понять, что гонка вот-вот произойдет, и что цифры выстроились на старте watcher блока. Действительно follow однако, они me. могут быть где угодно, I в качестве am фона является искажением линий, а не отдельный трек. Даже майки спортсменов, кажется, сливаются с actively их интенсивно unaware определены мускулатуры, стирая грань между of материальным и their естественным. Геометрическая unyielding линия ясно показывают, что мышцы бегунов, presence давая ощущение силы as и власти через сильные, четкие линии, they а также играет концепцию идеального спортсмена. Сопроводительного текста позволяет camouflage предположить, что часть themselves послания время изображал то, что эти цифры могут быть into солдатами во the время Второй Мировой Войны, однако идея солдата или воина, которая в равной степени актуальны surroundings,в современном обществе. Бороться за что-то, impenetrable. будь то в больших или They малых масштабах это нечто для широкого круга людей, делая этот become образ универсальным. Существует menacing ощущение in силы на этом an изображении, потому что эти цифры otherwise стремятся к достижению своей цели, чтобы сделать его serene до конца и быть лучшими. Динамичные линии дают зрителю setting. ощущение интенсивности, что эти цифры имеют только одну вещь в разуме, и что они будут делать все от Discovered них зависящее is для a достижения view whose этой цели. Хотя existence was only картина ever felt. There is an ephemeral dissolution with what is visible as solid becomes void. Lightness shrouds you as transparency overcomes the menace. Observation, perception and exploration are amplified. Gazing out, the landscape once again becomes whole, an appropriation of lost universal power. Leaving, there is a new awareness of the watcher’s constant gaze.

This was some of the conceptual exploration I did before designing my pavilion in Studio II. I was looking at the idea of voyeurism and Foucault's theories about imprisonment.

Tower

2010-09-03T17:49:00.004-05:00

Conceiving the fifteenth tower in San Gimignano, it is essential to integrate with the fabric of the city. As a city that is layered just as much physically as culturally, it is possible to start investigating how each individual piece contributes to the whole. Brick walls are erected one on top of the other to create unique mosaics of times, textures and techniques. The concept of modular entities becomes crucial in dissecting San Gimignano, and also becomes the basis for the integration of new structures. Interpreting modular construction, In the essay Man, Measure and Proportion Blomstedt says, “The philosophical aspect involve[s] the idea of universal harmony interpreted from classical times; the practical side concern[s] the belief that the use of harmonic system of measurements [will] facilitate the work of the architect.” Blomstedt suggests that modular systems can be utilized in architecture to create a universal harmony that simultaneously facilitates meaningful human interaction with a structure, as well as conceptual and philosophical realization. Brick construction proves to be a traditional modular series that propagates a material harmony, resonating with the history of San Gimignano. The repetition of the bricks becomes symbolic of the passage of time. The making of wine, blooming of lavender, and harvesting of saffron are all synonymous with San Gimignano, but also modular in their relativity to the city’s narrative.
In a tower the stairs become an integral component in moving through the structure, creating an awareness of the narrative being portrayed. Movement becomes heightened through the direct relationship developed with the body, creating a tower that interacts subtly yet significantly with human physicality and emotions

.

Towers Inspiration Board

2010-09-03T17:31:00.005-05:00

Finally to get back to Architecture just a little bit, I'm finally getting around to posting the rest of my work from last year. This project was my favorite of the year. It challenged me the most mentally and physically and I really pushed myself to accomplish something I am so proud of. The assignment was to create a tower in the city of San Gimignano. San Gimignano is in Italy and means "The City of Towers". It also has a rich history in wine making which I used as a starting point. These are some of the images I used for inspiration:

I also wrote a short essay based on my inspiration:

The city of San Gimignano has a rich history that is based around the relationships that have evolved between its people and its architecture. The city itself functions as a homogenous whole, comprised of the memories and layers of generations suspended in time. Through examining what is inherent to the culture of San Gimignano, it can be possible to create architecture that poignantly articulates an acute sensitivity to these qualities. In the essay Man, Measure and Proportion Blomstedt suggests that “If one wishes for something new, one has to seek that which is oldest.” Through this ideal Blomstedt concludes that for architecture to be successful it must address inherent existing qualities, with a thoughtful, natural, simplistic interpretation. Additionally, Stairways of the Mind proposes that architectural significance comes from a cultivated relationship and relativity with the human body.
When considering the proposal for the 15th tower in San Gimignano, it is important for the conception to have deep roots in the fabric of the city. As a city that is layered just as much physically as culturally, it is possible to start investigating how each individual piece contributes to the whole. Brick walls are erected one on top of the other to create unique mosaics of times, textures and techniques. The concept of modular entities becomes crucial in dissecting San Gimignano, and also becomes the basis for the integration of new structures. Interpreting modular construction, Blomstedt says, “The philosophical aspect involve[s] the idea of universal harmony interpreted from classical times; the practical side concern[s] the belief that the use of harmonic system of measurements [will] facilitate the work of the architect.” Blomstedt suggests that modular systems can be utilized in architecture to create a universal harmony that simultaneously facilitates meaningful human interaction with a structure, as well as conceptual and philosophical realization. Brick construction proves to be a traditional modular series that propagates a material harmony, resonating with the history of San Gimignano. The repetition of the bricks becomes symbolic of the passage of time. The making of wine, blooming of lavender, and harvesting of saffron are all synonymous with San Gimignano, but also modular in their relativity to the city’s narrative.
In the essay Stairways of the Mind it is stated that, “A building is encountered; it is approached, confronted, related to one’s body, moved through, utilized as a condition for other things.” When a brick building is experienced there is an inherent understanding of the construction that took place. A brick is created based on the human hand, and that relationship becomes an intrinsic part of the experience. Moving through a space, the modularity of the structure, and the inherent material qualities should be exposed thoughtfully and expressively, revealing a narrative that creates an enriched understanding of the city itself. In a tower the stairs become an integral component in moving through the structure. Stairs should be created in a way that creates an awareness of the narrative being portrayed. The experience of moving becomes heightened through the direct relationship that develops with the body. Creating a tower that interacts subtly yet significantly with human physicality and emotions is crucial in maintaining San Gimignano’s historic integrity.

Neuneu

2010-09-03T17:06:00.003-05:00

I could never be a personal style blogger, this was far to much work haha.
Last days in cowtown. Now it's back to school, in the hottest place in the world (at least that's what it feels like)

On Me: Shirt H&M, Jeans Nudie, Sandals Diesel

The Deep End

2010-07-02T15:29:00.003-05:00

Just playing around in Photoshop a bit and taking some pictures around the house/yard.
I bought some watercolors last week and started a painting
It's really nice to just do some things I feel like doing.
On another note, I'm reading The Beautiful and Damned by Fitzgerald. I love his writing so much, it's just so perfect, always.

Blood, The Sun & Water

2010-06-24T23:26:00.003-05:00

Soooo a couple weeks ago I did something totally out of character and spontaneous. This Louis Vuitton Catalog came in the mail, and it was GORGEOUS, like such a high quality book. Beautiful paper, images, photography, models, everything. Anyway, as I was flipping through I cam across an image that just stuck out to me of this messenger bag. Very understated, especially for Louis Vuitton. Anyway, a couple days later I was downtown at the Louis Vuitton store, and they had the bag! It was so beautiful in person, and it was the only one they got in the whole province, aaaand it was even cheaper than the catalog had said because the prices had just been adjusted (to reflect the strong dollar) Needless to say it was still substantially more than a pay cheque, but I fell in love. It's so beautiful, I love it and think I will get a ton of use of it! It's not too big, but just big enough to fit my laptop, which is perfect! And the leather is sooooo nice, it's already getting quite soft!

Loving You Is Easy

2010-06-24T23:10:00.004-05:00

Slowly over the last couple years I began to develop an affinity for jewelry. It started out with a Tiffany ring I got from my grandparents for graduation. Slowly I began to accumulate (and wear) a few different pieces, including a metal link bracelet, an oversize “James Bond” watch (as my grandpa called it), another silver ring made by a local craftsman and a silver necklace with an embossed “A” (also from my grandparents).
I am hoping to acquire some more soon, I have my eye on a couple more rings (black diamond’s anyone!?) , the only problem is I am going to have to start wearing them on my right hand, and I feel that they will get in the way of my drawing haha.

The Blue Side

2010-06-03T20:34:00.003-05:00

Today was great. At work we had this town hall meeting after lunch that I thought was going to last all afternoon, but it actually only went an hour and then there was a team building even after. It turns out that a team building event really means going to a hotel where they have a casino set up (with fake money) and an open bar! Me and a couple buddies just hung out and played poker, it was so great! And this after I got to fly to Fort McMurray yesterday to visit the site and see the oil wells and plant and stuff (which was really cool).
In other news: Burberry Resort KILLED IT.

So so so good. This leather jacket needs to be in my life YESTERDAY. I am actually going to do everything in my power to get my hands on that bad boy (along with some skinny pants, holy, so so good)

Bicycle Shelter

2010-05-29T13:36:00.002-05:00

The first project we had in studio this last semester was to design a bicycle shelter in the city of Ottawa. It was actually kind of neat because it was the first project we had that was in a kind of urban setting and was meant to be functional. Even though pavilions in first semester had a real site they were purely conceptual, so bicycle shelters were a good step in experimenting with merging the conceptual with the functional. We had people from the NCC (National Cycling Commission) come and present us with the project, giving us a list of requirements. It was interesting because instead of creating a program based on a concept we had to design for an existing program and derive the concept from that. It was a short and intense project, only two weeks. For my shelter I used the kinetic motion of a bicycle wheel for inspiration, using a site in the Arboretum. This was also the first project we had to use a single panel, that was laid out as if it were a panel for a competition. For submission this was how I described my proposal:

"In the heart of the Arboretum a structure stands that is both natural and mechanical. Wooden arches stretch high above where their undulating pattern becomes the kinetic motion of a wheel turning, frozen in time. A place to shelter bicycles, the form itself reflects the energy of a cyclist in action. The lumber evokes a familiarity and warmth, bridging the past and present and creating a connection with the environment. The first bicycles were made from wood, and here the wood acts as a vessel to contain their modern iterations. As you enter the viewing platform from the stairs you become aware of the sheer vastness of the Arboretum, and the Experimental Farm in general. You watch it extend in both directions, an ecological sanctuary in the heart of a bustling city. The pavilion becomes a place not only to rest, but also to rejuvenate, mentally and physically."

30x40 inch panel

Basswood model with Plexiglas detail

Conceptual model, card stock

Diplomatic Dining Tables

2010-05-28T18:00:00.003-05:00

I am sitting here at work, fairly bored, so I decided it would be a good time to try and write a couple posts (in word, because, well, my work kind of blocks the whole internet to keep us focused and whatnot, but they will not stop me! Haha I mean who realllly wants to make spreadsheets all day?)
Before I came home from School I stopped over in Nova Scotia to visit my grandparents. I love it so much there, and I have never been in the springtime. Usually it is supposed to be black fly season, but I was lucky and it had been so warm and sunny they hadn’t hatched yet (right before I left it rained the last couple days, and you could tell they were starting to hatch) It was weird not seeing the leaves on the trees, it looked a little empty, but it was still beautiful! It was so nice just to lay around and do nothing all day, drinking tea, playing crib, going for walks and talking photos. I spent a day at the beach with my grandma, and although it was still too cold for swimming we spent the afternoon beach combing and watching the tide go out. I went fishing with my grandpa and I caught two trout, which my grandma then cooked for lunch, they were so good! I hope that I get to go back soon; it was a trip that was long overdue.

Rich Girl

2010-05-13T01:00:00.007-05:00

Since I have been home I have been super into Hall and Oates. Mostly I just sit around listening to them while browsing online, doing crosswords and reading. I just finished The Fountainhead which pretty much changed my life. It was such an incredible book, I really can't even put it into words. It was everything I love; a tragic love story, 1920's, New York, Architecture, Philosophy, just so so so so good. Some quotes:

"There’s nothing as significant as a human face. Nor as eloquent. We can never really know another person, except by our first glance at him. Because, in that glance, we know everything. Even thought we’re not always wise enough to unravel the knowledge."

"The hardest thing to explain is the glaringly evident which everybody has decided not to see."

On another note, I have fallen deeply and madly in love with the PS1 Messenger bag. From the black leather, to black hardware to the size, it's the perfect messenger bag/briefcase combination. I don't know how I am ever going to find the money for this, but one day I will!

Another thing I noticed, while watching some old Will & Grace episodes (I needed something to do besides listening to music while doing schoolwork, I was going INSANE, I listened to the new Dragonette CD like 45 times in 3 days i think.) But anyway, I noticed Rosie was ahead of her time, and rocking what could be SS 10 Prada sunglasses.

Am I right, or am I right?

I also managed to see some of the pieces from this collection in the store, and I must say Although the prints are GENIUS, I was less impressed in person than when I saw it coming down the runway.

Vanilla Twilight

2010-05-13T00:46:00.005-05:00

SCHOOL IS FINALLY DONE
Wow, this semester was crazy, both personally and academic. The blog kind of took a backseat the last little while just because I haven't had time to even think of keeping it up, but now that school is over I'm hoping maybe I can recap the term. I actually got a chance to do a lot of interesting things lately. I also have a job for the summer, working at an engineering firm! I haven't started yet, but I'm hoping it will leave me time to do some posting. It's definitely weird being home, but also really nice. I have been able to do a lot of shopping, I had to get new clothes for work, however I really have to ACTUALLY save money this summer, which kind of sucks, but will pay off in the end!

An Architecture Picnic near the end of the year

Post Final Crits drinking with the profs!

Book Art

2010-03-05T18:35:00.004-06:00

Wild young Hearts

2010-03-02T22:36:00.005-06:00

Things have been crazy lately! (including a lot of non architecture stuff, like THE OLYMPICS, and looking for a new roommate)
This right here though has been the bane of my existence the last week, and will continue to be for the next month or so.

BOOK ART

Over reading week we had to Read Italo Calvino's If on a Winters Night A Traveler which is a very Calvino examination of the novel through a narrative. (We read Invisible Cities last year as inspiration for the city project). Using the book as inspiration we had to create a conceptual art piece. We were allowed to find a piece of writing for inspiration, and I chose Jorges Luis Borges's short story The Book of Sand which is about a book that has no beginning or end, and goes on infinitely. I also looked to cubism, and basically created a mobile that explored three dimensional layering. Next we are going to have to use this for inspiration to create a center for the book arts (not sure on the details yet, next studio class) The only thing was that my professor didn't like the way it was hung (he thought the hanging device, a piece of plexiglass, not in the picture) should have been something that was a meaningful and integrated part of the project. I somewhat agree, if it wasn't for the fact he came in a day and half before this was due and told me at that point I had to suspend it (originally it was not a mobile) so I kind of just did the first thing that came to mind, since I was really cramped for time at that point. But he has been giving me hell about it ever since and it's just ridiculous! Anyway, this is the writing piece I did on my bookart:

"A book becomes a device of infinite possibilities, contained within a finite structure. First and last pages however concrete in physicality elude the reader; the possibilities of a story extend eternally into the past and future simultaneously. Words that are written exist only in a temporal reality, separate from the narrative which unfolds. A fourth dimension, time, is introduced, where what is read becomes a collage of experience, perspective, history, belief and reason. Constant layering affects the reader, and with each layer, interpretation and understanding is altered. Books encapsulate a multi-vantage perception that becomes a catalyst for infinite interpretations, readers and readings."

In The End

2010-02-18T01:08:00.005-06:00

Montreal was amazing! Such a great time, it's a shame however that my friend whom I was traveling with got sick at the end. We had a blast though! Our hotel was beautiful, and we got to see so much! (including a lot that I had never gotten a chance to see before either, so it was exciting). I bought a couple things, but nothing too exciting. Instead I decided to do some major deep cleaning and try and get rid of some stuff (I am such a freaking pack rat, it's ridiculous) I also have an insane amount of studio work to do before reading week is over (so not fair, I shouldn't be sleep deprived over my break!) I spent all day today cleaning and organizing, and here are some pictures of my room right now, haha.

Getting rid of most of my old Vogues *sniff*

Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left

2010-02-09T22:21:00.004-06:00

Crits are in a matter of hours. This project has been such an intense adventure! It has been so outside of my comfort zone. I have used sketch-up (which I have only done once before) printing, my model is out of materials I have never used. I have also stayed up longer than I ever have in my life to finish. When you begin to believe that your drawing is in fact sassing you, it is probably time to go (and I did, after a straight 48 hours awake). I have to go in again early tomorrow to finish a couple small things, but for all intensive purposes it is complete! I slept 3 hours the last 4 days, I was pretty much comatose by the end, but I made it. It really felt like a dream, everything about that time is kind of in a haze, and towards the end I really don't remember much. My best friend is coming tomorrow (And we leave staurday for Montreal!) I am so excited, it will be such a nice break. I will try and do a post of what the project actually was tomorrow before she gets in. For now I am going to sleep for another 12 hours before things get crazy again (friend here, computer modeling assignmnet due, physics test, Montreal. haha) It's bad when you wake up and have to chack what day it is because you have no idea when you slept last and it has just been one looooong day since then. I will leave a couple images i managed to snap on my phone yesterday afternoon.

My model, copper mesh spray painted grey, cardstock, wood (and eventually plexiglass) (can you tell deadline was coming up soon? haha, so much stuff on my desk)

Drawings almost done (those un-rendered bricks in the corner were the ones giving me major sass at 6 this morning)

The Sea

2010-01-31T13:59:00.000-06:00

I have been meaning to post about this for a while now. For Christmas I pretty much got the best present ever. I got a Louis Vuitton Monogrammed Macassar Canvas Keepall 45. I couldn't believe it when I opened it, I was so surprised! (The funniest part is is that my mom picked it out all by herself!) It's absolutely perfect. I am in love with the black leather as opposed to the traditional tan, I feel like it just adds a touch of masculinity and uniqueness. It is also the perfect size to lug around all my stuff in! This is definitely something I am going to keep forever.

True Religion Jeans, Roots Sweater, why is my room always such a mess?

Proun

2010-01-30T18:02:00.000-06:00

This was our first computer modeling assignment. Basically we had to 3-dimensionally interpret a proun, which is "the station where painting meets architecture", a concept created by Lissitzky. At first sketch up and I had some issues, but enevtually we worked through them, and now I actually kind fo like the program, haha.

The Proun I selected, Old Man

First attempt

Second Attempt, turned out a lot better, and cleaner (I was finally starting to get the hang of it!)

In the end we had to print off a view and draw over it by hand to create a hybrid drawing. We were supposed to establish a human relationship.

This is a passage I wrote about the project (part of the requirements):

"Using the proun I chose, Old Man, as inspiration, I created a pavilion scale seating area. There are three benches situated in the side of a hill. One of them is covered, while the other two remain open. I experimented with transparency, layering and height to engage an individual as they moved through the space. An interaction with the pavilion is prompted because the experience becomes shaped by the acts of walking and sitting. Depending where you walk, and how you view the area, different places to sit and ways to orient your view are revealed. What looks like a wall becomes a bench as you move up the hill.
Sketch-up was helpful in envisioning my pavilion because it allowed a direct interaction with the landscape. It also made it possible to instantly develop volumes and experiment with the kinds of interactions they provoked, as well as how they were situated on the site. Seeing a three dimensional rendering there is an ability to make small adjustments easily in terms of spatial qualities. I found however that some of the discipline in fully conceptualizing a space through plan, section and elevation was lost to the instant ‘gratification’ of a 3-D model. Sensitivity to line and emotional qualities were not as easy to achieve, because of a very linear, standardized representation of materials and contours. Interpreting the proun, which was expressed in traditional media, there are subtle nuances of line and color that I found difficult to replicate in Sketch-up, but overall I felt Sketch-up was useful in facilitating the transition from two to three dimensions."

Skyscrapers

2010-01-30T17:40:00.000-06:00

Montreal in two weeks! I am looking forward to getting some shopping in, (they have a diesel store there that I just found out about!) For now I tided myself over by going downtown for a shop+haircut, I love getting my haircut haha. I tried on this great Lacoste anorak, but it turned out to be crazy expensive, (since when does lacoste sell $500 windbreakers?!)

Crazy, I always seem to pick out the most expensive thing I can. On another note I just realized the Christopher Kane resort collection is in stores and I want this shirt more than anything. They are sold out in my size on LVR, but maybe they will have it in montreal?How great would this look with the Lacoste jacket?

Lastly, on a completely different note, something that really just kind of outraged me this week was the Valentino couture show. Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Piccioli are making a complete mess f such an important design house. There should never, in a humane world be comparisons that garnish the term "Valenciaga" Nicolas is good at what he does, you are not, so get back to the essence of Valentino. I miss Alessandra Fachinetti so much. Her designs were fresh and exciting, where now it's just confusing. I don't understand how she could be booted for apparently "not respecting the history of the label" while they are now allowing these sorts of atrocities down the runway. (end rant)

Mountain and the Sea

2010-01-24T19:02:00.000-06:00

I have spent this weekend searching for inspiration for my towers project, watching Bones and just generally being lazy. I will hopefully have something together to present tomorrow (and maybe do a post on it? haha) For now I just wanted to talk for a second about the bags just shown at the Louis Vuitton Men's show. I love when Vuitton does artist collaborations, i always find them tasteful and culturally relevant and provoking. My favorite was probably the original Stephen Sprouse, however this one is pretty great (I have my fingers crossed that it will go into production) These ones are Christian Schoeler. It is really great to see a lesser known up and coming artist get exposure like this, and these bags are literally pieces of art.

Painting by Christian Schoeler

I loved the size and shape of this one, it is so whimsical but austere at the same time. It also reminds me of a painting I did a couple years ago.

Painting Oil on Canvas, LV runway images from Dazed Digital

If It's Not With You

2010-01-23T20:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the architecture t-shirt release party. There was a t shirt design competition at the beginning of January and the winner+shirts were revealed. They actually turned out really cool, they are printed on American Apparel shirts, and they were made to look like the library tees. I think it will look great come summer with shorts. It's cool because the chairs on the shirt are actually the chairs used in the architecture building, mainly for crits to sit in, so it's cool there is that inside connection with the school specifically. I thought this would also be a good time to debut my new grey nudies that I got for Christmas. We also got our new studio project yesterday which seems like it might be pretty cool. We have to design a tower and a staircase, and the site is San Gimignano, Italy. Anyway more on that later, for now I have to finish reading Stairways of the Mind.

AA shirt, Nudie Jeans, J. Lindeberg belt, Lacoste Shoes, Diesel hat

Everything is Everything

2010-01-20T22:14:00.000-06:00

Normally I don't follow the men's shows (usually creates too much lust haha) and this season is no different, although I caught some glimpses of Gucci and Versace and was mesmerized. Gucci had some of the best coats I have seen, including this camel one, that has only been the stuff of my dreams the last many months and has finally materialized.
Versace was pretty much everything I have ever wanted. Those pants are killing me, especially the leather ones, and the ones with leather patches. Oh and the jackets are pretty much perfection as well. Why can't I have a trust fund? hmmmm?

photos from gq.com

Also, can we talk one second about Diane Krugger's Golden Globes dress? Stunning to the likes of which I can't explain. The fact Lacroix won't be creating pieces like that anymore is a true travesty. I also saw A Single Man last week, and it was incredible! The best movie I have seen in a very long time. Gorgeous and substantial, Tom Ford definitely proved himself as a directorial force. And it had tony from Skins and his girlfriend was absolute sixties perfection (urg she gives me chills just thinking about her) And Julianne Moore was flawless, and well I could go on, but you get the idea!
On another note, I booked a trip to Montreal over reading week when my friend from home comes up to visit! I am pretty excited, and maybe I will find some leather pants? I have some outfit posts planned for the near future as well (so much new stuff to share since Christmas and all that business.)

Consolation Prizes

2010-01-20T21:38:00.001-06:00

So today we had our first silent crits, for the bike rack project. Basically everyone pins up their panels (this was the first time we had to make a "competition panel" where everything was on one 30x40 panel) With their model, and the critics go around and discuss the projects, putting sticky notes on ones that stand out. I got 1 sticky note, which wasn't too shabby, some got up to six, but it was also being crited by people from the NCC (national cycling commission), and really they just wanted bike racks with recycle bins and picnic tables, but that wasn't necessarily what our professors wanted so it kind of evens out in the end. My prof was really happy with mine, which is good, and I think we find out marks next week? (first time we will receive a letter grade for an individual project!)

This is a sketch model of my bike shelter, will upload a my panel and final bass wood model later!

Everyone's panels set up in the pit.

We have also been starting to use sketch up in our computer modeling class, which is interesting to say the least. Me and computers are not on great terms the best of days so it has been quite a challenge for me haha. It's cool that we are finally getting some exposure to the tools used in the real world though! Our prof is slightly ridiculous though, because for everything we learn we learn the history and methods, for example our last lecture was on the language we have with computers. Basically she described how technology evolved, the word "digital" stemming from "digit" referring to our fingers, so it is important to acknowledge and respect the duality of technology with our being. The most poignant point I think she made was about how with hand drawing the line follows our hand, but it doesn't on the computer, so it is important to still maintain that touch and guidance with our physical selves when dealing with digital media. This was my first attempt with sketch up! It turned out a little bit of a disaster, but I think I am starting to understand the program a little bit more.

ALSO: Exciting news, I found out I am going to AUSTRALIA on exchange for 4 months next February! (For the winter term) I am so beyond thrilled I can't even express!

Pavilions to Scope

2010-01-12T19:28:00.000-06:00

This is my project from the second half of Studio II. I have never put so much of myself into anything before, as I have mentioned previously it was one of the most physically and emotionally grueling things I have ever done. My blood, sweat and tears (literally) are in this project. It was also selected by my professor as a candidate to be featured in the School's yearly publication Building 22 which is pretty exciting! This is the blurb I wrote for my submission, and it gives a pretty good overview of the project:

"Pavilions to scope explore and expose the voyeuristic tendencies of society. A panoptic model is created that prompts a duality between the watched and the watcher, creating an opportunity for anyone to be involved in either aspect. Seemingly innocent structures begin to develop a sinister intent under certain circumstances, where an individual is able to play the role of the watcher, shrouded in relative privacy. Sight, sound and lightness are utilized and engaged to heighten the voyeuristic experience of the pavilions, as well as conceal some of their menacing aspects. The three pavilions are aligned on an axis, creating a linear and visual connection between them. Along the river there is a curving concrete wall with copper pipes cast in that frame views of the water as you walk along the path. However if you go behind this wall there is a bench, where when you sit an entirely different view of the people walking by, unaware, is revealed. Next along the axis is a series of copper skylights which connect the tunnel level with the ground above. They are progressively angled as to capture the sun’s rays during different times of the year, illuminating the loading dock below. If a person sits on the bench above however, depending on their height and position they may catch a glimpse of the individuals walking and working in the tunnel. The final pavilion is a multi-view ‘periscope’ that connects the tunnel, outside ground level and second story office. It filters light and sound, illuminating the tunnel during the day with sunlight, and the outside path at night with artificial light from the tunnel underneath. Simultaneously a visual collage is created at each level that when closely examined can reveal views of above and below. "

All I Want

2010-01-12T19:01:00.000-06:00

It seems like just yesterday I was lusting after cable knits and fleece, now spring is looming near and I want bright skys and budding trees. I would do terrible terrible things for the D&G sweater and Dior Homme Sneakers.
I haven't been feeling well, so my day has been filled with looking at new spring collections online, Private Practice, Kate Earl, Tea, Soup and The Beautiful and the Damned.

Empire State of Mind

2010-01-07T22:03:00.000-06:00

These are back from October when I went to NEW YORK! It was such an amazing trip. Highlights included a private tour of the Bank of America Tower (Only LEED Platinum skyscraper in the world) by the architect, (Thank's Taj for organizing that!) Winning front row seats to see Wicked, Spending every night in Times Square eating cheesecake and pizza, shopping on 5th Ave, Seeing Starry Night, The Ladies of Avignon and countless others (Monet, Manet, Picasso, Braques, Koons, Frank Lloyd Wright, Mondrian etc) in real life, Seagram Building, Ground Zero, Met, Guggenheim, MoMA and so much in between! If it wasn't for the 16 hours and 3 buses it took us to get home it would have been an absolutely perfect trip. I want to go back so bad because there was still so much I want to see (I mean I could have spent all 4 days in the Met, we covered only maybe a quarter of it). Here's to (hopefully) more great experiences like these in the new year!

Fireflies

2009-12-31T15:34:00.000-06:00

New year, new start
This year I want to be more assertive, treat myself better. mentally and physically, spend less, read more, work on relationships and push myself to the limit.
This past year has been crazy and I'm ready to leave it behind, but there is always that fear, of what comes next, about where I will be, each year I am further from the security of youth, and I look back with such fondness and I am so thankful for everything I have.

Please Take Me Away From Here
When I'm far Too Tired To Fall Asleep
To Ten Million Fireflies
I'm Weird Cause I Hate Goodbyes
I Got Misty Eyes As They Said Farewell

Photo by Hedi Slimane

Studio II Part One

2009-12-27T17:13:00.001-06:00

Studio This year was crazy. As I posted about earlier, we had to do a house analysis for the first half of studio II. I was assigned Acrylic House by Takeshi Hosaka in Minimitsuru-Gun Japan. We had to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, and I started discovering this great voyeuristic quality to the house. This lead me extensive research about Panopticism and Michael Foucault's Punishment and Discipline and Hitchcock's Rear Window. We also had to study the construction process of our house, looking at a technical detail of a section. (not included, as it was part of tech class, but tied into studio) I also examined the modernist style, and how it was influenced by Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye and the simultaneous interior and exterior spaces.

Lead on Strathmore and White Primsa on Matboard (continuous panels)

Composite Drawing: Charcoal on Strathmore

This model was an exercise examining how the shadow of the tree "camouflages" the white canvas of the facade and interacts with the interior space, rendering them ineperable throughout the day.

Concept Panel: Layering, Multivantage Points (the windows, and how positioning effects the view you see) as well as the idea of camouflage.
Conept Panel: Layering, modernist collages by Kurt Schwitters, charcoal sketches capturing the essence of the building.

If It Were Coming In The Fall

2009-12-27T17:06:00.001-06:00

I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas, I know I did! For now here are some memories of fall in Gatinaeu Park.

Never Want To Say It's Love

2009-12-21T14:57:00.001-06:00

This term is finally over!
I have never been through anything as hard as these last four months in my life. As I sit here waiting for the airplane, I can hardly even comprehend everything that has happened. Everything was so different from first year. The goodbyes weren't as sad, the atmosphere a little more melancholy, the bonds not as tight. I feel like we are all drifting, this thing that brought is together is now driving us apart. There has been a lot of drama this year, and not the good, juicy, lagunaesque fodder. Time is now spent drawing and building and thinking, there was hardly any time for fun. It's also hard because there is no one else in the world, besides these people who understand what it is we go through on a daily basis. Our lives have become so intertwined with this metaphysical reality of the world of architecture that at times you feel trapped. You have nothing else really. That being said, there is a reason we put ourselves through hell on a daily basis, because when it comes down to it, we love what we do, and can't imagine doing anything else, and we truly are a family. I have a few posts planned (finally!) while I have some time off, but mostly I plan on laying around and watching Jersey Shore haha. I can't wait to get home and see my family and friends and be rejuvenated for when it all starts over again in 10 days!

I leave you with this image of my desk approximately three-ish weeks ago when I was in the midst of model building. I will elaborate more on my project soon!

Tik Tok

2009-12-10T20:51:00.001-06:00

A quick checklist of the last week or so of my life:
7-hours of sleep over 70 hours
10-hours working (my real job) in that said 70 hours
50-hours spent in studio over 3 days
69-The number of times "Tik tok" was played on my ipod
3-The number of panels drawn for final crit
1-Meals eaten at home in a week
1-Photomontages made
1-Video Made
Such a crazy life an architecture student leads!
During my absence I have managed to procure a few purchases (Trues from NY, boots, a jacket and a sweater) hopefully I will be able to post about them soon.
For now I have to go work on my tech project (I am building a bridge) but I leave you with a quick snap of my final crit pin-up.

Murray and Murray

2009-11-16T00:09:00.000-06:00

I finally got around to doing some copy work (this month has been craaazy busy, and I don't even know where to begin describing our new project) New York (which was so long ago now, actually) was amazing! I am going to try and do a post on it soon (along with a couple new purchases) as well as my first semester project. For now I will share my Murray and Murray project, a required completion marks only project that still takes as long as any other drawing we do, that we have to start before classes even officially start (got to love architecture for that, oh an only 4 days to do it). This years theme was a "place for dreaming" I proposed a water bridge.

30x40 2H lead on Strathmore, approximately 40 hours

If You Were Coming in the Fall

2009-10-19T19:17:00.000-05:00

So recently Irving Penn passed away, and when I was reading a tribute to him, this image came up.

Basically this image is the reason I became an Architect. Sound weird? Let me explain. In grade 11 we were studying the French Revolution, and so of course we covered Marie Antoinette. Now I had shown some minor interest in fashion at this point, but nothing to intense. So anyway this was teh year that Kirsten Dunst was on the cover of the september issue of Vogue to promote the movie Marie Antoinette. I bought the magazine because I wanted to read about the movie and Marie Antoinette (and on occasion I read vogue, but back then it was usually because there was a celebrity I liked on it, haha how times have changed!) So as I was reading this issue I became completely enamored, and it had a lot to do with this Penn Editorial. It was when I saw this editorial that I realized fashion was so much more than fashion, but that it was actually art.

As I became more interested in fashion, and art, and how they were related, I came across an article in Vogue about Kazuyo Sejima (A light Touch) And reading that I realized how like fashion, architecture was also an art, and I began to see how they were all interconnected. It was pretty much that article, which I read as the result of my interest in fashion stemming from this editorial that I ultimately decided to pursue architecture as a career.
Anyway, I just thought that was really interesting to think about and reflect on.
Midterm crits tomorrow! I will post about them, as well I have some pictures from the beautiful gatineau park from this weekend.

All images from Vogue

Make Light

2009-10-13T22:53:00.000-05:00

Just some pictures from around my apartment. I love the fall, too bad it feels like winter now! I will try and update something more substantial soon!

AF607105

2009-10-08T22:27:00.000-05:00

Midterms in less than two weeks! (I procrastinate by planning blog posts haha) It is so beautiful here right now, all the trees are changing color and there is that fall briskness in the air! I am hoping to be able to have some time to take some pictures and share them.
Today I got a new Lacoste shirt in the mail which was a lovely suprise! I love the color. I also forgot I hadn't posted about these puma runners I got in Montreal while I was still moving into my apartment.
I have the apartment to myself this weekend so I thought it was a good time to take some outfit pictures.

Nudie jeans, Lacoste shoes, Lacoste shirt, H&M scarfs, Leather jacket from Florence, Prada Sunglasses

Sleepyhead

2009-10-03T20:08:00.000-05:00

So school has been pretty steady in its craziness, hopefully soon I will actually finish something up with regards to this house analysis and be able to post on it. It has been weird seeing all the first years doing concrete and fabric, it feels like that was so long ago!

I am going to New York in three weeks for a school trip! I am so excited, Lyndsay and I booked our hostel today, I have never been and I can't wait to go! Other then that I have pretty much been coped up in studio. I do however have some pictures of the outfit I wore the other day, and some better images of studio. I would also like to mention that it was 4 degrees (Celsius) in studio the other day, like actual torture, people were wearing gloves while they drew! Thankfully they actually fixed it, so its a more reasonable temperature now haha. I finally took some better pictures of studio (not that you could take a good picture of that place haha) It looks so ghetto, but we love it anyway.View to the right of my desk

Diesel Leather Jacket, Energie Hoodie, Nudie Jeans, Lacoste Boots

View from the left of my desk

The Calculation

2009-09-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

Just because I shouldn't doesn't mean I won't go out for nice sushi dinners, beaver tales and walks along the canal. That's exactly what I did today and it was so nice. School is pretty all consuming these days so it was great to see someone not in architecture and do something fun. Also I haven't had sushi in so long!
Studio has been eating up a lot of time lately, and also my prof this semester is crazy! (but in a good way) Yesterday he was telling me how I should do a combination worm and birds eye axonometric out of shadows and showing a multi-perspectival view out of the windows. And then he told me he had no idea how one could construct that but I should try it, haha it was ridiculous!

Our project right now is to analyze a house that is architecturally renowned. It is actually really interesting and we have to really examine how our house was built and why, and how it reacts and interacts. There is so much that a house can say, and you don't really start to realize that until you spend so many hours bringing these static pictures and blueprints to life. My house is the Acrylic House by Takeshi Hosaka (2007). I will try and update with some of the things I have done to anaylize my house, but for now I will share some pictures of it.

link

Shop Around

2009-09-14T21:47:00.001-05:00

So I am finally starting to get settled back here in the O-Town (and into school as well, it feels like I never left haha) Already I have spent a good 40 hours in studio and it has only been a week! It has been such a whirlwind. I did the Murray and Murray project this year (second years have to, although this year it was even mandatory for first years!) And we had to "create a space for dreaming, somewhere on campus", it was a lot of work (and of course I didn't even get an honorable mention, because it was mostly 4th and masters that did) But it was good to get back into that sort of mindset (hopefully I will be able to do a post on it soon, I am starting to remember why I never had time to update this blog until summer). Probably the most exciting thing that has happened so far though is the news that at the end of October we are going to be taking a class trip to New York! I am so excited, I have always wanted to go and it will be so amazing to see all the great architecture and art there! (and a little shopping too maybe? haha) We are going for four days and it is going to be blast.
On another note, I have also been doing some shopping (urgg I really can't even bear to think of how much I have spent this summer) These last two weeks in particular I have bought these amazing purple patent leather Lacoste Runners, and a grey Diesel Leather jacket (it is so amazing, although it is by far the most expensive thing I have ever bought!) But yeah, pretty much I am broke, anddd I think its even worse that I don't really care and am just trying to scape together some sheckles to buy my 15 dollar paper for school, and go to NY!

Leathuhhhhh

So fantastic!

Also, I got the British Vogue with Kate on it! It's just too bad I haven't had time to read it yet (running an apartment is also a lot of work, urg, the things you learn) And I hear that Karl is guest edited the October Wallpaper, whiiiich I am pretty much stoked for! That's all for now.

Go Places

2009-09-14T01:23:00.000-05:00

Pretty much this has been the craziest three weeks of my life. I have so much to update but so little time! I am hoping I can get some pictures taken and stuff this week (fingers crossed that I will have a spare moment or two)
There has been setting up my apartment, a few very exciting purchases, Murray and Murray project, parties, first years, work, as well as news of a very exciting trip coming up! Anyway I am off to sleep before having to submit M&M tomorrow.

Some are Lakes

2009-08-21T19:05:00.000-05:00

So I make it a point to at all costs avoid talking directly about what is happening in the fashion world, since there are so many other blogs and sources that will, and do, do much better and more thoughtful jobs than I. That being said, after seeing Lara Stone's ed in Vogue Paris I decided I needed to address it, and while on that note indulge in some strictly superficial, gratuitous musings.

First Off: Lara Stone
I have always been on the fence about Lara Stone, but after seeing her makeover and cover for VP I am completely converted. I would have to say it is possibly one of the most stunning covers I have ever seen, and the accompanying editorial inside is just as flawless.

Can anyone say freaking amazing!?

Second: September Issues
Why do they always have to promise to be so amazing!? Kate Moss is on FOUR covers if I am keeping track correctly (Vogue UK, Vogue Russia, W and Another Magazine) and anyone who knows me that I absolutely flip for anything with Kate on it (and Siri and Stam come in pretty close second and third) So that means I am going to do anything to get my hands on these (if only import magazines weren't so costly up north here, I mean I have seen Vogue Italia seeling for 60 bones, like what is that!?) So that is already four mags on my need list for september, rounding out the "needs" is American Vogue, Flare (best canadian fashion mag by far), Wallpaper (I am an architect after all) and then on the "want and pretty much need to have" list is Harpers Bazaar, V and Vanity Fair

Third: These Shoes

Words cannot describe the epicness

On a completely lustful and self indulgent note, these fall Prada shoes are everything I have ever wanted my personal style to encapsulate, and at the same time they're so on trend it hurts. Unfortunately for the two facts they probably cost three months rent, and in like five months I would be "wtf was I thinking buying shoes with spikes on them?" they wil never ever be in my posession.

How do I get There

2009-08-20T20:09:00.001-05:00

So I leave in 5 days for school. Crazy! I can't believe that summer is over so soon, it really does not feel like it's been four and a half months. On an exciting back to school note, I'm going to be going to Montreal for a day in the midst of moving into my new apartment and I'm pretty pumped to go there when it isn't negative a billion outside.

I thought I would share some of the traditional photography I did in Multimedia. These pictures are taken of the Basilica in Ottawa across from the National Gallery, with a film SLR camera and developed and printed by me in a darkroom. This was such a fun day, Lyndsay and I went downtown and even though it was freezing spent a long time outside enjoying and exploring different angles of this beautiful building. Unfortunately they had a service while we were there and we ended up being kicked out for like 2 hours! haha, oh what we endure for Architecture School."Portal"

OutsideInside

These were part of our final assignment in multimedia, where we then had reinvent the space using these 8x10 black and white images as a full color 11x17 space using Photoshop. (maybe I will upload the finished project sometime, although I wasn't super impressed with how it turned out) Anyway, right now I'm off to the Kilk to have some beer and potato nachos with all my work friends since I won't be seeing them for quite some time!

Peel me a Grape

2009-08-16T21:46:00.000-05:00

This last week has been crazy! I have been working so much, but I only have 2 more days! I have also been going out a bit, trying to see everyone before I have to head back to school. On Thursday I went to this club called Vinyl. It was actually the coolest club I have ever been to, it played great music (umm Grease soundtrack anyone!?) It was actually so fun to go out dancing, and I ran into a bunch of people from highschool, and it actually turned out to be a good thing and was so much fun. The next night I went out with a couple friends to Peter's Drive Through (best onion rings ever) and we went up on the hill overlooking downtown and then walked around the community looking at all the beautiful, expensive houses up on the hill! And the view of downtown was incredible, such a great place to have dinner!View of Downtown

I also bought a pair of Persol Sunglasses (I know I am terrible!) But I kind of love them.

Nudie Jeans, Diesel Black Gold Shirt, J. Lindeberg Cardigan, Persol Sunglasses

Axonometric

2009-08-13T17:22:00.000-05:00

The Axonometric Drawing (Axo) was our last big drawing before the Graphic Novel. It was the first drawing I got a 5 on on the first submission! (only 5 people in the class got a 5 the first submission on this project, and I think that was the most out of any project: Hard: 0 Soft: 0 Hands: 0 Elevation: 1 Plan/Section/Elevation: 1 Self Portrait: 3 Sketches: 2 Axo: 5) We had to do this one with 2H lead on Vellum. It was extremely annoying to do two more full walls of rendered bricks (a very unpleasant suprise) And also this was pre-parallel rule/set square days, so everything was measured out with a ruler and connected. Also the whole idea of birds eye/worms eye was very confusing at first! Oh how funny it is to look back at when you had no idea what something was that has now become a second nature concept (rendering, le corbusier, renaissance art, capitalism (oh grade 9) haha, you get the point)

2H lead on Vellum

Bids Eye View

Worms Eye View

Reflections are Protection

2009-08-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

Lately my days have been filled with reading and Mad Men reruns. I have decided one of my goals this coming school years is to maintain my reading. This summer have been reading constantly, and I realized how much I miss it, so even if it's just a bit everyday I want to keep it up. I at least have a good number of books to read, today I bought Pride and Prejudice, Dracula, The Illiad, Great Expectations, Jane Eyre and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hide (yay for 3/10$ classics!) I also thought I would post some of the other new things I have got recently. (hard to believe this picture was taken in August, haha I swear it has felt like winter here somedays, although I guess it was lsightly warmer than I made it look to be, but only slightly!) I think the next thing on my "to buy" list is some black denim, I'm thinking Acne, or another pair of nudies (haha it's an addiction!) and there is this amazing pair of Mihara for Puma sneakers (but sadly I think they will remain as strictly a "lust" item for now)

Diesel Jacket, Gap Sweater, Diesel Hat, Gucci Sunglasses, Frye Boots, Matt and Nat Bag, Nudie Jeans

Sketches

2009-08-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

So I'm pretty sure sketches were our second last drawing assignment. They were actually comparatively easy compared to everything else we did. Basically we had to draw five scenes around the architecture building (outside, entering, inside, exiting, looking back). Now some people say sketches, while our professors really meant "an almost rendered but i guess you could maybe see a couple pencil lines, BUT ONLY A COUPLE" yeah, it was kinda frustrating, but I think each one only took around 8 hours maybe? haha. We also had to use perspective, which was tricky because it had to be realistic while still perspective (learning to properly use perspective with multple vanishing points was tricky!) This was also aorund the time we were reading Panofsky's Perspective as Symbolic Form. In the end we had to mount them on black foam core as a narrative.

HB Lead on Strathmore (each aprox 8 hours and 5' x 7')

The Heat

2009-08-06T17:44:00.000-05:00

So there has been a lot of controversy in Calgary (my home city) currently about a bridge that is being comisisoned by Santiago Calatrava. Since I have been home for the summer a lot of people have been asking me what I think of it (since I am in architecture and all) and I have to say that I think it is a great idea. I mean there is definitely the economic side to consider, where in the midst of a recession where people are losing their jobs daily we would have this kind of induldgence, but on the other hand 25 million is kind of chump change from an economic standpoint haha. Personally I am excited to have an architectural landmark being created so close to home and I find it in many ways inspiring. After examinging the design and listening to Calatrava speak about the project I am not convined he really considered the environment it will be housed. Sure he considered what it is to be Canadian, but I feel it is more cliche than anything with the red and white. I also feel like it is missing some of the organic charm and brilliance he is so renowned for, and that it looks a little too geometric and urban (this however could also be due to the 3D renderings, so I will reserve judgement until I actually experience it) But needless to say I am excited to eventually see the finished project!

Calatrava's bridge Design for Calgary

Calatrava's Design for a much larger comission of the Valencia Opera House

"I have to say the sketches of the bridge were formed during the Christmastime. Ms. Kroman got for me a book with sketches, over 180 or 200 sketches, done by hand, showing steps toward the elliptical section. It was providential, the visit to Calgary, because I understood very much about the beauty of the place, as well I saw photos of Calgary you know with the Rockies behind, and I also know well other cities like Denver at the feet of the mountains. So respect for nature was one issue, minimalizing the environmental impact was another issue, and the other was to build a very comfortable bridge, a very human bridge. It’s different when you do a bridge going to Prince’s Island, because it is a recreation park. But when you do a bridge between one part of the city and another, like we wanted do here, you have to do this very attractive, very functional, very accessible, and people have to us that in an easy way.

For me, it’s a highlight, beause i have never done a bridge like that. Of the 14 bridges I have built, there’s not one that follows this principle, not one that is done with this purity. And technically it is a demanding bridge. It’s a highly technical bridge."

-Calatrava on the bridge design to the Calgary Herald

Around You

2009-08-06T17:17:00.000-05:00

These are my new Frye boots. I have wanted leather boots for a while now, and I think the Frye boots are the best bang for my buck. They apparently last a super long time and they seem to be really well made, and I guess if you can wear something for like 10 years it can totally justify a hefty price tag (right?) haha. I am also planning to wash my raw nudies soon! I am nervous and anxious to see how they turn out (I hope they are worn enough) but I will post about what happens either way!
Jeurgen Teller inspired

If You Were Coming in the Fall

2009-08-05T17:18:00.000-05:00

This has been a really rainy week. I have spent a lot of time sitting and listening to Carla Bruni and Ingrid Michaelson, and reading. I also went shopping downtown yesterday and got my Frye leather boots! (whoops, so much for not spending, haha) But they are amazing (I will post about them soon!)
These are some more abstract photos I took a little while ago. I really liked the idea of these veils and folds and something hidden.

Taken with my D90

Self Portrait

2009-08-04T23:41:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wondered what a drawing that took over 100 hours would look like? Well here it is! Practically both my biggest success and downfall of the year was this self portrait. It was our mid term assignment, 2 weeks to draw (and by draw I mean fully render) a 60x90 cm self portrait from life, of ourselves looking into a mirror, including everything around the mirror you could see (at an approximately 1:1 ratio). It easily took about 120 hours total. It was intense, I mean looking at yourself in a mirror for that long is intense even. It is a very emotional thing, drawing yourself, examining every crease in your face. I am actually really proud of this, even though there are some problems, just the fact I finished on time (which only 10 people in my class did I think, out of 80) was a pretty big accomplishment. The fact however that I didn't get a 15 (100%, it was out of 15 and not 5 since it was our midterm project) the first time (but I did the second time don't worry!) pretty much devastated me to the point where I couldn't leave my room for almost 2 days (haha architecture school does some weird stuff to you emotionally) Even the paper was crazy! (15$ for a sheet of Strathmore that big) and I have such a vivid memory of going to Wal Mart with Aisha and Bradley and sprinting from the train to beat the other 20 odd Arch kids to try and get the best/cheepest mirrors! Then we booked it straight to Wallacks and we ended up stranded outside the Parlaiment buildings all the while experiencing the first snowfall (a rather magical moment really) It was crazy to say the least! That particular adventure is one of my fondest (in hindsight) and most vivid of first year!

Self Portrait 2B on Strathmore 120 hours

Fascination

2009-08-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Soo pretty much I failed at keeping the blog going this summer, I hate that work has been getting in the way of a lot of things, and it really isn't getting me anywhere except making money for next year. On the other hand I don't know what I would be doing if I didn't work because blogging can only take so much time, haha. Anyway, I have almost all my stuff from first year up, just 2 more posts (and once I get back to school I will scan and post my graphic novel) but yeah, nothing too eventful really is happening this summer. I can't believe that in less than a month I will be back in school, crazy!
On another note, even though it's belated I got the most amazing camera for my birthday back in July! It's a Nikon D90 and I love it! My uncle (who it turns out was an avid photographer in his day) gave me his old Nikon F3 and a macro lens that is compatible with my D90! I was so happy, it was like the best week ever, haha. I have gotten to experiment with both of them a bit which is so fun. I have to say as far as a final product I still love the look of film the best, but dogital is just so much more convenient! These are some shots I took with my D90, and I have some more kind of experimental ones I'm planning to upload a bit later.

On another note, I have been pretty good at saving up some money! I think I have decided what I really want is a nice leather jacket the next time I go to Montreal, so I have realllly tried to curb th spending on unessassary things. That being said however fall is coming and I did get a new winter jacket! (Diesel) a new touque (Diesel) and a new sweater (Gap) which I will post about soon! (I mean they are practically neccessities, come on, it's freaking cold in Ottawa in teh winter, haha)
I also read Tender is the Night by Fitzgerald, and I have to say it was incredible! One of the best books I have ever read. Now I just started The Gargoyle and it seems like it will be good too!

Plan Elevation

2009-06-14T23:01:00.001-05:00

After Doing our first Elevation (which we had a week to do) we then found out the next week we had to do a plan, section and elvation of the same corner (the elevation was the other side of the corner) so three times as much work in the same amount of time! There were so many bricks, but at least by this time I was pretty good at them. Me and Lyndsay had the same building essentially and I remember we figured out how many bricks we each drew and the number came out at something over 3000 individually rendered bricks with grout lines! insanity!

Plan Elevation, 2H lead on Strathmore

Plan, at this stage we didn't even know what line weights were

Elevation, prety much the same as my first one, only I like this one better, I think the bricks have a more realistic texture.

Detail of the bricks

Live to Tell the Tale

2009-06-08T22:28:00.000-05:00

I thought I might also upload some of the stuff I did in multimedia first semester. This is my photo-montage, where basically we photographed a space in the architecture building, but then we had to "reinvent the space" Looking back I see a lot of things I would have liked to have done with this, but at the time it was a hard concept to grasp haha. The photos were shot with a film SLR camera, but luckily we didn't have to develop them ourselves! I will also try to upload some other stuff I did (although I don't have scans of all of it so I will have to wait until the fall for some!)

4x6 prints mounted on black foam core

Need to Shout

2009-06-06T23:25:00.001-05:00

So I finally found a really great black cardigan! The Diesel I had before that I got in Rom is starting to wear out and I have been looking for a replacement for a while now. This one is J. Lindeberg, and I found it at Brooklyn in Kensington (I love that store haha) I got this one while I was hanging out with Mel for the day, which was super fun because it was so nice to just sit around and talk about architecture and stuff!

J. Lindberg Cardigan

I also picked up this American Apparel tee, it is actually the softest thing I have ever worn, but I'm kind of scared it is going to fall apart any second haha, its so light too.

AA tee

The weather here has been dismal, today I woke up to snow on teh ground which is always somewhat depressing (especially in June!) but I have been able to spend some time doing some art since I have been stuck inside. These aren't finished yet, but it has been fun to experiment a bit and just have fun.

This was an attempt at a self portrait that I did with soft pastel and water on Canvas, I think I need to do a couple more layers still and add some more depth to the shadows, i kind of like the effect though.

This is a sketch I started of a girl in my class, done in prisma pencil crayons. I have really been experiemnting.having fun with color and using different tonalities for shadows and mood etc.

Section Elevation

2009-06-05T00:48:00.001-05:00

The first really "architectural" drawing that we did was a completely rendered elevation, which eventually turned into two elevations, a section and a plan (more on that later) so basically we had to go somewhere on campus and choose a corner of a building (thinking we just had to draw one elevation!) and so I chose the Minto Center which is all brick. We had to do a 8mx3m piece of the building completely to scale, and I figured brick would be good because you could measure one brick and go from there (since its kinda hard to measure 8m up the side of a building haha) So we had one week to do one elevation, then, Suprise! we had to do an elevation, plan and section the next week! (3 times as much work!) And the section turned out to be really hard because even just getting inside my building was a problem/adventure! And then trying to measure staircases to scale was really a challenge haha, but we managed in the end!

Plan/Elevation, 2H on Strathmore, 70 hours

Outside the Minto Center

Inside the stairwell (also it turned out to be really hard to visualize what it would look like flattened out, since it was difficult to try and replacate any such perspective, both visually or in a photograph)

Detail of the Section

Elevation, Each brick rendered individually, with grout lines (to scale!) Insanity I say

On another note, I had an amazing day today! And I will put up a couple new purchases soon, I am also (*fingerscrossed*) waiting for a buyer to come through on my camera so I can buy my D90! And I have started getting a bit inspired for some art projects I will update soon as well!

I don't want to repeat my innocence. I want the pleasure of losing it again.

2009-05-31T00:19:00.001-05:00

"The February streets, wind-washed by night, blow full of strange half-intermittent damps, bearing on wasted walks in shining sight wet snow plashed into gleams under the lamps, like golden oil from some divine machine, in an hour of thaw and stars. Strange damps full of the eyes of many men, crowded with life borne in upon a lull.... Oh, I was young, for I could turn again to you, most finite and most beautiful, and taste the stuff of half-remembered dreams, sweet and new on your mouth. ...There was a tanging in the midnight air silence was dead and sound not yet awoken Life cracked like ice!one brilliant note and there, radiant and pale, you stood ... and spring had broken. (The icicles were short upon the roofs and the changeling city swooned.)
Our thoughts were frosty mist along the eaves; our two ghosts kissed, high on the long, mazed wireseerie half-laughter echoes here and leaves only a fatuous sigh for young desires; regret has followed after things she loved, leaving the great husk."

- This Side of Paradise, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Hands

2009-05-26T23:06:00.000-05:00

Hands was our fourth drawing assignment, after soft. We had to draw 5 views of our hand, drawn from life and life sized. It was challenging because you had to hold your hand perfectly still while drawing, and while drawing try not to move your whole arm so that you would not screw up your lighting. It is probably one of my favorite drawings next to Soft and Self Portrait. At this point we were starting to learn more what was expected and started experimenting with the rendered effect without strictly adhering to the 45 degree angle rule.

Finished Drawing, 2B Lead on Strathmore 60cmx20cm

In Progress

Always Working

A look into studio, this is my desk (the one with the mirror oon it to the left) this picture is from Axo, one of the last drawings, however I thought I would share a decent picture of studio to give an idea of the conditions we worked in haha. But actually the studio is amazing, and I don't think we would have been able to produce the work we did without that envirnment.

Heavy Cross

2009-05-26T15:48:00.000-05:00

So the last couple of weeks have been pretty dull, I did go to BC for a few days, but it rained and was kind of cold, so not really that exciting. I did use my Lomo Fisheye a lot while I was there though so i will post some of those pictures soon. Mainly I have been working a lot, on the computer a lot and still spending too much money! (on the computer note, the Chanel-Venise show was incredible! maybe I will try and draw some of the looks, I have been lacking inspiration but wanting to do some art) I still haven't gotten around to doing any drawing, but i should have some more free time here in the next little bit. Some things I recently got are that Matthew Williamson for H&M blazer! I was suprised when I actually saw this piece in the store because of its quality and attention to detail, like piped lining and brass monogramed buttons.

Matthew Williamson for H&M blazer, Nudie Jeans, AA shirt

I also got this Ed Hardy long sleeve T, now I know Ed Hardy might not be the most fashion forward look, but I really do like some of the shirts, and i think they can be fun and age appropriate when worn in a more toned down way (plus how many ways can guys really wear rhinestones? haha)
It has been pretty nice here too actually! I was able to do some gardening, and read out side (I'm reading This Side of Paradise by fitzgerald right now and its so good so far, I also read the Kite Runner which was amazing) I even wore shorts a few times.

Front Detail

The Naming of Things

2009-05-13T20:04:00.000-05:00

So today I had a really good day! Except the part where I am supposed to be saving money, I kind of epically failed at that one. But I went downtown and stopped into Holts, where I spent a good twenty minutes in the Chanel Boutique talking to the lady. We had a really really nice chat about everything Chanel, mainly the Paris-Moscou Collection, and the Fall/Winter 2009, and she took the time to show me a lot of interesting details that go into the pieces and how they develop from season to season. It was just really nice to see someone who cared so much about what they were selling, as well as care that their customers know too. From there I went to Seventeenth where I went to Leo's and tried on these black weft Nudies, that I knew I had to have as soon as I tried them on! I also tried on this amazing asymmetrical Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair t shirt with a drape detail in the front, but I decided in the end it was a really expensive white t shirt, and my wallet could only handle one purchase for the day. But I love them!

My New Nudies

Then I stopped by the art store and picked up some soft pastels to experiment with! I really want to do some painting, I'm thinking maybe some old people.

I have also been obsessed lately with the Roitfeld Apartments (JR and Carine) they are exceptional! I hope one day my apartment will look like that (plus i think stacking magizines on the floor is not only stylish but economical!)
(Photos from New Paris Interiors and Selby)

Soft

2009-05-12T22:34:00.000-05:00

Soft was our third drawing project, right after hard. We had to use a 2B lead, and still didn't have the best grasp on what rendering was, haha. It was probably one of my favorite projects though, and one of my favorite results, I am really proud of my final drawing. One memory that really sticks out is listening to Soft Rock Star by Metric on repeat, and making my ghetto cardboard box with Ann.

This is Lyndsay and Brad, a glimpse into our studio, complete with vitamin water and those windows!

This was my box with fabric inside it. We had to grid it, drawing it on a 1:1 scale, orthographically (exactly how it looks straight on), an interesting way to train us how to view things (was ultimately a good basis for our understanding of plans, sections and elevations, although we didn't know it at the time)

My drawing in progress (the paper towel wasn't for smudging! but rither so the oils from my hand wouldn't ruin the paper)

Final Drawing, approximately 60 hours, 2B lead on Strathmore paper.

Imitosis

2009-05-11T00:25:00.000-05:00

Here is Some of My work from the second half of studio, the Invisible Cities "Cabinet of Natural History" project.This was a conceptual drawing I made of The City of Clarice in Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities (where my building is located) I was looking at the idea of fragments, layers and overlapping histories, but also the recycling of histories.

This was my concept panel, examining the effect of shadows, voids and planes, as well as an emphasis on crystallization and the tensegrity membranes between muscles and bones.

Plan, Section, Section
Originally we had to pick our site in the city and draw a plan and 2 sections of it. Later we went in and added our buildings, embellishing with color and rendering to show materiality and shadows etc. I also included 3 elevations of my building, an axonometric and two connection details.

Stuck on Repeat

2009-05-08T18:59:00.000-05:00

So I am finally home!
It feels really weird to be back and have no architecture to do!
Its nice to just sit around and not really stress about anything (well work and money hardly seem stressful after that year haha)

I had no luck getting an architecture job, but I'm managing. I really really need to try and save this summer though, which is super lame. I have managed to buy a couple things already haha, including these Diesel Sandals and these polarized Ray-Ban Wayfarers! I also have my eye on a couple pairs of jeans too haha. But seriously I am trying to save.Diesel SandalsRay Ban Wayfarers

I am going to try and post all my drawing stuff from first semester, as well as some stuff like my drawings from second semester. Overall my first year of architecture was so amazing, although hard I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to going back in the fall!
For now my goals are to work, save and read! I just got This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and I just finished The Reader (and watched the movie, which was really good!) V's summer issue should be out soon too! Yay for summer haha

The Vanishing

2009-04-09T01:14:00.000-05:00

So Today I had my final crit for the invisible cities project. It was my first real crit and i think that it went pretty well. I was the first one to go out of everyone which was slightly nervewracking, but it was good to get it over with.

The Cabinet Of Natural History

Baiscally A summary of my program, process and what I said at my crit is;

The Cabinet of Natural history is a place that embraces and celebrates the cycles occurring in nature through history. The Cabinet creates a space for the residents of the city to both interact with the occurrence of history as well as archive it. Private Space is contrasted with public space, distinguished by latex membranes which evoke a sense of preservation and protection of the enclosed spaces. Inside people are able to contemplate about their own pasts, as well as the past of the city and how it has evolved, but also what remains of the past. The exterior presents a garden of light and shadows, amplifying the feeling and recognition of time passing and cycles continuing, but conversely it can portray a sense of timelessness. Cycles occur at every level within nature, with the most basic being the modular molecular compounds of which everything is created. Cycles both evolve and remain stagnant through history, with the Cabinet of Natural History deriving its form from these two distinct types of cycles. The idea of tensegrity can be seen in how cells maintain their structure, as well as how muscles and bones work together, where structural elements work either entirely in compression or tension. Tensile modules are combined to create the form of the Cabinet, which also takes on a crystal like silhouette, relating to the idea that crystals are visibly modular and are capable of continually rebuilding themselves.

My feedback was pretty positive overall, mainly they thought I should have portrayed the light cycles on my building better, doing a shadow study throughout the day of my model as well as the site, and that I could have developed the idea of shadow better and not though of shadows so literally. There was a suggestion I should have suspended my building, and another to curve the ground and also to possibly explore a "mythological" side to shadows. One of the standout moments was when Chi, one of the critics broke a part of my model, which instead of being tragic, was actually really funny.

This Sentence Will Ruin/Save Your Life

2009-04-07T21:30:00.000-05:00

So tomorrow is final crits! I will probably post afterwards and put up some more pictures of my presentation model. I am a little bit nervous, its our first like real crit so hopefully it will go well!
I also finally got around to DIYing those Cheap Mondays I got in Montreal into my own pair of Margeila/Christopher Kane Jeans. I quite liked how they turned out, although it was alot of work! I used sandpaper and just rubed until holes formed and then ripped across to get the really worn look. I think they will look really good this summer with baggy T's and my Gucci Aviators.

Jeans Cheap Monday, Shirt Diesel

The First Five Times

2009-03-23T14:35:00.000-05:00

So this semester has been pretty relaxed i guess, nothing too exciting happening at all actually. I haven't posted very much because I haven't really done to much/ I am lazy. I have done a lot of conceptualizing about the "Cabinet of Natural History" and this is pretty much what I have to show for it, a progression from materials to connections to form and volume to my final model (hopefully my final model)

Tensegrity Module

Stacked

Volumetric Model in Cardboard

Presentation model in Latex and Oak

Always Where I Need to Be

2009-03-01T23:43:00.000-06:00

So these last couple weeks actually haven't been to bad or busy.
I got all my midterms back and I got A's on all of them! (100 on linear, 88 on Art History, 85 on Calculus, High on midterm studio!)
This new studio project is kind of cool, but a lot frustrating (what else is new)
we have to choose a site on our city and eventually build a structure for our "program" there. I got "Cabinet of Natural History" as my program...it should be interesting. This is the site I chose

Lyndsay and I are also on a secret mission to catch up in math/get ahead in Art History, so we have been sneaking off to the library everyday to work on it, and so far we have kept it a secret! espionage really makes doing my work more exciting!
I have also been craving American Apparel t shirts, and a nice black cardigan (Club Monaco or Banana Republic maybe?) and I promised myself I can go downtown as soon as I finish my essay, and hopefully get a copy of LOVE and give the stores a good looking over (I also want to try on that trench at Banana if its still there...)

Fernando Pando

2009-02-22T19:50:00.000-06:00

I got the Virgins CD while I was in Montreal and I have been listening to it non stop! I'm not really looking forward to reading week ending. Listening to Lily Allen, the Virgins and watching copious amounts if Skins (my new favorite show!) was so nice. These are some pictures from Montreal, as well as Our "Invisible City" all assembled. On another note, Invisible Cities was one of the best books I have read in a while.

She's Expensive

2009-02-22T19:35:00.000-06:00

Montreal was so much fun!

we shopped so much, and walked all over downtown, going down St Laurent, St Denis, Mont Royal and Ste Catherine. We also went to the Museum of Contemporary Art and saw an amazing exhibit on Claude Tousiagnant and we went to the Canadian Center for Architecture which was really cool. I bought some cool things, they have some really interesting boutiques and stores there. Alas I could not find the Lacoste sandals I have been looking for, but i did try on a toy watch, but I decided to wait until the summer when a) I have more money b) some other colors come out and c) I wont have to pay pst on it.

Diesel Shirt

Cheap Mondays (I got them on sale!) I plan on doing some diy ripping to create some Margiela / Christopher Kane jeans

Comme des Garcons Coin Purse
These are actually older (from Christmas), but I love them so much, my hunter boots

The Church of What's Happening Now

2009-02-11T00:25:00.000-06:00

I had my crit today! it was kind of exciting, and really interesting to see everyone's projects all put together with their drawings and stuff. Mine went really well! my prof said my craft was really good and I only have a few touch ups on the drawings. It was nice to hear that I'm good at what I'm doing. The only thing was that the crits lasted for 5 and a half hours, so they kin dof started to drag on a bit, but considering how long it actually took it remained fairly interesting. On Friday we are going to put the city together which is super exciting! And apparently we have a gust speaker coming so it should be exciting.

On Another note I didn't fail calculus, and I'm pretty sure I didn't fail Linear, so now all I have left is Art History and I'm free for reading week next week.

Erase-Rewind

2009-02-08T15:37:00.000-06:00

So I finished my wood model! Lockup is tomorrow and then crits are on tuesday/friday. I'm kind of nervous, but I think it will go ok.

So I finished my wood model! Lockup is tomorrow and then crits are on tuesday/friday. I'm kind of nervous, but I think it will go ok.

Love Fool

2009-02-08T15:31:00.000-06:00

This is my new lacoste polo my mom got me for valentines day!
I'm in love with the color (but lately anything purple has been good with me)

My mind has been on summer a lot lately, just the warmth and laying outside with good company and chilled drinks. The sun, and not feeling numb always. While listening to the cardigans and surfing all the new stuff coming out for spring and summer (you know the seasons must be changing when lacoste updates their website) and I have found some things I want for spring/summer:
Lacoste Sandles, Toywatch, American Apparel shorts

In a Mirror

2009-02-06T01:18:00.000-06:00

I finished my model tonight, well "finished" it at least. I'm sure my studio professor is going to find a bunch of things for me to do to it over the weekend. I also need to work on my drawings as well as study for art history, linear algebra and calculus. Should be a fun weekend. Hopefully I will be able to put up some pictures of my model tomorrow.
Also I got my valentines package in the mail from my parents yesterday! It was filled with lots of delicious goodies like homemade cookies, chocolates, architecture books and the beautiful purple Lacoste polo I have been lusting after. Will put up a picture of that tomorrow as well hopefully. It definitely made my 21 hour day yesterday that much more bearable.