U21075 M2021 ROWC E-book by Kunal Barve

Diving Deeper ~ A Compilation of Exercises from ROWC ~

U21075

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

Diving Deeper A Compilation of Exercises from Reading Objects, Writing Crafts

M2021

CFP

CEPT UNIVERSITY

Kunal Abhijit Barve U21075

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

Contents Acknowledgements -

Introduction -

Freewrite -

Exhibition Text -

Emails -

Object Description -

Skimming Through a Text

Summarizing & Annotating -

Mindmap -

Research -

Bibliography

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

Acknowledgements

I would like to express my gratitude towards my faculty, Manushi Desai and Kenny Bhatia for making communications as stress free and enjoyable as possible. At the same time i would like to thank my friends and family for conveying critical feedback when needed. Their support has helped me produce the best possible work.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

Introduction

This booklet is a compilation of all the work that has been done in ROWC in M2021. Reading Objects and Writing Crafts has helped me reflect upon the knowledge gained from studio sessions by helping me describe it in a concise manner. Having studio exercises like “How things work”, “Gauging sizes” etc incorporated in the ROWC assignments, gave me a better understanding into the amount of technical knowledge that I possess regarding the exercises and terms that were taught. ROWC has aided me in conducting critical observations of designs and presenting my thoughts and opinions in a structured manner. This booklet shows my progress in language, observation skills and understanding of design concepts. The contents of the booklet have been arranged in a specific order. It begins from the warm up activity of freewrites, then progresses to exercises that helped develop the skill of writing and then to exercises that helped develop additional skills like skimming, annnotating, summarizing and researching. This sequence has been used in order to understand the natural progression in the skill development.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

1. Freewrite

These freewrites were done as warmup activities in order to free up the mind. It helps break the constraints of practical thinking and generate imaginative thoughts.

FREEWRITE

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

Twisted

Random

Things in life are so twisted. There’s a new disease going around called twistedoronavirus. Peoples’ bodies just randomly start twisting. My mom.s been baking a lot of twisted breadsticks lately. Is that a side effect of the twistedoronavirus? My thoughts are a bit too twisted for tomorrow’s test. Math problems, especially the word problems are so twisted. Reality is twisted. My cat’s been barking and my dog’s been meowing. I got a vaccine shot for the virus yesterday. The body automatically untwists itself when infected. My English seems to be getting worse by the minute. My humour isn’t too twisted but go damn my professors think so. Ive been getting instagram dms to write twisted love stories lately. Dont get me started on the twisted as hell horror stories. I think ive got the twistedoronavirus. Yesterday in my sleep my legs started officially twisting followed by my arms. I recently hear that the virus was just a starter for a massive alien invasion. Some twisted creatures actually broke into my apartment yesterday. The aliens have long, twisted arms with machine gun attachments at the end The prime ministers been on the television saying that a twisted indan air force will be constituted.i almost forgot about the twisted army and navy. Which person would be so twisted in their brains as to select the “twisted indian air force” as their career path. This was such a twisted all nighter dream. Maybe i do have a twisted sense of imagination.

Have been noticing the animals around me behaving very strangely. Seems like a takeover could be in progress There seems to be a hierarchy in the animal camp with the ants being the leaders The pigeons seem to be sitting stationary a lot more nowadays The cats have become very compliant Dogs tho remain to be like they were Maybe the dogs are secret agents Maybe they are the scouts Could insects be in on it as well? The ants seem to be working feverishly nowadays Stocking up for something inevitable?

Murder Lately ive been thinking a lot about murder. Been reading some great murder mysteries. Just heard that a famous actor was murdered by a goat. How that goat murdered someone is something ill never know. Read murder on the orient express yesterday. Is Poirot’s mustasche really that curved? How is it even possible? I just murdered a loaf of bread The best loaf my moms baked in quite a while. Gooey in the middle and soft on the outside. Are bread loaf’s gooey? Could someone be trying to drug me so they could murder me later. Should i run? Just read that a group of crows is called a murder. I dont know why but that seems really odd.

FREEWRITE

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

2 . Exhibition Text

The exercise of Exhibition text is geared towards producing concise, well structured, guiding texts of work that could be displayed alongside a piece of work in a gallery or an exhibition. I have developed the skill of being able to express certain specific thoughts in a set word limit and also the skill of accurately judging the salient, standout features of my work.

EXHIBITION TEXT

FIGURE 1 Rendering Of A Composition

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

2a. Into The Shades The renderings done in the two compositions highlight the play of light and shades. It can be observed that the compositions are inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal plane and thus these compositions are termed as isometric compositions. The process of rendering helps visualise objects in the presence of a light source by depicting various surface tones and creates a depth perception since a 2D image is transformed into a 3D object. Techniques of stippling and hatching, used here, react differently with the surface of the paper. The hatching, done using a 2B pencil, takes on the texture of the paper itself whereas the stippling, done using a 0.2 mm fine liner pen, is not affected by the paper and depends entirely on the hand control of the artist, pressure applied and density of stippled dots. The contrast between the three tones, here, gives the surface a sharp definition and makes the edges clearly visible. Edge definition can be seen clearly in the cube that is a part of the left composition. Patience, consistency and visualization are skills being used in this exercise.

EXHIBITION TEXT

FIGURE 2 Showing Compositions Using Autocad

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

2b. The Digital Perspective Perspective projection is a drawing method used to depict three dimensional objects on a two dimensional surface. The object projection is represented from a particular viewpoint and the set of parallel lines converge at a certain point called the vanishing point (titled LVP and RVP) The bottom half of the sheet displays the 3D composition. Differentcolors are used to depict deifferent solids. The selection of a bright fluorescent green, as seen here, has been done so that the base of the composition is clearly identifiable. On observation, the clever use of the dashed colored lines will be visible throughout the sheet. These lines help to convey if a certain solid edge is hidden from the viewer. It can be observed that the solids in the composition have certain subtractions. The subtractions have been made to understand its depiction in the perspective and this provides a unique view which has been explored. The subtractions break the monotony of having simple plain solid compositions. Technological knowledge and a clear understanding of the concept are key to this work. The use of a digital medium shifts the attention from quality of lines to quality of composition and understanding of the concept.

EXHIBITION TEXT

FIGURE 3 Showing Street Section Made Using Gauged Sizes

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

2c. The Street Once Gauged Here, an urban street section has been depicted i.e. an image representing a street view having a vertical cut through it. The technique of gauging has been used here. Gauging is important as it helps achieve fairly accurate proportions of a space. The street section was gauged using the human body. The foot length was used to gauge the length of the street and the footpath whereas heights were gauged using the human body. Selection of the scale “1:50 cm” (1 box on the sheet is 50 cm in real life) as depicted in the bottom right corner of the sheet , was the correct decision since it led to the drawing being drawn from one edge of the sheet to the other. A different scale would have either compressed or expanded the drawing beyond the limits of the sheet. The placement of human figures and vehicles throughout helps develop a better understanding of the space. It can thus be observed that the footpaths for example, with respect to the human figures drawn, are wide enough to accommodate five people standing shoulder to shoulder whereas the road is wide enough to accommodate two vehicles at once. The skill of accurate visual gauging has been fine tuned. Visual gauging of measurements will help in making quick and accurate on site drawings in the future.

EXHIBITION TEXT

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

3. Emails

Writing well structured, reflective, impactful, concise and guiding emails has been the focus of this exercise. To be able to pick out how the work done helped develop a skill in me was an integral part of the task. The skill of editting a text is something that I have learnt in this exercise along with the skill of being reflective of my work but not descriptive.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

3a. Informal Email From To Subject

: kunal.u21075@cept.ac.in : nayak.vedant2003@yahoo.com : Two Hectic Yet Enjoyable Weeks At CEPT!

Dear Vedant, Sorry for being so late with my reply. I’ve been bogged down with a lot of work recently. But on a livelier note, I’ve officially been here, at CEPT, for two weeks and I’m really having a great time! College really does feel like a place for professional development and the volume of work that we are given is testament to that. Our first exercise in our studio sessions was based on line drawing, a somewhat basic but important task. It’s a task that is designed to help students draw lines speedily with confidence, in a single stroke. I struggled a bit initially with the quality of my lines and the spacing between them. Although with time, the rustiness of not having drawn anything for close to a month faded away. I’ve found out that my confidence in drawing vertical lines far exceeds that of drawing horizontal lines. The motion of drawing horizontal lines just doesn’t come to me naturally, but practice should help me out. Over these two weeks, I’ve found out that keeping the upper body and elbow steady, while moving only the shoulder is a helpful technique in achieving decently straight horizontal lines. In retrospect, the first week was meant to push us as individuals. The intention was to help us develop mental and physical toughness. It was quite enjoyable, I must say! In the second week of studio, we progressed onto shapes and forms. While performing the task of

drawing different shapes multiple times on a single A3 sheet, I realised the importance of producing good, clean lines. Clean lines make our sheets more presentable. Lines help communicate vital information such as breaks and gaps in objects. A single misplaced line could ruin an entire project! Getting my forms correct at a fast pace will help me make good quality drawings quickly. 5 years down the line, this skill may come handy onsite. The workload in the second week was lighter and I have indeed seen a progression in the quality of my work; from initial dirty line sheets to good quality, final submission worthy sheets on the first go. We are being taught to be self critical; to be able to judge if our work meets our own set standards. I forgot to mention that we had sketching classes in the second week. They had us making 30 bag sketches in 90 minutes! Being able to just look at an object for a second, to identify its standout feature, to accurately draw it, is a skill that we are being taught. To be fast, accurate and yet have an objectidentifiable drawing is certainly a special skill to possess. We were told to just draw and not think of the final outcome. Looking at my work, I was a tad bit impressed. I have been tested physically and mentally for the past two weeks but I’ve never doubted my decision to come to CEPT. The workload is crazy and will probably get crazier so I hope you understand if I’m unable to reply at the earliest. I look forward to hearing from you and knowing all that’s been going on in your college as well. Till next time, Kunal Barve

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

3b. Formal Email From: kunal.u21075@cept.ac.in To: manushi.desai@cept.ac.in Cc: kenny.bhatia@cept.ac.in Subject: Understanding the Assembly of a Cycle Seat Dear Manushi, I am writing this email to you in regards to the meeting and the ensuing discussions that we had previously concerning the cycle seat. I am attaching a picture of a sheet which shows the various parts of the seat, their names and the method by which they fit into each other. The work on the drawing started out by dismantling an old cycle seat to understand, in depth, the arrangement of the parts along with the order of the arrangement. The dismantling process helped generate a mental image of the assembly which I have subsequently drawn and refined on an A2 size sheet in 1:2 scale ( 1 unit in the drawing equals 2 units in real life). Use of a single final sheet to show all the parts was important to convey the entirety of the information at a single glance. I have arranged the individual parts in an isometric (30 degree) worm’s eye view i.e a view imagining the object to be suspended in air, inclined at 30 degrees to the horizontal, with the bottom face

FIGURE 4 Exploded view of cycle seat

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

visible to the viewer. The choice of view has been decided by factoring in the level of detail that could be shown effectively without having to indirectly imply the position of a certain part. The worm’s eye view is also effective in this drawing as selecting a bird’s eye view or a top side view would hide details of most smaller parts underneath the saddle. The top half of the sheet focuses on the saddle and its position is integral to the rest of the sheet. Its placement helps determine the axis of orientation ( axis of arrangement) for all other parts of the seat. A thicker line has been utilized to show the top seating portion of the saddle whereas a thinner line depicts the underside of the saddle. Use of these different thickness lines helps draw attention to various important aspects of a part and can be noticed throughout the drawing. The dotted lines present on the sheet depict the axis of orientation of the parts. These axis lines are essential since they help any individual looking at the seat drawing identify the way in which various parts fit into one another i.e when the parts come together the manner in which they attach with each other is represented. A clear understanding of the importance of orientation/ axis lines can be seen if you shift your focus to the central holder (view attachment 2). On closer observation it would become clear that the parts titled “ U Clamp (C), Retaining plates (B) and D shaped Retaining plates (G)” all lie in the same isometric plane i.e plane inclined at 30 degrees. This horizontal assembly is integral to the seat in its entirety. The U clamp attaches the seat to the main frame of the cycle and thus it becomes a vital connection point in the seat. Hence showing the entire horizontal orientation in one line is important to the drawing. As the object in question is symmetrical in nature, close attention had to be paid to make sure that the symmetry is followed at all times. This symmetry would be visible clearly in the bottom half of the sheet beginning from the part titled “Spring 2”.

FIGURE 5 Zoomed in view

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

I have provided the names of the parts by creating a legend for the labels and it should help you in better interpretation of the sheet. The legend has been created to make the sheet as clutterfree as possible and it helps shift the main focus to the drawing. I hope the drawing is legible and understandable and welcome any comments, queries and suggestions from your side. Looking forward to working with you again. Regards, Kunal A. Barve

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

4. Object Description

This exercise focussed on writing well structured descriptive texts of objects and to know the fine line between a text being a descriptive text and an advertising text. The skill of accurate description has been learnt along with the skill of identifying and observing critical design elements and then articulating them effectively.

OBJECT DESCRIPTION

FIGURE 6 Studio Stool

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

4a. Wooden Studio Stool The wooden stools present in the studios of the CFP building at CEPT University are artistic pieces of furniture provided as seating to aspiring professionals in the fields of design and construction. The studios are aesthetic, pleasing spaces promoting the simplicity, modernity and functionality of architecture. Spaces made using reddish-brown exposed brick and complemented by the unfinished concrete roof tops with ambient lighting, are further supplemented by the addition of beautiful wooden workspaces and complimentary wooden stools. The furniture setup (Figure 6) invites students into the workspace due to its sleek design and simple arrangement . A sense of comfort is created (due to the lighting, ventilation and furniture) when one uses this space, which, in the field of design, is a must to produce good quality work. Made using easily available materials, the stools prove to be not only functional but also cost effective. A three legged grey metal stand (Figure 7) serves as the base on which rests the seating wooden surface. With a height of almost 60 centimeters, the stool is considerably on the taller side, an issue that may deter people of a shorter height from using it. But this slight disadvantage is solved quite cleverly by incorporating foot rests of different heights ranging from 10 centimeters to 20 centimeters on different sides of the base to make the experience as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Shaped in the form of a cylinder, the base diameter is bigger than the diameter of the sitting wooden portion. A common problem with any stool is the constant struggle for leg space on the small footrests. These are usually located more towards the interior of a stool at the bottom, thus creating an awkward foot resting angle. The bigger diameter and the outward curved metal rods do help by projecting the legs of the stool away from the legs of the user thus making sure that ample footrest

OBJECT DESCRIPTION

space is provided. They bring the footrests more towards the outer periphery of the stool at the bottom. The curved design makes sure that there is minimal contact between the user’s legs and the stool’s limbs. The rods also provide the stool with a rather distinct look. FIGURE 7 Studio Stool

The seating surface of the stool, the “Wooden Plank”, the main component of the stool and sadly a negative. With a diameter of 42 centimeters (approx. 10 cm smaller than the base) the seating portion is inadequate and sadly does not provide a great sitting experience. The main disadvantage of having a wooden seating portion is the discomfort that is caused to the user on extended usage of the hard surface. The stool does try to provide some respite to the user from the monotony of sitting on a single flat surface by introducing a two levelled seating surface separated by a height of 0.5 centimeters where the inner level has a diameter of 36 centimeters and the outer level has a width of 6-7 centimeters. This does help the user to a certain extent but sadly does not serve as a remedy for long term usage. A soft cushion in the central depression might have easily solved this rather simple negative.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

Having used the stool for extended periods of time it feels apt for me to describe the overall experience. The stool, which can be almost classified as a medium height bar stool, does not provide a great sitting experience with aches and pains along with regular back

stretches becoming regular visitors. The footrests though shine through the fog of the everlasting and consistent pain and have proven to be excellent additions to the stool, providing some form of movement to an action that could easily be very monotonous. A simple addition that encourages the user to find their own comfortable style of sitting. Though the stools compliment the space quite nicely by adhering to the same rustic wooden look, looking at other options would be a wise decision made by the CFP team at CEPT university. FIGURE 8 Seat Of Studio Stool

OBJECT DESCRIPTION

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

4b. Exploration Of a Table

The studios at CEPT University are designed around an open space concept along with reddish brown exposed brick and unfinished concrete roof tops, accompanied by ambient lighting and great ventilation. These inherent qualities of the space help create a lively atmosphere and to infuse creative and energetic thoughts. The wooden FIGURE 9 Studio Table studio tables, present in the studios, carry on with the same rustic wooden theme. Standing at over eighty centimetres in height (till about the lower boundary of the rib cage of a seated student) , on a first glance, the table may seem a bit heighted but when supplemented with the provided wooden stools, the height becomes easily manageable. The work desk has a metal body frame standing at 84 centimetres, finished off in a light grey colour and this frame supports the features that this desk has to offer. Amenities that the desk provides include a grey, functioning power socket, a drawer of about 10 centimetres depth and a tall and deep wooden cupboard (big enough to fit an A3 size portfolio bag), coupled with a rotating locking mechanism. The locking mechanism (Figure 9) consists of a grey circular disk with a proper hole to insert a lock. This simple mechanism is able to securely lock the cupboard along with the drawer. Such simple features are a way of subtly instilling a sense of creativity. The lock is sturdy and well made. It is an intuitive feature of the desk. Furthermore small details like hooks on the side, a footrest/rack centrally located underneath the table are welcome

OBJECT DESCRIPTION

additions to the space. These are accessories that may not be frequently used but when needed are present to satisfy the demand. There is an openness created in the studio because the students not only interact with their surroundings but are also in constant communication with the desk itself, effortlessly making use of the little thoughtful accessories which enhance the value of the table. The main purpose of the light grey frame though is supporting the almost 5 centimeter thick wooden working surface on which the students work. Providing a 140 centimeters in length and 70 centimeters in width workspace to each student, the smooth, dark FIGURE 10 veneer finish surface is more than adequate to Studio Table : Side View accommodate the large number of stationery items of each student.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

The tables present in the CFP building at CEPT University are functional workspaces that compliment their surroundings well and also serve their purpose of providing a workspace well. Even though questions may arise about the need for small accessories and an artistic locking mechanism, these features will enhance the quality and appeal of the table over time. Any user of CEPT University’s CFP building studios will instantly be impressed not only by the space and the furniture overall but in particular with the table as well.

4c. The All-rounder Bottle Every common man wants functionality but also craves for style. Items that possess both qualities catch the attention of the common man easily. Bottles are an essential part of life in today’s world. The black, transparent bottle by “NAYASA” being reviewed, on a first glance, seems to incorporate both these initial qualities. FIGURE 11 Water Bottle

Sleek, not overtly fancy and most importantly sturdy (Figure 11) - three qualities that are extremely important for the utensil industry and three qualities that have been perfectly imbibed into this water bottle. Standing at just over 26 cm in height the bottle is big enough to carry a lot of water in but not big enough to make it a difficult item to easily store. It is just the right size. The bottle being reviewed was a classic, casual black water bottle. First impressions are extremely important and the first impression of the bottle was pretty much as advertised. A simple, multipurpose, not too flashy design. The bottle is not visually distracting. It blends in with its surroundings nicely. A simple plus point that the bottle has is that it is transparent and thus a user can know at all times the amount of liquid present in the bottle.

The bottle has a base radius of around 4 centimeters and height of 20 centimeters which ensures that a volume of upto 750 milliliters can be easily

OBJECT DESCRIPTION

stored and carried. The lip of the bottle is designed and cut down to the most appropriate dimensions as well with a radius of 2.2 centimeters and height of 3 centimeters. The lip ,with grooves for the cap, is smaller than the actual water carrier portion which ensures that a user can have a sip of water in any place that they wish to, from a moving vehicle to even when out on a casual walk. The cap (Figure 12) of the bottle though is probably the most creative, well designed and thought out portion of the bottle. The white colour of the cap compliments the light transparent black of the bottle. The cap is sturdy, lightweight and extremely durable and shaped like what can be best described as a house from a sideways glance. A stand out feature of the cap is the void in between which could be used as a general handle or even could be used easily to hang up the bottle somewhere. FIGURE 12 Bottle Cap and it’s Void

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

The bottle does present the user with some disadvantages. Having been made of plastic, it sadly does not possess any thermos qualities which are especially appreciated today. Due to the lack of thermos qualities, when tested with cold water, condensation was seen on the surface of the bottle which made holding the bottle a bit tough. Due to the shape of the bottle, washing the bottle does become a bit difficult, especially near the opening. Thus adding thermos qualities and tweaking the bottle shape a bit could help make the bottle more functional for an everyday user. A bottle that lives up to all its advertised qualities is a treat to find nowadays and this bottle does not disappoint. Certainly a great quality, multipurpose bottle made for everyday use.

OBJECT DESCRIPTION

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

5. Skimming Through a Text

This exercise dealt with the skill of skimming texts; an essential skill that acts as a time saving mechanism while conducting research. It helps provide a reader with a brief gist of what is being said in the text that is being skimmed. I have used the skill of skimming here to jot down key points from the text.

SKIMMING THROUGH A TEXT

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

5a. Individual Skimming - 100 Ideas That Changed Architecture BRICK - PAGE 20,21 THEMEBricks are basic, cheap, portable building blocks that fit into the human hand. The main theme of the text is the history of the method of usage of the brick and it’s acceptance throughout various phases of history. POINTS• Earliest dwellings around 8000 BC were made using loaf shaped indented mud bricks. • First fired bricks were made in Mesopotamia around 3000 BC. • Kiln firing expanded brick production which spread with roman legions. • Brick work died in dark ages but revived later on. • Brick building expanded in England and Spain in 12th century due to boom in religious buildings and islamic influence. • Modern, thicker brick was invented around mid 12th century in northern Germany. • Strongest brick bond is the flemish bond laid using alternating headers and stretchers. • A single 17th century dutch kiln could make 6 lakh bricks in one go. • Continuous tunnel kiln, introduced in 19th century, increased production drastically. • Brick regarded as poor relative of stone due to its properties. • Plastering of brick walls,by Renaissance architects, gave walls more prestige and a smooth form as well. • Modern architects considered brick to be “old architecture”. • Following WW2, brick became recognised as modern architecture due to use by renowned architects. • Used as a module in “truth to material” by Mies Van der rohe. SKIMMING THROUGH A TEXT

Floor ThemeThe text talks about the different ways in which different architects have made use of floors. It summarises the evolution of the design of floors and the subconscious human response to different materials and layouts. Points• Designers have been constantly experimenting with different types of floor designs to convey certain feelings as well as to inculcate certain weird senses in users. • Earliest floors were an enclosed piece of cleared land. • They are a constructional necessity but least amenable to formal manipulation. • Ground floors may be detached from the ground itself to protect against elements as well as to promote a certain design. • Multistorey buildings consist of a succession of similar floors. • In the 20th century floors in timber buildings were finally treated as planes meant to have a dynamic relationship with their surroundings. • Modern design requires floors to be flat and horizontal, free from frequent stepped level changes. • Introduction of the ramp in several projects by Le Corbusier, blurred the distinction between a ramp and floors. • Master architects like Zaha Hadid started making an effort to configure primary circulation space of a public building as a sloping surface. • Finishing of floors also affects our experience. • Architects like Aalto display a flair to generate a subconscious response to various materials like brick and marble.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

VAULT THEMEThe different forces taken into the construction of vaults along with the innovations in vault building techniques is reflected in this text. Engineers and architects undertook various experimentations to push vault building to new heights. POINTS• Oldest vaults found in Egypt built in 1250 BC have an innovative elliptical shape that helped eliminate the need for temporary construction. • First major innovation in vaulting was the groin vault which results from the intersection of two semicircular arches. • The load in a groin vault is transferred down the intersection lines of the arches allowing the vault to be supported on piers in place of walls. • Gothic masons exploited various available forms to create their own type of vaults. • English fan vault was the first major design to show a structural advance when the strength of the vault came from the surface inplace of the ribs. • The catalan brick vaulting technique of overlapping thin clay tiles was expanded by Raphael Gustavino in the late 19th century by application of statistical analysis. • Eladio Diaste a Venezuvelean engineer built gravity defying arches due to their beauty using a technique of aligning structural elements. • Thin shell and grid shell systems led to major developments in vaulting. • Architects like Vladmir Shukhov and Felix Candela pushed vaulting further using thin shell like vaults that narrowed down to over a centimeter.

SKIMMING THROUGH A TEXT

WINDOWS THEMEThe journey of windows from its rudimentary beginnings to its zenith during the renaissance period to its unfortunate current state is highlighted in the text. Windows are not only the sources of fresh air and light but are also the eyes of a building that frame the experience that a user has of the wider world. POINTS• Earliest renditions of windows were holes in walls covered with animal hides and leaves. • Roman introduction of cast glass led to the blossom of the usage of windows in Europe. • Gothic architecture made use of coloured glass to create beautiful scenes and visions. • Windows became important architectural elements during the high renaissance in France and Italy. • Window enclosures in the baroque period were beautifully adorned and ornamented with consoles and masks. • Planar surfaces were covered with multiples windows to let in more light in places receiving less light like england. • The spread of usage of windows in houses of the common man in England led to the implementation of the window tax by the royalty. • Large sash windows that reached their apogee during the Georgian architecture period became widespread in england and Holland. • 20th century brought about major developments in window design like the usage of UPVC. • The traditional window designs were adapted to create ribbon and curtain windows. • Major architects have started experimenting with the usage of the simple hole in a wall design to recapture the essence of a window. • Jorn Utzon experimented with the usage of simple stone frames in his seaside home to experience the interplay of the sea and sky.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

5b.Group Skimmming - The Image of the City The Image Of The City Author - Kevin Lynch Page no - 95 - 99 Question - How do paths work in the design of a city? Theme of text Paths are elements of a city that help create differentiable structures at an urban scale. Paths help define the visual landscape of a city and provide a system of efficient structuring.

SKIMMING THROUGH A TEXT

Points• • • • • • • • • • •

The structure of a city is organised by paths. Experience of a city is linked to experience of traveller. The path drawn with elements like nodes ,edges and landmarks helps in the imagination of the urban environment The paths should have geometrical simplicity to create a clear image. They are potent means by which the entire city can be ordered. Paths should have a strong, visible and a differentiating gradient to provide progression to human travel. Dividing paths by scale helps make the journey more meaningful on completion of sub goals. The dynamic shaping of the movement line will give it’s identity and will produce a continuous experience over time. The characteristic of path must be in melodic organization which gives a rich development in design field. Visual exposure along the path helps heighten the visual scope of the traveller. Paths may also be imagined as a network which explains the typical relations between all paths in the set without identifying any particular path.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

SKIMMING THROUGH A TEXT

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

6. Summarizing & Annotating

This exercise dealt with developing the skills of annotating and summarizing. Annotating being the skill of note-making whereas summarizing is the skill of capturing the structure, key themes and the overall argument of the text. Writing a summary, having a proper flow while avoiding jargon is a critical skill that was employed.

SUMMARIZING & ANNOTATING

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

6a. Summary of “Design and History” “Design and History” by Burdek outlines the various developments that have shaped the history of industrial design in various countries along with individuals and groups that served as proponents of change. The 19th century witnessed functionalism become the core design principle. Functionalism had its foundation laid by Vitruvius in 8BC through his three criteria of strength, beauty and functionality. In England designers rebelled against the grand interiors of the regency style and in Europe, efforts were made to design simple, functional furniture so that the room as a space has more importance. Mid 19th century saw the rise of technology and the principle of utilitarianism. Personalities like John Ruskin and William Morris advocated for craft production and reintegration of design and manufacturing whereas people like the Thonet brothers utilised the available technology to mass produce their popular bentwood chairs through separated production. New movements like the Art Nouveau, Vienna Secession, Jugendstil etc emerged in Europe towards the end of the 19th century. These movements had varying objectives. The German Werkbund and the Russian constructivists, borne out of these movements, had a common objective of good quality, mass produced products. Projects and exhibitions became important to nurture new ideas and designs. Another key event was the rise of the Bauhaus School which brought art and technology together through experimental and exploratory approach. Functionality was the key idea

SUMMARIZING & ANNOTATING

behind all produced work. Hands-on work was valued immensely. The closure of the Bauhaus due to Nazi political pressure in the mid 20th century led to many faculty joining the Ulm School of Design which ultimately continued with the basic principles that were taught at the Bauhaus.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

FIGURE 13 & 14 Sample Of Annotated Pages From “Design And History” By Burdek

SUMMARIZING & ANNOTATING

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

6b. Summary of “Building Utopia” “Building Utopia’’ by Tim Benton describes the various ideologies surrounding modernism and talks about the evolution in the design of buildings. Modernists believed in designs that brought about change using new construction techniques and designs that brought about a change. Modernists could be classified into two main categories, the functionalist who believed in use of the form over beauty and the formalists who believed that architecture did not end with function. The interwar period of 1915 to 1935 saw a boom in the construction of affordable housing to accommodate displaced citizens. The 1920s saw the introduction of various ideas. Ideas by Le Corbusier, a prominent modernist, include Zeitgeist; “a spirit of construction and synthesis guided by a clear concept”. Modernists did not rely on ready made solutions and instead developed new styles even though anonymous production and standardized goods became widespread. Stripping architecture spread rapidly within the modernist community who rejected ornamentation. The mid 20th century witnessed a new international style focussed on volume, regularity and avoidance of ornamentation. Avant garde movements, different from modernism,

SUMMARIZING & ANNOTATING

and constantly conflicting with one another, energised the youth behind the utopian idea of transforming society. These movements helped influence the modernist movement of Bauhaus. Modernism was an amalgamation of ideas of people that remained an ideology till the 1960s. The polarization of European politics in favour of democratic left in the 1930s helped save modernism from collapse after conflict between the various branches of modernism intensified over some fundamental positions. Modernism became the automatic allegiance of the democratic left. Building a utopia using modernist techniques could not be achieved.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

FIGURE 15 & 16 Samples Of Annotated Pages From “Building Utopia”

SUMMARIZING & ANNOTATING

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

7. Mindmap

The exercise of making mindmaps employs the skills of skimming and annotating. Making mindmaps was done in groups. A collection of great ideas, formulated in engaging brainstorming sessions, were put together to get the final result.Skills like mapping, teamwork, allocation of duties as well as diplomacy were inculcated.

MINDMAP

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

7a.Mindmap on Bauhaus

MINDMAP

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

7b. Mindmap of Genius of Design

MINDMAP

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

8. Research

This exercise was a culmination of all the skills acquired in the first semester including skimming, descriptive formal writing, annotating and mindmapping. The research was conducted in a group. Making a presentation for the research also employed knowledge acquired from a few studio exercises like colour theory, ordering principles etc. Working in a group made the exercise enjoyable as the load was shared by four individuals and hence the best possible ideas were used to achieve the result.

RESEARCH

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

8a. Concept Note Lines and Curves:

A Comparative Study Between The Wilhelm Wagenfeld Lamp and The George Carwardine’s Anglepoise Lamp After an intense decade of war, the 1920s saw an introduction of many products in the European market with its rejuvenating economy. Two such products created in the interwar period, the Wagenfeld lamp (1924) and the Anglepoise lamp (1935) will be the main focus of the research. A comparison between the two lamps will be made to understand the differences in their design aspects, user experience and production methods in their respective timelines in order to examine the shift to minimalistic and functionalism driven designs. With both designs being revolutionary in their time for different reasons the study will help explore the reason for their popularity. Both the lamps came into existence in ways different from a normal design process. The Bauhaus lamp was born as an outcome to an assignment given to Wagenfeld by his mentor László MoholyNagy (TL1, 2018), while the blueprint for the first Anglepoise task lamp was born when vehicle suspension engineer George Carwardine invented a spring, crank and lever mechanism. The design behind the Bauhaus lamp came from its geometric structure. Through the employment of simple geometric shapes—circular base, cylindrical shaft, and spherical shade—Wagenfeld and Jucker achieved both “maximum simplicity and, in terms of time and materials, greatest economy”(Table lamp, 2021). The combination of opaline glass and chromed metal without embellishment of the Wagenfeld lamp owed to a revolution in modern industrial furnishings, an in depth analysis of which will be conducted during the research. Despite its industrial appeal, the lamp was largely hand

RESEARCH

assembled and went on to be mass produced upon gaining popularity. This shift will be studied in detail in the research project. The Anglepoise lamp is mainly characterised by the use of a “Constant Tension Spring Technology” which helps in keeping the lamp steady and enables it to be used in a variety of positions at varying heights (Doran, n.d). A study on its spring technology, exposed design and production techniques will be conducted in this research project. Similar to Wagenfeld’s ideologies, Carwardine’s design was primarily utilitarian: it was originally referred to as the “task lamp” and in the second world war it fulfilled roles both at home and in battle. The research will take examples based on the use of the lamp during the second world war and its continuing popularity in today’s world as well to decode the shift of the public to widespread use of this functionalistic object. Overall, the study will explore the approach of the designers and establish how different designs of the respective lamps owed to the evolution of design whilst providing an understanding of the user experience, accessibility and necessity of the lamps.

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

FIGURE 17 Wagenfeld Lamp And Anglepoise Lamp

RESEARCH

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

8b. Research PPT

RESEARCH

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

RESEARCH

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

RESEARCH

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

RESEARCH

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

RESEARCH

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

RESEARCH

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

RESEARCH

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

BIBLIOGRAPHY

DIVING DEEPER

M2021

Bibliography 1.

Bauhaus Kooperation. (2020, July). Wilhelm Wagenfeld 1923–1925 Bauhaus Student. https://www.bauhauskooperation.com/knowledge/the-bauhaus/people/students/ wilhelm-wagenfeld/

Benton, T. (n.d.). Modernism: Designing a New World Order 1914-1939. Building Utopia

Broad, J. (2020, January 6). The 20th century history of the Anglepoise Lamp. https://jamesbroadinteriors.medium.com/ the-20th-century-history-of-the-anglepoise-lamp-1933-1985-c90129b5fd7f

Burdek (2005). Design and History

Doran, E. (n.d.) The Original 1227 Desk Lamp. Plot(s), 4(09), 88-94. https://adht.parsons.edu/designstudies/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/05/ Eibhli%cc%81n-Doran_The-Original-1227-Desk-Lamp.pdf

Heals. (2021, August). Behind the Design: History of the Anglepoise Lamp. https://www.heals.com/blog/history-of-the-anglepoise-lamp/amp/#top

Lynch, K. (1960). City Form. The Image of the City. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A6yaSj3XFGMtPadCy57jgVDoT-tASQbz

Smith, N. (2013, November 11).Classic project: Anglepoise lamp model 1227.Engineering and Technology. https:/eandt.theiet.org/content/articles/2013/11/classic-projects-anglepoise-lamp-model-1227/

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Table lamp. (2021). The Museum of Modern Art, MoMa. https://www.moma.org/collection/works/4056

10.

TL1(2018) Tecnolumen, 5-19. https://tecnolumen.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/tecnolumen_magazine_tl1_engl.pdf

11.

Vintage Design: The “WG24” Table Lamp (2015) EUROMAXX. https://www.dw.com/en/vintage-design-the-wg24-table-lamp/av-18172146

12.

https://wallpaperaccess.com/deep-blue-sea

13.

Wagenfeld, W. Bauhaus table lamp | WA 24(1923) Tecnolumen. https://tecnolumen.com/lamps/wa-24-2

14.

Watkins, J. (2021, August 13). The Anglepoise lamp, a British invention that puts all other lighting in the shade. “Countrylife”. https://www.countrylife.co.uk/interiors/the-anglepoise-lamp-a-british-invention-that-puts-all- other-lighting-in-the-shade-231107

15.

Weston, R. (2011). 100 Ideas that Changed the World of Architecture

16.

Wilson, C. (Director). Genius of Design (Video Series). BBC

DIVING DEEPER

M2021