Architectural Communication

PORT FOLIO

Sara Ballah

Swinburne University of Technology

Bachelor of Design (Architecture) | BA-ARC

Sara Ballah | 103609086

Architectural Communication 2| ARC30003

Architectural Portfolio

Semester 1, 2023

Tutor: Saibal Dutta

Unit Convenor: Linus Tan

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No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic or mechanical, including photography, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from Swinburne University of Technology.

Declaration of Originality and Copyright

Unless specificially, correctly and accurately referanced indicated above, the publication and all other material in this publication is the original creation of the designer submitting this assignment as part of their coursework. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, the publisher does not under any circumstance accept any responsibility for error or omission.

IDEATION PROJECT 1

MYTHICAL GODDESS:

HERA

RESULTS FROM CHATGPT

Q: What fonts to use for mythical goddess Hera?

To convey a sense of traditional elegance and sophistication (serif fonts):

• Garamond

• Caslon

• Baskerville

To create a more modern or contemporary look (sans-serif fonts):

• Futura

• Helvetica (n/a)

• Univers (n/a)

OBSERVATIONS

• chronological analysis

• easy to read and straight forward

• too brief and failed to look deeper into Hera’s life

Q: What is the story of mythical goddess Hera?

Hera is a mythical Greek goddess and the queen of the gods. She is the daughter of the Titans Cronus and Rhea, and the wife and sister of Zeus, the king of the gods. Hera is known for her power, beauty, and jealousy, and is associated with marriage, childbirth, and family.

According to myth, Hera was born on the island of Samos and was one of six siblings. Her father, Cronus, was paranoid that his children would overthrow him, so he swallowed them whole as soon as they were born. However, Hera’s mother, Rhea, was able to save her by hiding her on the island of Euboea.

When Hera grew up, she married Zeus and became the queen of the gods. However, Zeus was known for his many affairs and Hera was often jealous and angry. She would punish his lovers and their children, as well as any mortal women who caught his eye.

Hera is also associated with marriage and was considered the patron goddess of married women. She was often worshipped by women who wanted to ensure the success and longevity of their own marriages. Hera was also a protector of childbirth, and many women prayed to her for a safe and healthy delivery.

In addition to her associations with marriage and childbirth, Hera was also known for her vindictiveness and cruelty. She would often seek revenge against those who crossed her or her family, and was not above using her powers to cause harm or even death.

SPECIALTY:

• Hera is the goddess of marriage, women and family, and the protector of women during childbirth.

RELATIONSHIPS/ROLES:

• Queen of Mount Olympus

• Sister and wife of Zeus

HERA’S BIRTH:

• After being born, Hera was swalled by her father who was scared his children would someday over throw him. Later to be saved by her younger brother Zeus, who posiened his father’s drink resulting in him vomiting all his five kids previously swallowed.

• Daughter of Titans Cronus and Rhea HERA AND ZUES

DEFINING CHARACTERISTICS

• Jealous and vengeful natue from those who offended her, especially Zeus’ numerous adultous lovers and illegitimate offsprings

• Known as “ox-eyed,” “goldensandaled,” and “white-armed”

• Sacred animals include cow, cuckoo and peacock

• Hera's chariot was pulled by peacocks

• Often seen holding a pomegranate, as a symbol of immortality. Believed to receive a tree of golden pomes which gave her the gift of immportality

• Zeus’ third wife (three kids)

• Zeus transformed into a cuckoo to woo Hera. She caught the bird and kept it as her pet; this is why the cuckoo is seated on her sceptre.

• Hera was heading toward Mount Thornax alone, Zeus created a terrible storm and transformed himself into a cuckoo who flew down and sat on her lap. Hera covered him with her cloak. Zeus then transformed back and took hold of her; because she was refusing to sleep with him due to their mother, he promised to marry her.

Hera-Juno, Greco-Roman marble statue C2nd A.D.

Hera, Athenian red-figure lekythos C5th B.C.

Ancient Greek goddess Hera and Zeus with their three kids Ares, Hebe, and Eileithyia

King Zeus and Queen Hera standing on Mount Olympus

Greek goddess Hera wearing a flowing robe, with a crown, and holding a lotus scepter

Ancient Greek mythology Mount Olympus

King Zeus and Queen Hera ruling over Mount Olympus

Ancient Greek goddess Hera holding golden pomes tree, giving her gift of immortality

Ancient Greek mythology Mount Olympus

Ancient Greek mythical goddess Hera described as ox-eyed, wearing golden sandals, and white armour

Ancient Goddess Hera being vomited by her father, Cronus at birth

Ancient Greek goddess Hera holding a pomegranate

Ancient Greek goddess Hera sitting in her chariot and being pulled by peacocks

Zeus determined to marry Hera, took hold of her through taking advantage of Hera’s kindness through animals. However his disloyalty caused Hera to rage and take revenge on those Zeus assosiated with as revenge.

Hera cursed Echo into only repeating the last words of another person for eternity.

Hera forced Leto refudge for months pregnant when she was pregnant son.

Hera turned Callisto into a bear and made her husband, Artemis go hunting thinking she was a regular bear in attempt to kill her. After she was saved by Zeus, Hera made sure she would never enter where they lived.

Hera tried to make Alcmene’s pregnancy as difficult as possible through delaying her sons birth so his cousin would be next in the throne.

Echo Leto

Alcmene Callisto

Zeus & Hera

Leto to seek months while she found out pregnant with Zeus’ son.

Hera cursed Lo by turning her into a cow after finding out Zeus would sneak out to meet with her.

Zeus’ inability to remain loyal to Hera caused her to become heartless, causing their relationship to become toxic and create a barrier that was unbreakale.

Heracles

As an infant, Hera sent two snakes to slay Heracles in his crib however he was strong and successfully killed the snakes. In her second attempt, Hera made Heracles go insane and murder his whole family (wife and two children).

Hera tricked Semele into asking Zeus to show himself in his full glory knowing mortals cannot look upon gods causing her to burn up into flames.

Leto

(Alcmene’s son)

Semele

Zeus & Hera

04 EXPERIMENTATION

Model 1

SKIN | PLEATING

The pleat is the most basic of folds, made by folding paper up and down to make a series of mountains and valleys.

Physical Model

Cutting off one side of the fold to begin the pleat, using a ruler for accurate measurements

Physical Model

Using the folded surfaces to continue to fold through to the other side

Lazer Cutting File

04 EXPERIMENTATION

After preparing the lazer cutting file, I was able to use plasteborad to cut out the outline. I then used a ruler to aline with the lines and bent them in two directions. One was downwards as a mountain, and the second was upwards as a valley. I continued this pattern to the end. Once the model was complete, the paper created a natural pleating pattern, and lost its natural flat form.

Before Pleating

Almost flat piece of card, where the model looks full and rested

After Pleating

Once pleated, the model loses its circular shapr as the folds attach to eachother

Final Model

Model 2

MUSCLE | COMBINING WITH SKIN

Muscle motion involves moving an object through a pulling force, where the object reacts by life and shifting in a particular direction.

1. The firse prototype I made was weaving string through a hole cut through the centre of each hold. Once the string was pulled from one side the pleating object would hold, however due to the paper being very fagile and light the string created greater tears in the material.

2. The second iteration created was through using light cardboard straws that were glued on every single pleat of the paper, then inserting the string through. With this iteration I found that the tubes detached from the paper due to the pulling, and hence did not work as intended.

Model Making Process

For the final model, I began by making a spherical surface on which to place the pleating circle. The circular form was held in two ways, mountains and valleys, with each hold alternating. To fix the model, just one end of the cardboard pleat was adhered. I then ran the thread through each fold and secured knots with a needle. This prevented the string from moving when one end was pulled.

Final Model

With regard to Hera’s narrative, the motion of the circle when no pulling force is applied depicts Hera and Zeus’ relationship as healthy at first. Yet, tension arises between the two characters as a result of Zeus’ disloyalty to Hera. This is represented by many folds. Once the string is released, Hera and Zeus eventually stop connecting as a whole, creating a gap in their relationship despite their efforts.

04 EXPERIMENTATION

AI GENERATED ILLUSTRATIONS

Rough hand sketches illustrating the different ways to create an open and close pleated circle through line drawing.

Gerating a moving object using AI

Diagram dipicts the change in series of the object when the string is pulled from one end

Once I was assigned this task, I was unclear as to what the project’s goal was. However, soon enough I realized that a major aspect of the task was to be able to understand and communicate projects and posters using minimal text and mainly images and diagrams. Whilst it was super enjoyable studying about Ancient Greek Mytholohy, I was allowed to play around with different layouts and diagrams, increasing my abilities and work each week. This assignment also improved my knowledge of Adobe products, notably Ai.

The most difficult component of this job for me was the second stage of model creation. I discovered that employing paper as a kind of muscle on skin system was challenging and unpredictable since the paper would rip or, in some circumstances, not pleat when the thread was pulled. Ultimately, employing a new material cardboard worked more efficiently.

DESIGN PROJECT 2

DESCRIPTION:

Inspire by the natural manner in which flowers attract and repel pollen-gathering bees, shylight is a lamp enclosed in a cocoon. As soon as the lamp is turned on, it emerges from its cocoon, unfolds its petals, and drifts downward. When turned off, it automatically shuts.

APPLICATION:

For my design, I like the idea of an object closing and opening, indicating Hera’s mythology as she is first percieved as beautiful and wise, however shows her true colours as she is exposed to life.

01 PRECEDENT STUDIES

DESCRIPTION:

The installation depicts the way the tendrils of the three jellyfish-shaped objects twist and rise. Variations in form mimic the actions of a carnivorous plant encircling an insect with its tentacles.

APPLICATION:

Inspiration taken from the twisting motion which could resemble the way Hera’s life becomes complicated and compressed through the twisting motion.

DESCRIPTION:

Una Lumino is a kinetic sculpture combining beauty and technology. A whirlwind of elegant robotic flowers bloom open, shining a brilliant light, and revert back to their closed state.

APPLICATION:

My installation could incorporate the idea of a structure opening and closing, paying closer detail to the inside of the pedals, which could represents Hera’s journey as deceitful and ghastly as she changes character.

Shylight, Studio Drift, 2010-2014

Sundrew, Design Miami/Basel, 2015

Una Liminno, U-Ram Choe, 2008

02 DESIGN CONCEPT

Matrix of Design Iterations

TOP VIEW SIDE VIEW PERSPECTIVE

mechanism

mechanism

mechanism

motion analysis

This mechanism consists of a gear system embedded in the flower stem and handle. As the handle is pushed downward from its resting position, the stem rises, causing the flower to open. The motion impression is fairly sharp, being either entirely closed or completely open. There are a lot of mechanical elements involved in building this variant, which are easy to buy or make by hand, making the fabrication process easier but also more difficult as the size will need to be made to match the model accurately.

Variation 02 rotates the pivot bolt, which is connected to the pedal through a petal connecting rod, resulting in the flower petal opening and closing as the nut circulates around the bolt. This creates a seamless transition into the opening and closing of the flower, allowing for complete observation of the installation and narrative transition. The fabrication procedure is costly and complex as the pieces must be purchased in the correct sizes. This also makes prototyping harder because all of the pieces must be acquired in order to examine the motion and its impact.

Using a automata system, the turning of the crank handle causes the cam on the rotating axle to stimulate movement in the cam follower which is attached to the flower stem to move up and down. From this the flower pedals blooms as it passes through the tight metal bracing surrounding the flower. The motion effect creates a fast and unteady transition which doesn’t allow for people to feel intreaged, hence displaying the transition of the story poorly. Designing this variation would generate more waste through the multiple prototypes created to allow the motion and the metal barrier that simulates the movement in the flower to work cohessively, however, this method is cost effective and doesnt require the purchase of mechanical parts.

Design Thinking:

Represents the notion of seeming elegant and fragile on its outer layer while being lethal and frightening on the underside, creating a sense of terror and astonishment.

03 DEVELOPING THE DESIGN Motion Diagram & Anaology

Design Thinking:

As the flower unfolds, layers of Hera’s personality are revealed through her jealousy and envious nature towards her husband Zeus

Design Thinking:

The gaps within the pedals are intended to appear whole from afar, but close inspection reveals emptiness within the pedals that reflect the cracks in Hera’s life.

Design Thinking:

This design depicts Hera as a whole at a fixed position, yet when she is exposed to treachery, she begins to lose elements of herself through the inner petals dropping outwards.

DEVELOPING THE DESIGN

Mechanism

Detail A highlights the attachment of the flower to the connecting gear, that secures the petals to the installation.

Detail B portrays the connection of the rod, that joins both the motion gear and the hinge that allows for the flower to blooms in and out.

ATTACHMENT

The flower installation is designed as a mechanical system that allows for motion movement when people walk around the space. This is accomplished by transforming the model from a manual handle to a motor coupled to a wire connected to the flower design. The wiring is repeated and extends over the wall to conceal the mechanical system and function as a floral vine, hinting that the flowers bloom on the wall from their natural state. A wall clip secures the floral installation to the wall. When designing this installation, it was decided to attach the flower to the wall, allowing people to see it from all sides and at natural eye level. People can touch and watch the flowers as they bloom and return to their stationary position.

MOTION ANALYSIS

Hera’s story, in which she is represented as charming and innocent before being enticed by Zeus, inspired the concept of a blossoming flower. When the petals are closed, they form an elegant tulip design that astonishes people; however, as the flower blooms, symbolizing Hera’s exposure to life and Zeus’ infidelities, she becomes dangerous and fearful, as depicted by the flower’s ovary being pointy. This provides a sense of surprise and unexpectedness.

Project 2 challenged my ability and thinking to design an installation that moves in a way that replicates Hera’s story. I was able to learn various mechicanical mechanism and their names to use for future projects. This task also allowed me to deeply consider and study the effect of the motion.

While designing the posters, I was able to positiont he layout to create a sense of hierachy, which I often don’t consider in other projects. This was done through using legends, and hierachy of text, combination of images, and also lineweights.

Moving forward, I would like to create prototypes along side the research of the mechanism to further test and enhance my understanding of the motion and how seperate parts work together to create a moving installation.

COMMUNICATION PROJECT 3

01 MODEL PROTOTYPING

Flower Detail Design

Using a soft sponge to poke sharp sticks through. The idea behind this design is to model the centre piece of the flower that creates a spike in people as the flower blooms to a sharp and egdey interior.

Using sticks to create a grid like pattern inbetween the outline of the flower petal. The design of the flower is used to resemble Hera’s life as she if seen as a beauty with voids in her life from her personl experiences and conflict with Zeus.

FINAL MODEL

This installation is generated using 3D print. The lower gear is used to turn which allows for the flower petals to blossom and close.

WEEK 1

1. Should architecture communicate a story? Why or why not?

Absolutely, every architectural structure has a story about how and why it was built. It is critical to consider the day-to-day activities and sensory interactions of humans with the building while scripting and designing and attempting to communicate experience. Architecture also tells stories, since it becomes a part of a country’s history. Several countries are prominent and well-known today because of their historic structures.

2. How do you think AI will change the role of architects?

I believe that artificial intelligence will make the task of architecture simpler by inventing new technologies that will allow architecture to become more sourced and experienced. As a result, more modern and futuristic architecture may be created. Similarly, the growth of intelligence in architects over time results in a significant variation in appearance and construction from ancient to modern architecture.

3. How do you think AI will change your architectural design process?

I don’t believe artificial intelligence will dramatically change the architectural design process. It would undoubtedly improve the architects’ designs, but it would have less of an influence on the design process, as there is always study, analysis, and exploration of concepts behind every design. The design process is critical in architectural design and must be investigated before reaching a conclusion.

WEEK 2

1. How does a 2D line drawing suggest an image of 3D object?

An image that is in 2D representing a 3D object is called an orthographic drawing. The main purpose of these drawings is to present to the reader how the object can be created in 3D form from lineweights that suggets which lines are hidden, cut, or bent. From this the reader can use the 2D template to form a 3D object.

2. How does an image, or images, of a 3D object suggest movement over time?

Through animation or capturing the gesture through a blurred motion signifing that the object is moving. Other symbols can also be used to capture the change in object by arrows and annotations. While this can be tricky, it is possible through using different softwares and illustrations to depict the motion of the object as a 2D image.

3. How does video recording/photography provide designers an opportunity to draw insights from the object/subject being photographed?

Through photographing and recording the change in motion of an object, there is a narrative created. These images can be either read in linear sequence, from top-to-bottom, or left-to-right. Also, through capturing photographs/recordings, we are able to capture and surpass the human vission.

WEEK 3

1. What were your challenges in documenting your investigation with images only?

It was difficult to try to understand what was happening in some images as they were not referanced in the website. Also I found it quite challenging trying to distinguish the different characters or gods, as they looked similar and no context was given. With midjourney, lots of my findings looked like modern characters rather than ancient which I was not going for.

2. What were your challenges in documenting your investigation with words only?

While researching the story of the mythical goddess Hera, there was lots of websites that repeated the same informtion and didn’t cover aspects of her life in chronological oder. There were other websites with contradicting information to other web papes.

3. What were your challenges in documenting your investigation with line drawings only?

Designing the diagram, I struggled trying to put the information in order so that the reader would start from the beginning and end at the finish rather than glancing over the whole diagram confused where to start. Thus, I attempted to create a sense of hierachy using colours and following a story line that starts right in the centre and expands out to the narrative.

WEEK 5

1. How can architecture communicate emotively with its occupants?

Different forms of architecture can often spark emotions in people. This is done through the experience, function and layout of the space. This type of architecture is refered to as a sense of place, where people are able to feel certain type of feeling or emotion while being surrounded in a particular space.

2. How can designers make sure their design communicates the idea accurately?

Designers can correctly express their ideas by focusing on the appearance of their creations. There are several aspects that influence others’ capacity to comprehend one’s work. Hierarchy, colour, contrast, forms, linework, pictures, and writing should all be considered in a way that does not distract or overpower the main idea.

3. How can designers make sure their visualisations and representations of the design communicates the idea accurately?

By drawing out several elements and perspectives on their ideas. The representations must be clear and depict the entire notion as well as its function or purpose. Designers might also emphasise hidden characteristics that contribute to their idea in their presentations, giving their creations a deeper significance.

WEEK 6

1. Design varieties may help customise the design to specific site-specific needs. However, what are the impacts of design variations on fabrication processes? (Hint: discuss about how variations can both create and reduce fabrication waste)

Whilist design variations allow for designers to physically experiment with a range of materials, and processes, there are impacts to the fabrication process. This include waste of materials, time and materials. To reduce waste, smaller prototypes can be made. Materials that are more accessable should we used for protyping, before attempting the final model with high quality materials should be considered after securing and being certain from the prototype.

2. By now, you should have attempted to use Gansterer’s Key Lines on analysing and interpreting your design. What else can line drawings do, apart from representing a design?

Gansterer’s Key Lines allows for clear and percise understanding of a concept without having to create malipule images that can often create more confusion. The use of linework expands greater than just using lines. It can also be symbols, line weight, colour, and hierachy to create a visually clear diagram.

WEEK 7

1. An architectural experience is more than just the design itself. It is also the atmosphere of the space. Aside from the design, what other elements in an architectural representation can architects use to communicate experience?

Architectural atmosphere is the direct effect of the interaction of formal design components that work together to elicit sensory experience. Aside from the overall design, architects might utilise many sorts of elements such as drawings, collages, diagrams, and perceives to describe the sense of a setting rather than the technical aspects of the project. Different types of diagramming allow for deeper analysis and explanation of what the architectural design aims to convey or looks into. This is frequently misunderstood or misinterpreted when observing the final design because it focuses on external elements such as structure, form, materiality, and concept rather than the deeper meanings.

1. What is the ‘art’ that your design is performing, and how did you explicitly represent this in your posters?

Through my flower installation, I attempt to represent Hera’s journey and personlity not only through the design element itself, but also by provoking a change in emotion as the flower blooms. This is represented in the posters through exploring a range of iterations that bloom differently, and chosing the mechanism that best represents the motion best, to allow for human interaction.

2. What challenges did you face in representing this ‘art’ on your posters?

The main challenge I faced producing my concept was trying to portray my ideas as one single diagram using linework and symbolise, whilist also allowing for the viewer to understand the diagram and not overpowering the poster with text.

3. What is the ‘technology’ that your design is using to perform, and how did you explicitly represent this in your posters?

The technology exploration I researched ranged from mechanical parts to hand made models. I represented this through drawing a close up of the elements that create the motion and analysing it to allow the reader to understand the conept.

4. What challenges did you face in representing this ‘technology’ on your posters?

I biggest challenge was trying to understand the names of the mechanical parts, and how they move. However, this allowed me to research annd minimise ideas that wouldn’t be suitable for my design concept.

WEEK

1. Why is important to structure how you visually and verbally communicate your design in your presentations?

It is critical to plan a project presentation from start to finish so that the audience can comprehend and follow the evolution of the design. This is necessary in order to explain a topic correctly and clearly.

2. Why is important to structure how you textually describe your design process in folios?

Folios allow readers to see the design ideas and process that went into the final design. It is a repository for concerns and errors that are pondered on and improved in the future. Information that is frequently misconstrued in the presentation should be visible in the folio for clarification.

3. Did you, and how, consciously structure your design communications in previous projects?

In past years, I paid little attention to project layout. I concentrated mostly on completing all of the relevant drawings. However, I’ve discovered that the layout of a page is crucial to understanding the final design.

4. Will you, and how, consciously structure your design communications in future projects?

Moving forwards, I want to pay attention to the hierarchy of my pages and use bold line weights to make my design stand out. Throughout my projects, I will also consider creating ‘breathing room’ for the reader rather than overloading the page with information.

03 REFERANCES RESEARCH:

• Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, February 26). Hera. Wikipedia. Retrieved March 6, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hera

• Greek mythology. Ducksters. (n.d.). Retrieved March 6, 2023, from https://www.ducksters.com/history/ancient_greece/hera.php

• Hera. Mythopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 6, 2023, from https://mythopedia.com/ topics/hera

• DRIFT, S. (2011, October 25). Shylight by Studio Drift: Prototypes. Architonic. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www.architonic.com/en/project/studio-drift-shylight/5101143

• Dan Howarth |24 July 2015 Leave a comment. (2022, January 19). Sundew installation coils in reaction to movement. Dezeen. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://www. dezeen.com/2015/07/24/elaine-yan-ling-ng-interactive-sundew-installation-coils-reaction-movement-movie-designers-of-the-future-award-2015/

• Noorata, P. (2016, June 16). Mesmerizing Metallic Flower Sculpture Open & closes. My Modern Met. Retrieved April 6, 2023, from https://mymodernmet.com/choe-u-ramuno-lumino/

IMAGES:

• https://villainous-beauties.fandom.com/wiki/Hera_(Greek_Mythology)

• https://www.learnreligions.com/hera-greek-goddess-of-marriage-2561992

• https://www.theoi.com/Olympios/Hera.html

• https://www.britannica.com/topic/Herahttps://retaildesignblog.net/2013/01/14/ shylight-by-studio-drift/

• https://www.dezeen.com/2015/07/24/elaine-yan-ling-ng-interactive-sundew-installation-coils-reaction-movement-movie-designers-of-the-future-award-2015/

• https://mymodernmet.com/choe-u-ram-uno-lumino/