Architectural Styles Research & Model

Reem Khan, 2A, Heritage High School

We were tasked to research a specific Architectural Style and learn more about its historical background, typical design features, and layout. I chose to research the French Architectural Style. As I researched French Architecture, I looked into the era the style was most common, its typical number of stories, building materials used, distinctive features, the place the style is most commonly found, and its design principles and elements. After researching the principles and components of French Architecture, I needed to plan and create my own model using the knowledge I learned. First, I had to come up with two sketches as possible ideas for my model. Then, I finalized the design and created an isometric sketch to plan it out. After I created my isometric sketch, I started planning out the materials I would need in order to execute the design. As I began to build, I had to restart several times. Originally, I decided to use Balsa Wood for my walls and roof, however, as I began to cut and glue the pieces together, I realized that it wouldn't be sufficient for my design. Instead, I decided to use quarter-inch plywood for my walls and roof. In order to place the wood pieces together, I tried using wood glue and hot glue. As the pieces weren't staying in place, I decided to nail them together instead. Once I nailed the pieces together, I realized that I hadn't taken the quarter-inch wood into account for the dimensioning. The constraints of the model included a maximum of a 12x12-inch footprint. Using the quarter-inch wood, my model had exceeded a length of 12 inches. Due to this, I had to brainstorm last-minute ideas to meet the criteria. I decided to shave off wood from each side of the lengths in order to meet the 12-inch mark. From this, I was able to learn the importance of attention to detail and planning ahead. By learning from this experience, I can incorporate the skills of planning beforehand and paying closer attention to the different components of different projects and experiences. I have now learned the skills of attentiveness and how to apply these skills in order to be successful when fulfilling a certain goal or project.  That being said, I need to work on focusing on the full picture of the project, and as I mentioned before, paying attention to the specific details. Though I was able to successfully complete this project, I had forgotten to pay any attention to the back of the model. I didn't add any windows or details in the back of the house. I need to work on considering those specific details when I work on future projects.

This is Your Career

Reem Khan, 2A, Heritage High School

This assignment consisted of researching a specific career in an engineering-related field and creating a vision board. After researching the profession's salary, daily tasks, education, and requirements, we were tasked to create our vision board for the future. The assignment was created in order to help us plan out our future and learn more about careers in which we are interested, and where we picture ourselves in 20 years. In this project, I decided to focus on the field of Architecture. However, after researching, I learned about the difficulties and intense process of becoming an Architect. As well as this, I was able to learn more about the timeline components and skills necessary to become an Architect. Though I am unsure of whether or not I would like to pursue this career, I was able to learn a substantial amount of relevant and helpful information in this job field. After working on this project, I believe that it is crucial for me to work on gaining more real-world exposure in the engineering and architecture fields. I believe that it is necessary for me to work on this as I will be able to learn more about these fields and be able to narrow done which field I would like to pursue. As well as this, I believe that it is important for me to expand my skills in the Architectural area as I do still have a strong interest in this pathway.

Revit Utility Shed

Reem Khan, 2A, Heritage High School

In order to learn how to use the Revit Software, we were tasked with creating a Utility Shed on Revit. With step-by-step instructions, we had to create a shed on Revit and meet the specific criteria. We needed to create an 11"x17" construction drawing, provide a 3D view with a dimensioned floorplan, and include two elevation views, and a wall section. After completing this project, I was able to gain basic foundational skills and foundational knowledge of the Revit Software. I now know how to use Revit, access tools, create a floorplan, section view, and navigate the materials. As well as this, I was able to learn more about the materials and components of a house. Having completed this project, I need to work on my dimensioning and comfortability with Revit. In this project, I have had a few minor errors in the aspect of floorplans with dimensions as it was my first time using Revit. Overall, I believe that it is important for me to continue to practice creating things on Revit in order to become more comfortable with Revit.

Habitat for Humanity - Affordable Home Project

Reem Khan, 2A, Heritage High School

As part of the Residential Design unit, we were tasked with creating an Affordable Habitat Home. The Habitat for Humanity project consisted of considering the client, design applications, following the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, and creating construction documents while utilizing the skills of Project Management and efficiency.  We were tasked with designing and Revit modeling an affordable home for our client whom we interviewed to understand their vision and design needs. After conducting the client survey, we were to create potential ideas through the use of two bubble diagrams which we then formulated into two floorplan sketch ideas. Once the design was approved by the client, we had to create a final floorplan sketch and start designing in Revit. As I have only recently started to use Revit, I was able to learn a lot about the software. Throughout the project, I found myself becoming more comfortable while designing in Revit and navigating the software. As well as this, I was able to further understand the process of constructing and designing a house. Prior to this project, I didn´t fully understand or consider the several different factors needed in order to design a proper house. As I have progressed and expanded my skills in Revit, I must continue to work on becoming more efficient and gain more exposure to the Revit software. I will continue to practice using Revit and further my understanding in the different components of designing a home. As well as this, I will continue to research more about the design process.  After designing the Affordable Home on Revit, we were tasked with implementing the water and sewer lines of our house with the city sewer and water supply. The Water and Sewer aspect of the Affordable Home consisted of calculating the Drain Fixture Usage (DFU) of the house, creating the plumbing plan by connecting the cold water line to the needed appliances with two hose bibbs, connecting the hot water line to the needed appliances, and the wastewater lines to the toilets, drains, stubs, and double cleanouts. As part of the wastewater line, I learned that it must not include any tees or 90s. After implementing the cold water, hot water, and wastewater lines, we were to conduct sewer calculations of the slope from the house to the sanitary tie-in under 10th Street. After this, I was to also consider the site plan in order to understand the connection of the lines to the house and 10th Street. From the Water and Sewer part of this project, I was able to understand the connections of the lines to the house. I never understood the complications and components that needed to be considered when adding the water and sewer lines to a house. I learned how to understand these systems and how to add them on Revit. I was able to learn more about how all the different parts, systems, and designs of a house come together. After completing this, I now know that I need to work on systematic parts of the design. As I was not too familiar with this process, I made a few mistakes. Due to this, I must continue to practice and revise my designs in order to strengthen my knowledge and exposure in this aspect. Once I finished the Water and Sewer components of the house, I began to work on the Electrical Plan. As part of the Electrical Plan, we were to consider the wiring, fixtures, and switches of the house. We were to inset an Electrical Panel in the house, the lighting wiring, switches, and wall receptacles of the utility room, kitchen, and living room. As well as this, we had to include the Kitchen Convenience Circuits, GFI Circuits, in the Kitchen. We were to implement the electrical wiring of our house and learn how to understand the details of it. Throughout this process, I learned more about the process of the Electrical Plan. I was able to understand and learn as to how the electrical wiring was to not be in a straight line but in an arched shape. As well as this, I learned how to connect the wiring on the floorplan and consider all the different places needed in the electrical plan. Prior to this process, I didn´t know of the different circuits that needed to be implemented in the Kitchen. In this part of the project, I forgot to include the Breaker Panel and Wall Receptables. As I continue, I need to work on implementing these features in the Electrical Plan of future homes/buildings. As well as this, I need to start practicing the skills of thoroughly checking my work and the guidelines before finalizing it. As I continue to practice these skills, I will be able expand and grow in this area.

Keystone Library

Reem Khan, 2A, Heritage High School

As part of the Green Roof, I went through several different stages to finalize this design. While focusing on the principles of aesthetics, comfortability, and sustainability, I developed a simplistic design shown in the image on the left. I was able to design this Green Roof for the library on the Revit software. This project allowed me to learn and grow my skills on Revit. Prior to this, I had primarily been learning and experimenting on Revit. With this project, I felt the ability and freedom to explore more on my own. Due to this, I found that I need to continue working on Revit. Though I was able to greatly grow my skills from the Affordable Home project, there is still plenty of room for growth in creating a more complex design. This project made me go through the different stages of brainstorming ideas, making changes, modeling it in Revit, doing the wall section, floorplan, creating a vestibule, stairs, and the structural analysis of the beams. I went through many different stages and was able to learn more about the process of developing a project. I was able to further understand how to address various issues in Revit, such as understanding how to create the wall composition and also the layout of the library while abiding to ADA guidelines. I will continue to work on my Revit skills to further gain exposure and knowledge in this area.

Space Architecture

Team Alpha 2: Reem Khan, Aidan Jones, James Coleman, Halimat Omilabu, Nathan Dewitt

 2A, Heritage High School

The Space Architecture project consisted of five different teams assigned according lunar modules or rovers to sustain a four-person crew in space for thirty days. As part of Team Alpha, I was the Communications Engineer. Team Alpha was tasked with designing and researching the science and medical operations lab (Module 6) and the rover maintenance shop (Module 7). As a class, we brainstormed different ideas together. Once we finalized a layout, the teams split and worked on their according modules. After brainstorming different ideas, we ultimately decided on a rectangular shape for each module. Then, we all researched the necessary items and equipments for the research lab and garage. From there, the lead architect, Halimat, began to design the modules on Revit. Simultaneously, I began to work on the Research Paper. As we finalized the paper, we started working on the presentation and implemented our research and findings. From this project, I learned the importance of communication. With several different groups, one of the biggest challenges we faced was lack of communication with other groups. Though we all had our own tasks, they all factored into each other. Along with this, I learned more about how different engineers, architects, and professionals work together in the real world. I was able to gain more exposure to the interactions of various fields. It is very important to understand how different careers work together and what contributions they have to each other. From this, I need to work on following setup deadlines. With this project, all of the different parts were due on the same day. Due to this, I found the project to be very chaotic. Instead of specifically working on one task that I was designated, I would move back and forth to various tasks. I believe that by creating balance of pushing myself to focus on one task at a time, I will be able to better improve the outcome of the project. This skill not only applies to this project, however, it applies for schoolwork and the real-world. It is fundamental to create goals and follow them. This is something that I will work on and improve it in different classes and projects.

Rover Garage/Maintenance Shop Renderings

Lab/Medical Operations Renderings