Architectural Styles and Research Model

Assignment Description:

For this assignment I got to choose an architectural style, research it, and then create a mini model of it; I chose Georgian Style Architecture. I compiled all my research into a google slide that I then presented to my classmates. In the next phase of the project, I was tasked to create a mini model, which had to match my chosen architectural style and be well crafted.

What I Learned:

Regarding the Research, I learned that Georgian architecture was most popular during the reign of King George the I-IV. It originated out the British Isles, eventually spreading to the American Colonies and other English speaking parts of Western Europe between the time periods 1700-1830. The typical amount of stories in a Georgian building was 2-3. Some of the most common materials used in a Georgian style building included uniformly cut stone, stucco, wood, and brick. One of the most distinctive features of Georgian style architecture was the common use of horizontal symmetry, deceptive economy, and simplicity, as well as creating a rhythmic pattern between the windows of the building and chimneys. However, concerning the model, I learned basic model making skills such as determining the different types of materials and tools that I would need. I underestimated the amount of effort that would be required to build it. I spent at least 8+ hours working on my model. During the process of creating my model, I found it easier for me to cut out the pieces individually and then glue them all together like a giant 3D puzzle.

What I Need to Work on:

One thing that I felt like I could have done differently was to choose clear super glue, instead of Elmers Wood Glue. One of the toughest parts when making my model was trying to get all the pieces to stick together. I still remember the times where I would just be standing there for 10 minutes, holding two pieces of my model together, waiting for the glue to dry. The wood glue was also colored a mustard yellow, something that was very apparent with my white-box model. If I had chosen clear glue, that whole issue could have been avoided. I need to work on preparing a list of my materials in advance so that I do not repeat the same mistakes again.

Roof Styles and Wall Framing Model

Assignment Description:

For this assignment, I got to choose a roof style, research it, and then create a model of it; I chose to do a gable roof. I compiled all my research into a google doc that I then shared with my teacher as part of my grade. At the same time, I began construction on my mini model, which had to include a gable roof in its design as well as show the different parts of a wall frame.

What I Learned:

I learned that the gable roof is one of the most common roof shapes in the world, architectural staples in both Europe and Northern America. Characterized by the two sections of the roof that are slanted in opposite directions, they come together to the ridge board at the top of the roof parallel to the length of the house; this also allows for the slope of the roof to be quite steep. Gable roofs are good at withstanding extreme weather conditions, its pitch allows for both rain and snow to easily runoff. Gable roofs also provide additional attic space and well as extended ventilation. The gable’s simple design also contributes to relatively low building costs. I also learned the different components that make up the interior of the walls of a house. When creating my model, I focused primarily on creating all the different wall frames that would be found inside any wall: wood studs, cripple studs, king studs, sole plates, door headers, and window sills just to name a few.

What I Need to Work on:

Once again, I felt like I had underestimated the amount of time that this project would take me. I spent at least 10+ hours creating my mini model. Most of my time spent was cutting out all my pieces. One thing that I would have done differently would be to use a hot glue gun instead of gorilla glue adhesive. The Gorilla Glue adhesive, like Elmer's wood glue, took an extended period of time to dry. However, the hot glue would only take a few seconds. this is a lesson well learned. Something that I could work on is to be more accurate with the scale of my models. Originally I attempted to create a scale model of 1 inch = 1 foot. However, I quickly realized that choosing to create a scale model would involve much more calculations than I originally thought.

This Is My Career

Assignment Description:

This project felt very personal to me; I shared with my class what I think my future would look like in the next 20 years. I had to create a vision board with all the things that I plan to accomplish and what career I would be choosing. I was also tasked to create a google slides and answer questions regarding what my future self would possibly say if I were interviewing them.

What I Learned:

I was able to, for the first time, develop a plan for where I want to be in life 20 years down the road, and how I will get there. I am both excited and anxious about what is in store for me. I learned in deeper detail the admission process of the United States Naval Academy and what it will take for me to become admitted into such an elite school. I also learned that my grades are paramount to my success in being a competitive candidate and that if I stay persistent, do not give up in the face of failure, and keep on pushing through, the rewards will be great. I already know that the career I want is so extreme that less than .01% of the entire U.S. population pursues it; requiring me to serve at least 5 years in the U.S. Navy. I learned that Navy Civil Engineers are responsible for overlooking and managing the construction and operation of offshore military facilities across the globe. Formed in 1867, The Civil Engineer Corps “CEC”, allowed for professional Civil Engineers to enlist into the Navy, and work on new military facilitates off the Eastern American seaboard. Today with only about 1,285 personnel in the CEC, Naval Civil Engineering has become a highly specialized, but also poorly known, subsection of Civil Engineering high in job demand.

What I Need to Work on:

I need to continue to keep on doing my research of USNA and all the different programs that it has to offer for aspiring engineers. However, for my poster board, something that I feel that I could improve/work on is to reduce the number of blank spaces that were left on my board. I could have filled those spaces with more inspirational quotes, pictures, or maybe even bucket list items. Something that I could have done differently was to use markers instead of colored pencils. The colored pencils did not apply well to the surface of my board and came out faded. I also feel like I could have spent more time researching all the different classes that the United States Naval Academy had to offer in engineering.

Assignment Description:

I had 2 days to create a utility shed in Revit. First, I had create the walls of the shed, then configure their internal and external properties according to the assignment. Next, I had to insert a gable roof onto my build, something that took me a while to figure out. Lastly, I had to display multiple perspectives of the utility shed onto an architectural sheet, as seen on the left.

What I learned:

This was the first time that I had ever interacted with Revit, with that in mind, I learned quite a lot. I learned that, besides the displays of Revit and Inventor being similar, the tabs and sub-menus that they have are completely opposite from one another. I spent the first whole class getting familiar with how to place down walls in the program as well as interact with the properties panel. I learned how to modify the different components that make up the interiors of my shed walls as well as place a gable roof onto my design. I also learned how to place windows and doors into my walls. Finally, I learned how to create a sheet display of my utility shed and show specific views of my build.

What I Need to Work on:

I need to continue to keep on getting myself familiar with Revit and all the features that it has to offer. By doing so, I put myself in a better position where I won't feel as lost and I can complete my assignments with little stress. This would help set myself up for success in this class as I know Revit will be play a much larger role later throughout the year.

Keystone library