Finding Direction

Throughout history, the worlds of politics, design and art have seen movements manifested in specific ideals. These movements spread through the veins of society, offering goals to which humanity must strive to reach. With the increased concern for the planet's welfare has come a growing interest in "green" design. Not only do I feel that sustainable design is vital for the protection of the environment in which we operate, but I feel that we need to reevaluate the way we design and live. We must remember that what we are responsible for environmental impact resulting from the artifacts we produce. Our approach to design must be to operate without a trace. Design must be productive but should exist in harmony with nature, its effects neutralizing with the environment. The artifact pictured above is a representation of this manifesto. The progression in size and opacity from pure and transparent plexiglas to solid white symbolizes the pollution resulting from human interaction with the environment. To represent the neutralization of these environmental effects, the plexiglas progresses back to its transparent state, resuming its properties as a pure substance.

Computer Aided Architecture:

Anna Will

IAR 212 Reflection

The 1970s brought about the introduction of software into the world of architecture. Rooted in age-old drafting and rendering instruments, software acted as a tool to greatly expand the resources and abilities of architects. Early architectural software originated in universities and diffused into architectural firms and further into general use. This progression accompanied the advancement of computer processors and resolution, as well as the increased availability of ink jet printers. CAD software enabled architects to not only draft digitally, but allowed them to visualize and communicate ideas technologically. Computer programs improved communication and gained the role of assistants, taking on human tasks to speed up the design process. As designers we must recognize the limitless possibilities offered by architectural software, but must also heed the fact that computers are merely tools and must fully understand their abilities before relying upon their aid.

bus|shelter: unveiled

Alas, the Community by Design, second year studio has completed the Tate Street bus shelter. After hundreds of drawings, a handful of sketch models, countless material investigations, advertising excustions, and long hours in the wood shop, our Studio has accomplished this seemingly impossible design|build. Through Bus|Shelter we declare a commitment to the welfare of humanity and environment. With design as our vehicle, we present the community with a small but powerful solution which speaks for both second year studio and Greensboro, as a whole. This shelter is our physical story for fellow community members to share and experience; a little piece of Interior Architecture integrated with the dynamic history of Greensboro’s public transit.