Architecture, Unit 4

Assignment 1 & 2 notes:

Project documentation:

Unit Reflection:

I am generally happy with the way my building looks. The original plan was to have a triangular-prism tower in the center and a flagpole on the highest point, which both happened. The rest of it was designed while building, such as the door, angled path, and popsicle sticks glued to the terrain. Even though it looks the way I want it to, it was done on time, and the room at the top works well for its purpose, there are two big problems that plague it.

The first is, the building is right up against the border. The instructions said to leave at least 3/4" between the building and the border, but I forgot about this while building and only remembered after it was glued down. The other issue is that is smaller compared to some other peoples' designs because I did not make a good use of all the materials. Inside the tower, there are spare materials crammed in. I don't really like this, but with my design, I just can't think of a way to use the paper and the giant roof while still preserving the looks. At least they serve to make the tower more compact!

As for the elements of design,

Balance - The main tower is centered and is on top of two semicircular arches. Even though the main tower is symmetrical, there is a doorway on the left and a pathway leading to a flagpole on the right. Two very different features but their similar mass create balance.

Emphasis - The main focus point of the piece is of course the main tower, specifically the upper portion, marked off by rubber bands and featuring an arch over the top and the two giant "antennas".

Rhythm - All walls and structure are made out of cardboard. A shape that appears a few times is the triangle. The tower's base is shaped like one, there are numerous triangles protruding out of the tower, and the item box is a triangular prism as well, so that it can fit inside the best.

Symmetry - The base and roof of the tower is shaped like an equilateral triangle. There are three posts inside that give it solidity. Also, like I mentioned, there are a few pairs of materials where one is on either side of the tower.

Overall, this has been a successful project.