Today marked our big meeting with the Charleston Design Review Committee, a date that had been circled on our studio calendar since the beginning of the semester. I was definitely more nervous this morning as I thought I would be. Sure, the group put forth a really strong effort over the last couple days to even get us here and we certainly put in enough time…but when this morning hit, I was definitely nervous about the possibility of rejection.
Rejection as an architecture student is something that I’ve grown accustomed to. Taking criticism and turning it into positive change is what we are taught to do. However, today was different. You see, every project I’ve ever done ended about where we were last week. We design. We get reviewed. We learn from our mistakes. We move on to the next project. This semester is different in that the project doesn’t end after the design – we actually get to build it. HOW EXCITING IS THAT! (I feel like I just realized that today) It is a totally awesome feeling to know we are about to create something for other people to experience and be a part of! I think the possibility of that momentum and excitement being cut short was what worried me today.
Fortunately, Professor Pastre delivered a great presentation and we walked away with the approval needed to continue making strides towards the final installation date. We were directed to seek out a structural engineer to look over our design as well as a few other minor directives, but all in all I think the DRC was pleased with what we had to present. They were definitely excited to see the work we were doing, and I think their excitement only made our group that much more determined to see this thing get built.
Getting through the DRC unscathed this morning was great, but we can’t rest on our laurels quite yet (or ever it seems like). The materials that we presently have in hand might constitute 5% of our total material amount needed, the design still has some minor revisions that need to be made, and we need to build a full-scale section of the wall to make sure it won’t fall over on people when we install on site. The great news is that I think our studio is really starting to take ownership of this project. Now that we are approaching the actual build component of the studio, we will be able to apply our design skills to reality – a super exciting and equally scary task ahead!
I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription is more design-build!!