The past two weeks of the project have involved meeting with our client, researching potentially what we can do for them over the course of the semester, and presenting our preliminary findings from the past week. For the next week, we are to produce initial plans for what it is we could potentially do moving forward. During studio on Wednesday, the 25th of January, our studio participated in one of our first design charrettes.
At the start, we went over some of the basic elements of diagramming. This included both the way in which we diagram in a moderately paced period of time, and what materials we may look into using as a means for better communicating our ideas. The key is not to have a diagram that is always perfect, but rather if the information presented is legible enough so that others can understand what is trying to be conveyed. Layering, using trace and pens, pencils and marker, helps to compound one’s’ thoughts whilst not removing from what was previously acknowledged. After discussing how we may learn to diagram the site and building, we tested out our own skills, learning from our own mistakes as well as seeing how others’ methods may be more effective. After discussing the process of diagramming, we talked about what we could potentially design as a means to fulfill one of the needs of our clients. We wrote down a list of what we believed Redux’s priorities were with the new home at 1056 King Street. During the rest of the charrette, we grouped together potential projects into subcategories and then discussed which ones may have greater potential going forward.
Moving forward, I am interested in the reception, kiosk and bar area of the front lobby. It’s location in the front becomes prominent as a person will experience Redux as not just a center for studio artists, but a gallery for their works as well as that of visiting artists and events. However, it is only a potential project and thus I may acquire more information that may help to suggest what could be realized at a later point. To design is, in essence, to translate the imagined into something tangible.