Hmm...

Does it count as an all nighter if you slept in till noon before you start?

Mt Angel Library

Was designed by Alvar Aalto, a famous Finnish architect.  Its a really neat three level space. As you can see the skylight/clerestory section lets in a lot of light, but not harsh light--it faces north, away from direct sunlight.  The placement of the pillars in the middle of the vault causes all three arc-shaped floor plates to appear to float (reminds me of the Jetsons for some reason, but I find it quite beautiful).  There are lots of other neat things about the space. I'd like to return to spend more time here.

Light diffusion

Natural light is quite underused in many buildings.  Designers have a challenging time figuring out how to keep rain out, manage heat gain from the sun, and bring light in, but not too harshly (direct sunlight).  An effective approach is to let it diffuse off various indoor/outdoor surfaces.  The special diffusing systems above were developed at UO in the Architecture Dept. The system also includes a diffuser in/at the skylights.  These examples are installed at the Mt Angel Monastery.

My first Wright house

I've seen the Wright Flyer, so it's not my first Wright.  The Gordon House, Frank Lloyd Wright's only design in Oregon, was the first stop on a whirlwind two day field trip.  The house wasn't actually built until after he died because it cost more than twice his estimate.  It was originally sited on a picturesque parcel of Willamette River front. 40 years later the new owners intended to demolish it, so it was moved to a preserve.  None of us felt it was a master piece ...someone said they think one of his apprentices did the design.  It was interesting, innovative for its time, and quirky. I should also say it is a beautiful building the more I look at it.

Water damage

I drove by this with Jen last week. This is what happens inside your walls when water is allowed to enter over long periods of time. More work for carpenters.  Caused either by poor installation, lack of maintenance, or material defect. Notice that it happened at both the sill of the window and door, but not all of them. If it looks like water is or would go in, it probably is. A little maintenance can save large repairs.

Site planning

The plan for the whole wooded lakefront site for this term was perplexing me for quite a while.  They started by having us design the more minor elements (guest house and tower retreat) first, and now the main house, so now we really have to take a more concrete approach to the integrated site plan. I started with an idea of two long, slender structures (first pic), but could not get the in between courtyard space (felt pinched) or the lower level of main house (only front room got real interaction with nature/light) to feel like they were responding to the real off-axis pull of the site (the center of the view experience of both meadow and lake is about 30 degrees left of center).  So I tried an alternate approach. I rotated the lower floor of the main house to broad face the view/nature, which put one of its rooms under the guest house and gave all three bedrooms direct access to the nature and light. So far I've retained this decision.  Then I arced the upper complex into a slight ampitheater (massing model in the other two pics).  People really liked how it responded to the site.  But I struggled to the point of demoralization trying to make an upper level floor plan that both worked and was an enjoyable geometry/form to be in/around. The "Big Move", as my instructor referred to it, could be worked out with more time, but I have now resorted to something much simpler and flexible, which I hated at first, then made peace with, and am now working on making it wonderful space.

Spirit window

The view from one of my studio mate's desk. Note the sign.

Midnight chicken

I almost ran over a possum riding my bike home tonight. He didn't even flinch!

Minimal Dwelling Design

Well I'm riding the bus to Portland ...seeing if it is effective in redeeming the drive time.  I think it is.  So I'll take the opportunity to post some of my design work so far.  I'm going to have to figure out a way to improve picture quality...this one I took with a real camera with mediocre result.  This term we will design a guest house, tower retreat, and main home with common courtyard on a city sized, sloping lot. The 300 sf guest house / flex dwelling with 150 sf covered patio was the first assignment.  Based on the materials they gave us (CMU block and short span beams) I tried a 10 foot wide house (the skinniest in the class).  The ordering of the space is inspired by a cabina in Costa Rica...from private in the back (bath, sleep) to more public in front (cook, eat, connect, view).  The walls change from mostly closed (sheltering) to all glass (engaging) as you move through that progression as well.  The house points toward the trees and lakefront, so there is more glazing as you move toward the communal space, nature and view.  On the patio at the front end I pitched the roof up so the space opens nicely to the nature/view. I decided to emphasize the length of the structure on the outside by only revealing the horizontal mortar seams.  The department head seemed pleased and said I pulled it off using such a skinny plan.

My favorite tall skinny

In general I think tall skinny houses are a mediocre solution to increasing density, but a necessary compromise given the mild clash we are experiencing between the politics of legacy regulations/thought with economic reality.  I do particularly disdain tall skinny designs that try to look like craftsman/traditional homes...the geometry and proportion simply do not work...it's not visually pleasing and everyone knows it.  Let's get creative...go modern or, as in this great example, adopt a historical geometry that fits...the alpine A-frame.  I'm so proud of whoever was creative enough to design this street facade and also of the person who paid a little extra to make something visually pleasing for themselves and the community.

Matthew Knight Arena

New stadium and venue on campus named in honor of Nike co-founder' Phil Knight's late son.  It was designed by UO graduate and Portland architect, Bob Thompson.  I think it is a beautiful building.  It does certainly dominate its neighborhood...feels like a massive monument erected in a semi-residential area.  Thanks to Phil Knight for helping fund it!

The Natural House

by Frank Lloyd Wright.  Just finished it. Not in print any longer. This well-used copy from our library still has the manual checkout sleeve from 1965!  At first I thought he was just a zealot, self-identified.  But he really did change the house as we Americans (and Europeans) know it...too much to capture here, but you can thank him for "open" floorplans and natural light, along with the deletion of the basement and attic.  From Okakura Kakuzo's "The Book of Tea":  "The reality of a room was to be found in the space enclosed by the roof and walls, not in the roof and walls themselves."

The Architecture Building

Is probably the drabbest, most remodeled, disjointed building on an otherwise beautiful campus.  They're campaigning for a new one. In the meantime, this sculpture of ducks landing, located on the back of the building is its most redeeming feature...really nicely composed and I always enjoy seeing it when I come that way.

If I take the bus

I have a choice of stops to get off at.  I like to get off at the second one because the short journey is peaceful and has such heritage...the approach is under a couple large fir trees, then between a rose garden and the second oldest building on campus, then through a quad of large old trees of varying type, then finally by this engraved plate guiding the approach to a school of architecture.  Prince Lucien Campbell was president of the university from 1902-1925 and presided over the founding of the School of Architecture in 1914 (we will be the 100th class).

Vertical Retreat

Had our crit of our tower cabin/retreat today. It went well. I'm pretty proud of mine, though a few more tweaks/insights would make it better. The program was to provide 80 square feet of elevated retreat space using reclaimed lumber, CMU block, and steel.  The picture isn't that good, but you can see the basic design.  Pretty sure I'm the only one who was able to keep the code-compliant stairs inside the 80 SF envelope...makes a decent looking sculpture I think.

Day by the river

It's about 80 degrees here.  It's nice being out of the city for a while.

Divine Home

Another Gary Moye design we visited today. Roscoe Divine was a UO track great in the '60s.  The site is amazing...about 15 minutes from school feels 25 miles away...great bend in the river with about 4 parcels and 5 buildings. The pics are the 'main house' (one bedroom).  Perfect way to host often...huge veranda overlooking grassy meadow and river.  Living room opens on two sides completely with french doors.  Wonderful craftsmanship.  Lots of wood.  Great feel.  Roscoe hosted us and it was great!  You can check out more of Gary's work at http://www.garymoye.com/.

Hall House

Visited the Hall House by Gary Moye on the McKenzie River today with Gary.  He's one of my professors.  Beautiful design and craftsmanship ...lots of wood paneling.  Favorite part was the screen porch with glimpses of the river and that sound!  Interesting use of scissor trusses and skylights. 

My morning commute

It's nice to finish my 20 minute bike ride by crossing the Willamette River at this time each morning.

Field trip tomorrow

Going to look at two houses on the McKenzie River tomorrow.   River is famous for fly fishing. Attached is my first attempt at dictating thoughts.