Seat and Shelter

The inspiration behind my seat and shelter was the architect Victor Horta known for his iron stone facade and elaborate interior. Horta was known for his work during the Art Nouveau period 1890 - 1910. Art Nouveau is inspired by natural forms and structures, not only flowers and plants but also the curvilinear lines. My inspired element from nature was a branch, the reason for this choice was due to the endless curves. The seat and shelter is representative of this time period through the curvilinear lines that move around the shelter and the visual curved pattern of the seats. The sheltered spot is not only a decorative element but provides invitation to stop and relax.

Process Poster For the Seat and Shelter

Harmony In the Curve

Nature lends elements and inspiration for design. An example of this was the Art Nouveau period stretching from 1890 thru 1910. The movement was lead by victor Horta who it was often said had an "innovative spirit fueled by his rebellious nature". The same natural form and curved lines in Art Nouveau are present in the branch inspired seat and shelter. Through the smooth natural, wavelike patterns that seem to bend infinitely in the seats as the flow of the intricately detailed lines on the shelter leads our eye by suggesting direction and movement. the movements and patterns dissolve into purposeless lines that seem to bend around the seat and shelter creating rhythm and balance.

Exterior Two-Point Perspective

This is a two-point perspective sketch using graphite. I have emphasized good shade and shadow using the hatching technique but my slope is too steep.

Shade and Shadow of Interior Corner of Room

This sketch is a two-point perspective interior corner using graphite. I have shown good tonal values and shade and shadow.

Exterior One-Point Perspective Sketch

This is a one point perspective sketch of an exterior building using graphite and colored pencil. I would have to say I have improved in one point perspective drawings.

1 Point Perspective Sketch

One point perspective sketch using graphite in one and ink in the other. This sketch was done in front of a little cafe called Zoe's Underground. This was the second time I had ever done one point perspective and I have to say I did not do too bad. Again with the graphite I needed to use a heavier hand, but my value changes are definitely getting better.

Chair View Sketch

The chair....sketched from the top, underside, side view, front view and in perspective was not an easy feat for someone that just started sketching on June 26. I have to say that the side view of the chair is not too bad.

Shadow Analysis Sketch

This sketch was done at Daggy Hall observing and analyzing the shadows. Both parallel and perpendicular shadows are visible through handrail and stairs.

Graphite and Watercolor Sketch

The beautiful green grapes are a watercolor sketch showing value. I thought this would be very difficult, I was wrong it turned out great.

These grapes were sketched using graphite to show value. I did show value in this sketch, I learned that I need to have a heavier hand.

Negative Space Sketch

In negative space drawing, instead of observing the positive shape of an object, you draw the shape of the space around the object. Before this sketch I had not been introduced to sketching negative space so the process that I used was not correct, I outlined the form and shaded in the negative space.

Figure Contour Sketches

The sketch designs seen here were of a gymnast, kids jump roping and kids running while holding hands. The process was to use single stroke lines that are smooth and clean. I learned that I used a scratch line which was incorrect.

3D Study Models

These 3 dimensional abstractions were developed from the 2 dimensional sketches of the element found in nature. The abstractions are to help develop a concept for a seat and shelter. This phase of the development is difficult for me as I want to delve in and create the final project.

Concept Design in 2D

The element from nature I chose for my concept design was a branch from a tree with several delicate branches that had small flowering buds at the tips. The reason I chose this element is because Art Nouveau, also known as "modern art" was influenced by organic materials, especially floral, plants, and curvilinear forms. Here you see an original sketch of my element from nature and a water color abstraction.

Tesselation

This is the tesselation that was made from the pattern below. Several images from the Art Nouveau period, 1890-1910 were manipulated using Photoshop. I feel the strong colors and patterns work very well together but I would use a different pattern

cutout next time.

2D Repeating Pattern

This is a pattern I used to create my tesselation, I loved the contrast in colors but felt it did not have enough value to add to the analogous pattern I had established. This project was very challenging as I had not used Photoshop before this. The next project I do will have a simple pattern cut until I learn to use the tools in Photoshop more efficiently.

Palouse Silo

This is a picture of a grain silo taken on the Palouse in Eastern Washington. To view more fantastic pictures of grain silos and elevators visit this link http://dacarc.wordpress.com/2010/11/01/dissolute-beauty/

This is a sketch of a grain silo in the middle of a wheat field on the Palouse. This sketch is done with a WACOM Digital Sketch Tablet.