Design Journal Entry - Module 12 Wrap Up

Overview

Replace this text with your reflections on your design journey through class from a higher level and share your insights about the entire experience. What were:

• Key / Essential / Unique Design Features that you explored in your project.
• Large glass curtain design for better visual comfort and an environment with more accessibility.
• Sunshade toward the south while providing structural support to the building.
• The use of concrete material for the whole building is inspired by modern design examples.
• Integrated experience for visitors with the design of lighting and walking path.
• Your Big Successes -- what worked very well and what features you're most proud to share as examples to inspire others.
• The biggest success of this project is the structural design. The red brick sunshade provides both sunshade and structural support for the building. Considering the location of this building is in a relatively hot area, the sunshade is essential for the temperatureto be comfortable and reduce dazzling lights. The use of concrete structure is inspired by Kuma Kengo‘s project in Nagasaki. The asymmetric design of the building provides a sense of sculpture. The organic place are connected from the first floor to the third floor with open area.
• Your Big Challenges -- what aspects of the project created the biggest challenges and what would you do differently (in hindsight) to avoid or overcome these challenges.
• The biggest challenge for this project is the use of Revit. I have never created a building model before. Thus, the most important part is the integration of different models like architectural, structural, plumbing, and electric models. These models should match the dimensions and specific parameters with each other to create a comprehensive model set for the building. Changing one of the models will affect others as well. So, when designing each model, I have to consider other models as well. Designing a plumbing system is also a challenge. Connection among pipes are hard to be visualized but it is solved by creating section view with hotkeys.
• Lessons Learned -- what sage words of advice would you share with other students who are embarking on a similar project.
• When working with multiple models, it is essential to think about interdependencies for the integration of the whole design.
• Be familiar with Revit before starting the designing process can significantly reduce the stress and enhance efficiency because less efforts will be wasted by creating a non-suitable model for further development.
• Utilization of section views and hotkeys can greatly enhance efficiency by providing better visualization for me to understand the placement of the connection.
• Iterative design and problem-solving ensure the previous version of the model can be a learning opportunity rather than a difficulty.

Design Journal Entries