The phases of the collage, morphing into a visual abstract...

STAGE 1: Understanding and defining a term....

Rhythm: Not only is rhythm suggested, but perspective is also experienced.

Rhythm

Threshold (Chosen for final): The horizon has always intrigued me as a transition between two "zones", visually the horizon acts as a threshold between the sky and the ocean, however physically the two never meet.

Threshold: A threshold suggests a transition between two landforms, this collage takes the literal meaning of a threshold and applies it to a figurative idea.

Passage of time: By standing in one place over the course of the day, a sense of time  is obvious and experienced. As a side note, the sun rises in the east (right) and sets in the west (left).

 

Passage of Time (Chosen for final): The process of construction is studied

STAGE 2: Final Collage

Passage of Time: Continuing with the process of construction, I focused on concrete as a material. The process of making concrete includes portland cement, water, and various aggregates. Starting from the bottom, the coloring represents the all of the ingredients slowing mixing and settling to create the solid of concrete.

Threshold: Continuing with the idea of thresholds, the horizon visually acts as a transition between the sky and the ocean. This threshold is, however, not physical, and you are essentially always stuck in this mode of transition. By blurring the horizon line, the threshold becomes less obvious.

Architecture and Thresholds: The idea of blurring transitions

Idea Map

Physical Thresholds and the built world
Begin to describe the literal sense of the word and how it relates to the built environment. I see Thresholds as negative space, voids, empty space, a contrast between two neighborhoods, and even the simple gesture of indoors vs. outdoors.

Social Thresholds

Aid in the definition between different things, for instance the difference between class systems would be a social threshold, public transportation is an in-between zone where social interaction is forced/encouraged (public transportation is also viewed differently throughout the world...aka the boat taxis in Venice, Italy)

This vs That

Natural Thresholds

Lie between two things (or maybe more then 2?). Rivers, Mountains, Valleys, Canyons, are all Thresholds between point A and point B. Also, a very intriguing example to me is the horizon, and how it is visually a threshold, however not physically. 

The Anti-Threshold

Questions the idea of transition. What is exactly a threshold? Is it the constant state of always remaining in transition? Is being surrounded by boundaries on all sides prohibit any thresholds from forming?

Visual Abstract: Stage 1

Visual Abstract: Final Stage

The idea of a threshold can be applied to many aspects of a building; however, how do these defined thresholds become blurred transitions?

Things I can't live without....

Interactive facades intrigue the senses

Textures create interesting surfaces

Family has always been a part of me, always there to support me. Growing up on Cape Cod has forever allowed me to be surrounded by the ocean and the lifestyle and activities that come with it. I truly cannot see myself living without the ocean close by.

Travel has made its way into my life quite quickly, I could have never imagined I would be so enthralled with  experiencing the world. I only hope to keep on traveling. Next stop, Japan.

Ansel Adams, there is nothing more to say then simply beautiful. The ocean and horizon allow for endless possibilities...the way black and white pops the picture evokes a mystical feeling of peace.

MUSIC IS AN ESCAPE

 A CHANCE TO BE IN YOUR OWN ELEMENT

Dare to be different? Nothing a little white wash couldnt do? Although the "style" is the same, its a nice change from the norm.

South End architecture tends to be, well, brick. I couldnt help but be excited when I saw this construction on the way to work everyday for a year, what a beautiful addition to the neighborhood.

A typical Cape Cod sunset, does not get much better than this.

Mies Van Der Rohe could not have suggested more of an open floor plan than that of  the Barcelona Pavilion.  Although not comfortable to most, the ideas and methods that stem from the building have influenced many to take advantage of spaces that extend outward. (FLW is right up there too).

Technology allows spaces to become more functional and flexible, connections to the outdoors are only becoming stronger.

Does more flexible space and connections to outdoors suggest VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE? 

VERNACULAR: defined as...


1 (usu. the vernacular) the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region 


2 architecture concerned with domestic and functional rather than monumental buildings : buildings in which Gothic merged into farmhouse vernacular.

Friends keep any normal person sane.

Simple lines create an elegant and classy exterior of the Range Rover, one of my favorite cars on the road. I once wanted to work for Range Rover as an automotive designer (one of my dreams)

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.