NGM [inspiration]

NGM [the beginning]

Our class discussion Wednesday changed the gear on the approach or more importantly the outcome of the design that I am going to re-create for the technology classroom of NGM. The circulation group decided to use the tree as a metaphor for design. Circulation being the bulk of any design project, holding the various components together. Applying this metaphor to a school, I put much thought into how each component [classroom, art courtyard, people, etc...] would fit into this cycle. The sketch below helps to create a better understanding of how this overall process works within my head.


After further analysis and research, I came to think of the classroom as the roots of the entire school experience. Roots, in relation to a tree has its most influential developmental years towards the beginning of its lifetime. Roots grow in any direction, if given the right environment to flourish, and they consist of two systems: primary and secondary stages of growth. Within individual roots, each part serves a specialized function. When comparing these characteristics to the function and usage of a classroom, the details run parallel. Students use "roots" to develop, grow, and depend on their nourishment to push them forward, in any direction, with the common theme of success and achievement.

NGM [technology class]

I took another trip to NGM, in which my focus was to find a classroom to observe in regards to function, space, and form. Fortunately, I ran in to a fellow friend that teaches at NGM Dorand. He allowed me to sit in and take pictures of the space given, to gather a better understanding of the successes and failures of the overall functionality of the space. I found that the floor plan of the space to be very successful in that the room is centered around a common unit of desks, which is bordered around another series of desks on the perimeter of the space. Dorand also relayed to me that he enjoyed the floor plan due to the ease to assist multiple students at one time and the option to gather for lecture time or presentation. Dorand did say that he wished windows were operable and a system that could reduce the glare on the computer screens within the space.

The Courage to Teach

Teaching takes part in an intellectual, spiritual, and psychological manner, heeding to various learning styles and communities. The Courage to Teach provides guidance within the act of teaching. It breaks down the successes and failures of procedure and practice, while providing ground notes for physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual spatial requirements. [pg. 7-12] Each category focuses on what additions can take place within group and individual interaction to set-up comfortable learning environments, the foundation for any intellectual exchange.

[POETICS OF SPACE] ch_08

Intimate Immensity

intimate: space and time devoted to individualism
immensity: philosophical category of daydream (daydream: original contemplation)~pg.183

Chapter 8 analyzes man and the effects of different types of daydream. From the motionless to infinitive, each daydream is stretched to pass the time and provide the ability to analyze solely on individual characteristics. I found this chapter to be rather intriguing in that it compared the intimate with the exterior in a structural sense as well as a personable sense, always referring to man and our role on the environment we inhabit. Within the space we inhabit, there are specifics: space of intimacy and world space, which both become identical when immensities touch. (pg. 203)

[POETICS OF SPACE] ch_07

This chapter focused on the concept of miniature. Miniature, in terms of Bachelard, can be defined as the miniscule details that influence a greater outcome. Miniature is the reasoning behind the daydreams of man, it provides a basis to evaluate and scale those surrounding elements that evolve to mold & shape man. (pg.152) Exploring this concept goes on to explore the ways in which we as people perceive the space around us and how much detail we allow our eye to engage. It explores our actions, and in comparison, reveals how the volume of our actions undertakes the results and consequences from the choices we make in life.

IARC 2 ATL.....success

In light of our Atlanta experience, I can now say that I officially understand "success", in terms of a design firm.

SUCCESS = ability to express oneself creatively with visual and verbal communications : ability to contribute on design basis for range of project selections (national & international) : ability to work within design group proactively

[POETICS OF SPACE] ch_06

Concluding Bachelard's analysis of intimate spacing, he addresses corners and their effects on mental capacity in regards to daydream initiatives. Nests and shells are transpositions of the function of inhabiting, whereas corners are impressions of intimacy (pg. 136). This simply breaks down the decisions we make as humans, emphasizing the fact that we are the space that we choose, we are the people that we surround ourselves with, we are the result of our mental daydreams and what they propose for future being. The first portion of the Poetics of Space is a journey through self. How past incidents structured our being of today and how our choices today will determine the paths for tomorrow.

[POETICS OF SPACE] ch_05

"Shells are sublime subjects of contemplation for the mind" (pg. 131)

In this chapter, Bachelard analyzes the reaction of man as a result of shell observation. The shell's shape determines inordinate objects (pg. 105). We learn as readers and designers that nature is very clever when it comes to design, evolving and constructing those assets necessary for prosperous survival. This then leads me to believe that as designers, we should always turn to nature to determine shapes and structures for our designs.

Referring back to past concepts of daydream, and how these moments are influenced by our surrounding spaces, Bachelard explains that an empty shell, like an empty nest invites daydreams ( pg. 107). From this observation I gathered that these moments can be defined as "moments of creative intuition" where emptiness provides opportunity to explore various renditions of space, light, and form.

[POETICS OF SPACE] ch_04

The chapter covered beings and functions of inhabitating. Using Michelet's words for various description and analysis, Bachelard compares a nest to the evolution of man and the importance of inhabitance and being in regards to personal development.

One of the most interesting statements throughout the entire chapter was Bachelard's breakdown that "bird's nest are most comparable home structures of our time" (pg. 92) This thought intrigued me because the extent that we as humans excel for structure development, using a lot of space for minimal tasks. Comparing home and nest goes to show that we as humans do not need the lavish necessities we possess, for all the meaningful things in life can be done in confined quarters and done to a greater capacity.