Just in case you haven’t checked this out already. Great site!
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And as a side note, I just got a new place and will be moving this week. So things are pretty “all over the place” right now. Once I get settled in I will be able to post more! WHOOOOOOO!! Hope everyone is having a great summer!
Cheers,
Mark, tipsforarchitectureschool
#71 Put your name on everything you do.
Your name is the most important thing you own. When you are working on a project in school, you are thinking about the design so much and move onto other things that when it comes time to pin up, you forget (or don’t bother) to put your name on your work. Then when people come in to see all of the work, they have no idea who you are and you could possibly be missing some important recognition. There have been many times where I have seen job offers come from the right person seeing a pin up. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity, so make sure you are doing everything you can to stay prepared for whatever comes your way. You never know who will be looking at your work when you are away, and something as simple as your name can make the difference between getting a job offer or just another question in the air.
So this is happening in the world now…
MATAERIAL is the result of the collaborative research between Petr Novikov, Saša Jokić from the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and Joris Laarman Studio. IAAC tutors representing Open Thesis Fabrication Program provided their advice and professional expertise. During the course of the research we developed a brand new digital fabrication method and a working prototype that can open a door to a number of practical applications. The method that we call Anti·gravity Object Modeling has a Patent-Pending status.
Soundtrack: Mémoire - La Mer
#69 Make time for social interactions.
You might not think this one is important, but you have to make time to mingle with friends and even strangers. For example, I just went to a bar and chatted with a local in my downtown area. It was really cool to hear different ideas and disciplines from someone outside of studio. I actually used the ideas we talked about in my current project and it went over very well. Architecture is about people, so make sure you continue to sharpen your craft by surrounding yourself with a variety of them.
So…
I GRADUATE FROM ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL TODAY!!
I will probably take this post down after this weekend, but for those of you who are interested, here is the video I made for my graduating class at the University of South Florida School of Architecture + Community Design.
This not only goes out to graduates of my school, but to all graduates from architecture schools from around the world:
We did it!!!! And despite our inconsistencies, we loved every minute of it. What a wild ride this has been!! :) Congratulations to everyone graduating this semester!! Cheers!
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Side Notes:
Architecture Fitness Tee!
T-shirt people! I sent out an update, but still just letting you know i’m looking at the boxes of shirts right next to me. They will be shipped soon, I just have to get this whole graduating from school thing out of the way today. I received numerous emails about changing addresses for leaving campus housing. I’m on it! Everyone will receive their shirt at the correct address. :)
USF School of Architecture + Community Design:
Anyone interested in seeing more from my school here are some links:
Tumblr: usfsacd.tumblr.com
Facebook: facebook.com/USFArchitecture
Website: arch.usf.edu
#68 Master the power to Switch Gears
To “Switch Gears” is to go from one task to another. If you are working on a drawing, then stop to study for a test, you have to “Switch Gears” and change your mindset to accommodate the next task.
Multi-tasking is something that will help you tremendously while being productive, but you have to know how to multi-task correctly. Working on many different projects at one time is great, and can save some time if properly scheduled, but you have to itemize your mindset for each activity.
For example, today I am working on a Logo/Branding design for a client. I sent the initial sketches to the client and am waiting for a reply. Now I am working on my Thesis Document in the meantime. If I continue to think about the logo design while working on the document, I will not be able to put my full attention into the document. I must “Switch Gears” and put my focus for the logo design on hold until I work on it again.
DO NOT GET IN YOUR OWN WAY.
You have to be able to focus 100% on the task at hand, and when it is time to move on, shift that 100% to the next task. It takes some time to get used to, but if you can focus all of your energy into shorts bursts for each project, you will be more productive.
Disclaimer: As a by-product of designing, each project you work on can and will influence others. So I am not saying that you can’t relate projects to each other, because I actually get a lot of inspiration from mixing ideas from different projects, but you cannot dwell on previos tasks. This is a tool to keep your mind focused and will help you from getting sidetracked.
#67 Know when to use Save, Save As, and Save for Web & Devices
Save:
When you are working on a project in Photoshop (or any program for that matter) it is important to “Save” the file IMMEDIATELY and frequently “Save” as you work over time. I know a lot of people who just work on their project with the file un-saved and named as “Untitled” and eventually lose their file after hours of work. One of the worst feelings in the world is to build a Masterpiece and lose it all with one quick “unexpected error.”
Get into the habit of saving your work with this method no matter how insignificant the file may be. It is much easier to delete a file than it is to recreate one from scratch.
Save As:
“Save As” is a great tool to rename a file on the spot or keep a record of your work. Simply put, it allows you to save your current document under a different name. I use this as a tool when designing or rendering.
When you reach a point in your work where you are satisfied, but would like to continue working on it to experiment or further develop it, use the “Save As” feature to keep the file “As is”.
Here is an example of file names:
Thesis Render - 1 - No Background
Thesis Render - 2 - Full Entourage
Thesis Render - 3 - FINAL (Layers)
Thesis Render - 4 - FINAL (Merged with Overlay)
Then at any point you can reference the file at a specific point in the design timeline. You can also delete any of these at any time to save space.
Another great thing about “Save As” is that you can open a file with properties similar to a new drawing you wish to do, delete out layers you do not want, and save the document as new. This will save a lot of time in setting up Fonts, Color Pallets, Canvas Size, Etc.
Save for Web & Devices
This feature is especially important when saving images for ONLINE use. Any time you save an image it will use the current canvas size when it exports. Luckily, sites like Tumblr and Facebook will automatically resize an image for you to be compatible for viewing, but the quality of the photo might get lost in transition.
When you “Save for Web & Devices” you decide what size the file is by the pixel instead of by the inch. This is especially important in web design because the files will show up as it was exported without compression. Anything you save in this manner will automatically look better online.
I have gotten into the habit of only saving with this method if my work is only going to be used on the internet. If I am physically printing my work, I will select the proper size in inches with the “save” or “save as” option so it doesn’t come out too small.
Here is a quick guide for saving:
Pixels for Internet - Inches for Printing
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Also reference RGB vs CMYK as this will determine the quality of your output based on use as well.
All of Steven Holl’s buildings begin the same way: with an intuitive brush stroke, usually first thing in the morning. “For me, drawing is a form of thought,” he says. “I start every project with a concept diagram. I used to do pencil drawings. Those took eight hours. Around 1979, I…
Always be drawing…
#66 Always keep building your entourage file.
As you make your way through school, you will probably be making some computer renderings. ;) In every computer rendering you will be “adding entourage” to your designs to make them more exciting/engaging/more believable/etc. (If you do not know what entourage is look HERE)
Make an entourage file on your computer and keep it organized. You can recycle people, trees, and really anything into your designs.
Entourage Tips:
Make sure you are smart with your entourage. You do not want to put in people with winter clothes into a summer scene. Also be aware of plants, especially trees, because they are region specific. Dont put a palm tree in a rendering where palm trees do not grow.
And “Multiply” in Photoshop is your friend! If you have an image with a background, you can blend the background into your canvas by using the “Multiply Tool”.
** No more hours of tedious cropping. Your welcome. :) **
Here are some places on the internet to get you started!!
Enjoy!
ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT PURCHASING A LAPTOP??
I know I know, I am personally a MAC guy, so shoot me! But here is a great recommendation for PC Computers to buy. This came directly from a friend of mine who works in an IT department so this is a pretty legit recommendation.
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Thinking about buying a laptop for Architecture School? Here are some helpful tips to consider when purchasing:
Do NOT purchase a laptop with Windows 8
Most industry experts agree that Windows 8 is another Microsoft mistake reminiscent of the not too distant Vista fiasco. Most major companies have publicly stated that they will not install or support Windows 8 (just like they didn’t install or support Vista).
Windows 8 is completely different, it is unlike any operating system to date, and not designed for the normal desktop user like you.
Many laptop vendors are now shipping laptops with Windows 7 installed and Windows 8 on DVDs.
If you have already purchased a new laptop with Windows 8, some schools sell Windows 7 for $15+ with a student ID.
AutoCAD and Revit are not supported on Windows 8
Autodesk’s site says support for Windows 8 “may” be added through updates OR future versions but no specific products are mentioned nor is a timeframe.
Do Not buy a laptop at a retail store
Most laptops you find at Best Buy, Office Depot, Staples, Target etc. are geared for the home user who is gonna surf the web and check email – they won’t work for you, or at least not for long.
Unfortunately as Architects your programs require better computers than most retails stores tend to carry – you may find them but you need to know what you are looking for before you go shopping or you’ll end up buying a nice DVD/music player instead of a useful computer.
Recommended Laptop Brands (See below for recommended models)
Dell
Lenovo
HP
Hardware Recommendations
Processor - i7 (see specific models listed below)
RAM - 8 GB minimum – system maximum should be at least 12 GB – 16GB or more preferred
Video Card - (see video cards listed below)
Note: NVIDIA video cards seems to have less issues and better driver support
REMEMBER – these recommendations are the minimums – bigger and faster are always better if the budget allows.
Autodesk Recommends these models
(as of 02-13-13)
Dell
Dell Precision M4500 - (Intel® Core™ i7 CPU M620 @ 2.67GHz)
Dell Precision M4500 - NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800M
Dell Precision M4500 - NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M
Dell Precision M4600 - (Intel® Core™ i7-2820QM CPU @ 2.30GHz)
Dell Precision M4600 - AMD (ATI) FirePro M5950 (FireGL) Mobility Pro Graphics
Dell Precision M4600 - NVIDIA Quadro 2000M
Dell Precision M6500 - (Intel® Core™ i7 CPU X920 @ 2.00GHz)
Dell Precision M6500 - ATI FirePro M7820
Dell Precision M6500 - NVIDIA Quadro 5000M
Dell Precision M6500 - NVIDIA Quadro FX 3800M
Dell Precision M6600 - (Intel® Core™ i7-2720QM CPU @ 2.20GHz)
Dell Precision M6600 - AMD (ATI) FirePro M8900 (FireGL) Mobility Pro Graphics
Dell Precision M6600 - NVIDIA Quadro 4000M
Dell Precision M6600 - NVIDIA Quadro 5010M
Lenovo
Lenovo ThinkPad W520 - (Intel® Core™ i7-2920XM CPU @ 2.50GHz)
Lenovo ThinkPad W520 - NVIDIA Quadro 1000M
Lenovo ThinkPad W520 - NVIDIA Quadro 2000M
Lenovo ThinkPad W530 - (Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3920XM CPU @ 2.90GHz)
Lenovo ThinkPad W530 - NVIDIA Quadro K1000M
Lenovo ThinkPad W530 - NVIDIA Quadro K2000M
HP
HP EliteBook 8460w - (Intel® Core i7-2820QM CPU @ 2.30GHz with 8 GB RAM)
HP Elitebook 8460w - AMD FirePro V3900 (ATI FireGL)
HP EliteBook 8540w - (Intel® Core™ i7 CPU Q820 @ 1.73GHz with 8 GB RAM)
HP EliteBook 8540w - ATI FirePro M5800
HP EliteBook 8540w - NVIDIA Quadro FX 1800M
HP EliteBook 8540w - NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M
HP EliteBook 8560w - (Intel® Core™ i7-2820QM CPU @ 2.30GHz with 8 GB RAM)
HP EliteBook 8560w - AMD (ATI) FirePro M5950 (FireGL) Mobility Pro Graphics
HP EliteBook 8560w - NVIDIA Quadro 1000M
HP EliteBook 8560w - NVIDIA Quadro 2000M
HP EliteBook 8570w - (Intel® Core™ i7 CPU QM3820 @ 2.70GHz with 8 GB RAM)
HP EliteBook 8570w - NVIDIA Quadro K2000M
HP EliteBook 8740w - (Intel® Core™ i7 CPU Q820 @ 1.73GHz with 8 GB RAM)
HP EliteBook 8740w - ATI FirePro M7820
HP EliteBook 8740w - NVIDIA Quadro 5000M
HP EliteBook 8740w - NVIDIA Quadro FX 2800M
HP EliteBook 8740w - NVIDIA Quadro FX 3800M
HP Elitebook 8760w - (Intel® Core™ i7-2820QM CPU @ 2.30GHz with 8 GB RAM)
HP EliteBook 8760w - NVIDIA Quadro 3000M
HP EliteBook 8760w - NVIDIA Quadro 4000M
HP EliteBook 8760w - NVIDIA Quadro 5010M
HP Elitebook 8760w - AMD (ATI) FirePro M5950 (FireGL) Mobility Pro Graphics
HP EliteBook 8770w - (Intel® Core™ i7 CPU QM3820 @ 2.70GHz with 8 GB RAM)
HP Elitebook 8770w - NVIDIA Quadro K4000M
HP Elitebook 8770w - NVIDIA Quadro K5000M
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Hopefully this will help you in your decision making when buying a laptop for architecture school!
#65 Sometimes you must sacrifice your favorite part for the whole.
This is one of the hardest things to do and is still something that I struggle with when designing. When you come up with a concept and begin making your way towards the final product, sometimes there is a part of your design that you ABSOLUTELY FALL IN LOVE with. Or you fall in love with a precedent study you find along the way and really try to force it into your design. If you force something, its probably because it doesn’t fit.
You have to look at your design from many different perspectives and if that thing that you “love so much!” is getting in the way of the holistic concept, it’s gotta go.
When you get to the end of a project and that “red spiderweb looking thing” does not help your composition, you should find a way to either get rid of it or modify it to work towards a cohesive design. Do not confuse this with getting rid of your concept though, this idea of eliminating a design element because it doesn’t fit is usually something that is an additive part of your design, not the design itself. If the “red spiderweb looking thingy” is the driver of your design, then all of the other elements should support that move. There is a fine line between knowing what is good for your design and what is hurting it, but that is why we have critiques. :) Either way, you should always look at your design from different perspectives and make sure that whatever you do, you maintain hierarchy throughout the design. Besides, you can always save that idea for later. You don’t have to put all your good ideas into a concept all at once!
Looking for a blog with nothing but student work from an architecture school?
LOOK NO FURTHER! Check out The ARCHive, a student work blog from the University of South Florida School of Architecture + Community Design!
Follow this blog. —-> usfsacd.tumblr.com
Looking to add to the Urban Conga Line!
This project is starting in Tampa, FL but is looking to expand to cities around the world!!
Check out this video and their Kickstarter page to learn more. Such an awesome idea, come out and play!!
Hey Archi and Design Peeps! I have been working on my personal website over the break and finally finished it today! Over time I will be adding more projects and I would like to begin a vast tutorials page on there too, but for now this will have to do.
If you have any questions on how I made anything on my site, send me a message through my contact page.
Check it out!
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