Structure: Process

Statement of Intent

With this rendering of my ideal studio space, I was aiming to create a space inspired and guided not only by my aesthetic, but also my creative preferences. We were required by the assignment objectives to incorporate a minimum number of specific elements in our space, some of which, beyond the basic architectural features, were especially interesting to design the space with, such as the floating or personal elements. I have always been most inspired by older, more classic architectural features , especially when complemented by contemporary elements and perspectives. This combination and discovery of harmony between traditional concepts and modern creativity is something I really wanted to incorporate into this project, as it is a big part of what inspires me as a designer. I challenged myself to include more advanced features in the structure of the space, such as built-in cabinetry and a vaulted ceiling, in order to explore more deeply with perspective drawing skills.

 

Ideation

 

In class, we started off this project with exercises in line and contour drawing. We first worked on our ability and techniques for drawing straight lines.

 

A page from one class session, in which we practiced our form, repeating the same paths until they were as straight as possible.

 

We soon began moving into contour drawing, focusing on basic outlines of objects.

 

Practice with contour drawing, referencing a lamp in my room for one of our class exercises.

 

Next, we created two different compositions using a contour silhouette, one complex and the other simple, but both utilizing different line weights.

 

The complex and simple compositions I created using the contour of a pushpin.

 

Once we had practiced a fair amount with contour drawing, we moved on to still-life drawing techniques, introducing triangulation. We practiced this method in class and were assigned to create a miniature still life of two random objects with the triangulation method.

 

Practice with the triangulation method through a still-life of two objects.

 

Next, we used triangulation again to draw a larger-scale still-life in class, which we then created an alternative interpretation of as a diptych.

 

My final still life from class, presented on tracing paper due to the messy nature of the triangulation process in a final composition.

 

The diptych I created of my original still-life, looking at the curves and angles of each of the four corners of the central composition.

 

Once we had practice with the skills that would help us in creating our final rooms, we were able to move on into thinking about what features we wanted to include in our spaces.

 

Notes and mood-boarding for elements I wanted to include in my space. The direct sources of most of the images are unknown, as they were all found on Pinterests boards, so all credit for the images above is reserved to their owners.

 

Iteration & Production

The production process began by creating a perspective grid for the basic framework of my space. This was an especially intensive part of the process, especially when I decided on the addition of a vaulted ceiling.

 

My complete perspective grid used to create my final product.

 

Next, I used tracing paper to frame in the organization of the main items of the space. Each object or set of objects in the space is drawn on its own piece of tracing paper.

 

Sketching in the main layout of where furniture and other features would be.

 

I made sure to frame in these elements first before getting into too much detail, continuing with the addition of a bay window and built-in cabinetry. These things were especially challenging and intricate, as they were in the very back of my space, and were designed to be somewhat built-in o each other as well.

 

Adding built-in cabinets and a bay windows to the back of the room.

 

Addition of some of the smaller elements and details in the space.

 

Once I was don’t tracing every one of my objects onto their own sheets of tracing paper, I was ready to start on my final composition. The transfer of my final choices of decor and elements is essentially a repetition of the process outlined above, except on Bristol paper using a grid and light table.

 

A silly misalignment in the last stages of transfer onto Bristol, meaning I had to re-transfer all of my elements!

 

On the brighter side,  having to repeat this process twice gave me more experience and practice with perspective drawing techniques, and definitely made be double check every grid line I drew on! After this was resolved and I was done with my final transfer, I was very happy with my results and went on to share with the rest of the class in our final product review!

 

Reflection

 

This is a project that I throughly enjoyed from start to finish, while finding many opportunities for challenge. The structural elements of the space that I was able to incorporate Learning and applying drawing techniques that I have always been drawn to, but have never had chance to truly learn was an especially beneficial part of this project, as this is something I know I will be able to bring forward with me as a design student. The structural elements of my studio space that I was able to incorporate through further exploration with perspective drawing were not only exciting to see take shape, but really added to the overall feel and environment I was aiming for with this space.

While the production portion of this process might seem less in-depth than expected, this was our first project in the program and I had not yet taken the time to learn about the most effective methods of documentation, an area I am much stronger and confident in after a year of learning in foundations.

 

Portfolio Project

The page showcasing my final Structure project can be found through the link below!

Structure