Founded in 1981, Perkins Eastman is one of the top firms in architecture, urban design, and interior design. With a reputation known internationally, Perkins Eastman has work across the globe.
When first entering the Perkins Eastman site, you are welcomed to a black background with red and silver boarders. They also have an opening slide show that showcases some of their work. The site it broken down into several categories with subcategories under some. Overall, the home page is very captivating and makes the viewer want to continue seeing the site.
Besides the home page, I really like the organization and fact that the firm gave us background information. Their portfolio of work was very good, especially their international portfolio. The shapes of some of the structure was fascinating as well as inspiring.
Overall, I would give this site a 10. It's home page was as captivating as their work.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Callison
As the No. 1 retail design firm in the world. Callison is one of the world's top architecture firms. Boasting seven locations across the world, Callison has done marvellous design work on almost every continent possible. Along with a great reputation, Callison has accumulated numerous rankings and awards internationally.
As you surf through Callison's site, you are welcomed with a white background with a gray frame. The strongest aspect of this site is its organization. Broken down into 7 sections, you are able to view all Callison has to offer. Another strong feature of the site is its opening slide show. The photos show the diversity of their work as a whole.
My favorite part of the site was their portfolio. I thoroughly enjoyed looking at their hotel and resorts. Some of their buildings were amazing. The way they made these hotels look like amusement parks was crazy! Another point of their hotels and resorts was their interiors that combined traditional design with modern sleek design.
A few things I would have like to see was more color, interactiveness, and background history on the firm. I find it very interesting to read about the firms past success.
On a scale of 1-10, this website ranks an 8.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
RTKL Architects, Designers, Planners, Engineers, Consultants
RTKL is an internationally know firm specializing in architecture, engineering and planning. With firms in North America, Europe, and Asia, RTKL is leaving their mark on every continent possible. With their expertise being in civic & public, health care, hospitality, residential, retail & entertainment, sports, engineering, science & technology, and workplace, RTKL has a very diversified portfolio of work. Since their start in 1946, they have received numerous awards and recognitions and still continue to do so.
There were many strong points about the website. Besides being very interactive, the sight captures the viewers attention with changes in color on a white background as you transition through the site. Besides being very organized the site offers links throughout the write ups which take you to different parts within the sight. The sight offers slide shows to view as well.
My favorite part of this site was their portfolio. I enjoyed viewing their health care and interiors the most. Combining modern design with the principle of timeless design, their work exceeds many other firms I have seen.
One of the downsides to the sight is that they do not offer any history. But besides that, the site was awesome, very interesting, and inspiring to view. On a scale of 1-10, they rank a 9. Go check out the site now at www.rtkl.com
There were many strong points about the website. Besides being very interactive, the sight captures the viewers attention with changes in color on a white background as you transition through the site. Besides being very organized the site offers links throughout the write ups which take you to different parts within the sight. The sight offers slide shows to view as well.
My favorite part of this site was their portfolio. I enjoyed viewing their health care and interiors the most. Combining modern design with the principle of timeless design, their work exceeds many other firms I have seen.
One of the downsides to the sight is that they do not offer any history. But besides that, the site was awesome, very interesting, and inspiring to view. On a scale of 1-10, they rank a 9. Go check out the site now at www.rtkl.com
Devrouax+Purnell
Based in Washington, DC, this firm has been landscaping the nation's capital for 32 years. Although stationed in DC, this firm has done work across the globe. Their principle "To exceed expectations" has made them one of the leading firms in Washington, DC and surrounding Metropolitan area. They have designed landmark buildings such as the Verizon Center (formerly known as the MCI Center), The Fireman's Building (a place where I used to work), and they are now responsible in bringing baseball back to the nation's capital as they partner with HOK to design the new Nationals baseball stadium. Before I left for school, I had the opportunity to visit this innovative firm.
After surfing their website I was not impressed as what I thought I would be. Although the site offers some interactiveness, there could be much more. Also a change n the gray monotone background would help keep the viewers interest. Now after getting the negative points out the way, the site does offer great organization and a good portfolio. Growing up in the Washington, DC area I found it interesting to see what building they had designed and are now designing.
Overall, I think this site could use an upgrade. Although I enjoyed their work and maybe a I was a little biased because it is my hometown, I was still expecting more. If I had to rank this site it would be a 5. At the end of the day, there was nothing special about this site.
After surfing their website I was not impressed as what I thought I would be. Although the site offers some interactiveness, there could be much more. Also a change n the gray monotone background would help keep the viewers interest. Now after getting the negative points out the way, the site does offer great organization and a good portfolio. Growing up in the Washington, DC area I found it interesting to see what building they had designed and are now designing.
Overall, I think this site could use an upgrade. Although I enjoyed their work and maybe a I was a little biased because it is my hometown, I was still expecting more. If I had to rank this site it would be a 5. At the end of the day, there was nothing special about this site.
2 interior environments: what's hot pt.2
1. Sicis, Chicago (top right)
This space experiments with color, pattern, and texture. This room is decorated with mosaic tiles and mosaic fabric. Designed by an Italian company. this room plays with colors an patterns. With no specific color scheme, your eyes travel everywhere in the room. Even though there is no color scheme, the many colors work together to contribute to the overall harmony of the room. Although the room is a mixture of colors, the common theme that ties the room together is nature. Nature can be seen through the trees in the middle of the room and flowers on the walls.
2. Nokia, New York City (left)
Another room that shows the importance of lighting is the Nokia three story flagship. The room achieves this bright attractive color through color shifting LED panelled walls. I chose this room because of its sleek feel. I also liked the pictures on the walls that breakup the solid color pink. This is a great room to sell phones because of its sleek and sexy feel.
3 interior environments:what' s hot pt.1
1. Constant Craving (top)
This interior incorporates naturals and design. Using a brick wall as part of their design adds a lot of character to the room. My favorite part of this room would be the lamps and the black shelves in the bar area. The black shelves keeps the in the spirit of the box style chairs. The lamps are also great accents to a room with that has a natural feel. Also adding to this natural feel is the dark brown wood floors.
Overall, I think this room is a good example of combining different textures and materials to create balance in a room.
2. Lights Fantastic (first from the left on second row)
This room is a good example of how important lighting really is. This all white room uses colorful LED lights to add color to the room. The furniture in this space gives the room a plush sultry feel. From the drapes and over sized chandeliers, the lighting adds to accentuate the sultriness of this London restaurant.
My favorite parts of this room are the bar and chairs. The design on the bar is a very beautiful design that does not take away from the overall design of the room. The chairs used in the room give a sense of comfort.
4. Country Cool (bottom left)
A combination of different styles gives this room a retro 70s feel. From the square designs on the wall to the button tuft upholstery on the bar, everything about this room screams style! the color scheme of the room is traditional with a hint of color. The accents of yellow and aqua brighten up the room. Another aspect of this room that I really liked was that it experiments with shape. The lights, couch, and vases all have unusual shapes. My favorite part of this entire room is the table. I love how color is used on the table to bring color into the traditional color scheme of the room. This room would have to be one of my favorite rooms yet.
Pictures taken from Elle Decor November 2007 issue
Mosaic Beauty
Filled with deep hues of red, this mosaic tile bathroo oozes beauty and elegance. So beautiful that you would not expect for it to be totally made of tiles, this bathroom explores color and composition. From where to put the flowers and what colors each flower should be, the design of this room took much thought. If not well thought out the array of colors could have easily been a distraction in the bathroom instead a piece of art. Another aspect of the bathroom is the tub. Instead of a having a floral motif similar to the walls, the tub is more subtle as it is covered with different shades of reds.
Bathroom found in the Elle Decor November 2007 issue.
What's Hot (2)
1. Curves Ahead (Lamp on the right)
This desk lamp by Ochre' emphasizes shape and color. With a curve that cannot be missed, this lamp transforms your idea of the normal desk lamp. Made from metal, the colors keep in the styles of modern sleek design. Very simplistic but eye catching, this lamp would add style to any desk.
2. Straight and Narrow (chair in the center of the page)
Designed by John Black, this chair is beautiful in all its simplicity. Done in a meranella finish, this chair exudes modern simplicity. The rectangles in the back of the chair gives the chair that extra edge while remaining true to its simplicity. Another positive aspect of the chair is the texture of the back and seating. It gives the chair an earthy feel.
Dramatic Chandelier
Chosen for its over the top appearance, this chandelier, taken from Elle Decor's November 2007 issue, plays with the form and texture. A very beautiful chandelier, this piece would be the focus of any room. My automatic reason for choosing this is its shape. The top half of the chandelier resembles the bottom but differently. Instead of large textured drooping petals, the to half has thinner textured tendrils hanging over producing an elegant feel.
I call it a box chandelier
This box chandelier taken from the November 2007 issue of Elle Decor emphasizes line, form, and scale. As it is a chandelier the scale of this object is very dominate. The reason I chose this object is because of its eye catching shape. To see a chandelier made up of all rectangular box is very interesting. When put into any room it automatically becomes the focal point.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
HDR Architecture and Engineering Consulting Firm
Stationed in Omaha, Nebraska, HDR has been designing buildings since 1917. HDR is an architectural, engineering, and consulting firm with more than 150 locations worldwide. Among the many rankings and awards, they were ranked No. 1 in health care firm design. A firm known for its vision, value, and service, HDR will be designing our world for many years to come.
HDR's website is broken down into several categories, keeping the site very organized. out of all the other websites i have viewed so far, this is the most organized. What I really like about this website is that you really get a sense of who they are a a design firm. From their past, values, and mission statement, you are able to tell pursuit of perfection and creativity in everything they do.
Although the site was very organized, it did not show enough of their work. The links that you thought would take you to portfolios of their work took you to long essays detailing the process and vision behind the structure. Granted such background was very helpful, as the viewer you want to see their work not be described their work.
If I were to rate this site on only organization it would be a 10, but overall (including organization, pictures, interactiveness, and history) I rank this site an 8.
HDR's website is broken down into several categories, keeping the site very organized. out of all the other websites i have viewed so far, this is the most organized. What I really like about this website is that you really get a sense of who they are a a design firm. From their past, values, and mission statement, you are able to tell pursuit of perfection and creativity in everything they do.
Although the site was very organized, it did not show enough of their work. The links that you thought would take you to portfolios of their work took you to long essays detailing the process and vision behind the structure. Granted such background was very helpful, as the viewer you want to see their work not be described their work.
If I were to rate this site on only organization it would be a 10, but overall (including organization, pictures, interactiveness, and history) I rank this site an 8.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, LLP
Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, LLP has done wonderful work across the world, with their specialty being in skyscrappers. With 7 firms across the globe, including London and Hong Kong, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill, LLP is leaving their architecture mark on every continent possible.
After surfing through their website, I was a little disappointed. Unlike the many websites I have visited, they did not have any history nor did they go into enough detail about the principals of the firm. This website was more of a portfolio of their work. Although they do great work, I would have like to learn more about thier company without having to look at their portfolio.
Based off of their portfolio, you can tell they are a firm that has great expertise in combining traditional architecture with modern architecture. Many of their buildings appear to be very futuristic in terms of their style.
Although I loved their work, this website lacked energy and creativity. It does not seem as if they thought about the viewer. Unless you are looking at their portfolio, you can become easily disinterested. It would have been nice if the site was more interactive as well.
On a scale of 1-10, I would rank this site a 7.
After surfing through their website, I was a little disappointed. Unlike the many websites I have visited, they did not have any history nor did they go into enough detail about the principals of the firm. This website was more of a portfolio of their work. Although they do great work, I would have like to learn more about thier company without having to look at their portfolio.
Based off of their portfolio, you can tell they are a firm that has great expertise in combining traditional architecture with modern architecture. Many of their buildings appear to be very futuristic in terms of their style.
Although I loved their work, this website lacked energy and creativity. It does not seem as if they thought about the viewer. Unless you are looking at their portfolio, you can become easily disinterested. It would have been nice if the site was more interactive as well.
On a scale of 1-10, I would rank this site a 7.
Perkins+Will Architets
Perkins+Will Architects started in 1935. Since then they have been producing exceptional work. With locations that stretch across 5 continents, Perkins+Will Architects have sealed their reputation in the architecture world.
Going through their website you are able to view all of their work, history, and principles. With a diverse portfolio, with work ranging from corporate headquarters, interiors, to schools, you are able to see Perkins+Wll's principle of combining traditional architecture with urban architecture at work. After viewing their work, I enjoyed their schools and interiors the most. Seeing how they transformed the traditional idea of schools into something beautiful was very inspiring.
The setup of this website was very interesting. With a white background as the core, all other colors seem to pop. This is very good when it comes to keeping the viewers attention. The website was broken down into 4 sections with different links under each. The whole way through the website you are able to view their portfolio.
On a scale of 1-10, I would give this site a 8.5.
Going through their website you are able to view all of their work, history, and principles. With a diverse portfolio, with work ranging from corporate headquarters, interiors, to schools, you are able to see Perkins+Wll's principle of combining traditional architecture with urban architecture at work. After viewing their work, I enjoyed their schools and interiors the most. Seeing how they transformed the traditional idea of schools into something beautiful was very inspiring.
The setup of this website was very interesting. With a white background as the core, all other colors seem to pop. This is very good when it comes to keeping the viewers attention. The website was broken down into 4 sections with different links under each. The whole way through the website you are able to view their portfolio.
On a scale of 1-10, I would give this site a 8.5.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
shadow horror
This assignment was very frustrating. I have done shading in the past but I have only done smudge and for some reason I could not get into the swing of things. But nevertheless, here are the two pictures we did in class. The first one came out better than the second one. But the hardest part of the first one was the foam crate in the middle. It was really hard to capture the shadings on this.
This is the second one we did and this one made me the most frustrated. The shape of the shoe was interesting and trying to capture the shadows using only diagonals was very difficult. But this is how it turned out by the time class had ended.
This is the second one we did and this one made me the most frustrated. The shape of the shoe was interesting and trying to capture the shadows using only diagonals was very difficult. But this is how it turned out by the time class had ended.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Self Portraits
Assignment: For the next five days draw/ create a self portrait twice a day. On the fifth day Friday, October 5, present your presentations in an installation that enhances our understanding of you.
The idea behind my self portrait was to emphasis parts of my personality and where I am from. The self portraits that you see are taken from actual pictures of me and some are done in collage form.
The last two photos show my attempt at trying to capture the urban city life of DC through graffiti. Some of the words represent my personalities as well.
The idea behind my self portrait was to emphasis parts of my personality and where I am from. The self portraits that you see are taken from actual pictures of me and some are done in collage form.
The last two photos show my attempt at trying to capture the urban city life of DC through graffiti. Some of the words represent my personalities as well.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
HKS Inc.
After 65 years of services, HKS Inc. is one of the top architecture firms in the country. Doing work ranging from airports, churches to sports venues has allowed for them to be awarded numerous awards. There specialities include interior design, architecture, and planning services.
There website is characterized by organization and color. With a gray, red, and white background, their website finds a way to keep you interested. With a very interactive site, the viewer is able to view photographs of the company's portfolio. Their portfolio showcases their work ranging from commercial work to residential homes and apartments. You are also able to view the firms history, as well as, news concerning the firm.
Overall, I enjoyed viewing this website. The strongest area of this site is its interactiveness. Each page keeps the viewer engages as they navigate their way through the site. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this website an 8.
www.hksinc.com
There website is characterized by organization and color. With a gray, red, and white background, their website finds a way to keep you interested. With a very interactive site, the viewer is able to view photographs of the company's portfolio. Their portfolio showcases their work ranging from commercial work to residential homes and apartments. You are also able to view the firms history, as well as, news concerning the firm.
Overall, I enjoyed viewing this website. The strongest area of this site is its interactiveness. Each page keeps the viewer engages as they navigate their way through the site. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this website an 8.
www.hksinc.com
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
HOK Architects
HOK Architects s one of the best architecture firms recognized worldwide. Ranked as the #1 Architectrural/ Engineering Firms by News-Record in April of 2007. HOK has 26 regional offices across four countries. In the year 2006, HOK grossed over $475.8 million.
HOK's website is a combination of sophistication and organization. With the color black as the backdrop throughout the site, you are welcomed with photographs of their work. The site is divided into three sections: idea, work, and firm profile. Under ideas you are able to see HOK's respons to sustainable design. Under work you get to see photographs of their work ranging from architecture, education facilities, to sport event venues.
My favorite section of this site was the retail section o the work portfolio. These photographs showcase HOK's creativitya dn variety. With each building being drastically different from the others you are able to get a sense of HOK's versatilty as designers.
Overall I would rank this site on a scale of 1 to 10 as an 8. Although it does a great job of displaying the companies work, there is something about this website that did not keep me captivated. But as a firm they do great work
HOK's website is a combination of sophistication and organization. With the color black as the backdrop throughout the site, you are welcomed with photographs of their work. The site is divided into three sections: idea, work, and firm profile. Under ideas you are able to see HOK's respons to sustainable design. Under work you get to see photographs of their work ranging from architecture, education facilities, to sport event venues.
My favorite section of this site was the retail section o the work portfolio. These photographs showcase HOK's creativitya dn variety. With each building being drastically different from the others you are able to get a sense of HOK's versatilty as designers.
Overall I would rank this site on a scale of 1 to 10 as an 8. Although it does a great job of displaying the companies work, there is something about this website that did not keep me captivated. But as a firm they do great work
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Gensler Architecture Firm
One of the best in the nation with offices in over 28 cities, they have been in business for over 20 years. Combining fashion and architecture to create modern, fun, and timeless structures and interiors.
This website is filled with bright attractive colors that will keep the internet surfer captivated. From slideshows of the work from every aspects of architecture including workplaces, retail stores, to airports. You will not get tired of looking through this website.
With links that lead you to information about careers, contact information, and history of the firm, there is also a link that leads you to the magazine Dialogue This link allows you to read some articles in their current issue as well as old.
Overall this was a very interactive website with great photos exhibiting your work. On a scale of one to ten this website would be a perfect 10.
This website is filled with bright attractive colors that will keep the internet surfer captivated. From slideshows of the work from every aspects of architecture including workplaces, retail stores, to airports. You will not get tired of looking through this website.
With links that lead you to information about careers, contact information, and history of the firm, there is also a link that leads you to the magazine Dialogue This link allows you to read some articles in their current issue as well as old.
Overall this was a very interactive website with great photos exhibiting your work. On a scale of one to ten this website would be a perfect 10.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Met@m0rPopHo$i$
In class assignment: create 10 thumbnail sketches/models of potential "middle-mixes" of the two projects.
These were just me playing around with some ideas...I found this to be quite a challenge because you don't want to recreate what has already been done nor do you one to settle on the easiest idea you come up with because that means someone else could come up with it too...but never the less these were just some ideas for the project
Metamorphosis Project:
Molly's Pencil Box:
Memory: Picking Raspberries;
Colors: Dark Red and Green;
Shape: Square
Pencil Box:
Shape: Rectangular
Mechanical Operation: Top fits over bottom
Colors: Black/White with Newspaper covering
Nacarra's Memory Box
Memory: 3 becomes 1
Colors: Turquoise and Gold
Shape: Made up of triangles
Pencil Holder:
Shape: Circular like a purse
-Uses magnets as closure
Colors: used purple and green on final
black and white floral style paper on other iterations
The assignment:
Choose two 3-dimensional projects to work with: one from the person listed directly above you and one from the person listed directly below you on the Interior Architecture Blog.folio link list. Experiment to see what occurs as these projects evolve into one another.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Shoes...What a Memory
The Assignment: To create a container the either represents or evokes a memory.
My memory: I was involved in a fashion battle my junior year in high school...It was the first time we had ever done anything like this so the odds of winning were slim, but we shocked everyone when we one first place. The theme of our show was the movie Saw 2...We wore punk rock inspired clothing. My outfit consisted of a neon orange tutu like skirt with a black lace top...we covered the top in butterflies...The container I decided to make that represents this event was a stiletto shoe..the shoe will also represent some of my outfit that I wore that night.
Trial and error: Doing this project was very interesting...my first model i used matte board to construct the entire shoe...of course it turned out terrible...after showing it to my teachers to get some ideas on different materials I was instructed to try and use either plastic or foam...I tried the foam and it worked...by doing a total of four interations...This is my best yet...tell me what you think...
My memory: I was involved in a fashion battle my junior year in high school...It was the first time we had ever done anything like this so the odds of winning were slim, but we shocked everyone when we one first place. The theme of our show was the movie Saw 2...We wore punk rock inspired clothing. My outfit consisted of a neon orange tutu like skirt with a black lace top...we covered the top in butterflies...The container I decided to make that represents this event was a stiletto shoe..the shoe will also represent some of my outfit that I wore that night.
Trial and error: Doing this project was very interesting...my first model i used matte board to construct the entire shoe...of course it turned out terrible...after showing it to my teachers to get some ideas on different materials I was instructed to try and use either plastic or foam...I tried the foam and it worked...by doing a total of four interations...This is my best yet...tell me what you think...
Interior Enviroments Zine
Pictutes from House Beautiful September and August 2007 Issues.
Doing this assignment was a great way to get your design research done...When doing the design research for interior environments, I found out alot by just looking through magazines...One important lesson that I learned from just looking through different pictures is that neutrals are great colors. Although very basic and we tend to not look at them as real colors, they are great colors. In the environments I picked for my zing, they did a great job of using neutrals to create a clean and crisp feel that will always be in style...timeless design. When color was used in these neutral designs, color was used only to accent the room. The color may have been used in pillows or floral arrangements...subtle but great ways to put color in a room without overpowering the room.
When I went to look for rooms with a strong sense of color, I found that these rooms used a single color but different shades and textures of color. I am a person that loves color but is realizing that color is not always needed. Certain items are good items to use to bring color into a room such as curtain and furniture. What I found in the rooms that were dominated with color that most of the time the walls were done with a subtle shade of color or either a white wall.
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