Post # 6

In the office...

THIS POST IS RECORDED FOR WEEK 21-25 MARCH

Monday had been a normal working day for me. Due to Saturday's class session, it was convenient for me to move our (Mr Lamb and I) work session from Saturday to Monday (it being a holiday). Mr Lamb and I worked on a local authority drawing for a family in Fishoek. 

The job was to draw an extension on their property which would serve as a laundry room. The layout of the room (where the plumbing and connections are to be) still needs to be finalized. This Saturday we will probably have it done and then just "tweak" it for the final local authority drawings. 

For the rest of the week, Noel Botha, had assigned me to do more "design and planning" work. Clifton's plans, although, needed working drawings, which the Project manager had requested. Noel and I had had sorted those drawings out. Thereafter, it was just Lincon Road to be "tweaked" and finalized. I had also helped Yusuf out with the resolution of Duckitt avenue's service area rearrangement. Noel came to a final layout where Yusuf had then drawn it up. 

Highlight of the week :D 

On Thursday, 24 March, I was awarded with a bursary from "The City of Cape Town". I am so grateful and really excited. They've offered to pay for the rest of my studies at CPUT. It helps me so much, and it lifts a huge weight off my shoulders. At least, hopefully, they said there would be a job waiting for me there when I complete my studies...

It's already Tuesday!! The week is almost over again.. haha. Check me again on Friday for an update on the rest of this week. 

Rukiya...

Post # 5

In the office...

Busy Week!! 

This is an update for last week's blog post... Last week had been really busy - with the hub hand-in as well as office work. I'm sure you don't know, but I'm working 2 jobs this year - one more as a personal favour, however still getting the office experience I need. The architectural technologist I spoke about in "post #1", Daniel Lamb, needed help with his load of work. I've known him for approximately 4 years, so he needed someone he could trust. I stepped in to help him on Saturdays, for which I do get paid. During the week I would work from 9 - 5pm, then at home do some work for Mr. Lamb (work that could not be finished on the Saturday), and also try to fit in some "Tech" work. Fortunately, everything gets done...

On to the office work I do for Noel Botha... 

Clifton's sketchplan was finalized at last. The space is working out nicely for the client. There's one problem though - this is probably where I experience the harsh side... The neighbours below the client's flat are disagreeing with a part of the extension, as it covers up their entrance hall. The client is currently trying to sort it out with them. Hopefully, we'll get some good news soon...

Lincon Road's plans are well on it's way. The clients haven't seen the layout yet. I've now drawn up a full set of sketch including the sections and elevations. They are ready to be printed and to be shown to the client. I hope they agree with the layout. So, I'll get back to you on that one... ;D 

The Highlight of last week... 

It was my Birthday!! My boss had decided on taking us out for milkshakes as a treat for my birthday. It was fun, and besides, we needed the break out of the office for a while... :) I really enjoyed the conversation, and the milkshake was Lovely! :)

Hub project - interim 2

Below is an upload of my presentation for the 2nd interim hand-in.

Hub project interim 2

View more presentations from Rukiya Abrahams


Concept model #1

Post # 4

In the office... 

This week had been focused more on the design process. We have almost finalized the design layout of the Clifton flat extension and waiting on confirmation from the client. The project was a bit tricky to design, due to the small space we had to work with. We managed to fit the shower in, still having space for the WC and basin. We also managed to add a walk-in closet and extend the bedroom. This also resolved movement patterns through that area - which turned out great to work with.

While we were busy on our assigned projects, my boss had another project on his hands. He was to design an outside braai area for Metropolitan Life. Here, I was able to learn and observe how he handled it. He had used steel framework - chosen as it is easy to work with, its manufactured off site and assembled quickly on site, a much cheaper option as its involves low maintenance (another subject I've learned about this week) - and latte as cladding. The latte actually blends in with the natural environment and suits the function - a good example where "form follows function".

Well, Friday's here again! Another insightful week had come and gone, and yet still excited about what's ahead for the year.

Thanks, Rukiya.

Post # 3

In the office...

Hi there! This post is an update for the past week I haven't posted. Things got extremely busy last week as well with the project and office work.

Between the past two weeks (week 5 & 6 of my office experience) I have worked on 3 different residential projects: 3 town houses situated in Claremont, a house situated in Constantia, and a flat situated in Clifton - which I am still currently working on. 

Phase 1 of the three town houses has been completed for council submission and is well on its way. It, however, needs to be finalized with the client. Tender documents are now being prepared for the builders, so Yusuf taking charge of those.

The house situated in Constantia is still in progress. Phase 1 of the construction drawings have just been completed - the drawings had involved a ground floor plan, sections and elevations, a basement store plan, a detailed section and plan of a cavity wall lateral support, plan of the storm water pipe servitude, drainage section, site plan and roof plan. Phase 2 is yet to be completed, with the same drawing contents as Phase 1.

The flat in Clifton involves a smaller job to be done. This is just an extension of an en-suite to a bedroom and probably an alteration to one of the bathrooms. The proposal sketch plans are still being finalized, but will hopefully be done in this week. 

Working on at the office and working on all these projects has definitely made me more intrigued about architecture. Our employer is definitely teaching us a lot. This is an exciting learning experience...

Thanks, Rukiya. 

Hub project - interim 1

Here's a Powerpoint presentation of the first interim hand-in for the hub project.

Hub project

View more presentations from Rukiya Abrahams.