Post # 26 - August block period

AND THEN CAME THE AUGUST BLOCK PERIOD! :-)

Day1

We were supposed to have done our presentations on our hub designs, but (thank goodness :D), it was postponed til later the week. I was ready for the presentation, but exhausted and tired. I was afraid I wouldn't function while delivering the presentation. 

So, the lecturers had planned for us to visit some art galleries and furniture stores in Woodstock. One in particular which we were briefed to analyze - the Stevenson Art Gallery. I really liked this walkabout, I never really knew how nice Woodstock was.

Then back at the Thomas Patulla campus, the lecturers had put together some videos for us to watch. One on the Phaeno Science Center by Zaha Hadid Architects and the other on The Thermal Baths by Peter Zumthor. I think this is two brilliant buildings to study. By the next morning we had to hand in an analysis on the "holding idea" of both buildings and it's relation to it's function, context, form and technology.

Day 2 

PRESENTING DAY! How nervous I was...

The lecturers had separated the class into two groups (A & B). First group A had gone to do their presentations, while group B had to do some brainstorming and research on the MIP. Group B (with myself) had to split in groups of 2 or 3. I had worked with Sara Savahl, it was fun, we came up with a number of ideas on how to contribute to St. Michael's Primary Multigrade School - functioning as play, seating, learning, storage areas, etc.).

Then it was Group B's chance to present. I came ready, my presentation wasn't too bad at all. The rest of the did great as well. I must say, we're pretty good for second years. :) 

Day 3 

Theory Day! 

The venue for lectures were at the Roeland Street Campus. For the morning we had just discussed a bit about the videos we had watched on Monday (Day 1), and then a bit of discussion on the MIP and any questions the class had to ask. Later the morning we had a lecture by Andre van Graan on our Studiowork; and later a lecture by Mike Rodseth on our CTD (specifically going through the booklet: "Principles of structure in buildings"). Very fruitful lectures! I learned a lot. Must say thank you to both of them. :) 

Day 4 

Symposium! :)

One of the best days of the block. Really enjoyed all of the guest speakers' presentations. I fully support 'Green Building'/ Sustainable Architecture. It's the way to go... I loved the demonstration on natural building later that day. Although I didn't get my hands dirty :-/ hehe. But it was fun to watch though..

Day 5 

"Field Trip Day"

The field trip was canceled due to the heavy rains we had. :-( However, we still managed to get some work done. We worked a bit on the MIP, where the class had to split up into groups (groups 1-4). Each of us had to decide whether we will be organizing the building materials, people providing building services, accommodation and catering or other (miscellaneous things needed for the trip to Grabouw in October/ November). I decided to join the accommodation and catering group. We had brainstormed lots of ideas. I will keep you posted on what we came up with later. Check the MIP tab for updates.

Thanks for reading,

Rukiya. :)