Does My Sister's House Foster Community?

There are several things about the layout of the My Sister's House which encourage resident interaction. There are five suites that are clustered together in the space. These rooms are across the hall from each other, allowing to occupants to see more of one another. The kitchen is small. Though this may seem negative, it forces the residents to interact together during meal time. Also, the common areas are large enough for everyone to be included in group activities.

Makeshift Shelter Experience

On January 20, 2010 students in Suzanne Cabrera and Stephanie Brooker’s IAR 202-01 studio course were issued their first assignment. “Makeshift shelter” was the title of the project. Students in groups of four and five had to create a shelter out of found objects. There were five groups total. Every group was assigned a specific room theme. Ours was to be constructed as a study. The combined installations, would to create a makeshift community including a sleeping, study, socializing, snacking, and sketching room. One goal was to have students really understand the process of designing as a group. Everyone considered all the parameters they had to meet, processed the ways in which they could be achieved, then designed by physically constructing the installation. In addition, because of the recent earthquake in Haiti, students strived to create an awareness of similar community dwellings. This project enabled every student to have key learning experiences of self, others, change, timing, and design techniques.

My group was given the objective to build a “makeshift study”. All group members contributed stronger in some areas than others. When it was time to focus on the limited five materials, I rummaged for cardboard, plastic sheeting, fabric, paper, and some type of structural supports. Ultimately, I found plenty of everything. The most helpful item was a collection of pvc angle strips, which were used as columns and beams. I worked on the fabrication and construction of the interior and exterior of the shelter. I was the first to snap photos. As a result, I became the official photographer. I put in long hours to finish interior decorative items and the final assembling of the exterior elements.

Tracey ignited the idea of creating a more organic structure, which led to the final overall shape and form of the interior, its objects, and the exterior. Ino got his hands dirty, initially collecting materials, then helping to fabricate the exterior, while also working on the floor plans. Kalani brained stormed on ideas for the desktop, helped with exterior and final construction, and created a beautiful storyboard. Most members jumped in and took leadership over certain parts of the project.
The most difficult situation we encountered was the change in the project parameters. Initially, we were told the shelter could be built from any found objects. However, on the next day of class, the instructors limited us to five materials. The days before this, we had already collected various materials that inspired us. The restrictions made us focus on what items we could find the most of, that gave us various capabilities to design with, and that maintained structural integrity. We found such attributes with cardboard, paper, plastic sheeting, fabric, and pvc beams. This same situation was problematic with our binders. As a result, because of the items we had the most of, we narrowed those down to screws and tape.

The last limitation was on the size. We should have asked about this early on, especially our group. We had already developed so many ideas around a particular shape, but it did not fit within those size parameters. All the other spaces allotted were primarily square, while ours needed to be rectangular. Though at the time it seemed limiting, in the end, it was one of the best suggestions we were given. This change sparked our imaginations for a shelter which was more “outside of the box”. We developed shapes and exterior forms that seemed more inviting to the occupant. Everyone settled on an organic undulating exterior shape. All of what we initially considered road blocks, contributed to our creative ways of construction, making our presentations more unified and imaginative. I believe this was to our greatest benefit.
The sketchbooks and modeling were ideal for visualizing the final project.

Each group member was able to get their points across by documenting their thoughts on paper. When explanation wasn’t enough, we turned to our sketchbooks to draw out our thoughts so others could comprehend them. The book also allowed us to make sure everyone was on the same page regarding the design of the overall project and what it should convey. There were times when even though we all agreed on using organic shapes, once someone’s idea was drawn, it did not reflect that concept. The sketchbook made it easy to troubleshoot any problems before they occurred. The model was extra important. The modeling process helped some members understand how the final structure would successfully be built. The sketchbook and model were key tools in the development and execution of our ideas and final installation.

Overall, I feel that I and my group members obtained key learning experiences of self, others, change, timing, and design techniques. Some of these seemed like roadblocks. However, what we took away was that they were all important factors of fully developing our ideas. Our experiences, design, and problem solving skills were, all enhanced by the tools and restrictions of the project. Based on all the knowledge we’ve obtained, if we had to do it all over again, it would only be more dynamic.

HOUSING AND COMMUNITIES

The physical development of a community ultimately results in the overall social development of the residents. Housing can be created in various manners that affect the overall social community. Developers use zoning laws, planned unit development, gentrification, and lifestyle concepts to construct dwellings. All of these techniques impact whether or not the residents can move forward in making a unified social community atmosphere.
The planned unit development (PUD) appears to be the most promising tool for developing successful mixed housing and community. It makes the most use of the land, creates various size homes, makes sewer, water and roadways convenient, and welcomes diversity amongst it’s neighborhood. The broadest national community resides in such developments.
Housing clusters that are gated or restricted to higher income applicants, encompass less of the overall population. Those focused on attracting owners of a similar lifestyle, will have the success of a social interacting community. However, if a gated community is built only to address safety issues, the concept of community will not thrive.
Housing development is a key factor in creating a social community. The residents will act upon environments that are appealing and convenient to their needs. If structures are built solely for the purpose of sheltering humans or building eye-catching homes, they are not answering all the needs of a neighborhood’s community.

BEYOND A MONETARY IMPACT

Jeffery, P. (2010, January 21). Quake/Haiti. Retrieved January 27, 2010, from Flickr website:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/jesuitconference/4293988520/

Over the years Haiti has been a country that the public has not kept close in their minds.  I know that in my lifetime, it has had very little attention given to it.  Unfortunately, it takes disaster to bring the most attention and promote a greater awareness.  This earthquake was not only about a natural disaster, but about a country who's people have seen nothing but mass poverty, violence, and corruption.  The collapse of  the buildings' infrastructures demonstrates an accumulation of poor past choices of Haiti's government and the lack of help the country has needed before now.  

In other words, Haiti's collapse began before the earthquake.  The awareness provided by the Arts helps Haitians recover from the past, present, and future.

FLIER FOR HAITI BENEFIT & MAKESHIFT SHELTER INSTALLATION

MAKESHIFT SHELTER NARRATIVE

Katbird36. (2004, May 7).  Homeless Home.  Retrieved January 24, 2010, from Travel Webshots website:  http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1140985463055449024yANhbT

As I sit at my desk, reading what the natural light has provided me to see, my surroundings are drowned out.  As my mind soaks in the environment, it is transformed.  The sounds of cars mimic wind, while the voices of passer bys chirp beautiful songs.  The luminance, from the window before me, fills me with strength, knowledge, and peace.  While the rays of light up above, wrap their arms all around me, comforting me, and embracing my thoughts.  Light reflects, brightening my colors and giving shadow and depth on this surrounding plastic and cardboard structure.  As I finish reading one word and go on to the next, the light raises the words from the page.  Once they have gone, they flourish in my room, drifting like a subtle breeze.  They keep me cool in the summer and circulate my skylight rays in winter.  All of these experiences set the stage for my study.

MAKESHIFT SHELTER

PROJECT COORDINATORS:  (Ino LoLoci is not yet picture.)

Felicia Dean                            Kelsey Rhode

Tracey Wright                      Kalani Gonzalez 

     All of the students above will create a makeshift shelter from found or repurposed materials. Our group focuses on developing a suitable space for studying.  

     Initially we were able to construct the structure with various found objects.  However, as of 1/22/10, we are limited to five found/repurposed materials and only two binders/adhesives.  We also became aware of the size/shape of the space for exhibition, 10 1/2' x 4 1/2'.  As a result, we revisited the overall shape of the structure.  Even though we had already begun brainstorming prior to this, it was time to consider our limitations.  In order to create more interest in the decor of the space, we will multipurpose all of the materials.  Even with the changes, lighting, insulation, texture, and comfort of the study are key issues we will still address.

     As for now, we have an overall plan for the choice of the materials and the display's overall shape.  Over the weekend everyone will all have pulled from their resources to find materials such as cardboard, plastic wrap, wood and fabric.  On Monday we will be able to tell what we have, organize it, determine what we still may need, and decide on what we can do with what we have.

     The projects are due on 1/29/10.  If we can organize and problem solve ahead of time, the more successful I feel we shall be.