Days 6-7: May 11, 2015
Week 2: Quick overview
Following our initial introduction meeting with Kiang last week, we decided that the 2nd week would be dedicated to exploring another project that the firm was involved with. Last week, we explored the greater Civic center area which encompassed the jazz center, the War Memorial, the Opera House, and the living alley of linden square. This upcoming week, we hope to explore another aspect of the design and build process through a different project. After a conversation with our Manager he suggested that we try digging deeper into the Civic Center area as opposed to looking at other buildings to try to understand the buildings and the area as best as possible.
Following our initial introduction meeting with Kiang last week, we decided that the 2nd week would be dedicated to exploring another project that the firm was involved with. Last week, we explored the greater Civic center area which encompassed the jazz center, the War Memorial, the Opera House, and the living alley of linden square. This upcoming week, we hope to explore another aspect of the design and build process through a different project. After a conversation with our Manager he suggested that we try digging deeper into the Civic Center area as opposed to looking at other buildings to try to understand the buildings and the area as best as possible.
Re-Evaluating our Senior Project |
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As we mentioned above we had a meeting with our manager, and he gave us some ideas on what else we should look at for our project. One thing that we weren't prepared for was how limited our scope was for the project. Although our project proposal had be thoughtful and intentional, there was still some short comings to this initial proposal. We both re-explained what our objectives where to our manager, and we expressed that we were ready to move on to another building and apply the lenses we were specifically look at for this project. However, our manager wanted us to continue looking at the civic center area, and in particular wanted us to look into the history of the civic center, and why the civic center was chosen as the perfect place for the Jazz center. So, that was what we did. We decided to dig a little deeper into the history of the area to better understand the impact that SF Jazz had on the area. He wanted us to look at what Jazz music represented, and how music affects people. By looking at all the different elements that were apart of Civic Center area that helped make into the cultural and historical hub that it is today. In addition, we will be interviewing a representative of the Jazz center (hopefully) and will get a full tour as well, which we add to the website later on.
Second Meeting at the firmThis meeting was a continuation of the first meeting that I had attended the following week. This meeting was about the the re-vitalization of Opera with a combined living space for students who were studying at the institution. The client sent representatives on his behalf who were well versed with what he wanted, and with opera houses as well. The two representatives meet with the 2 of the three main heads of the firm in addition to an Associate, and another designer. One of the main issues they were still working with was the housing issue and working with the existing space to give the client the housing he asked for. In addition, another major concern was with the main opera performance space, and determining the correct configuration for the space, but also giving the client what he was asking for. The client asked for 500 seats, and although the firm had come up with a configuration that would satisfy this requirement the lobby suffered immensely. The lobby space was small and a little tight especially if 500 people were going to be moving throughout it, which was something that really concerned Mark. Another big issue was working the space in order to get the necessary "core" to fit within the space. The "core" refers to all the stairs, elevators, and proper amount of exits that is associated with the space. There are specific codes in place that dictate the standards for the "core". In order to combat this problem they thought about other alternatives to getting this core; for example, they considered cutting the rooms. In addition, the architects had to keep in mind that the space was public, and it would have an impact on the surrounding community. One of the keys elements of opera houses' is having the theater area completely blocked off from the outside world. However, this would result in a large black wall on Van Ness, which is major issue, and something that the neighborhood coalition had a problem with. Nevertheless, this would allow for the opera space that the desired. The other alternative was a space that wouldn't create a black exterior; however, the main opera house space was reconfigured in manner that crapped and less conducive to what the client wanted. Along these lines of community impact another recent design development was the possible coffee shop that would be open to the neighborhood. Another addition was a small performance area near the street to better connect the music to the community. If you recall the SF Jazz center has a small performance hall on the street level, which does an excellent of connecting Jazz music to the greater community.
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Screenshot of Van Ness & Hayes |
Diving Deeper into the SF Jazz center
Why the civic center area for the SF JAZZ center
The Civic Center area has some of San Francisco's largest government buildings and Cultural institutions which is why this area was so desirable. There are a number of buildings with classic Architecture, which helps to stay connected to some of the history of the area and serve to show the improvements the area has made. Along these same lines of history the united nations charter was signed in the war memorial veterans building. This eventually led to the creation of the united nations. (this is part one of the current projects the firm is working on today).
In addition, the War Memorial Opera House and the Veterans building are at the heart of the performing arts center in the civic center area, which is another reason why it made sense to put the SF JAZZ center in this area. Some of the other buildings in the area include City Hall, the Headquarters of the supreme court of California, the Asian Art Museum, The Art Institute of California, and the SF Conservatory of Music among many more. Additionally, there are many celebrations such as the SF Gay Parade, Earth day St. Patrick's day, the love parade, and many more. All of these different aspects help to further the importance of the Civic Center area and demonstrate how this area has major impact on the culture of San Francisco, along with the residents of the city. In addition, the SF Jazz center adds another layer of cultural diversity to the area with the long and mufti-faceted nature of Jazz music.
More on Jazz Music and the Jazz Center
The Sf Jazz Center was originally envisioned to be internationally recognized house of music that embodied new and innovative performance institution for Jazz to be able to continue evolving and growing. However, before jumping to this it is important to break down what Jazz music is, and the impact that Jazz has had on American culture. Jazz music is essentially an entire language of its own that is universal, and links all people together. SF Jazz is an international leader in Jazz creation, presentation, and education. SF Jazz explores the full spectrum of Jazz starting from is roots in Africa to the modern day, which is an element that is highlighted in the design of the building. The jazz center has a number of year long programs that reflect the center's artistic exploration and the desire to instill enthusiasm for Jazz among a wider audience.
Interview with Brandon: Associate
1) When did you start working for the firm?
I started working for the firm back in 2004, it was my second job out of college. The previous firm I worked at was much larger, and more corrupt and was located in the east. However, I knew that I wanted to work for a smaller firm.
2) What is your job tittle? What has your experience been like so far?
I am an Assocaite, and the only people above me are the partners. So far I've had a great experience. One of things that I like in working for the firm is the ability to work on a project from the program all the way through the construction process, and I think because of this process you're forced to learn responsibility and be a jack of many trades. This philosophy of the firm is what leads to better architects, and it's the history that you have with the project that allows for a better connection with the project. This allows for greater personal and professional growth.
3) Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In 5 years I see myself still at the firm because of the types of the projects that tend to have a lounger track, which is the nature of public and alerts buildings. In 10 years I hope to be promoted (says with lots of laughter), and that my role within the firm will expand.
4) In what way is the firm environment conducive to further growth?
I think that it really comes down to the process, which really allows you to gain the most amount of experience. Having the ability to work on a project from start to finish has the ability to majorily impact a young archtect. It's the phases that you go through that pushes you to grow and become more flexible and be able to wear different hats at different times. For example, when meeting with the client you should be more sensitive and more focused on what they're desires, in comparison to when your meeting with a contractor. You should be more confident, and be well prepared, and when meeting with the engineers you should be open to taking their advice. Again, it's the process that really builds a strong architect.
5) How did you view architecture when you were in college?
I took art class in high school and my teacher told me that I should take an architecture class based on how I approached the art. I really enjoyed the class and decided to put together a portfolio and I applied to schools with a really strong architecture program. Every summer and winter I interned at different architecture firms, and within months of graduating I had a job lined up.
6) What is something that you would tell your younger self?
- always seek out clarity and simplicity
- be confident about your instincts and your abilities
- work hard and play hard
- it's all about carrying the central idea all the way through the project
7) What is the entire building process like?
The base of this process is at centered around the team, and the goal of the team is to get clairty of goal and objectives. This also includes looking at aspects such as the budget, site, program, etc. (main sources of conversation). Another major source of conversation is the identity of the building (this is critical when dealing with arts projects or civic projects, and the idea of making a statement with the building). After the program is established you start refining the program,no then you move on to schematic design/design development which is a continuation of the refining process. The construction process essientally moves what you have on paper and taking it into the real world, and working with the contractor to build the building according to the original designs. And all throughout this process it is about maintains the connection to the central idea (of the client).
What this interviewee revealed about the structure within Architecture firms
I think that this interview re-emphasized the idea that every architecture firm has a different structure. For example, in larger firms you won’t play as large of role unless you are one of the partners of the firm. Also this means that you would specialize in a specific role, and would become an expert at the particular role. Whereas in a smaller firm you would have the ability to work on a project for longer, and really be able to dive;op a number of different skills. Another important theme that came across during the interview was how critical teamwork is, and how communication with this team is critical on all fronts. Along the same lines of communication it is integral to make sure that you are doing your absolute best to fulfill the wishes of the client.