Junior project product update

So far, I have 15 signed hours, the last 5 consist of 3 shadowing in the architecture firm and using their software, and 2 on my own time finishing my product. I already have plans to finish these over break with my Mentor. Over the Last several months, I have learned about what an architect does when they are designing a new school. I was unaware of how vital they are to the project, not only do they design the school, but they must communicate with school boards, go to site meeting to get ideas, learn about the programs of the schools, hire all the contractors and coordinate the project. For part of my hours, I went to a job site meeting where I got to experience how the architects decide what needs to be incorporated in their design to make it right for that school. I also got learn about their design process, modern architecture, schooling and some basic knowledge about the schools and infrastructure in our area.

My product will be an updated  Windsor High school campus, implementing 21st Century learning and modern structures with a focus on the STEM core. First, I met with the three core teachers and talked about what changes they want for their ideal STEM classroom, then I incorporated them with some ideas I had learned about. My product will be an edited version of our campuses layout, highlighting some general changes like benches and murals, and then a detailed image of the STEM rooms. I will design both of these aspects using the software that the architects use, very similar to Sketchup, and more specific images of the rooms with materials such as paint samples and carpet schwabs to make the rooms looking more inviting and inspire creative learning. So far my general edited layout is done, but the STEM rooms have not yet been recreated, although there is a plan for them. This product is directly related to what a school architect does, as I am following the design process and they use, and using their software to develop a product that looks the same as one that they would create.

Project Update #1

Reflection:
So far for my junior project at Quatrocchi and Kwok Architects, I have learned about the process of designing and creating a school campus, architecture for schools both contemporary and several decades old, and I have sat in on an Architect master planning meeting, in addition to some independent research. Although each of these portions of the project has been interesting, I am continuously surprised by just how much architects do when designing a school. Multiple Employees at the firm have assured me that this type of architecture is very different from many because they have to work with school boards, grants, cities, and incorporate many innovative concepts into their plans, with a budget that is almost never enough. I also learned that it seems they can never quite make the campus perfect- either its too expensive, or their is another barrier like property lines. In addition, it seems that the master plan for campus isn't fully implemented until several years and grants later. Some positive things I have learned, are that architects get to spend a lot of time being creative, problem solving, and directly effecting the community.
Here is an example of work that you would not expect of an architect- they have to type of a pamphlet for community meetings regarding master planning for schools. Parents and teachers that are affected by the project come to the meetings to give the architects input on what the needs are for the school. The public must be able to interpret these pamphlets.

In addition, architects are greatly responsible for the availability of innovative learning. Ho a class room is designed contributes to the amount of collaborative and group projects, and healthier learning environments. This is referred to as 21st century learning. For my personal project, I am designing my own updated version of Windsor High School's campus. This process, as shown below, consists of a lot of drawing and brainstorming.



By the end of winter break I am planning on completing several hours to add to my project of research and first hand observations. In addition, I plan on completing another step to the design of my own school campus. This will be an updated version of Windsor High school's campus that implements 21st century architecture and is design more specifically for the needs of our programs.

This is a photo of the first stage if my new design for the Windsor high school campus. This is referred to as a Bubble Diagram, and is the first step in designing a campus.

My Form B:

Project Description and Introduction

My 2015 Junior Project will consist of research on 21st century learning through the design and layout of school campuses, in addition to meeting architects, learning about the field, and designing my own modern high school campus.
First, I have preformed independent research about modern campuses and how different school layouts affect learning. This includes learning basic terminology, how to read blue prints, and how architects stat designing a campus.

Here is an example of school architecture in early stages.

Next I visited a local high school campus and analyzed with my mentor the design and what certain aspects meant, and how they could be improved. We identified ways to date how old the school was along with stylistic features at different time periods when ideas of how people learn has been at different stages.

Then I will sit in on a meeting with architects and project managers to discuss how the architecture of schools in Sonoma County addresses the needs of their programs. An example of this is the flow of classes, where subject specific classes should be placed in relation to each other, special rooms for specific programs, and group learning spaces.

Finally, my project will result in my own design of a high school campus using the knowledge I have gained about 21st century learning architecture. This will also be created using the same process architects use when designing actual campuses.