Johanna's Blog

CAD image

2008-06-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

Boat Name

2008-06-15T09:34:00.000-07:00

CNNC model reception desk

2008-05-08T09:15:00.001-07:00

CNNC models

2008-05-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

2008-05-07T16:15:00.001-07:00

CNNC

2008-05-07T16:12:00.000-07:00

Podium Re-Submission

2008-04-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

atrium

2008-04-29T08:52:00.001-07:00

Logo Project.. here are a few

2008-04-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

Florence

2008-04-17T07:03:00.001-07:00

parallelism

2008-04-10T07:21:00.001-07:00

2008-04-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

212 -01 Advertisement

2008-03-26T21:13:00.000-07:00

Steel Case Office Furniture. Interesting layout and creates an intruiging advertisement. It leaves you wondering what the ad is for so you read on further. It is also somewhat satirical and sarcastic in the way that they suggested that offices are expanding so much that they have an employee stationed in the elevator. Perhaps they just need better space planning and office furniture!

Moods A Many

2008-03-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

Anxious

Lobby couches

2008-03-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Possible tables

2008-03-24T10:17:00.001-07:00

CNNC office space

2008-03-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.chworkspace.co.uk/img/p/52/p-zoom.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.chworkspace.co.uk/desking/wood-veneer-executive/noveo.htm&h=359&w=478&sz=22&hl=en&start=28&um=1&tbnid=sIhm7ZeAqoLqZM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Doffice%2Bfurniture%26start%3D20%26ndsp%3D20%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26sa%3DN

Pattern Perception

2008-03-19T11:38:00.001-07:00

Original Picture

Pattern Perception

2008-03-19T11:37:00.001-07:00

Presentation Board 3 - CNNC

2008-03-18T21:16:00.001-07:00

CNNC - Presentation Board 2

2008-03-18T21:09:00.001-07:00

CNNC - Presentation Board 1

2008-03-18T21:05:00.001-07:00

CNNC Process

2008-03-18T17:16:00.001-07:00

Exterior Charette- long linear windows and elements throughout the space... bringing nature in

Schematic Drawing... sketchy ideas of adjacentcies and what exactly needed to come out of the program

Visual Comm. VIZ Rendering

2008-03-18T07:09:00.000-07:00

CNNC Exterior Sketches

2008-02-26T19:39:00.001-08:00

Here are a few images from out Charette - CNNC Exterior. I wanted to focus on horizontals and many windows in order to ensure natural light and positive psychological effects. There have been studies done that horizontal elements in design are associated with calming behavior which is perfect for the immigrants.

sketchup animation

2008-02-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

3 Sketch Up Views

2008-02-05T07:57:00.001-08:00

Welcome Mat

2008-01-29T21:23:00.001-08:00

Indonesia - an archipeligo (large group of islands) rich in natural resources and land brings beautiful colors and scenery to its inhabitors. The sprawling sunsets sparkle across the sky and are reflected off the body of deep blue water. The welcome mat captures all of these elements. The dark texture in the cork represents the rich soil that the Indonesians live off of. The bright yellow matting was inspired by the beautiful sunsets and the sparkling mosaics bring life to the reflections in the surrounding ocean. The cork pieces are seperated to symbolize the many islands that make up Indonesia. Finally this study of texture best encaptures the country's motto of "Unity in Diversity."

Interview with Silvia D

2008-01-24T16:22:00.000-08:00

Interview with Silvia D.

Johanna Kjesbu: Interviewer
Kim Middlebooks: Note taker

Johanna: Hey Silvia… So we have this project that we have to find out information on someone that was not born in America. Then we compile all the information into a collage basically of your life with emphasis on your culture. You can answer whatever you feel comfortable answering. You can use your full name or just a first name or even be anonymous if that suits you best. First things first… did I spell Bulgaria right?

Silvia: Hello.
Yes, you spelled it right… (B-u-l-g-a-r-i-a)… and I would love to do this for you. It's interesting because I answer questions like these (to different people) at least twice a day when they hear my accent, and now it's all combined in 1 survey…I will try to answer directly and as informative as possible.

Johanna: Thanks so much! Ok here goes...

• Name
Silvia D.

• Country of birth
Bulgaria, we lived in a really pretty town.

• Family (any brothers, sisters, parents)
I am here with parents (mom and dad) and one older brother.

• Did your family all move over here together?
Yes...back in 2001.

• What is your first language?
Bulgarian (it's a slavic language, only spoken in my country. It is close to Russian and we use the same alphabet.

• Did you learn English before coming to America?
Yes, I took some courses in high school but definitely improved a lot by communicating here. The best practice for a foreign language is to live somewhere, talk, and listen to people, really immerse oneself into the culture. Language books and tapes are not as helpful as you would think.

• Why did you decide to move to Greensboro, NC?
We had friends of my parents that were already here in Greensboro, NC. When you move somewhere permanently you need the initial support of somebody to answer your questions, to show you where everything is (for example where to get your ID, how to get to the post office, which is the company for power etc.)

• What is your reason for moving to America?
Well my parents brought me here. They had the opportunity and decided to go for it. They wanted to try something new… to "open" more options for my brother and I by traveling and experiencing another culture. Also improving language skills (as consequence), seeing the benefits and disadvantages of living somewhere else, and really giving me (us) the option to choose one day what we like best (once I've experienced it)..

• What are you studying?
Medical Technology-OR and Clinical Lab Professional

• Wow, smarty-pants, that sounds really intense. You must work really hard. What are your dreams/aspirations for your move here?
Haha, Yes it is pretty difficult but I love working hard and really experiencing the field I am getting into. I have this really great internship right now working in hospital. As far as dreams and aspirations I am about to graduate, so that's one out of the way. I can’t wait to finally be done and get a job. I would really like to travel some more… Spring break in Florida last year was a blast!

• What was a favorite Bulgarian food dish? Can you make it in the U.S.?
I have a lot of them. My mom cooks them all the time. I don't cook because I don't have time. You can find all the ingredients here and all you need to do is follow the recipe... and mmm... it's yummy!!

• Was the clothing here different from Bulgaria?
Not too different. Maybe we don't wear jeans all the time. We wear more formal outfits like skirts and dresses. We also walk more on the streets instead of driving everywhere. People can check you out easily... The steet is a place to see and be seen I guess. So basically... by being seen more, you want to try to look nice… that's my explanation. That is more of the daytime style but as far as bars and clubs it’s about the same type of clothing.

• Music?
Not too different from here. We do have some traditional music though. As far as hits, they all circle the radios around the world...I remember Michael Jackson and Madonna a long, long time ago...

• Anything unique that you did to prepare you for coming to America?
Uhhh... I can't think of anything right now...I didn't know what it was going to be like so nothing really in particular.

• If you could name 3 of the top things that were different from Bulgaria to America that was the hardest getting used to, what would they be?
1.) All the different measurements ( F vs C (temp), lbs vs kg (weight), ft & inches vs cm(height), miles vs km (distance)
2.) Driving everywhere instead of walking or using public transportation (bus, subway…)
3.) Big shopping marts vs small shops on the street..

• What is the military like? I think you mentioned that men are required to serve in the military for a few years out of highschool?
Yes it is a requirement for every man (not voluntary ;and definitely NOT girls), and they go for six months or a year (used to be) and get the military training.

• Any hand gestures or body gestures in Bulgaria different from here? (Didn't you say something about the “yes” and “no” head nodding is different)
Yes, that was the most striking. I think I remember reading about it in some Sociology books too about body language. The “yes” nod (up and down) is opposite from the “no” nod (left and right). We shake our heads left and right in reference to a yes answer. I used to do it the 1st year here and people would look at me weird… "So..yes or no..?”

Johanna: That is so funny. It’s something so small and it could make such a difference. I may have a few other questions later to follow up but I think this would be great for now... Thank you SOOOOO much you are a lifesaver. I'll show you the whole thing when we are done with the project… it might be kind of fun for you to have. We have been friends for almost two years now and I didn’t know some of this about you! I guess you get pretty tired of answering these kinds of questions a lot though. Anyway, I can’t thank you enough! Love you!

Silvia: I love you too! It’s no trouble. I like talking about Bulgaria. I miss it. Bye honey… Let's hang out soon!

Johanna: See you this weekend!

Architectual Computation

2008-01-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

Johanna Kjesbu
IAR 212 – 01 -- Visual Communications
January 16th, 2008
Tina S.
Computational devices have been sought after for centuries starting with the geometric configurations that the architect and builders used to assemble Stonehenge and perhaps even earlier than that. It was interesting to find that it was only until the late 1950’s that the computer was first underway. Although it took up 1000 square feet of space it was still a feat for technicians and scientists. Even more intriguing the computer was first used for architectural purposes only a little over ten years later. Entering in graphical data, the computer would intuitively understand the numbers and start creating lines and squares on the screen. Since then, computers have skyrocketed in their abilities to design two and three dimensional images.

Computer aided design (CAD) really became much more established in the 1970’s and displayed more of the ground work and functional systems in design. It took really powerful computers such as mainframes or minicomputers to even be able to handle this type of software. Years after it was improved even further to show rendering, materials and even light. One of the most interesting things is after designing your spaces you can see how light would play into the design during different times of day. Sometimes these drawings look so realistic it is hard to tell if they are real life or computer aided.

Computers have helped in many ways for the architectural firm. They help create neat and organized drafted documents without the worry of messy pencil smudges. Once more proficient in the software they are easier and faster to use as far as getting the projects drawn out in a timely manner. In addition it is easier for the clients to read than one of a hand drawn draftsman. The photo-realistic renderings really help capture the true nature and intent of the designer and architect…and in the end the clients are most important because they will be living, working, functioning and pay for the buildings.

The use of computers has really helped architectural design. Although when it comes down to it they could never replace the human mind. People worry that with the rise of CAD programs that any everyday American could buy will start to diminish the need for designers. There are many things that computers could be of great assistance with but the ideas the human process which stream from their mind, down their arms and out their hands to paper is what makes a great drawn design. And only the best trained designers could comprehend the need for computers with the equal use of hand drawn sketch ideas. To find the balance of the two usually creates the best use of space, color, and light.

Computers are the future. We can not escape that reality so we must embrace the many functions computers have to offer and continue to further our learning and technology. However, we must not forget the skills we have learned before the computer and always appreciate the art of the hand-drawn draftsman.

My Sister's House Program

2007-11-19T13:07:00.001-08:00

My Sisters House Program

2007-11-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

My Sisters House

2007-11-19T08:17:00.000-08:00

Engage
Designing a space that encompasses the needs of the teenage mothers and infants encourages a multi-faceted creation. This particular design speaks for the supporting community the mother requires to help ensure the development of her infant and the comforting privacy they both need for tranquil relaxation. Natural light is enforced with the long horizontally slit windows. The same long horizontals are carried through different parts of furniture, overhead lighting, shelving, and workspace. The harmonious rhythm the linear planes create is a space that’s full of life which energizes the rest of the design. The bedrooms are congregated together at one end of the suite so that the mothers are all close by in case they need each other but are still concealed enough for their personal privacy. In addition the private quarters will have more muted colors where the public areas like kitchen and lounge will have bold invigorating colors. All of these main elements embrace the cohesive design of suites in “My Sister’s House.”

Group Statement

2007-10-08T12:35:00.001-07:00

The use of color and light in our design emphasize our intent to infuse the space with emotion. Our exterior has a strong horizontal language that is incorporated into the interior. These horizontals throughout the building reflect our idea of nature within and around the structure.

Direction of Project

2007-10-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

In our groups we have accomplished a series of charettes and project analysis to help us gain a better understanding of the direction of our project. Some of our main focuses for our design are nature, light, horizontals and verticals, connections, layers and moments. We wanted to tie in our designers, artists, and architects that we researched by figuring out some of their key strategies and manipulating them. In addition, the connections of the two towers needed to be put together in a more concise matter. Instead of the building looking like two distinct towers we tried to incorporate them into one simplistic building with cleans lines and emphasized horizontals. We also figured that by playing with the grade of earth around the building we could really gather better lighting in the lower layers and help bring nature in. We started out with a very rough sketch model and eventually were able to refine our ideas and bring out a successful, clarified model. After an insightful critique we now have a good idea as to where we need to move next. Window placements and considering our entrance placement and design seem to be the biggest aspects of our building that we need to develop.

Jazz Blue Collage

2007-10-05T10:14:00.001-07:00

Evening Pictures

2007-09-20T15:43:00.001-07:00

Here the light was going away and so the shadows weren't as strong.

Late Afternoon Pictures

2007-09-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was able to get much more contrast at this time of day. The pictures came out great.

Early Afternoon Pictures

2007-09-20T15:27:00.001-07:00

As stated before the morning was overcast so it was hard to get much contrast.

Light Machine

2007-09-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

The light machine was produced from foam core. I wanted a pyramid type shape to represent growth and maturity for the women who will be utilizing the facility. I took pictures on September 20th, 2007 at 12pm, 4pm and 7pm. The day was pretty overcast so I didn't see as much contrast as I would have liked but I did get some interesting angles. I really enjoyed the shadows that the cut outs portrayed.