arthurNguyenProfessional Program Application

Architecture

UNL | College of Architecture

designDrawing

computer Skills

designThinking

designMaking

Other

design for.

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designDrawing

computer Skills

designThinking

designMaking

Other

sculptureRedesignThe sculpture redesign assignment comes in two parts: a 2-point perspective drawing and study of the site complete with value and atmospheric perspective, and a traced reproduction of the site with the redesigned sculpture in place.

Mark di Suvero’s Old Glory, situated to the immediate west of Love Library, offers a dynamic platform for redesign. The sculpture varies in depth from all views, with I-beams moving in and out of space at angles that also create visual interest up and down. The site contains small and large objects near and far: large plants and small street furniture in the foreground, medium buildings and Memorial Stadium in the background - the depth of which are communicated via lineweight, value, and overlap.

The redesign of the sculpture maintains the spatial properties of the original while simplifying and unifying the design. Beam groups above and below the central rings are filled to create solid masses. The rings, rather than resting against one another, are now intertwined to promote a sense of unity. The effect of the redesign is a sculpture that occupies the same space as the original but feels more whole rather than wildly protruding.

perspectiveInteriorOne of the first Design Drawing assignments called for a one-point perspective drawing within Architecture Hall. The third floor of the Link, facing south, contains a complex array of shapes and lines: railings, support beams, and mullions. An effective representation of depth is achieved through varying scale, strict adherence to a central vanishing point, and accurate relative measurement.

designDrawingRepresentation of design is as important as the design itself. In a time where technology is often too-quickly called upon, drawings allow us to efficiently actualize ideas. Design Drawing teaches us to effectively use line, value, and perspective to produce physical representations of our designs, which serve not only as stepping stones in the design process, but as methods of communicating intent.

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designDrawing

valueModifierDesign Drawing’s final project is to design a paper installation which obscures, blocks, reflects, and guides light from a source in a manner that produces a variance in light, shadow, and gradation. A wide variety of light sources exist throughout the building: windows, classroom lights, and lamps. Most groups elected to modify one of these light sources - our group decided on an original idea: with permission, to use a television screen.

The purpose of the project is to exercise a creative eye toward the presentation of light and shadow. The use of a television as the source of light presents the opportunity to modify not only the way in which light interacts with a paper installation, but also the very light source itself. By connecting a computer to the television screen, we are able to control the pattern of light projected through and onto our paper installation.

The installation consists of three cut sheets of paper suspended in front of the screen from a support structure that moves with the television set. By altering the distance between sheets, we are able to modify the sharpness of the design beneath and alter the throw of light as it is projected through space onto the front sheet. Arrow-shaped, folded semi-cuts on the right-hand side create a path for light to naturally fall off in a gradient.

A brief video of the images projected through our installation can be found here: bit.ly/24Rrzzr

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computer Skills

householdObject

Computer-generated models, elevations, sections, and diagrams serve as further tools of design and representation. Software allows us to quickly design with specificity, easily visualize space and volume, and rapidly iterate through 3-dimensional forms throughout the design process. In our first year we learn to use AutoCAD, Rhino, 3DS Max, Photoshop, and Illustrator to ideate, form, and represent designs.

Our first computer exercise involved creating digital drawings and models of a household object. The exercise was split into two projects:

1) AutoCAD elevation drawings 2) Rhino 3D modeling

Drawings demonstrated the importance of construction lines and accuracy via applied logic and mathematics, while 3D modeling demonstrated the importance of representation through axonometric and exploded views to communicate the structure and organization of the object.

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computer Skills

barcelonaPavilionFor our third computers project we were tasked with modeling a pavilion and presenting section cuts and axonometric views to inform the pavilion’s design.

Shown is the Barcelona Pavilion by Mies van der Rohe. Of the several pavilions available for selection, the Barcelona Pavilion in particular was noted to require effective use of sections, views, and the organization thereof, to effectively communicate its design.

The following views and sections were made:

- Axonometric view showing ground level stairs- Same axon cut horizontally to remove the ceiling and present interior organization- Section 1, cut through the northwest structure to display the interior- Section 2, cut SE to NW through the east structure to display the interior from the side- Section 3, cut west to east through the east structure to display the interior from the front

Axonometric view

Axonometric view, ceiling removed

Section 1 Section 2 Section 3

Plan view

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designThinking

squirrelRock

Design does not exist in a vacuum. Backed by empathy, design for is more effective than design on a whim. Design Thinking teaches us that design is a process of empathizing with the user, defining an intent, and then following with ideations, prototypes, and tests of potential solutions. As students new to the discipline of design, Design Thinking teaches us the valuable idea that meaningful design is not selfish, but rather selfless and user-focused.

Our first project for Design Thinking was to design an intervention for a portion of Architecture Hall.

During an initial exploration of the building, a loud rattling coming from the inside of a trash bin - a squirrel was sifting through the garbage for food. I recognized this as a health and cleanliness issue.

The Link, made entirely of glass and mullions, provides views outside while housing several indoor plants. The exterior of the building is home to monuments, statues, and outdoor study tables. The interior and exterior of the building encourage positive attitudes toward nature.

My solution to removing squirrels from trash bins was a feeder disguised as a rock. The design consists of a porous tube filled with a mixture of peanut butter, sunflower seeds, and coconut oil secured to the inside of a false rock.

Rather than modifying trash bins so as to be impenetrable, the feeder solution serves a dual purpose: attract squirrels away from bins and promote the nature-centered aesthetic of the grounds. By thinking not only of the problem, but about the system in which the problem exists, I was able to produce a more integral solution.

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designThinking

projectVELOOur second and third projects for Design Thinking involved working with a client: Jordan Messerer of UNL’s Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC). Jordan presented us with a task: increasing bike ridership among Nebraska youth.

Our approach was to provide a low-cost bike-building program to Nebraska high schools - VELO. By way of many interviews with Mr. Messerer and Mr. Cory Free of Lincoln North Star High School, we determined that VELO would be the most effective solution for increasing bike ridership among Nebraska Youth.

VELO is effective for three reasons: it is affordable, sustainable, and engaging.

The first hurdle of many solutions is cost. VELO overcomes this obstacle by utilizing an inexpensive DIY bike kit from Bamboo Bee. The cost compared to bikes of similar quality is far lower and bamboo, a green, sustainable material, is attractive to potential sponsors, resulting in a cost that becomes increasingly more affordable as more schools adopt the program.

The second hurdle is creating a solution that students will actually use. We learned from Mr. Free that the most effective way of getting students to care is to involve them in the solution. VELO involves students in the building of their own bicycles and educates them in the health and financial benefits of cycling. 7

designMaking

theCube

Drawings and models are tools that, more than computer models, allow us to understand path, place, and spatial relationships in an intuitive manner. Design Making teaches design and the communication of design through the use of iterative sketches, materiality, and crafting techniques with an emphasis on intent, a rigorous high quality of craftsmanship, and the idea that synthesis of criticism with our own intent allows for deeper, more substantial design.

The Cube project is an exercise in designing space given a set of limitations. We are given the opportunity to intersect a 6” x 6” cube with three planes, all of which must not be coplanar. Additionally, the only shapes that may be cut into the surface of the cube are 1/8” thick slots, 1/8” x 1/8” dots, and holes of indiscriminate size, all of which must be orthogonal to each cube face.

The placement of planes in conjunction with surface treatment of slots, dots, holes, and edge condition allows for the creation of primary, secondary, and tertiary spaces with paths connecting. The project also serves as an introduction to diagramming and elevation drawing to communicate design.

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designMaking

weatherObservatoryGiven a location, the Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) in Hastings, NE, the weather observatory project introduced us to the process of site analysis and programmatic design.

Analysis was performed on 4 scales: 1) the NAD 2) 3 x 5-mile selection 3) 1/4 x 1/4-mile selection 4) 100’ x 100’ site

Each round of analysis revealed information to be used for narrowing down a smaller site and/or informing the eventual design of the structure. Our task was to design a weather observatory that executes basic programming: space in, on, and under with shelter and observation.

The observatory above features an aerodynamic face in the direction of wind travel (NW to SE) and a main observation node cantilevered above the lone entry road. The observation node is oriented such that occupants are given full view of SW to NE storm travel.

On and under are realized through the ditch formed by the continuation of the aerodynamic face into the ground. Both the ditch and face serve as protection and shelter from the elements. 9

Other

eventPhotography

As a photographer and videographer, there is nothing more important to me than the communication of ideas. From pre-production and planning, to filming and photography, to post-production and editing, I have to understand the psychological impact of my imagery upon the viewer. What feeling do I want to convey? What message do I want to send? What emotional response do I want to create? It is my job to empathize and, through intentional composition and effective representation, to wordlessly connect and communicate with people. I believe these principles apply to architecture and to design in general. At their heart, photography and videography are essentially disciplines of image design.

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From private, secure access to President Obama at Offutt Air Force Base, to press coverage of Omaha Fashion Week, to photography of architecture critiques, I aim to capture the essence of events with my camera so that others may glimpse the experience.

portrait & stillPhotographyUnderstanding your subject is the key to producing meaningful photos. For still life and landscape photography, this means understanding the emotional reactions the setting may induce. For portrait photography, this means building a relationship with the client, learning their qualities, and bringing out the best of them to create personalized representations of their true selves.

Other

eventVideographyVideo adds the elements of motion, speed, music, sound design, and transition to the tools with which I can convey emotion and message through imagery. Much of my videography in the past year has been with the professional Nebraska Huskers Digital Communications department. My job is to capture crowd and player moments on game day and edit footage into content to be shared on sites such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Vine under official Husker accounts.

The nature of the work is such that efficiency is only achieved through constant teamwork and synthesis of feedback from peers and supervisors.

architectureVideoFor the Spring 2016 semester, I have been commissioned by the UNL College of Architecture to produce a 2-minute video advertisement showcasing the college, students in it, and student life.

A piece such as this requires not only a clear vision of the final product, but also a rigorous attention to scheduling and logistics in order to work with on-camera subjects. Pre-production is essential to allow the production to move smoothly and net footage that is usable in post-production.

Throughout the semester I have filmed studios, critiques, Architecture Hall interior and exterior, and student-feature voiceovers to create a video that encompasses all that Architecture Hall is, provides, and offers to prospective students

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