Alyssa GainerENDS 105

Design Foundations 1Fall 2011

Alyssa Myrle Gainer

I am a first year Environmental Design student at Texas A&M University. I plan to pursue a Master’s degree in Architecture and have aspirations to employ my trade domestically and abroad for both vocation and mission opportunities. I have a passion for people and places, something that will surely play into my vision in pursuit of my degree.

LOGO Design

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With professional and personal meaning, this logo has a deeper significance than meets the eye. Using elements that allude to fire, water, and nature, this logo is an elegant and intricate representation of purity, stability, and imagination. It inspires the image of a tree thriving by streams of water with continuous fruitfulness and prosperity. The roots, which are the tree’s buried source of life, symbolize original dreams, the hidden fountain of all innovation. However, dreams often lack clarity and must be refined. The water encircling the tree represents the purification of ideas on their way to fruition. As a dream becomes reality, it bursts through the surface of the water, escalating into the sky. Every dream is valuable and with the right enterprise you can see your dreams…designed.

“your dreams... Designed.”

Micro Dwelling

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This structure was designed with sustainability, self-sufficiency, and energy conservation in mind. The miniscule structure adapted from the culture of the region, which provided elevated distinction without overpowering its surroundings. Aesthetically pleasing, the top ornamentation also allows for natural ventilation. Orientation allows for free light from the north side. At only 104 square feet, this micro dwelling boasts features that possess multiple functions and take advantage of every inch, minimizing cost and waste without compromising comfortability.

Dwelling near The Taj MahalAgra, India

Behavioral Setting

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This home was designed for a Chinese couple, both architects. Here function is not only an attribute, but an element of design. The structure is ADA acceptable. Feng Shui was considered as a cultural aspect, as well as the desire to incorporate light and environment into the living space. The vaulted ceiling, solar tubes, and glass walls allow abundant light into the core of the home, without exorbitant energy costs. The plan focuses on a central core of the high traffic areas of the kitchen and living room, which open up to the 2nd story, retaining a sense of community throughout the varied space. A private sphere is strategically maintained within the plan. Accentuated by contrasting and complementing shapes, the structure defines itself without overpowering the site or lake side view.

Residence on Carter LakeBryan, Texas

Industrial Design

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The idea for this design developed from the need for both a seating area and tabletop capability in a compact space. But this project springs beyond the rigid requirements of functionality, material conservation, and natural connection, and stretches to a new level of imagination and wonder. It embraces structural limitations as elements of design to foster a fluid and organic motion. Comfortable, versatile, and beautiful, the piece is more than furniture; it is art that heightens the senses to a dimension of fantasy.

Transforming Furniture Piece

Sketches and Drawings

The following samples of sketch and pastel work were completed in ENDS 115, Design Comm. Foundation 1. They show the influence that color, shadow, and detail have on design.

ENDS 115 Fall 2011

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