2^nd April: Intern Review

During the time the students were working on their technical drawings, intern reviews were also taking place. These reviews consisted of a group of five peers who presented their work from their Final Major Project (FMP) so far to one another. Each student received feedback from their peers as well as from the lecturer. Each student had a feedback sheet to provide written comments on their peers’ work, giving an overview of their progress. During this time, I sat in on one of the groups and took notes while giving feedback.

Group Member 1:

 – FMP title: “Our Changing World”

 – Focused on the word “pandemic” and explained its effects on the world, sustainable solutions, and what is required if another pandemic occurs.

– Explored biophilic design.

 – Investigated mental health within biophilic design and its positive impact on the environment.

– Identified that the areas most affected by mental health issues during COVID-19 were in London.

– Client profile: 20 years old, single, owns a flat, and suffered from mental health issues during COVID-19.

– Proposed solution: A park on the rooftop of a high-rise building with various activities. – Precedents: San Francisco’s green wall and the Glass Museum, which utilizes natural light.

– Materials: glass, green concrete, fiberglass panels, plants. – Reviewed a flat floor plan, discussing its pros and cons.

 – Proposed to renovate an existing building in London.

– Provided a weekly planner and a reference list.

Feedback from me:

– Forward-thinking approach is evident.

– Extensive research presented, but it can be text-heavy.

– A more reflective process is needed.

– Should incorporate more concept development and experimentation.

– Needs additional drawings since imagery is currently overwhelming.

Group Member 2:

– Using a derelict building to develop and raise awareness.

– Rationale: Recycled materials = revitalizing an entire existing building.

 – Focused on a museum showcasing technological advancements.

– Aimed to create a statement building that raises awareness about the environment.

– The selected existing building is large; thus, focused on a small section and developed some floor plans.

– Client profile: Notable names in the technology industry, targeting individuals aged 15 and older.

 – Precedent: Thomas Heatherwick’s approach to building development.

– Began exploring materials and the creation of green areas.

– As the building is blocky, considered abstract models for a façade. – Experimented with SketchUp to visualize these facades.

– Utilized a range of media: drawing, digital models, abstract models, potatoes, color, and watercolor.

– Provided a timetable, reflections, and references.

Feedback

– Research more about the client and the target audience to make it more specific.

– Examine the existing site to ensure it is non-toxic.

– Include personal reflections on precedents, not just images.

– Improve the layout of the presentation.

Group Member 3:

– Theme: Environment.

– Explored both larger and smaller scales regarding their impact on people.

– Showed exploration of the brief with original drawings related to renewable energy.

– Context: Remote work and how it changes our world, as offices may not need to be as large.

– Developed a personal brief on how the environment affects mental health.

– Not overly text-heavy; drawings and images effectively communicate the ideas.

– Precedent: A café design that provides an inviting space, including a detailed section drawing.

– Reflected on potential materials.

Feedback:

– The presentation is very clear with good drawings and models.

– What exactly are you designing—a mini home within a home?

– Well-presented verbally and visually.

– Drawing skills have developed significantly.

– Clarified that it is a new home design, not an existing one.

– The timetable is good but can be confusing to read for outsiders.

Group Member 4:

– Subtheme: Environment with a focus on wildfires.

– Rationale: Reflecting on skills that have been successful and identifying areas for improvement, such as drawing and digital skills.

– Proposed a shelter, either underground or within nature, as a space to escape from wildfires.

– Analysed locations of high wildfire occurrences and suggested adding personal reflections and drawings.

– Client profile: Fire department.

– Aim: Provide a public shelter for evacuation.

– Question I asked: Would you prefer this shelter to be away from nature to avoid potential danger?

– Considered precedents for materials, focusing on steel.

Feedback:

– Add more work and drawings to the slides.

– Consider how many people can use the shelter.

– Clarify whether it functions like an air raid shelter.

– Determine whether it is intended as a house or just a shelter.

– Investigate if it can be purchased for personal use.

– The drawings are beautifully done.

– Presentation is nicely structured.

– Explore the positive effects of wildfires as well.