Back at work for the last compulsory week
A massive anticlimax after completing an amazing design build project.
On my return, the week started off with lots of accumulated work just waiting for my return.
I honestly did not learn very much in the architectural field as my type of work has become more of a routine rather than being a learning experience, but have surely have been tested with my patients and submission to authority.
I sometimes want to quit and leave, but have made a commitment to stay with the company until the end of year and believe this whole experience throughout the year has tough me endurance and courage to push through those difficult periods where everything seems impossible, knowing and believing the living Word of God; that everything is possible with God and I am well able to do everything thru Christ Jesus who strengthens me!
I look back at this year feel so much richer in my Spiritual walk and relationship with God.
Knowing God placed me with this company for a very specific reason and surely has come to pass.
I believe I’ve made a real difference in all of the people’s lives, adding real value to the company with my skill and dedication, always willing to do whatever is expected, doing it with great attitude and showing love, respect and honour to all.
These past 10 months has truly stepped me a gear and prepared me well to be the best 3rd architectural student I can be.
Although I am looking forward to ending my employment, I some strange way I’ll miss the people and company, learning and gaining from so many different architects has broaden my perspective of architecture, there is no limit, we limit ourselves.
Overall an awesome experience and a year I will never forget, my life is truly blessed, with all the support of the CRC Cape Town church, family, friends. All glory and praise to Jesus Christ, the saviour of this world.
St Michael’s design build project
At last the long awaited 2 weeks of the 3rd and final block period has started.
In the first couple of days was very refreshing to be part of the 2nd group, interacting with fellow students. Then it was getting used to studying again, with 2 tests to be written on the second day, this was again a reminder of how important it is to plan ahead of time and prepare well, which will the key of making the 3rd year a big success.
Very lots of excited we started the design build project at St Michael’s multi-grade school in Elgin, Grabouw on 26 Oct’11, as part of the ‘A-team’ I had the privilege of being on site every day, to help with the construction management and skilled work development.
The very first day I realised we are going to face many challenges and good team will be needed and too many chiefs in one camp will cause a serious delay in work.
With previous construction experience and fairly simple tasks to be completed, I found myself able to do most of the tasks, yet challenged to execute making use of every primitive construction methods, this where the whole learning experience has started for me. I gained much knowledge on setting out and how to do it very accurately with the most simplistic available tools and materials.
Although we had a slow start so to speak, and the days have gone by, we got used to the teams and the other very skilled people leading the project. I gained much knowledge in the natural building environment, and learned when you really don’t need to make use of conventional building materials, but rather use the locally found and recycle materials, which is more time consuming, some time labour intense, but absolutely stainable and more environmentally friendly.
This experience opened my eyes to completely new way of thinking about architecture, work sensitively and sparingly, creating spaces to enjoy, without having to go beyond what is needed, so often architects over design buildings and spaces, being carried away by the latest technology, when the most simplistic form of architecture, relating the context, would be most appropriate and result in a beautiful design, yet stainable and most enjoyable.
I now think very different about recycling materials, taking some from a scrap yard or dump, seeing the potential and re-useable for a completely different purpose.
I am really amazed by the level of workmanship that was carried throughout the project, keeping in mind; most of the students have never been exposed to real life building project.
A lot was to be learned, both positively and negatively; better origination and project management will definitely be on top of the list, rather to work proactive than reactive.
Over all we succeeded 100% in all the tasks, did much more than planned and improvised on a daily basis, which is required when building and designing with natural and recycled material, big well done to everyone for the commitment, getting up early in the morning to be on the bus to Elgin, working in the sun and rain and more importantly working together as one big team, taking pride in whatever they did.
The pupils and teachers at St Michaels’s school have really been blessed and gave all thanks & praise to the glory of Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour, the only living God.
I was truly touched to see the children praying singing to Jesus Christ every day.. Jesus, the way the truth and the Life!
I am looking forward to returning for phase two of the design build project, how privilege we are to be part of such an awesome class improving the life of the less fortunate children, being the first of many projects to come, reaching into the future of our nation.
Honour and thanks to all of our lecturers for making this a trail project a reality, breaking new grounds and setting a standard for it to come.
This is a summary of my weeks building up to the 3 block period in which we as a 2nd year class will complete a design build project.
I feel like my level of learning experience has definitely declined due to the nature of the projects as well as the way in which the practice is structured. In the beginning of the year everything was fairly new and whatever I did taught me something new about architecture.
In the last couple of months I worked on renovations mainly doing the layouts of bathrooms, kitchens and bedrooms, what really frustrated me, driving nuts, the fact that the client just could not make its mind and I had redo (repeat) redo (repeat) redo the same work after the latest changes were made to the power, lighting and drainage layouts. I just cannot understand why I had to finalise the services after each and every change to the design, I wasted a lot of time and money in the process of printing. I did so many bathroom layouts if I have to do another bathroom layout in the next couple of months I def will need a bathroom myself, seriously serious, this is not architecture.
Yes, I can agree that this make part of the architectural profession and have to be done. My boss and his daughter are the designers and they are really good architects, yet what further more frustrates me, I’m never involved with the client meetings or even the internal office discussion regarding these layout and designs, I think I might have been able to take pride in doing these changes if they had involve me, after all I study architecture to design and not to draw municipal and working drawings. The designs were really carefully thought thru and the arrangements are really something even the joinery right to the detail were carefully considered, which made it all a good design and did open my mind as to how many different options you have and triggered the excitement of not doing something the usual way when it comes to bed and bathrooms.
I really love open plan en-suites with the raised timber flooring and free standing baths etc. it so carefully fit in with the whole theme of the buildings and traditional back ground of the fisherman’s cottages.
I also understand that we as 2nd year students do not have the ability to design everything, but surely this year is part of our learning experience and more emphasis should be placed on the design aspect of the practical studies, the only way to learn and catch the design understanding and way of thinking is to actively take part in it and make mistakes and discuss why it could or could not work, but functionally/ spatially, technologically and aesthetically.
Things in the office took an unexpected turn when one of the girls form UCT were laid off and now I had to fill her duties, which is sad, as I was told she did not have the energy, ability and zeal to work like I do, as much as would like to take the complement I never will as all the glory for my success in life goes to Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour, to glorify His name, He who gave me new life. I do not like the comparison of employees and as a result someone lost a job. I am a little disappointed in the level of professionalism conducted by some of the senior management as I was told my name was mentioned when they gave her the reasons for ending her employment.
Now only the fun began, whereas before I had worked directly with the owner, an excellent architect and honourable man, I now have to juggle between to bosses.
Then something unexpected, but also kind of should have guessed happened, where I was give another bathroom layout to do for a development we are doing in Kleinmond, but this time it was different, I have been tasked to do the design of the bathroom inlc. the joinery tiles, layouts etc. what a lot of fun it was, for the first time a very long time have I been given the opportunity to draw and design something, which gave me big pleasure and with it all I had spend a lot of time on it, many discussions with my colleges and after 2 days the proto type for all the bathrooms were finalised and a well accomplished design, not just being a production line draft, but something of me in it.
All-in-all my construction detailing has been sharpened throughout the year and my knowledge within an architectural practice has been widely spread, from dealing with the council and all their bazaar requirements to something as simple as using Google earth photos to start a basic site development plan, marketing presentations, specifying materials, widow/door schedules, finishing schedules reviewing engineers drawings and then my favourite must be the site visits. I almost want to proud myself in being a land surveyor, although I have not worked with the dumpy level yet, using tape measures and laser measuring tools and improvising methods to conduct a site survey on my own. ( a lot of fun) but more than that it really gives you a good understanding when you do the actual work, but more rewarding is to see what I have put on paper are being constructed. Creation is simply amazing.
Regardless of all the challenges faced in the past couple of months, my focus now is on the MIP design build project at St. Michael’s school in Elgin and then 3rd year to come.. Yipeeeeee! I mean seriously, a man can only do so many working drawings and municipal drawings/submission, then no more!
Week: 15 - 19 August 2011
This week was a bit of an anticlimax after having a very vibrant and alive week at class..
Back at the office it was straight into my little corner, where try to do as much as possible every day.
Although I am surrounded by so many, there is very little interaction between colleagues.
I had some excitement with a site visit to paternoster, setting foot on soil where we are continuing a project which started 5 years ago.
The envelope of all the buildings are complete, vandalised and left to it’s own survival.
The scope/function of all the units have changed, however only the interior spaces are rearranged and what might be a very draining exercise to keep one enthusiastic, it does teach and show me the many options and ways to make use of relatively small spaces, carefully considering the use of each bit of available space and making it a pleasant environment to be in. Also using a combination of technologies and materials thinking out of the box is what will bring these yet relatively simple cottages to new life.
Every piece of joinery is designed with very specific detail, which could either complete or ruin a good design.
Week: 08 - 12 August 2011
This was a week of excitement..
Block period 2
A visit to the Michael Stevenson gallery:
I have learned more about spatial design and how a very simplistic, but carefully considered design could change the way a human will experience a space, with high level ceilings and open floor space, soft lighting coming either from a court space or artificial source, which created a very comfortable tranquil space
Natural Earth building
Although I have my own opinion about the natural earth building methods, however it was a great learning experience to see how relatively easy and simple it is to build. I personally would not use these methods in an urban environment, but certainly feel this is a very suitable way of making housing in rural farm environment, blending into the surrounds, living in nature with a protective layer of earth.
The thick thermal walls whether building straw bale, adobe or rammed earth must be one of the best advantages compared to traditional building today. Reducing the carbon footprint is certainly equally as important, considering our environment and making use of the natural resources.
Overall a good learning experience this week, with a lot of brain storming, developing concept of architectural design, with a deeper thinking into architecture, rather than just what the eye can see.
Week: 25 - 29 April 2011
A confession..
In the past months I have been very pessimistic and sceptical about the learning process of the 2011 2nd year architecture studies, as a result it was easy for me to make excuses and sort of blame shift..
Well I since came to the conclusion:
I am either going to make it work or I am not, as nobody else will make it work for me, although this is not the traditional type of learning and I am very left handed with these methods implemented, I decided to still give it my best in every effort to be the best I can be.. I asked myself this question, what is learning all about and when are you are truly learning or gaining knowledge, I believe in many other disciplines it is likely to be the same, but in architecture it is most definitely when you struggle the most, battling to gain the understanding and to eventually to execute the task, this is all part of a process and so life has it’s processes and there are no short cuts.. just as God made the period of pregnancy 9 months, which with all the technology of today cannot be cut shorter and we all know what happens if a baby is born to early, it is under developed, and so is this process of going through these motions, I might not see the results immediately or even this year, but surely one will reap what you sow!
I have reviewed my own work up until this stage and I could see an improvement with the new methods and technology, surely not the best I can produce, thus I consider all the work done up until this point only as a learning curve and will now work on a new blog/webpage and more complete and clear illustrations of my work. Again I asked myself, how do you know your work is well presented? when somebody else can look at my work, read and fully understand my ideas of thinking and processes without me having to say a single word..
Even though I am still of the opinion that studio time is still a vital aspect of developing us as architects and surely think we should implement these sessions, even if on weekends.. however, if you believe it you can achieve it, it is all a matter of your attitude, are you a problem solver or problem finder..
Now I have made myself accountable to whoever might read this article, thus even when I am struggling or do not feel like doing all these online exercises, with much frustration, I still choose to do them and to do them well.. It is not too late for me to turn this year around! Yes, it will require a lot of discipline, a positive mind and much hard work with every effort, in the months to come..!
By faith, I chose to speak life and not death..JESUS CHRIST never fails you!
In the past months I have been very pessimistic and sceptical about the learning process of the 2011 2nd year architecture studies, as a result it was easy for me to make excuses and sort of blame shift..
Well I since came to the conclusion:
I am either going to make it work or I am not, as nobody else will make it work for me, although this is not the traditional type of learning and I am very left handed with these methods implemented, I decided to still give it my best in every effort to be the best I can be.. I asked myself this question, what is learning all about and when are you are truly learning or gaining knowledge, I believe in many other disciplines it is likely to be the same, but in architecture it is most definitely when you struggle the most, battling to gain the understanding and to eventually to execute the task, this is all part of a process and so life has it’s processes and there are no short cuts.. just as God made the period of pregnancy 9 months, which with all the technology of today cannot be cut shorter and we all know what happens if a baby is born to early, it is under developed, and so is this process of going through these motions, I might not see the results immediately or even this year, but surely one will reap what you sow!
I have reviewed my own work up until this stage and I could see an improvement with the new methods and technology, surely not the best I can produce, thus I consider all the work done up until this point only as a learning curve and will now work on a new blog/webpage and more complete and clear illustrations of my work. Again I asked myself, how do you know your work is well presented? when somebody else can look at my work, read and fully understand my ideas of thinking and processes without me having to say a single word..
Even though I am still of the opinion that studio time is still a vital aspect of developing us as architects and surely think we should implement these sessions, even if on weekends.. however, if you believe it you can achieve it, it is all a matter of your attitude, are you a problem solver or problem finder..
Now I have made myself accountable to whoever might read this article, thus even when I am struggling or do not feel like doing all these online exercises, with much frustration, I still choose to do them and to do them well.. It is not too late for me to turn this year around! Yes, it will require a lot of discipline, a positive mind and much hard work with every effort, in the months to come..!
By faith, I chose to speak life and not death..JESUS CHRIST never fails you!
My new blog/webpage will be launched at the soonest..
Week: 18-22 April 2011
This was a short week, both literally and figuratively.
At KLG we had many deadlines to meet with short notice, as the long weekend was approaching it took a lot of dedication, long hours and late evenings to complete and reach the goals that were set, I realised that this type of pressure will surely remain throughout the architectural profession, although I thoroughly enjoy working till the early hours of the morning, two things struck me; the body does not want this type of treatment, neither is this necessary, as good planning can prevent this in most cases.
Thus I have decided to start planning my own work, studies and life to gain control over the time I spend on unnecessary things.. There is more to life outside of architecture even if it is your passion, the work pressure should surely not dictate your lifestyle nor be an obsession, only once you have time to step outside the constant pressure of getting work done, you will have the opportunity to see what is going on outside of the box. Architecture is much more than being trapped in the studio, live life to the full, there is a whole world to explore..now the inner architect can come alive..
At work this week, I have been involved in some presentation work for a commercial/residential harbour development we are doing in joint venture with Meyer +Vorster Architects.
· I realised that Photoshop is a must to learn as well to be fluent in either Sketchup or Revit in order to create the architects impressions required for marketing purposes, neither of these are my strong points, thus I struggled a bit and will put in extra time to gain confidence and to be proficient with these in the practice, which will surely be an asset going into 3rd year studies.
· I gained a better understanding of steel construction and the joining of different types of material such as steel to concrete, timber and drywalls.
· Oh so many elements of a building to consider when we create inviting, but yet practical spaces. In the process of make light buildings, with structures floating instead of being heavily grounded, also taking the surrounding buildings carefully into consideration when combining existing and new structures, to prevent dull/dark spaces, we made use of cantilevers almost, but not complete touching the existing buildings, deliberate openings for subtle light to flow down these gaps.
to be continued..
This week my learning experience in the studio involved the following:
- floor joists
- roof structures
- iron mongery schedules
- house alteration
- council submissions
i have gained the following: will continue shortly..
Week of 11 - 15 April 2011
My working experience this week has been shorter than other weeks due to the exibition at CPUT..
I did learn more about
- balustrade details,
- window and door schedules,
- bathroom designs and..
If truly have to say, my experinece taught me more about read architectural lines, when designing something simple as a balustrade, how carefully you have to consider what effect it will have on the outside of the building, then the fixing details, even though recommended by a co-worker, i was cwertain it will not be steady which was confirmed by my boss after i done all the drawings, follow your instinct, we are all designers!
to be continued..
Week of 08 April 2011
what i have learned this week..
My learning experience this week was more based on office operations.
Week of 14 - 18 Mar 2011
This week my learning experience in the studio involved the following:
- floor joists
- roof structures
- iron mongery schedules
- house alteration
- council submissions
i have gained the following: will continue shortly..
Week of 07 - 12 Mar 2011
My learning experience this week was some what different, than the other weeks, apart from gaining valueble knowledge of :
- office practice (keeping record of all correspondance and instructions)
- council requirements
Week of 28 Feb - 04 Mar 2011
My learning experience was filled with..
- understanding the inner process of council submissions and approvals(how easily planning aproval can be delay if minor details are left out)
- detailed specification of door and window schedules
- keeping drawing register and accurate check, chaos comes when these are not done correctly.
- site develoment plans, electrical layouts
I deserve a break, this weekend, with a very hot week behind my back it's time to switch off till tomorrow..
to be continued soon..
Week of 21 - 25 Feb 2011
This has been a challenging week, with deadlines and divided tasks to complete..
I have done:
- small housing alterations,
- sports field landscaping
- steel construction details
- municipal follow ups
will continue shortly with the things I learned.....
Week of 14 - 18 Feb 2011
Hello everyone..continued from last week
..another week has come to an end, to my surprize..!
I had to deal with detail design issues, caused by both incorrect proceedures followed by engineers and steel manufacturing companies, as well as poor surveying by (architects excluding me), as a result steel beams were produced and installed which did not line up with existing concrete floors, without consulting the architect (this means us) for approved drawings.. to be continued
Week of 07 - 11 Feb 2011
During the past 4 weeks of intern learning, I gained alot of knowledge with regard to the following:
- council submissions
- design detailing
- office operations
- working with individuals in the studio
I must admit the first couple of weeks were chanllenging, getting into the 8-5 routine which is totally "not-me"..
to be continued..time's up
