Visit at the Ferens Art Gallery

The Ferens Art Gallery is an art gallery in the English city of Kingston upon Hull. The site and money for the gallery were donated to the city by Thomas Ferens. Opened in 1927, it was restored and extended in 1991. The gallery features an extensive array of both permanent collections and roving exhibitions. The building also houses a children's gallery and a popular cafe. 

Ferens Art Gallery was the first art gallery which I have been visited. It's a really big building like the art gallery, I think. Maybe I didn't see other galleries. There are a lot of really good paintings, drawings and sculptures.  Really, I don't know what I had to fix in the gallery like the person which is interested in architecture, but I just enjoyed walking and looking at the paintings. I tried to think about techniques which were painted those paintings. There are some areas for watching videos of the art or just calm pictures and sounds. Also there is a popular cafe where you can sit down after review of gallery.  It's a really great place to spend yours leisure time.

The Creative Process for an Architect

People ask “Where does the inspiration come from during your creative process?”

To answer a question about creativity, I think most people need to take a step back and  think about their creative process. Most people tend to focus on the “creative” part of the equation when they really should be focusing on the “process” part. It is a process … it takes time, and despite the fact that legendary Finnish architect Alvar Aalto said “You can’t chew pencils and spit ideas”, being creative is work and you shouldn’t expect to sit down and be struck with genius … at least not all the time.

I tend to break my own creative process into three different and distinct categories:

Distraction noun \di-ˈstrak-shən\ : something that makes it difficult to think or pay attention : something that amuses or entertains you so that you do not think about problems, work, etc.

Inspiration noun \in(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən\ : something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create : a force or influence that inspires someone

Creation noun \krē-ˈā-shən\ : the act of making or producing something that did not exist before : the act of creating something

Throwing pencils into the ceiling is about as juvenile as distractions come but it seems to work for me. I’ll never have that big of a pencil collection stabbed into the ceiling because I like my pencils too much … I eventually go and retrieve them before too long.

This is ‘CubeBot‘ and it is one of the few toys I have around my work space. CubeBot came into existence when I bought him for an office gift exchange and I recommended to one of my office mates that he should select my present – thinking he would like it. Despite his initial trepidation, he took the gift and CubeBot immediately came to live up at the office. Eventually I had to buy my own CubeBot because my friend HATEDwhen he would come into the office and find that “someone” had messed with HIS CubeBot. The bottom right hand picture is what I found one day when I came into the office [sad face], someone was tired of my antics.

It was a great distraction while it lasted.

Next, let’s move on to ‘Inspiration’.

Seeing something that you like, and then taking the time to understand why you like it, is a very rewarding process that frequently affects the way you ultimately see a thing. There is no shortage of books and magazines in my office – and I am deluged with new design magazines and trade periodicals daily. While the information is sometimes outdated by the time I see it, the process of critically looking at what other designers are doing is very inspirational.

Bob Borson (creator of 'Life of an Architect' site) telling us about 'Creation' 

There is a story behind why I started this website – and it is summarized by saying I needed a creative diversion. In the beginning – back in early 2010 – things were somewhat slow at the office and I needed a creative outlet … and Life of an Architect was born. I am constantly amazed by the amount of effort required to maintain this site. Just coming up with the topics is a challenge in and of itself but the real challenge is how I have had to learn a million new things in order to fill out some idea of concept for an article and then execute it in a way that reflects the point I am trying to convey and still maintains some “bob personality” along with it. Maybe it doesn’t sound hard but it is – at least it’s hard for me.

To date, this site has existed a total of 1,396 days – that’s almost 4 years – and I have written 551 articles, prepared 4,359 images and graphics, and made 3 terrible videos. They aren’t all winners but I had to start with a blank screen when I created each one. This sometimes involved research, teaching myself new skills … and most importantly, it forced me to evaluate why I think about something the way I do so I could try to explain my position/ reasoning to others. At times it feels like the worst kind of homework (the “voluntary” kind) but even 4 years later, it still fills a creative void. On ‘Life of an Architect’ I can do whatever I decide to do, I can explore my own interests, and I can chase any rabbit I want down the rabbit hole.

The very definition of creativity is the act of making or producing something that did not exist before – I can’t think of an example easier to point at than this entire web site. If you ever wanted a reason why you should start your own website – for professional or personal reasons – if you’re an architect, there only needs to be one reason – creativity.

So that’s a look at my own creative process – or at least, how I jump start my creative process. Sometimes it means not doing anything, while at other times, it means that the act of constantly trying to be creative actually helps me when I need to be creative.

This very interesting post is from - http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/the-creative-process-for-an-architect/

What does an Architect do?

“One day Alice came to a fork in the road and saw a Cheshire cat in a tree. Which road do I take? she asked. Where do you want to go? was his response. I don’t know, Alice answered. Then, said

the cat, it doesn’t matter.”

- Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

The cat’s advice is good for (aspiring) architects as well. Figuring out where you want to go is more than half the battle. If you, or someone you know, is considering the field of architecture as a career, here is some information they should read. Trust me … I’m an Architect.

So What Exactly Does an Architect Do?

Ask different architects the details of his or her daily job duties and you’ll get a different answer every time. What an architect does on a daily basis depends on where they live (big city or small town), what kind of firm they work for, and a myriad of other factors.

Before deciding to be an architect, figure out what your ideal work day would be like, then look for a match below. Here are a few job descriptions for architects:

Read full post here - http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/what-does-an-architect-do/

Do you want to be an architect?

Do you want to be an Architect?

It takes a lot of commitment and desire to become an architect. Nobody becomes an architect because they think it sounds cool or they like to draw. There is a lot more to it and I think it needs to be a calling for you to even think you will experience any measurable success. Do you think you have what it takes to be an architect?

Design Studio: Top 10 Things you should know

Architecture school is all about the studio. Whether you are new to design studio or a seasoned pro, there are a few things that I thought I would share with all you that dispel some commonly accepted ideas of what architecture studio really requires from its attendees. I think you might be surprised to read a few things on this list but I promise that you will be better off for having read this list.

What makes you a designer?

As a practicing architect. not everything I do is big picture design. From the overall time I spend working in the office, very little is – but good architecture isn’t always about the big killer idea. I consider coordinating a project and the details of the construction of that project integral to a successful design.

Drawing like an Architect

I am living proof that you don’t have to draw well to be an architect. Having the ability to draw beautiful pictures doesn’t hurt but let’s pull the curtain back and be honest here for a minute … Architects communicate through their drawings – we aren’t making art. As architect Lou Kahn once famously said, “an artist can make a cart with square wheels, but an architect can’t.”

How much money does an architect make?

Architects can make a great living but there is balance between money and happiness that must be found. This post contains a snapshot of some of the best places to work and what areas pay the highest salary for architects. Before anybody start whining and moaning about how architects are underpaid, let me tell you know that I don’t want to hear it. Teachers are underpaid.

The ‘Not so Sexy Side to Architecture’

There is a reality check coming for most graduating architecture students. Practicing architecture for 99.9% of the architects out there means something other than designing – at least what you might typically think design really means. The practice of architecture is more than sketching on trace paper, parti diagrams, deciding what pens to draw with, groupies, and last-minute trips to Vegas with the client. It means solving problems – sometimes incredibly mundane and uninspired – yet very important problems to the people who retain your services.

An Architect’s Tool Bag

To be an architect you must have specific tools to get the job done. Here is a look at the ones I use most often. Some (but not all) are clearly throw-backs tools that reflect the fact that I graduated from architecture school 20 years ago. Despite the fact that I am pretty good at AutoCAD, I didn’t put it on my list of tools. If I had made my list a little longer it probably would have showed up.

Life of an architect

Link - http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/do-you-want-to-be-an-architect/

Graphic Standards

How an architect draws is a reflection of many things – you can frequently tell the priorities of a firm just by looking at the quality of their drawings. I didn’t say the content of their drawings – and this isn’t just semantics – it speaks to the culture of the firm. For the purposes of today’s article, I am going to assume that all architectural drawings are correct and serve their purpose of conveying intent, scope and quantity.

Working on the graphic standards is always a lengthy process of trial and error. In most cases it not’s just about the output of the drafting software, it’s also about how you draw the things that convey the information.

Tools of the trade: Sketchbook

THE SKETCHBOOK

Architecture schools typically have a sketchbook on their mandatory freshman supply list.  In my opinion it is one of the most important tools to help one document, problem solve, practice drawing and archive their career as an architect.

How to pick a sketchbook:

There are hundreds of different types of sketchbooks to choose from and it can be intimidating to figure out which one is just right for you.  Realize that although it’s nice to have a series of similar sized sketchbooks that will sit neatly together on a shelf it’s not the end of the world if you switch it up from time to time.  If you’re buying your first sketchbook you will go through an adjustment phase where you’ll realize what size, shape and paper type works best for you. The sketchbook I use is a wirebound 9”x12” hard covered 100 page book.  This is my favorite type because this size gives you tons of space to draw on, it lays flat so you don’t have to mess with the crease and it is solid which allows you draw on a hard surface. The hardcover also protects your drawings from wear and tear.  I have some sketchbooks that have taken me a few years to fill up and since the information inside is important to me I want to make sure the paper is protected from getting damaged.

The drawback to this sketchbook is that it can be a bit cumbersome. A 9”x12” book doesn’t exactly fit in your back pocket but, if you’re going to class, a meeting or traveling you’re likely going to be carrying a bag that you can easily stow it in.

What to put in your sketchbook:

First thing…always write your name and contact info on the inside cover.  The last thing you want is to lose months of ideas and notes because you left it on a table at Starbucks or a seatback pocket on the airplane. Now, if you’re using your sketchbook to record illegal business transaction (or the sort) then I suggest you put somebody else’s name on the inside cover (you know, just in case).

After you have your contact info down just let the rest flow.  Don’t be afraid to draw anything and everything that you can think of.  I’ve noticed that there are a couple of reoccurring themes in my sketchbook…

.Furniture projects                            Architecture competitions                         Floor plans 

     

                                         Graphic design                               Museum exhibitions

                                          

Why you should have a sketchbook:

As I mentioned above I feel it’s important to have records of all of your thoughts, ideas and designs that are centrally located and easily accessible..

What Starbucks Gets that Architects Don’t

Or why I left the architecture profession

Today I'm sharing the arcticle about what Starbucks gets that architects don't. This arcticle shared Christine Outram in her website. And in the article says that it's not important what is cheap and comfortable to the producer, but it's important what is more expensive and more comfortable to the costumer.

Read the full arcticle here - https://medium.com/what-i-learned-building/a844ec3343da

Starbucks interviewed hundreds of coffee drinkers before determining that round tables would be the best solution for people.

Do You Have What it Takes to be an Architect?

Do I have what it takes to be an Architect? Will I be any good at architecture if I become an architect? Will I make any money as an architect? …

In my mind, there are three major things that will help determine if you will experience success as an architect:

1. You have to be smart
2. You have to work hard and demonstrate dedication to the craft
3. You have to be a social and likable person

A Graphic Designer’s Bag

Here's a graphic designer's bag. Look what's there!  1. 15” MacBook Pro 2. Grado SR80i Headphones – open back lusciousness. I admit to being an audio snob and have too many headphones to admit to, but these are keepers 3. Bron Double Sided VHB Tape – been in the bag for years. Never know when I may need to hang a sign myself 4. Verbatim Retractable 8GB Thumb Drive 5. Sony NEX 3 Camera – Replaced my Canon DSLR with a mirrorless system. Small and easily portable with DSLR quality. This was a bit of a gamble on my part, but no regrets. Big props to my buddy Nguyen, who works for the Sony Camera Division 6. Mont Blanc Starwalker Metal Rubber – I would never spend this much money on a pen. It was a gift from a client 7. Generic Leather Padfolio with graph paper pad 8. Hotel notepad – from one of my projects (swiped from the Conference Room) 9. Sticker from my Barbershop – not sure why this is in here. Probably been in the bag for 3-4 years. Probably will not go back in though… 10. Fluke 414D Laser Distance Meter – I use it more to tease the dog than actual measuring, but when I need it, I need it…. 11. Picket Scale Ruler – I am a stickler for keeping it in the case 12. Sticky Note Pad – sample from a paper vendor 13. Business Cards – I spent a fortune on these. Letterpress printed on 220lb, 100% cotton stock… Money well spent. 14. Old Camera case that houses/protects my Magic Mouse on the go. 15. Magic Mouse – call me old-fashioned, but I need a mouse to draw 16. Squeegee – Never know when I may need to install some vinyl graphics myself 17. Multi Tool – Vendor giveaway 18. Red Pen – this same pen seems to have been in my bag for several years 19. Level – Never know when I may need to hang a sign myself 20. 25’ Stanley Tape Measure – at least 20 years old… quality tool 21. EyeBobs Reading Glasses – I practically wear them full-time (I’m over 40) 22. iPad Stylus / Ballpoint Pen Combo - not sure why I keep this, my wife commandeered my iPad 3 years ago 23. Candy Stick – how & where did this come from???? 24. Medium Oxide Bronze Material sample 25. Etched Brass Project Sample – was used for locker tags at a spa in San Miguel De Allende 26. Burts Bees Lip Balm – one of about 6 tubes I have scattered around my universe

Architectural sketches

Today I'm sharing the arcticle about architectural sketches

Architects need to sketch - period. 

Start today, just pick up a pen and make it happen - you can do it. I'm not particularly skilled myself but I think it's an important skill for an architect.

Link: http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/architectural-sketches/

Architecture student bag

Here's an architecture student bag.

1. Bag is a Mamba Slim by Booq bags

2. Light Green Hard Drive by Ryde design

3. Aviator Shades: Rayban

4. Bamboo Wacom touch pen

5. Apple Macbook pro 15″

6. Moleskin San Francisco limited edition notebook

7. Datum pencil-case: my 8-year-old pencil-case that I never leave behind.

includes:

livescribe 2gb pen

3 rotring mechanical pencils in HB in different line weights .3,.5 and .7

Sony 8gb usb

Staedtler .3mm mechanical pencil

2 Rotring clutch pencils in F and HB

2 Letraset .3 and .7 pens

2 Unipin .5 and .4 pens

1 Pentel red powergel

Mechanical pencil leads

8. Livescribe Notebook: (the one I use for notes in class while I record the entire lecture)

9. London Underground mouse pad

10. Microsoft mouse

11. Coach clip wallet

12. Apple iPhone 5

13. iPhone Charger

14. iPod Charger

15. iPod Nano

16. Livescribe pen charger

17. USB cable

18. Casio Scientific Calculator

19. Macbook pro charger in quirky cord case

Architectural models

These photos are of architectural projects. 

Question of one of these projects -

“Why did the model have to be so large?

That is a perfectly reasonable question because I thought the model was a tad on the large size myself.

Author of project

Contrast House

Love this concrete, modern rectangular house : )

Architectural Project Book

    

    Here is a few project pages of the architectural project book.

Concrete house

I love this photo because its effects is very suitable to the house forms.

Modern swimming complex

I like this modern, concrete forms swimming complex.

What is in architect's bag?

1. MacBook Pro 15″
2. 12″ x 50 yard roll of trace paper
3. Architectural scale 
4. Pencils
5. Sharpie Pens
6. Paper Mate Pens
7. Medicine
8. Staedtler Mars
9. Business Cards
10. Ice Breakers Breath Mints
11. Aquaphor Lip Therapy
12. Tumi Delta Passport Wallet 
13. Change
14. Headphones
15. Portable Hard Drive
16. MacBook Pro
17. Tumi Men’s Meridian Letter Padfolio
18. Black framed glasses
19. Moleskine Classic Soft Cover Large Plain Notebook
20. Rubber bands – size #32
21. Stanley Powerlock Tape Measure
22. iPhone 5
23. Calculator

The posts like this you can find at - http://www.lifeofanarchitect.com/