First Day of Studio - Second Semester

Worst traffic ever! Not just on the way in, but inside as well.

Started class with a slideshow on the topics of Illusion and Depth perception in artist's paintings ranging from constructivism to cubism. Many of us haven't looked into these painting styles much, but it made for a cool project after the first hour was up.

We were split into three studio groups. I have Professor Efrat "Efi" Nizan. Seemingly Israeli, not loud, and pretty... thorough on topics. Oh! And she likes to give a lot of work.

It's all about the process, not just the final project.

We were given 10 choices for paintings that we would then convert into three-dimensional sculpture. While our professor was setting up the display, I took a moment to lighten the mood.

"Choose Wisely...

You have chosen... GRYFFINDOR!"
(got a couple laughs for this.)

I had been dwelling on the idea since we first started to discuss it, so it was no surprise that I had a very interesting sculpture to show after five minutes of play time.

Professor Nizan was pretty... impressed by the work. (Picture to follow).

I quickly took the chance to poke fun at my studio mate- who in the previous semester brought a flashlight to show his created spaces during the first major presentation- I whipped out my phone, turned on the flashlight and WHAM! Got a few giggles.

Class was over sooner than expected by my stomach, whom had been growling since I got there.

Homework was to make three models with only 1 sheet per model. Another model was to be made with 2 sheets. A researched presentation on the artist for our painting.

Schwitter - Mies, er

Oh! And an analysis of our painting on trace paper.

This is going to be fun! :)

Stay tuned, dear reader.
~ArchiTalmud

First Day of Second Semester

"The place where memories happen..."

This morning I woke up at 5:59 AM to beat my phone's alarm clock to the buzzer. I hadn't decided which bus to take to school yet, "The 6:45, 6:50, or 7:15???!!!" I couldn't make up my mind so I let the clock decide for me. I chose the 7:15 so my downloads could finish on my phone so I would have something to watch on the way home.

The 7:15 got into the city around 8:30, and then I began my favorite walk along 8th Ave to get frost bitten by the impending snow storm that was supposed to be visiting today.

Class was called for 9 AM as we all stood around in the NYIT Auditorium on Broadway (NAOB) waiting for anyone to give instructions as to what we're supposed to be doing. Meanwhile everyone started out with their cellphones again. I left mine in my pocket to preserve battery power because HOLY COW smartphones do not hold a charge very well. (Stupid 4G). Around 8:40 the crowd was getting pretty excited because of the mini reunions with their studio-mates from last semester.

We all kind of grew up together in a 14 week period-- grew up? NO! More like... went through a terrible trauma together, kind of like Taglit Birthright but less jovial.

On the line for signing into class, I was standing next to one of my studio mates, looking down he noticed something shiny.

"Is that a nickel?"

 I quickly picked it up, analyzed it and answered, "Yes, but it's not like I'm trying to live up to a stereotype or anything..."

Eventually around 9:20 we were all signed in and ready to enter the theater downstairs. The escalator was off so... we all chose the stairs. Ha! No we didn't. Someone stood on the escalator in confusion because it wasn't moving. Guess he forgot his coffee.

At 9:30, in the theater, we were introduced to Professor Taylor (Architecture Historian) who read the syllabus to us, nervously, and then asked if we had questions. One girl did, Gail, her hand was up... waving... jumping... whispering for attention. He didn't notice.

"There won't be any discussions this week since it's the first day and because of the weather. We want to make sure the attendance is all here next time. So see you next week."

We were dismissed 15 minutes later.

Not too bad for the first day. But what on Earth were we supposed to do now? I was planning on being in class until 12:10!
O.K. I did have a plan. I was going to take the train for the first time. And it was going to be awesome. Except I brought a friend along because I have that feeling you get when you see a lost dog and you want to pet it and feed it and get it back to its owner. Is that care? Nah, man.
Well, this friend recently turned 21 and took full advantage by drinking 5% alcoholic beverages. What a deviant!
But enough about them. The next train was set to leave at 11:06 and I would have been fine getting to it, but my friend is... well... pretty A.D.D. So we had to leave at 10:30 because y'know... Butterflies.

At Penn Station there's a bit of confusion for the first time user, and especially since I had to keep chasing my friend from leaving at every exit sign in the station, and because they really needed a bathroom, it took a little extra time to find the right platform. The MTA clerk in one of the booths was no help either.

"Hi! We're trying to get to [Town]."
"Is that in Long Island?"
"No... Upstate."
"Is that in New Jersey?!"
"Umm... No? It's in New York."
"Where'd you say?"
"[Town]?"
"Oh... Ummm... Take the 2 train back up to 42nd- Port Authority and get on the bus..."
"O.K. Thanks!"

We didn't follow her directions realizing she wasn't sure where she was today. No worries, I found the right way. Got the tickets and then waited for boarding announcement. My friend still needed the bathroom, but they would wait... until we had to transfer trains... and then yell at me for going down the escalator.

Although I must say, the train ride was just as exciting as the plane ride. Except more leg room, and no bratty children crying.

Somewhere in the middle of the ride, my friend was so bored they wanted to steal one of my books, which I offered originally, but they refused to take because reading makes them nauseous in cars- but reading text messages is TOTALLY FINE???

The moral of the story is, traveling with a friend is always more fun than sitting alone. But I would have preferred the book this time.


Thanks for reading, dear reader ;)
~ArchiTalmud

Second Semester of Architecture School?

BRING IT ON, TREE HUGGER!

Wedding Bells Are Ringing! RUN!

This is a 2 part post. The first part is about surviving today's Jewish wedding, the second is on the architecture of the common wedding hall. Feel free to pick and choose which one you're going to read...

A Stranger's Guide to the Jewish Wedding

By: Will Jew & Mary Mei

Over the break I've been to a few weddings, some I was cordially invited to, others I was summoned through tertiary sources. All in all, I didn't enjoy all of them. The one I most enjoyed was for a neighbor. What made it fun was the ambiance of the hall and the people that surrounded me.

People NOT included: My parents.

Their absence always takes some pressure off of me. Not that I don't love them, but catering to them at some one else's wedding always seems embarrassing and plain ol' weird. But what can you do? Can't live with them for the rest of your life, can't live without them yelling for something else every few minutes.

The price we pay as children.

Here are the survival tips for weddings:

• BRING EARPLUGS!!!!
• Loud music will kill you.
• Always make eye contact with everyone.
• Don't shy away. Or else everyone will shy away from you.
• Smile, wave if you want to, and always say "Mazel Tov!" as least awkward as possible.
• Always move around if you have nothing to do.
• Don't end up being the weird invitee that came looking for companionship and only found the children's table.
• Converse if possible.
• Everyone is looking for someone to talk to - if you're not the creepy invitee.
• Don't fill up on food.
• Don't sit alone eating.
• But you may if you have a cellphone.
• Bring a cellphone.
• Do NOT get drunk at a wedding.
• Unless you have a plan.
• If you're comfortable enough, go over to the women's side and find a nice girl to talk to.
• Everyone is looking for someone to talk to - if you're not the creepy invitee.
•  Walk around with your hands behind your back, not wrapped in front.
• It shows sophistication.

This about sums up all you need to know about the first half of the wedding ceremonies. What happens next can be construed as a nuisance.
The Chasson has to come over to the Kallah's side.
All trumpeting-heck breaks loose and all of the Chasson's friends are a bit tipsy because they've been obviously drinking because they don't know any other way to get excited about their friend "tying the knot"... I never understood that one.

At this point the crowd is either moving forward or backwards, but mostly pushing and shoving in all directions to "get the party started".

• Move to the side to avoid any scuffles.
• Remember those earplugs!
• Trumpets are hiding behind every corner.

Once you've survived the trance ordeal, it's time to make your way to the Chupah and to find a seat.
Many times... No wait... All the time, the Chasson's closest friends and their crashing friends will stand next to the Chupah because it's the best place to hang out and you don't have to stand up to see the Bride and Groom walk down the aisle, as it is customary to do so. You may join these "friends" who are continuing their alcoholic journey through the wedding procession if you have a plan and are comfortable with yourself.

Otherwise, find a seat.

Here's how to pick a good seat. The key is to get it before everyone starts piling in.
If you want to see the aisle: Get that seat all the way at the far end where you'll have to cross 10 - 15 people to get out of it.
If you want a seat with a good view of the aisle and the Chupah: Get a seat in the middle or next to the far end (away from the aisle).
If you want a quick exit strategy: Take that far end seat, all the way in the back where you get to see the Bride and Groom walking in and nothing else after that.
If you want a good view of the ladies... Good luck. Usually the older women (and mothers) take the aisle seats. If you're comfortable, try standing on the women's side. Or get that female friend you were talking to earlier to hide you behind your stunning blue dress she bought just for the wedding for her best friend from high school that she went to Semetary (That's an Israel Semenary that brainwashes their students... long story) with for a few months before she switched out and partied all year.

After the Groom breaks the glass, yell "Mazel Tov!", and start clapping. Clap your hands 'til it hurts! And don't forget the earplugs. The trumpets will be out again. When they're out, you can be sure the herd of drunk best frie-lephants will be charging somewhere. Get out of the way.

The rest of the wedding you can relax about. It's just eating and dancing. Both of which are voluntary.


If you need more tips, or if I left something out, please let me know, dear reader ;)