Final Presentation - Design II - The Fire Urn

Hey reader!

I've been busy, trying to get myself together for the summer. Got a lot to take care of like putting the portfolio together for the B.Arch application.
But I'm here to reminisce about the final presentation before I forget all about it.

The week of, the professor was really excited about my project and assured me that all I need to change were some drawings and little fixes for my 1/4" scale model. So I did. Most of Thursday I spent putting a quick animated walkthrough together for the powerpoint presentation. The powerpoint was supposed to be 5 minutes max, but at the rate I was giving it at home, it was taking 8-10 minutes to make it through.

So the morning of the final, I had went to sleep around one, packed a box and my garbage bag for the models, and had left my boards in my school locker on Wednesday. Everything was prepared, so I decided I would be once of the first three to present.

Up until the final moments before we officially began, I watched as guest critics walked by our projects and STOPPED BY MINE for long periods of time to examine my boards. It was flattering for the most part, but it made me nervous, 'What do they see that I missed?'
Of course the obvious piece missed was the little rendered figure of my professor hidden in my section render... When he saw that during the presentation, his face got all red and he started laughing. He looks to me and says, "Nooo! You didn't!" before pointing it out to the guest critics and saying I get and automatic A..

We had FOUR guests, I did not catch any of their names. Anyway, the first two presentations got picked apart because they were solely based on construction designs, while mine was a full concept.

As I sat down before the laptop to begin the powerpoint, I looked at the female guest, smiled widely and said HI! She smiled back and asked if I would begin. At this point, with all the practice I had put into the the previous day repeating my shpeil, I started rambling quickly about the context, the process, my concept, the design phases and the Louis Kahn inspirations.
They stopped me when I reached the concept image of a greek urn. They were curious because my project actually used the negative space to define the urn mostly.
Soon the 5 minutes were up, and everyone was together by my boards as the guests picked the idea apart.

I was eating up their critique, because I've learned to take note and try to understand what would make the project better. For some reason, during critiques, my face probably looks depressed as I'm learning from what they're saying so from Greta to Diamond the these new guest critics, they had to reassure me that what they were saying wasn't bad. Which I knew! But my face read otherwise.

To quote, "We aren't saying all these things because we don't like it. On the contrary, we like it very much and that's why we're saying all these things!" ~Female Critic

Each critic tried to take a turn because they had so much to say. One drew on the boards, others tried to illustrate with their hands. One related it to a prison.
The most important line was from the female critic, she said,
"We see that you have pulled all of these individual moments from your inspiration and put them all together, but which part of this project is YOU?"

The critique soon finished after that, and I was really happy with how it went. Like SUPER HAPPY! There were applause from the class, there had been some laughter in the middle. The professor had blushed. It was an amazing 10-15 minutes.

And I know I promised photos. I will put them up eventually... Probably after I finish the portfolio...

Thanks for reading, dear reader :)
~ArchiTalmud

End of Semester 3

It doesn't pain me to say that the semester is over. I'm actually happy another one is gone. It means I'm another day closer to completion.
Here's a recapitulation:

• Project 3 finished.
• I blacked out after hitting 40 hrs awake time.
• This led my unconscious self to put myself in bed. (True Story).
• My project turned out to be a yacht.
• I told people that Greta called it a 'butt'
• Only one person got the Finding Nemo reference.
• I presented my Building Construction Extra Credit.
• I slipped in a slide of my wrist getting slipped.
• I bought a scroll saw finally, wood crafting is much easier now.
• Got multitudes of ideas for next years sukkah. (Can't reveal what it is yet.)
• Completed the history book.
• Bought Tombow dual markers.
• ^^^ They are worth every penny.
• Mastered Revit.
• Realized that from November to December I don't post much on here. Which is fine.

Thanks for keeping up, dear reader ;)
~ArchiTalmud

DIAMONDS BACK!

He had no idea what they were saying.
Turns out that from project 1 until now (project 3), Diamond hasn't been tearing apart anyone's project. Today, he did just that. Tore apart at least 3 projects and the title is what they were saying.

Feels good to be back to normal...

Color VS Black and White

"True Colors." That's what we used to say, and that's exactly what happened today.
How I ended up arriving late to class will be discussed after this.

Our site was the Richard Morris Hunt Memorial on 5th Ave and 71st Street. Our task was to survey and analyze, we were each assigned a partner if we didn't grab one before then. So Gabe was my partner, chosen for his drawing skills, he was tasked with the axonometric and section cuts for the site. I had the Panoramic photos and the plans.

Our rivals from the other studio section (Nizan), did similar, however we had forgotten to do sketches, and even more so, our presentation was in Black and White.

Professor Diamond was using his usual tool for decisions: Voting.

66% voted for the Color presentation, while 33% chose our black and white, hand drawn, presentation-- I forgot to mention that the other group had printed out all of their work...

The lesson from this is: If you want your presentation to shine, use lots of color, large plans and show the full site. Also, it really helps to have a color palette of three colors (theirs were greens).


Now to explain how weird my day was:
I slept through my alarms, made the 8:10 bus on the button. There was an accident on the highway, but all that did was leave a wide open lane for the bus after the police let us through, and then I was in the city at 9:10.
So I ran to class, accidentally almost crushing a pigeon.
And then when I finally made it down into the studio and pinned up my work, I didn't even say anything because the three other people in my group did all the talking. Afterwards, my friends congratulated me for having a great presentation! But of course they were kidding.

Then my professor accidentally broke one of my sharpies...
Speaking of my professor, he was on the corner of 5th and 47th while I was waiting for the Monsey bus. And then all of these attractive girls from everywhere started lining up for the Monsey bus too. I was confused. Then I realized it's Friday!

Thanks for reading, dear reader ;)
~ArchiTalmud

First Day of Design I (Arch201)

Happy Friday!! This morning the studio was partially vacant around a quarter to nine. But soon after the room was filled. 25, 30, 35, 40...50! We had 50 students with us! Half were from my previous semester and the other half were students that seemed to have taken Fundies 1 and 2 over the summer... masochists. Meanwhile, someone mentioned the ArchiTalmud blog and completely over-hyped it! Like, I'm not even funny half the time! Am I...?

There were jokes going around, catching up about summer plans, and overall commitment to staying focused this semester after learning what not to do last semester.

Anyway, soon after that the professors started arriving. Clara Ha was seen with a new guy. Originally believed to be her boyfriend, we were all surprised to learn that this was a fourth/new professor in NYIT.
Tension was tight while everyone filled out sheets with their previous studio professor's and previous grades. This allowed the professors to start a trading card game which soon led to a full-fledged FANTASY DRAFT!
It took about 45 minutes and a false start when David Diamond yelled, "LASLO!" until we were all sent to a originally assigned sections... Talk about relief.
I, Ronal, Gabriel, and Sherif moved to the executive corner of the studio. Two of Diamond's previous students were sitting by his corner. I already knew they shouldn't be there, but I waited for the professor to tell them to SCRAM! (Oh, how that made me happy :) )

Professor Diamond began explaining our first project. The whole idea around it is basically "Architecture Promenade" (Le Corbusier). In English, the experience created by the rooms or spaces should tell a narrative. There should be a beginning, a middle, and an end. However, he was putting an emphasis on Arches. Titus, Washington, etc. These all had this story that they told (triumphs). But more importantly, they independently created an entrance or gateway into the cities. Literally, Awesome (Awe inspiring).

On that note, our first practice project wants us to build off the Cubist project from last semester and fold an existing plane to create 3 landings with different views, experiences and levels. And there must be an 'Over/Under' in there. Made from white museum board (Personally, I'll be using illustration board), and must be self supporting- No basswood columns. 1/4" = 1'-0" scale.

There's extra detail in there, but the e-mail won't be arriving for another 30 minutes or so. However, I forgot to mention our terrible adventure back to the High Line. It wasn't terrible, but the heat and the heat was too much. On the C train, we sat around discussing how we'd build the stairs of the model. Then I'd whispered to a friend,

 "That awkward first day when no one wants to make eye contact with the professor."

He laughed because it was true. And not because we were sitting directly across from Professor Diamond... There wasn't much else to do, so I took out my 24-Sharpie Marker set. The group lit up!
"Yo! He's prepared!" said one friend.
Quietly I was saying to myself, 'NO ONE TRY TO STEAL MY MARKERS! I WILL MURDER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!'
But I didn't really say that. Just thought it.

At the High Line, we had split up into groups and had each been given jobs to either: Sketch the enclosures (The folding of them); Sketch plans; or Draw the section.
Still not sure what we'll be doing with these, but I'll know as soon as the e-mail is sent.

Thanks for reading, dear reader :)
~ArchiTalmud

First Day: Arch 161 - Survey History of Architecture

Not much to say, but our professor Sean Khorsandi. Funny as possible with his honesty and sarcasm. And completely understanding. There would normally be a funny story but... I don't know. It turns out that most of the group from Taylor's intro to history class is together again, and we're all sitting in our comfortable areas.
I took my seat in the second row, third seat from the left; front and center from the professor's computer. And then everyone just sat around it. Not that I'm popular, but being the first to sit down is basically creating the center point for all other to crowd around.

Afterwards, I waved to everyone, said Hi! and then proceeded to enjoy a chocolate brownie cookie.
3 hours later we were done, and will continue class with the semester long assignment.

I think it'll be interesting, but there will be 3 days I'll be missing.

The Dissimilar-Similar Parks

Two parks, an eleven minute walking distance between them, but so much more separates them. 

Manhattan is filled with many of these small areas located in between tall buildings for the tired, walking pedestrian that roams its roaring roads. The two being focused on are Samuel Paley Plaza and Greenacre Park.

Samuel Paley Plaza, or more commonly known as ‘Paley Park’, is located on 3 East 53rd Street between 5th and Madison. Its entrance is a wide opening that immediately opens to the park and the eyes to its massive 20 foot high walls- that shade the entire area for most of the day- and then turn toward the placid waterfall that fills the back wall. It is flat ground, but stone benches line the sides of the park to allow visitors to use the ample space to place their belongings down comfortably. The walls are layered with leafy vines that add a natural texture to the rough walls. 

Within the center area, trees are placed near the tables to produce privacy while being able to enjoy a private meal with oneself or a friend while simultaneously being able to be mobile and rotate the chairs to enjoy the waterfall. The waterfall is highlighted toward the end of the day with flood lights so the park can maintain its serenity and availability at night. In front of the waterfall are two steps that lead up to the “splash area” where one can receive a light sprinkling from the water as it lands in the small pool that spans the width of the water fall.

Greenacre Park, is located on E 51^st St, between 2^nd and 3^rd Avenue. Already as one approaches it, there is a grander statement made by its entrance that is two steps, lined on both sides with wheelchair accessible ramps, and the overhead. The landscape, within the park, explodes with floral arrangements and tropical islands, if one were to let the imagination run wild. At a first glance the park is an exotic getaway from the city commotion, but the eye is brought back by the midtown backdrop above the waterfall. 
On the left, and a few steps up, is a shaded area that overlooks the lower level of the park that sits in front of the waterfall. On the right, the stone benches are just as movable as the chairs in the middle of the park, as one would turn around and see the flowing water that is below the ivy-dressed walls. The waterfall is in the back, roaring louder than the streets, allowing a peaceful, spiritual moment. Trees are used to divide the chairs that dance in the middle, and the flowers-of all magnificent colors -give the eye something to gaze at when not watching the cascading waterfall that is so splendiferous it demands the attention of everyone sitting in the park.

There are many similarities between Paley and Greenacre. The waterfalls, obviously. The use of trees, the sitting areas, the walls that create the authentic “pocket” effect of the parks (meaning the detachment from the city). These are the general similar qualities. Their differences are not as subtle once one is settled down in a chair. Greenacre Park is loud and colorful, much like the people who go there. Paley Park is much quieter and simpler, especially in its colors. Greenacre creates four different levels (the entrance, the sitting area, the shaded area, and the waterfall seats). Paley, has but one flat area, but it’s so quiet and large that one wouldn’t notice someone passing and would not need the extra level to move away.

Although the waterfalls are an obvious similarity, they are also the essence, or the physical character of each park symbolically. As was mentioned, Greenacre has four levels, so does its waterfall. The water falls from one level, down to the next and has an extraordinary volume. Paley has a long, flat and quiet waterfall that is simple like the park it is in. This is what makes two very similar parks so dissimilar in the most phenomenal manner.

~ArchiTalmud

Moving ahead and onward...

Post first days of Passover, I was greeted with an email from my professor about an hour and half before the Havdalah services. She was warning me about failure since I have not been showing progress in a few weeks.

I do not like threats.

But she had a point, I haven't been moving much. Which is a complete bummer on my morale and it doesn't help anyone. SO from 8:45 pm until 6 am, with a small break between, I put together a model that had some interesting pieces, but was not complete.

I brought it into class, and the professor again asked for a previous model that she had liked originally but I never seem to bring along. SO she had me tear apart the model I had made and to start over with the anchor piece in the center and to build everything around it.

My project has an emphasis on "Floating Elements" which was mostly due to my project never having a complete model done for class.

I have until midnight to send her images of the completed model which entails:

• completing the site.
• raising the bedrooms.
• adding the studios.
• adding a roof.
• adding the roof garden.
• and finishing the stairs
• and adding more stairs or bridges to emphasize the floating elements.

This is my task. I will do it. It's not a lot of work. It's just a long list. Speaking of lists...

Later after class, my studio mates entrusted me to rate the current class rankings.
needless to say, I am at #9. because I am far behind. The rest is hidden in my sketchbook.

But please note: Lists can get you into trouble, as well as offend others. Especially when they know who wrote it. Oddly enough, in elementary school I had made a list then too. That got me in trouble. High school's list of girls... Only got me into a smaller trouble.

Keep that in mind, dear reader ;)
~ArchiTalmud

BANNED!

From the start of this project, I have been making a fuss about the one and only bathroom required in this project. ON purpose of course.

I've been setting myself up to be able to make bathroom jokes when ever I felt it necessary.

Yesterday, I pushed it too far. We were asked to make Pathway Diagrams- a kind of map of our project- and I had easily linked my bathroom to be the epicenter of my project.

When I had mentioned it in class, it got a laugh out of everyone. It was Thursday, notably, and everyone is normally abnormal that particular day of the week.
My professor then asked I try to avoid mentioning it. So I decided to use similar words.

"...And as you go through the entrance there's three pathways--"

"Did you just say bathrooms?" The professor interrupted.

 "No, no! PATHWAYS one can take. Going down the center brings you straight to the potty room where everyone gathers."

"Did you just 'potty' or 'party'?!"

The class laughed again. My professor was amused for a few minutes, and then...

"Alright, let's make a new rule. YOU cannot mention the bathroom unless someone explicitly asks you about it. No more bathroom talk."


And that, dear reader, is How I Was Banned From Talking About Bathrooms.

~ArchiTalmud

Starting Project 2: Cliff Dwelling

Just making a footnote here: 8 Weeks of Insanity!

And not the physical workout... It's the architecture student kind...

The Inspiration from Flappy Bird

That feeling you get when you're nervous or scared... Yeah, that one. You're using it wrong. It's not supposed to weigh you down. It's supposed to lift you up. Any chance you have to fly, grab those wings and soar. Falling? Flap you wings again. Double flap if you have to.

That moment you hit any object and you die on the inside... Yeah, that one and the many after that. They are all lessons to learn. You'll get it right eventually.

That addictive feeling you get when you know you can do better... Yeah, that one too. That's your human side. The one that doesn't want to give up, no matter how much you do or don't realize how you're wasting your time.

That sorrow you feel when you know everyone else has a higher score... Yeah, they've been playing longer. Meaning they have less of a life than you. Find reasons to be proud.

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 ;)

What's Architecture Studio Like?

Ever wonder what the hype is?

(That's my studio!! During the Lunch Break!!)

Down here- since the studio is underground- it's a critic-eat-student world. Most of the time, for the first years, they're all into fighting the system and working together to survive each class. Eventually they will learn to fend for themselves. Like a pack of wolves.

Each day starts off by exposing ourselves and our work that we either spent all night or all weekend putting together. That is not an exaggeration. It takes a long time and precision to complete projects. Time spent on projects include the following activities: Listening to music; texting; calling other studio partners; deciding if you should email your studio critic; regretting emailing your studio critic; regretting using ink on Mylar paper; resolving issues; offering to write essays for non-Architecture students so they will pay for your museum board, Mylar, Vellum or trace paper.

After most of us (and the one guy who did their project perfectly) are done sweating ourselves, we then start working on the next project that's usually due 36 hours later. You pull out your T-square, triangle, pencils, drafting tape and end up being asked four times-by the prettier girl in your studio group who somehow always forgets her materials-if they could borrow things. As long as it's none of your expensive material, by all means, TAKE IT! The rest of the time, when we need a break from our work, we're free to roam around the studio and visit other groups and look at their work. It's always interesting to see the possibilities each project has. It's also interesting how each student has their own signature pattern that they incorporate into their designs repeatedly.

There are the occasional moments in studio where everyone shares in a laugh. What the joke is? No one knows. We don't get enough sleep. And no one has had breakfast yet. So we're laughing at the perpendicular someone just dropped. [Inside joke].

Here is where I will tell you that you should not complain about your life. You get sunlight, you get food, you get to have a social life (Note: I didn't say you have one). We have nothing, we spend more, and we're always being disapproved by a critic. We're taught to think freely by following a guideline. Comparative to learning to tread water in a shark-infested ocean.

Life. Enjoy it, dear reader.

First Day of Classes

Now we get ourselves into the goodness of it all!

Class started at 8:30am sharp. Professor Meuschke comes in, and the first thing he says is, "I plan on keeping you here until the end of class, but I did not sleep at all last night... If I start to doze off, you can leave sooner."
Already he seems like a really nice guy and funny. He went around the room asking things about ourselves so we would become comfortable with him. Although, there should have been some icebreakers for the students... it was too quiet and every person was just staring at their cellphone.

At one point he asked, "Who of you can draw well?"
I and one other raised their hand, and luckily he picked the other guy.
"Can you draw this girl?" pointing to a girl to his left.
"Uhh... I guess."
"Ok. Draw her now. Now, who else in class can draw?"

Looking around and no one raising their hands, he starts mocking us with, "Oh, I don't want to raise my hand, I don't want to draw the other students."

It was great.

Occasionally he would ask what the time was, and would always be surprised to find out that the time was moving slower and slower with each time he asked.

10 o'clock finally comes and he gives us a break and... everyone whips out their phone in awkwardness. I went to search for a bathroom or a water fountain (since I'd left my bottle at the bus stop in Monsey), I couldn't find either so I went back to the classroom only to pass by the professor who smiled politely as I tried to keep a socially-acceptable amount of eye contact.
I'm not sure if winking was appropriate.

After the break he began to ask each of us about why we chose architecture or what our favorite architect/architecture was. I used the former question to shamelessly discuss my Sukkah project. Prof Meuschke was fine with it since it wasted time. He also found it interestingly coincidental that I and Jewish professor for another class both mentioned the number 24.
(See: http://architalmud.blogspot.com/2013/09/emunah-vpachad-faith-fear.html)
Other students had mentioned many interesting architectural structures. And the Time Warner building next door tended to be one of the bigger topics.
Toward the end of class, Prof Meuschke told us we'd be going to Central Park to start drawing. And so we did.


Out on the fields, there was a man playing a guitar and singing, many beautiful women tanning were out, and there we were sketching buildings and trees.
First was a line drawing, and then we needed to do the shapes themselves. It was a wonderful way to spend a class. I finished my work quickly--since I only brought a pen and therefore was limited in shading area--so I took a look around to see others works.
It's amazing how stellar all of these people are at drawing!
It feels good to be around other artists. Especially those that also want to succeed in the Architecture program.

After all was said and done, Prof Meuschke gave us two assignments due for next week:

1) Just using Line drawings, draw the back of an appliance.
2) Self portraits. With charcoal or pencil.

These would then be pinned up to the wall and critiqued.

Shana Tova, dear reader.

I'll post picture later.

~ArchiTalmud

Cross My Wires and Hope To--- BBZZZZZAAAT!!!!

Insects may have been harmed during the writing of this post.

 

Up until recently, I had no idea how to wire anything unless I had taken it apart previously for fun. Thanks to my dad, I now confirmed that Electricians have a required ability to see colors.

Electrical Wiring is COLOR CODED 

(Color coded). There are some technical bits of "12/2" or "18/4".

Allow me to shed some light (get it?) on this matter. The first number is the size, the second is the amount of wires within the larger wire.
Now on the basic level of wires, you have the Ground wire (rhymes with Brown), and you have a White wire, then you have the Green wire.
I haven't finished learning all the business, but I do love my colors.
Next you have a Black wire, and then a Red wire. These allow you to alternate switches. What does "alternate" mean? Let's just say it gives you a choice.

In order to correctly wire switches and outlets, all you need to do is match up the wires to the correct colors and VIOLA! 
You're on your merry way to becoming the next Dr. Phil


So why is this important? Well I'll tell you! You need to know this so you can mess with people in the future.

Just make sure the power is off before you start messing with all of the wires. Or else you might very well end up like the next Dr. Phil...

Til next time, dear reader.

~ArchiTalmud

Driving Into A Store

I'll be honest, I don't like looking for an address. I like to see a giant sign that points me into the right direction. Hollywood had the right idea, although it's unattainable.

Today, I tried to drive to Michael's... instead of it being a 20 minute trip tops, I accidentally turned around, drove right past, and entered the NY Thruway.

Yeah.

The highway doesn't scare me. Getting off in Airmont and having to restart my journey is the scary part.

35 minutes later, I finally get the directions right, almost crashed once and then found a parking spot right next to the store. I get out, go in, find the aisle, and...

Not a clue what I'm doing. Although, this 54 year old woman seems to be having the same problem, so I start to talk to her.
She's getting most or all of the same supplies that I need, and she even pointed out a coupon from the Sunday paper that I completely forgot about.

All things happen for a reason.

Turns out her daughter was the one sending her to fill her shopping list. So I had to asked, "Is she going for Architecture?"

"No. She's in Fine Arts."

That was interesting. Just noticing, but I seem to have the same classes as an art student...

IT'S A DREAM COME TRUE!!!
Kind of. As a kid I really wanted to become a comic book artist. I outgrew that, learning that it's not what you know, but who you know in the business. I don't know Stan Lee, therefore, I have no chance.

One day I'll meet him. You'll see, dear reader!

~ArchiTalmud

Solving problems is not my problem

Not sure what the title has to do with anything, maybe I'll figure that out later.

Well, anyway, I've spent a large amount of my time researching many things. School is starting in one week and I'm still working on getting everything on the list of supplies done.

Quick question: Did we need this many supplies when we were in Kindergarten?

Probably not. I guess with age comes more responsibility-- DARN IT! I wish I could have super powers instead! Along with the responsibilities of an adult comes a job (if you're mature enough), and with that the long anticipated paycheck that the government takes a big bite out of and then your parents who ask for rent (that's why they're called Pa-RENTS), and finally Architecture school wants you to use whatever pennies you have left to buy charcoal.

BUT I'VE BEEN A GOOD KID ALL YEAR, SANTA!!

I'm pretty good with a pencil, pen, and Crayola marker. But it's probably time to trade up for brand name products that aren't fruit-scented or edible for children.

HONESTY TIME!

I really wish I was still a kid- about 16 years old would be fine- the perfect time without responsibilities or cares or wondering if you should tell the girl-of-your-dreams that you're starting to see someone else in real life... That would be a nightmare.

At this point, from the many things I'm trying to figure out, how to use some of these new 'toys' is going to be my biggest problem after trying to survive the first month of school that coincides with the High Jewish Holidays of the season.

Over time this blog will progress and I'll be adding stories from school... Stay tuned, dear reader.

~ArchiTalmud