signing off | hrach | Urban Design Studio

Volkswagen Facility Pedestrian Bridge Competition

Derrick's "The Weather Vane" Third Place

Last semester Junior studio under the instructor of  Mehmet Dogu participated in Volkswagen facility  pedestrian bridge competition as a part of their studio project. We are proud to announce that Derrick Tittle won the Third place and Logan Tuura got Honorary mention spot in that competition.

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Notes on New Orleans

Last Fall Jude Leblanc senior studio Have visited New Orleans as a part of the studio project. We’ve visited 9^th ward which had greatest loses during Hurricane Katrina in 2007. This devastated area is still not recovered. There is a lot of controversy weather that area should be rebuilt. The 9^th ward area is mostly in the low-lying flood zones – populated by the very poor. With so much of the New Orleans lying below sea level, devastating floods are inevitable. In 2008 after long deliberation the court allowed resettlement of the area. It was heartbreaking to walk in that area which was used to lively neighborhood. From conversations with residents we learned that they are convinced that government is against the resettlement of mostly poor African American neighborhood.  Some residents came back but that was only a small percentage. Make It Right Foundation started with Brad Pitt with bold idea to rebuild in 9^th Ward and bring back its residents. However not many are ready to come back and with slow progress they have completed 14 homes so far. I was very skeptical when I saw only small number of houses and few others in progress. //

What is BIM? Why do we needed it?

We hear a lot nowadays about BIM. What is BIM (Building Information Modeling)? Many of us know that is useful tool to design a building but it is also becoming popular in other aspects of life.

BIM enables us to design better buildings. Using BIM allows for a better understanding of the building before construction is begun. BIM provides more than just a 3D model of the building; we are able to use this technology to more completely understand the building and its relation to the environment. More and more design firms are successfully implementing and using BIM technology to design and build better buildings than were previously possible. The most successful use of the technology involves a closer collaboration between owner, architect and contractor as all parties come together before, during, and after construction. //

Students, School, and The Recession

Recessions are usually good times to look back, think and reevaluate. Recessions are also to be known as mother of inventions. What we need to think is why we are where we are. As students and architectural schools overall we need to think how we can change this situation. We are in a position that we can judge better since we are not involved in the industry and we are definitely not the ones who created this mess.
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