Kyle PalzerBachelor of Science in Architecture Admissions Portfolio

Student ID # 3604210

Layering

The intent of this project, was to look at a common household utensil in a new way. This started by taking a picture of my interaction with the tool and showing its full range of motion. Then I took this three dimensional item and turned it into a two Dimensional grid to further explore the potential of the tool.

Then, I made the two Dimensional grid into a one Dimensional version that showed the range of movement my hand went through. This was intriguing, since, I could now represent movement one dimensionally. Overlapping the hand drawn images, also, showed this motion quite well.

Collaging

For this project, my goal was to disassemble and reassemble my tool, to try and explore it in a new way. I began by drawing the elevations, of the scoop, which allowed me to then use this as a template. Using this drawing, I could fi ll it with magazine clippings, that featured similarities with the materials of the tool.

For the collage, I looked for the correct colors to match the object or materials, that featured similar refl ective shapes. By doing this, I was able to begin to see the tool in a new way and the potential unlimited capabilities for using a simple ice cream scoop for design inspiration.

SynthesizingFor the fi nal part of this project, I created a vessel to hold my tool. I used bread dough for the material, and used the ice cream scoop to mold the front circle, that actually could be pulled in and out, in order to make the vessel. The handle portion was created by forming the dough with the handle. This was joined together with copper baked into the bread, as a type of reinforced support.

This project, allowed me to refl ect back on the prior steps beginning with visualizing motion, studying materials, and fi nally using a new material to engage the object. I learned a lot about the design process, and how one can use it to produce great results.

White on BlackUsing black paper with white pencil, is probably my preferred drawing method, as I feel, it allows the characteristics of shadow and light to be seen the best. Most of these sketches come from time spent in the renowned Guthrie Theater, where the play of light and shadows is expansive.

This drawing style, helped me to look closely at theparticular details needed for properly constructing drawings. I learned that the slightest gradient can mean the difference between something that looks fantastic versus something that does not quite feel life-like.

Black on WhiteThe use of white paper for drawing, is perhaps the most familiar to us, this allows for multiple drawing types. By exploring perspective, isometric, elevation, section and value drawings; I learned how to draw a wide array of architectural styles, that I will be able to use in the future to convey my designs visually.

By comparing the two different paper types, I was able to learn which format can be more effective for visually conveying ideas, along with the limitations each one provides.

Concept to Completion

For this personal project, I used my design skills to create graphics for a new trailer that Boy Scout Troop 524 in Coon Rapids purchased. Working with a professional graphics company, (TMG Twin Cities) I explored multiple designs and concepts, bouncing ideas back and forth with them for nearly four months before choosing a fi nal design.

By working with TMG, I was able to see what it is like to work with a profesional design company and what the creative environment entails. I learned the necessity for many iterations in a design project, which allowed me to see a taste of public interest design, since neither I, nor, TMG were paid to design the graphics.

Gather and Unite

For this personal project, I looked at how the central space of Como Zoo could be redesigned to fulfi ll gathering needs, and to better fi t in with the newly opened polar bear exhibit to the North, and the soon to be redesigned monkey exhibit to the South. I also, wanted to look at redesigning their existing main seasonal food stall, to make it a central food building accessible all year.

This project allowed me to personally explore, more in depth, various programs like Illustrator, SketchUp, and Kerkythea, which I will be able to use in the future to express my design ideas. I also got a taste of doing some site planning and how important landscaping and natural materials, like trees can be.

Card CantileverBy using simple playing cards in a new way, as structure, I was able to explore ideas regarding material limitations, along with, capabilities that I had not previously considered. By having to support a tennis ball, with only the cards, the degree of project limitations forced me to look for a creative and effective solution to this design challenge.

By exploring representation of a process through only diagrams, I was able to learn how important it is to make diagrams clear and concise. Through the use of ordered dots, I was also able to create a reference point for viewers to follow that would allow someone to understand the entire process.

This type of project, forced me to think critically, about the exact steps I took, in order, to design my card cantilever and forced me to represent these steps, as directly as possible. This showed me the value of stepping back from your work, analyzing it, and presenting it in the best way possible.

(K)not Architecture

Using the bowline knot, I reinterpreted it into a wire model based on the process, of tying the knot itself. Taking the wire and changing it into a 3 Dimensional volume, allowed me to look at both the knot and wire in a new way.

0” 1”

After fl attening out the model, I assembled a chipboard model to get a better feel for the volumetric qualities. Then, I sliced this model and used the slices to put together a cardboard model showing the negative volume.

This negative volume, allowed me to explore the potential for occupation of this space by individuals and how the space could relate to the human scale. From knot to space occupation by individuals, I learned how to approach design in an explorative way, using multiple mediums.

Subterranean SublimeThis project, looked at building upon our initial assertions from the prior project, by designing a second cardboard model. This time, we intentionally designed for voids and how one would feel within the spaces, leading to a better solution to this design challenge.

With the model, I explored how light could be used to enter large spaces directly and what impact this would have on the human experience. I wanted to contrast this with dark corridors and spaces that would change behavior as one moves through them.

Thank you for your consideration.