RUBEN
FONG WEI JAY | PORTFOLIO
Module 4- Frame vs Field
Fig. 401 Cities and the Sky 5, Andria - Background Story
Module 4 introduced me to perspectives as well as learning how to map movements and figures through notations or field. My chosen story for this module is Sky City 5, Andria and we were tasked to illustrate our understanding of the city into notated isometric drawing and perspective using photoshop. It begins from using Rhino to create the base model of the Old Quad located in the University of Melbourne to using Illustrator for notations, Photoshop for creating the perspectives and finally InDesign for the journal/printouts.
Replicating the Old Quad using Rhino
Fig. 4.02 Old Quad replicated using Rhino Software
The workshop went through a step by step process of replicating the Old Quad. It began from line work, followed by adding extrusions and shapes, that makes a segment of the whole thing. Using an array tool, it enabled me to create a 3 by 3 model. As you can see from the above, the components of the Old Quad were separated into different layers, which will be helpful with notating in Illustrator.
Making Changes According to the City
Fig. 4.03 Changes to the Old Quad
Since Andria was a sky city, I decided to explode certain roof panels and rotated them as if they were floating and moving accordingly to the constellations. This allows inhabitants to look up toward the sky at ease. To amplify this, I decided to raise the roof on the further end of the quad as such. Allowing a wider view of the endless open skies. This will be where astronomers use their instruments to study the sky. In the middle, I decided to create a lower ground where a floating quadrant, an astronomical instrument determines the altitude of stars from the horizon which then influence the city structures.
Creating the Isometric Drawings
I learned how to create linework base on camera angles where in this case is an isometric view of my modified Quad. It includes lines that will represent time, direction and many more. The linework along with its layers will be opened in Illustrator afterward, where proper notation comes into play.
Fig. 4.04 Make2D Command to create Linework
Notating in Illustrator
After transferring the linework to Illustrator, I then followed the guidelines on the proper line weight, colors, and type. It was a straightforward process. Looking at this reminded me of all the architectural isometric drawings I have seen online and it doing this was enjoyable.
Fig. 4.05 Notation in progress
Chosen Perspectives
Fig. 4.06 Perspective 1 & 2
For the first perspective, I wanted a shot that has a sense of mystery, to build curiosity to what is in the next frame. I felt that it was ideal to frame it in such a manner as the viewers could see the endless horizon on the left since it was in the sky. The middle was to showcase the planet aligned in the middle, drawing viewers into it as well as being able to glance ahead and what was going on around him. The right was purposefully narrow, depicting more characters to add onto more curiosity.
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Mood: Cynicism
For the second perspective, I was glad I made a raised roof such that it is out of the frame. This enabled me to play around more with the background as my assigned city was emphasizing on constellations, the sky and more. This perspective opens up the area in comparison to a more congested look in the first perspective. The raised platform at the end would be where astronomers look at the skies.
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Mood: Excitement
Finding Images for Perspective
For this part, I had to compile images from google to best suit the story assigned to me. The characters are mainly early astronomers. Other elements such as bamboo trees, statue, help to enhance the depiction of Andria City more.
Fig. 4.07 My Image Library
Photoshop Process
It was a challenge to portray the setting and mood by arranging the images. I took a while to do my perspectives, mainly because I had to imagine myself being the picture and see if I could relate to it.
Fig. 4.08 Trial an error in Photoshop
Final Perspective 1 & 2
Fig. 4.09 Perspective 1 & 2
Isometric with Notations
Fig. 4.10 Isometric with Notations
Reflection
This module was the most fun to me. Since I often find myself lost in thoughts, being lost in the story was a cool experience, as well as using the available software and skill to make the perspectives come alive. The isometric drawing part led me to think about how much more complexity could one bring into the drawing, in the future when Architecture evolves even further. Truth is, it would definitely take my experiences to be able to optimize the way of presenting and representing information this way. However, it still thought me about how this drawing could speak its own language to viewers, ensuring it is comprehensible. It then goes back to the previous module, teaching me the ways of representations, I still, need more explorations and learning. When doing the perspectives, I felt that it was important to immerse myself or simulate an experience in the task given. In that way, it will have a better chance of creating a work that other people could relate to. There are times where a designer designed a home for a family, but the family didn't have that homely experience they wanted. Maybe because the designer was not able to immerse himself and relate to the family's story. I find it weird how an assignment like this could lead me to think about these. I'll try to cultivate a habit of reflecting more often.
I was thinking about all the unique interpretations of the same story assigned to other students. How theirs could be a totally different depiction from mine. And so, for instance, in an isometric drawing, how else could it be different from the norm? Just a random thought. I guess the next module is about that. It will be a chance to see all the various ways of compiling, presenting and representations of the assignments we did. Seeing what's new and how I could something to stand out. It is a good thing that we humans are programmed to compete to be the best. This way, we'll always evolve through time, allowing oneself to be better than yesterday.
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