EVALUATION & REFLECTION

After sooo long I got the chance to blog. Indeed it was a hectic week. Some disappointments and some happiness. Overall it was an amazing experience. I learnt so many lessons while doing this project.

Did I achieve the main goals of the project?
Yes, the design was very challenging and I am happy that I made it. I designed the space for blind and vision impaired people and the layout of the space, the structure, technology and overall feel of the space was perfect for the users. I started with research....lots and lots of research interviews and other processes that helped achieve the goals.

Something that I didn't achieve was my final project presentation. Due to some technical problems I lost most of my work and didn't get to present my way. I had to compromise few things in last minute, which was very depressing but hey! I got a positive feed-backs about my work and its detail. That made me so happy and boosted my confidence to do something much better.

My concept was my biggest inspiration it was designed after lots of research and understanding of my topic. My concept represented  DYNAMISM and INDEPENDENCE, technology, Simplicity and UNITY and it has greatly reflected in my design.

Do you know my most successful aspects of my designs???
Let me tell you, My first one is the layout. The Layout was the most challenging part of my design. It took me weeks to finalize it. I had to take lots of things into considerations like: the space, the structure of the space like walls and staircase and everything that helps blind people.

Second Successful aspect would my details of my design that I did on ArchiCad, Which made it easier to understand and explain.

The overall topic was challenging and fun and this made my whole design successful.

Hmmmm....That 3 things that I'd like to improve....what would it be....let me think....

Well the first thing would be  learning more about the staircase. especially when it comes to design such space. Taking lots of things into considerations. For instance: The height of steps, warning signs, colors and etc.

My second would be the structure. Since I had a hub installed in my space. I would've done more research on its construction.

Last but not the least TIME MANAGEMENT. I think somewhere I got bit stressed out, which slowed my work progress and that led me down a lot of time. Next time I'll make sure that I don't stress a lot and do everything as it comes.

BUDGET, TIME, TEACHER FEEDBACK...these were very important in during my design process. The feedback I got from my teachers were very helpful. At times I got disappointed and even angry because I had to change every-time I get a feed- back but after that I realized that it is very important to have the space functioned. If the space doesn't function then there is not point of having a good design. Its not only about good renderings and showing good pictures of the space but it should function properly. The changes that I made was very helpful and I learnt a lot from it. It also made my design much more clear and easy to understand.

Difficulties??
hmmm....well at this stage I don't remember lot of difficulties but one of my major one be space planning in the start. To overcome this situation . I need to do lots of research on the topic and follow Australian standards to make it better.

Things that I have learnt over past three years would be
- Confidence
- Gain better understanding in the design field (residential and commercial, materials and etc...)
- Learnt Documentation, boring but learnt heaps of things from it.
-Team Work
-Undertaking tasks and working independently
- Solving problems in limited time. especially when your computer stuffs up.

My list would go on and on...but at this stage I would like to stop here.

My main strengths would be my hard-work, eager to learn new things as it comes and dedication. The things that I have to work on are: getting less stressed out and finding quick solution then panicking.

Overall it was a great experience. I loved my class. Made few close friends that I will miss. The atmosphere was amazing teachers were amazing. I can go on and on...about my three years of my design experience it was simply great. Will miss everyone a lot. People who are reading this. Good luck for future and have a great like ahead.
 
Thank you,
Sneha.D

Commonwealth Bank

Commonwealth Bank was a great experience I loved the hubs supported by columns and its details. It was my inspiration. Simply loved it.

The simplicity and the splashes of colors was really refreshing and welcoming.

Visiting Commonwealth was a great experience. I also learnt heaps about materials and its sustainability.

FLOOR PLAN

Still working on floor plans..I am nearly there to get my sign off. Everything is falling into places. The furniture and the overall layout. Last week we went to design build....It was really good. We had to get information about 5 (minimum) materials for our project. I found a lot of information on my materials (acoustic panels, cork flooring and environmentally sustainable materials.)

It has been a long time I have blogged something.....Last time I had group meeting and we all discussed about the plans of our new project. It was really helpful. Week after I went for training at IKEA...

Training at IKEA was great experience, learnt so much about the firm and the work environment. I will be starting in JULY. Can't Wait!

MEETING

Today, we had a group meeting where we discussed my foyer design located on my ground floor. It was really good ....I found out about new information and changes which will support my design. It was really helpful.
After our meeting I will make some changes and suggestions and apply them in my design. :D

More staircase!

Have you ever gone down the stairs as you close your eyes?
The biggest part that the blind feel fear on the street is using stairs. Using the stairs as we cannot see just ahead accompanies with a sense of unease. Being seized with fear and anxiety when we reach the end of the stairs can be the component to raise the possibility of danger. 
On this factor, the blind can recognize the dangerousness an grasp the number of stairs through the 'Safety Dot'.
Moreover, they can provide against emergencies and secure the trust in public services as they feel a sense of security when they reach the end of the stairs.

Staircase Handrail

This little piece of device is called “Slide” and is intended to be fitted around a staircase handrail. All you have to do is simply keep your hand on it and drag it along the railing as you walk up or down; as the ‘slide’ moves, it’ll generate electricity. This electricity will be used to light the arrowhead-shaped LEDs on the same device in situations like power outages or emergency situations.

Staircase and Lighting :D

LIGHTING!

Ever been stuck in a long corridor or staircase that runs endlessly? Have you fumbled your way out through such a place in darkness, only to stumble and lose your purse along the way? Here is a solution for such problems and this blind LED light helps you physically and visually perceive your way through dark passages and corridors. Even if it is a dimly lit apartment stairway, this LED light would help you to hold and walk without ever having to watch your step.

The idea is a really cool one and it is definitely workable. It would be awesome if this product is manufactured and sold at the market. The blind LED light also comes in many colors and you could choose the one that suits you the best. I guess one will not see any more cases of people falling down the stairs because it was too dark.

MATERIALS :D

Because I am designing a community center for blind students. I will need something which has texture, lighting (natural & artificial), colors
and sound (acoustic panels). These are the materials which are very inspiring and will help me design in my space.

SPACE PLANNING

I completed my space planning on Monday...I got heaps of feed-backs from my teachers (Joe, Rob and So young), so my next step is to implement feedback on prem. space planning. Hopefully I try to get my space planning signed off this week!

UID architects really inspire me they are simple, modern and fresh! these are few photographs which inspires me in my project that I am designing :D

Space Planning Prem :D

I got my work checked (plans) which went pretty well. I need to make some changes..and got so many feedback and ideas.

INSPIRATION :D

I have started my space planning...but before that...I want to go through my BCAs and few inspirations...to give me...better understanding in space planning....because I am designing for my blind people...its quite challenging as I have to take texture, lighting, color into consideration.