Well it's the end of finals week and we're not done with F-Stop. We MIGHT finish this weekend, but it doesn't look good. I'm just hoping we can get it done relatively quick after next quarter starts.
The reason we're behind is that we had some joint issues. The sad thing is that these problems could've been caught in time if we had really been getting into the 'model as prototype' that my teacher suggested. "If it doesn't work in the model, it won't work in the space." There were also some issues because the model wasn't right. Oops.
Anyway, I really just want it to be finished so that I can not worry about when I'm going to have time to work on it. This week has been super stressful trying to study for finals and work on F-Stop and finish the portfolio and fill out the questionnaire my teacher wants us to do (those last two I am saving for this weekend, which I know is not the wisest move).
All I want now is to go home and have a nice holiday break and not think about architecture for three weeks.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Waiting...
As a member of the lighting group, I don't have a whole lot to do right now. But it's coming along. We have a lot of the display wall in, one window box, and three of the tracks in. There's been a problem with the seating so that's being worked out. We're starting to cut the ceiling pieces so that's going to be awhile. Here are some current pics.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Construction begins
This weekend we started putting up the support studs for our panels. We're having issues getting them to stick so it looks like we're going to have to screw them in. Don't tell facilities!
There has been some debate over whether or not paint the ceiling lime green (we have other lime green accents in the room). I'm personally for it. You wouldn't see too much of it behind the faux ceiling so it wouldn't be too overwhelming. The rest of the room is going to be black and wood finished so I think it will be a nice contrast.
Other than that, several groups are struggling to get their Rhino files done for our "model as prototype" as Mark calls it. The deadline is tomorrow. We'll see if we make it.
There has been some debate over whether or not paint the ceiling lime green (we have other lime green accents in the room). I'm personally for it. You wouldn't see too much of it behind the faux ceiling so it wouldn't be too overwhelming. The rest of the room is going to be black and wood finished so I think it will be a nice contrast.
Other than that, several groups are struggling to get their Rhino files done for our "model as prototype" as Mark calls it. The deadline is tomorrow. We'll see if we make it.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Not enough time to write
I knew I'd be busy, but I didn't think I'd be so busy that I couldn't find time to post to this blog. Unfortunately that's what has happened. Quick update: the design is mostly set. We went with the other group's scheme due to cost and further development. I'm in the new lighting group and I'm trying to learn programming so we might be able to use the Arduino board. We'll see how that pans out.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Crunch Time
With our professor in Chicago since Wednesday, we've had a lot of time to just work. Unfortunately, we're still not getting things done fast enough. Most of that has to do with none of us knowing the program we need to use for the presentation. Learn by doing! I agree with Mark (the prof) that it is the best way to learn it, it just would've been nice to have him around to answer questions. Instead he hooked us up with this awesome fifth year student, but he's only available at certain times.
It's also been upsetting because Mark hasn't been answering our e-mails or leaving us feedback on the blog. He is however maintaining contact with the other group...
I forgot to take pictures after the last presentation, but I'll post what I have soon.
Project do tomorrow at 1. On the one hand I really hope our project gets picked because of all the time and effort we put forth. On the other hand, I like what the other group has come up with and there's seems to be more feasible, especially financially.
It's also been upsetting because Mark hasn't been answering our e-mails or leaving us feedback on the blog. He is however maintaining contact with the other group...
I forgot to take pictures after the last presentation, but I'll post what I have soon.
Project do tomorrow at 1. On the one hand I really hope our project gets picked because of all the time and effort we put forth. On the other hand, I like what the other group has come up with and there's seems to be more feasible, especially financially.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Semi finals
The group review went well. Two ideas got picked (ours being one of them) and we combined with another group to refine it for today so that we could pick our final design. So that's basically a weeks worth of work again in two days. Working over the weekend didn't go great, but better than I expected. I was working in studio as much as I could, but about half of my group members didn't seem to make this project a priority. Not a lot of work got done on Saturday, and Sunday there was some heated discussion but we finally got some good ideas out. Unfortunately, both were late nights.
However, there were some noteworthy incidents. On Saturday night, one of my classmates got a phone call from her roommate concerning what she thought was a giant spider in their house. Apparently she was too frightened to deal with it. So, another one of my classmates (a very sarcastic person and someone who enjoys the limelight) took the phone and spent the next half hour attempting to walk her through killing the spider. He tried several techniques including the tough love while everyone in the room was laughing hysterically listening to his side of the conversation. At the end, it was very disappointing when she refused to go through with it. Lots of work getting done that night.
Anyway, today was a scramble to get our presentation drawings and model ready. Both presentations went well I think, but I guess our professor was expecting more digital modeling and representation, and more thoughts on how the joints work and how things get anchored to the walls and ceiling. He decided that both groups needed another week to produce the digital model in Rhino and work out the details. This was very disappointing. Especially considering all the issues with our group members who refuse to move their schedules around. I'm worried that this whole next week is going to be as stressful if not more stressful than this past weekend, and I really can't function for long periods like that.
On another note, I'm really worried about the amount of good ideas I'm able to come up with. Last night was probably the best design experience I've had. I was working with only a few other people and I was actually contributing the discussion rather than just being someone who can do the work, but I still wasn't coming up with ideas of my own. Anything I came up with was just a critique and maybe an alteration on someone else's idea. I guess that's important too. I just feel like I'm not contributing enough new ideas to the group, and I think that's my biggest problem when I work on my own. I'm hoping that for this next part, I can really dig in and get invested and come up with some kick-ass stuff.
Here are the promised pictures:
An example of expanding pattern.
One of my many failed attempts.
The pattern my group eventually went with. I was sort of responsible for the s-shape, but that ended up being too complicated for thicker material.
A close up of the pattern in action.
The other variation on this pattern that we considered (and I preferred). It was decided against because it was too fish scaly.
The close-up of this pattern.
The floor plan we first presented.
I, of course, forgot to take pictures of the stuff we did today so it seems I will be a post behind again. I will update them soon. Some photos from my other group members can be found here. The lighting really brings the pattern to life.
However, there were some noteworthy incidents. On Saturday night, one of my classmates got a phone call from her roommate concerning what she thought was a giant spider in their house. Apparently she was too frightened to deal with it. So, another one of my classmates (a very sarcastic person and someone who enjoys the limelight) took the phone and spent the next half hour attempting to walk her through killing the spider. He tried several techniques including the tough love while everyone in the room was laughing hysterically listening to his side of the conversation. At the end, it was very disappointing when she refused to go through with it. Lots of work getting done that night.
Anyway, today was a scramble to get our presentation drawings and model ready. Both presentations went well I think, but I guess our professor was expecting more digital modeling and representation, and more thoughts on how the joints work and how things get anchored to the walls and ceiling. He decided that both groups needed another week to produce the digital model in Rhino and work out the details. This was very disappointing. Especially considering all the issues with our group members who refuse to move their schedules around. I'm worried that this whole next week is going to be as stressful if not more stressful than this past weekend, and I really can't function for long periods like that.
On another note, I'm really worried about the amount of good ideas I'm able to come up with. Last night was probably the best design experience I've had. I was working with only a few other people and I was actually contributing the discussion rather than just being someone who can do the work, but I still wasn't coming up with ideas of my own. Anything I came up with was just a critique and maybe an alteration on someone else's idea. I guess that's important too. I just feel like I'm not contributing enough new ideas to the group, and I think that's my biggest problem when I work on my own. I'm hoping that for this next part, I can really dig in and get invested and come up with some kick-ass stuff.
Here are the promised pictures:
An example of expanding pattern.
One of my many failed attempts.
The pattern my group eventually went with. I was sort of responsible for the s-shape, but that ended up being too complicated for thicker material.
A close up of the pattern in action.
The other variation on this pattern that we considered (and I preferred). It was decided against because it was too fish scaly.
The close-up of this pattern.
The floor plan we first presented.
I, of course, forgot to take pictures of the stuff we did today so it seems I will be a post behind again. I will update them soon. Some photos from my other group members can be found here. The lighting really brings the pattern to life.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
New Groups
Monday we had another 3+ hour discussion. Each of the groups presented and the gist was that no one could really make a definite decision without talking to the other groups, and since no one was in studio at the same time over the weekend almost nothing got done. Then the three people in class with the clearest visions presented their ideas. As a studio we decided on one to go with as a theme. Then we split into new groups to explore one of four ideas for the focus wall to go with the new theme.
My group is working on the expanding pattern idea. (I'll post pictures soon. I forgot to take my camera today.) I've been working on some patterns for the focus wall. I learned today that most of my originals aren't going to work. I made some adjustments and then as a group we developed this really awesome s-curved pattern. Then we started working on the plans and the model.
One of my group member is an older gentleman. He doesn't seem to work as well in groups. He's always doing his own thing or talking about ideas that the rest of the group has already moved past. It's annoying. Especially when he's talking at the same time as someone else. I have a very hard time listening to two people at once, so when he was doing that today, it was very distracting/confusing.
I also found it frustrating when another one of my group members started texting me last night right as I was going to sleep, about how no one in our group was in studio and we really needed to start working together. It was 10:30 pm and I had to get up at 5:15 today. I was not about to go spend my night in studio like all the other groups, apparently. I don't understand why people stay in studio until the wee hours of the morning every night. It's no wonder everyone is sick. It's true, most people do get more done than me, but that's because they have a good idea and go with it. I'm always struggling for the idea.
Anyway, our group reviews are Friday, and two of my group members have class until 8 tomorrow night, so it looks like I'm going to be in there late with them tomorrow. I don't mind a few late nights, but not every night. I need to sleep.
On a completely different note, I sent my manager the letter about recycling bins and asked her who I should send it to. She still hasn't responded. If she doesn't respond by next Tuesday I'll just send it to the head of Campus Dining. Here it is:
To Whom It May Concern:
As a student of sustainability at Cal Poly and an employee at Einstein Bros. Bagels on campus, I am concerned about the lack of recycling receptacles available for both employee and customer use at the Einstein’s store.
Currently there is one large recycling bin near the door between Jamba Juice and Einstein’s for customers. There are no bins in the back or behind the registers for employees to place recyclables such as milk cartons, empty glove boxes, or the paper tickets and receipts that are printed with every order. There is so much waste generated everyday, as is inevitable at a food services venue, but a great portion of that waste could be going to a recycling facility rather than ending up in a landfill.
Last year I tried to designate one of the garbage cans behind the registers as a recycling bin, but because it looked just like the other trash cans and paper signs only last so long, it wasn’t long before it became a regular garbage can again. I’m writing to request at least two small blue recycling bins (around 10 gallons), one for the back and one for behind the registers. This would be a great first step in the reduction of the school’s carbon footprint and the folks at the Cold Canyon Landfill I’m sure would be much appreciative.
Thank you for your time,
Now I must study for my Practice midterm tomorrow. Awesome.
My group is working on the expanding pattern idea. (I'll post pictures soon. I forgot to take my camera today.) I've been working on some patterns for the focus wall. I learned today that most of my originals aren't going to work. I made some adjustments and then as a group we developed this really awesome s-curved pattern. Then we started working on the plans and the model.
One of my group member is an older gentleman. He doesn't seem to work as well in groups. He's always doing his own thing or talking about ideas that the rest of the group has already moved past. It's annoying. Especially when he's talking at the same time as someone else. I have a very hard time listening to two people at once, so when he was doing that today, it was very distracting/confusing.
I also found it frustrating when another one of my group members started texting me last night right as I was going to sleep, about how no one in our group was in studio and we really needed to start working together. It was 10:30 pm and I had to get up at 5:15 today. I was not about to go spend my night in studio like all the other groups, apparently. I don't understand why people stay in studio until the wee hours of the morning every night. It's no wonder everyone is sick. It's true, most people do get more done than me, but that's because they have a good idea and go with it. I'm always struggling for the idea.
Anyway, our group reviews are Friday, and two of my group members have class until 8 tomorrow night, so it looks like I'm going to be in there late with them tomorrow. I don't mind a few late nights, but not every night. I need to sleep.
On a completely different note, I sent my manager the letter about recycling bins and asked her who I should send it to. She still hasn't responded. If she doesn't respond by next Tuesday I'll just send it to the head of Campus Dining. Here it is:
To Whom It May Concern:
As a student of sustainability at Cal Poly and an employee at Einstein Bros. Bagels on campus, I am concerned about the lack of recycling receptacles available for both employee and customer use at the Einstein’s store.
Currently there is one large recycling bin near the door between Jamba Juice and Einstein’s for customers. There are no bins in the back or behind the registers for employees to place recyclables such as milk cartons, empty glove boxes, or the paper tickets and receipts that are printed with every order. There is so much waste generated everyday, as is inevitable at a food services venue, but a great portion of that waste could be going to a recycling facility rather than ending up in a landfill.
Last year I tried to designate one of the garbage cans behind the registers as a recycling bin, but because it looked just like the other trash cans and paper signs only last so long, it wasn’t long before it became a regular garbage can again. I’m writing to request at least two small blue recycling bins (around 10 gallons), one for the back and one for behind the registers. This would be a great first step in the reduction of the school’s carbon footprint and the folks at the Cold Canyon Landfill I’m sure would be much appreciative.
Thank you for your time,
Now I must study for my Practice midterm tomorrow. Awesome.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Catching Up
You can assume that if I haven't updated in awhile, I've just been really busy. Don't worry, I'm not giving up on this. I have finally scanned in some sketches and taken some pictures AND I've written those letters! I'll post those at the bottom because I know what you really want to hear about is studio.
As a voter in your state, I realize that issues like health care and the economy are important, but I'm asking that you don't forget the environment among your many priorities.
After all, if we do not take care of our planet, our survival as the human race will be in jeopardy and health care and the economy will become a distant memory.
Thank you,
I wrote one for campus dining too, but I need to ask my supervisor who I should send it to. I'll post that as soon as I've sent it.
Last Friday we had a long review with everyone presenting their rough ideas for the space. Then over the weekend we were to refine those ideas and present again. Two really long reviews in a row doesn't do much for my motivation. Here are my sketches and pictures from the first review:
My first idea and the one I went with. I still really like this idea of the raised, floor but I don't think it's going to happen.
This is the other very similar idea that I came up with for grins and giggles. Basically the only difference is the seating.
This is the "formal" floor plan I did for the presentation. I think my drawing skills are getting better, but still leave a lot wanting.
And here are the pictures of the model:
These are some explorations of wall treatments.
I'll post the pictures of my model for the second review, but not the drawings because I feel like I went backward with my design. It's more of a mash of things that are cool and then some boring stuff covers the necessities. Better luck next time.
Monday wasn't a good day. My teacher inadvertently called me out as saying something stupid, so I was sitting there hating on my design and wondering yet again weather or not to switch majors. Everyone else
seems to be so much more creative. They also put so much work into their stuff that they don't sleep. It's very hard not to let all their successes get to me. I try to remember that most of them don't have jobs, or if they do they don't have to work 20 hours a week. I also like the traditional way of sleeping at night as opposed to the morning half of the day. I should be working harder though.
After Monday's review, he put us into groups based on what it seemed like we were most interested in. I'm now in the lighting/screening group which I think sounds about right. I really like the idea of having lights move or alternate for some variation so he had me research the Arduino board. It seems pretty cool and pretty easy to use. The only problem is that I know nothing about programing. I guess I'll get to learn. I'm also trying to come up with some cool patterns for lighting screens. I want to see what beeswax can do.
Today my professor brought a guest lecturer by to give us some feedback and get a different perspective. Then we attended his lecture on digital fabrication which I found pretty interesting. I saw some great precedents, so more ideas to consider.
That's enough for right now.
Here are the letters that I sent. I had a little help from IdealBite with these:
As a voter in your state, I realize that issues like health care and the economy are important, but I'm asking that you don't forget the environment among your many priorities.
After all, if we do not take care of our planet, our survival as the human race will be in jeopardy and health care and the economy will become a distant memory.
According to the Global Footprint Network, an organization measuring the impact of humanity on the earth, we have already used more resources this year than the earth can regenerate in 12 months. In other words, we are in an ecological deficit and we’re banking on next year to bring us back into the black. Sounds familiar… I can tell you for certain though that the consequences for an environmental recession would be much worse than anything we’ve ever experienced.
If Hurricane Katrina, or the more recent disaster in Samoa, was any indication, aggressive action needs to be taken NOW. As Americans, we are more responsible than any other nation for what is happening to our planet, but we aren’t suffering nearly as much as some other parts of the world. It is time we take responsibility for our actions and make our everyday lives sustainable.
I believe that topics such as global warming, waste production, and energy use deserve our immediate attention. Please consider the planet as you help to shape upcoming climate change legislation.
Thank you,
Dear President Obama,
As a voter and one of your supporters, I realize that issues like health care and the economy are important, but I'm asking that you don't forget the environment among your many priorities. You campaigned on issues of the environment, and I know after the economic downturn you said some things would have to take a back seat, but it’s been long enough. The planet can’t wait any longer.
After all, if we do not take care of our planet, our survival as the human race will be in jeopardy and health care and the economy will become a distant memory.
According to the Global Footprint Network, an organization measuring the impact of humanity on the earth, we have already used more resources this year than the earth can regenerate in 12 months. In other words, we are in an ecological deficit and we’re banking on next year to bring us back into the black. Sounds familiar… I can tell you for certain though that the consequences for an environmental recession would be much worse than anything we’ve ever experienced.
If Hurricane Katrina, or the more recent disaster in Samoa, was any indication, aggressive action needs to be taken NOW. As Americans, we are more responsible than any other nation for what is happening to our planet, but we aren’t suffering nearly as much as some other parts of the world. It is time we take responsibility for our actions and make our everyday lives sustainable.
I believe that topics such as global warming, waste production, and energy use deserve our immediate attention. Please consider the planet for your next pitch to Congress.
Thank you,
I wrote one for campus dining too, but I need to ask my supervisor who I should send it to. I'll post that as soon as I've sent it.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
More tiny tasks before the big push.
Yesterday's studio seemed a bit uneventful, but now that I look back on it we did some important stuff. First we discussed an interesting reading about craftsmen versus white collar bureaucrats. Well...essentially that's what it was about. Then we looked over everyone's precedent studies which were all really cool, but there were some very similar themes. The discussion and precendents took us about 3 hours to get through. Lots of sitting.
Then we went over and were introduced to the CNC router. That thing is a beast! The bed is 4' x 8' and it has this big mechanical arm that moves a lot faster than one might expect. Can't wait to actually use it. One of the other groups for the joint project got to cut their pieces out and they looked awesome. My group talked to our professor about our project and he said to "put it on the back burner" and work on something else. Probably not the best thing to hear.
We also took a look at the 3D model of our space and received a floor plan. Other than that I did some sketching for the room, but I didn't really want to start working on ideas until I know what the client wants; what they actually intend to use it for. We meet with AIAS board tomorrow, so I won't have long to wait.
Today in Practice we had a long tutorial of Revitt that will continue on Thursday. I think it's actually a pretty cool modeling program, just complicated. I think once I get really familiar with it, I'm going to use it constantly.
Then we went over and were introduced to the CNC router. That thing is a beast! The bed is 4' x 8' and it has this big mechanical arm that moves a lot faster than one might expect. Can't wait to actually use it. One of the other groups for the joint project got to cut their pieces out and they looked awesome. My group talked to our professor about our project and he said to "put it on the back burner" and work on something else. Probably not the best thing to hear.
We also took a look at the 3D model of our space and received a floor plan. Other than that I did some sketching for the room, but I didn't really want to start working on ideas until I know what the client wants; what they actually intend to use it for. We meet with AIAS board tomorrow, so I won't have long to wait.
Today in Practice we had a long tutorial of Revitt that will continue on Thursday. I think it's actually a pretty cool modeling program, just complicated. I think once I get really familiar with it, I'm going to use it constantly.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Joint Project
Well Friday was our first furlough day but we had work to do in studio anyway. My partner and I made some changes to the class blog, but other than that I really didn't get that much work done. Such is life.
On Thursday we turned in our first project. A joint project between planes of basswood. My partner and I had to join three planes out of plane. Not the easiest thing in the world because the laser cutter doesn't do beveled edges. Learning Rhino on the fly was fun too. But I'm happy with the results. And it was only our second attempt!
The small piece is just a brace for stability.
Our next assignment is similar, but we have to pair up with another group and make it out of plywood on the CNC Router. There are no angle restrictions or anything, so it just has to be a thing.
On Thursday we turned in our first project. A joint project between planes of basswood. My partner and I had to join three planes out of plane. Not the easiest thing in the world because the laser cutter doesn't do beveled edges. Learning Rhino on the fly was fun too. But I'm happy with the results. And it was only our second attempt!
The small piece is just a brace for stability.
Our next assignment is similar, but we have to pair up with another group and make it out of plywood on the CNC Router. There are no angle restrictions or anything, so it just has to be a thing.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Day 1
First days of class are always fun. Going through syllabii, crashing classes, and then jumping head first into the first lectures. Yesterday was a long one.
However, my intro to studio was quite nice. We'll be breaking into groups to accomplish all the necessary tasks such as finding great deals on wood, figuring out what light fixtures we want etc. I signed to one of the studio blog managers. That's right, our studio will have its own blog so we can keep up with what everyone else is working on without having to go through the obstacle course that the classroom will eventually become.
Today I get to learn the laser cutter, start using AutoCAD, and get an intro to Rhino which I just installed completely legally and without difficulty, of course.
However, my intro to studio was quite nice. We'll be breaking into groups to accomplish all the necessary tasks such as finding great deals on wood, figuring out what light fixtures we want etc. I signed to one of the studio blog managers. That's right, our studio will have its own blog so we can keep up with what everyone else is working on without having to go through the obstacle course that the classroom will eventually become.
Today I get to learn the laser cutter, start using AutoCAD, and get an intro to Rhino which I just installed completely legally and without difficulty, of course.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Day 0?
I'm taking an environmental design class for my sustainability minor that meets once a week on Monday nights. Due to the economic "downturn," all the professors at Cal Poly are being forced to take a 10% pay cut and take 6 furlough days during the quarter. So even though Fall quarter doesn't officially start until tomorrow, my teacher decided to have a "planning meeting" tonight for everyone trying to crash the class and to get the schedule and syllabus out of the way. We also got a jump start by watching "11th Hour," the documentary Leonardo di Caprio did on climate change, the pandemic formally known as global warming.
Let's just say it's not at all like a Shakespearean comedy where everyone somehow winds up married in the end. No, it was more like one of his tragedies in which, either by mis-communication or maliciousness, everyone winds up dead. I honestly wanted to cry, especially when Stephen Hawking told me (in his creepy robot voice of course; sorry Stephen Hawking, I know your disease sucks!) that CO2 levels will reach a self sustaining level if they haven't already. Then my friend, Tiffany, mentioned that we haven't reached the tipping point and that scientists have determined it to be five years before we get there.
FIVE YEARS!?! So basically we're doomed. I guess if we hit the brakes hard, and I mean this very second, we MIGHT be able to stop and eventually reverse these catastrophic symptoms of a species run amok before then, but the chances are very slim.
I'm getting carried away though. The film went on to say that it's not too late and that now is a great time to be alive so that we can be the change. I must admit that the overall thought I came away with was "what can I do in my own life to change my thoughts and actions, and how can I influence others to do the same?"
One of the main points of the documentary was that politicians can be sold to the highest bidder, and the highest bidder in recent past has been the oil companies. This is why we have been so slow in our reaction to the overwhelming evidence that we're on a path to destruction. So I WILL be writing to my representatives and to Obama and urging them to act on climate change legislation now, as we no time to lose. And to make sure I hold myself to this promise, I will be posting it here, hopefully tomorrow.
As far as what I can do in my own life, I was thinking three changes. The first change needs to be something in my home. We've already changed all our light bulbs to CFLs and installed a low-flow shower head and faucet aerators, so I'll have to think of something more creative. I'll let you know what I come up with.
The second change needs to be in transportation. I ride my bike to and from campus already and plan on taking the bus when the heavy rain hits next quarter. This decision came from not wanting to use gas, but also wanting to get more exercise as well as not being able to afford a campus parking pass. However, I have become rather lazy on my other regular outings. I don't think chucking the car altogether is the answer (it is a hybrid so I'm already cutting back), but I think I'll reserve it for certain chores only, like Costco runs for example. SLO is small enough that I can walk, bike, or bus most everywhere if I don't have a lot to carry.
The third change needs to be in the workplace. I've decided that it is absolutely unacceptable that there are no recycling bins or compost bins behind the counter, or in the back of the house, at Einstein Bros. Bagels where I work on campus. This is especially upsetting because Campus Dining has claimed that all its venues compost their food waste and turn it into biodiesel for the Campus Dining delivery trucks. Obviously, this is false. I see so much food and paper product go to waste over the course of one five-hour shift; it is truly appalling. I tried last year to designate one of the many trash cans as a recycling bin, but some of my fellow employees refused to comply. I let it slide. This year I will not make that same mistake and I will take it to higher authority. At the very least, I will get the special blue recycling bins behind the counter so that failure to sort correctly will result in a fine.
Now I must empower others to make these three changes also. I know for some it's not quite so simple, so start small. Maybe all it has to be is writing a letter to your boss asking them to support mass transit by paying for your bus pass, and then getting some co-workers to sign along with you. Or something even smaller than that.
Every little bit helps and we will get there! Pay it forward.
Let's just say it's not at all like a Shakespearean comedy where everyone somehow winds up married in the end. No, it was more like one of his tragedies in which, either by mis-communication or maliciousness, everyone winds up dead. I honestly wanted to cry, especially when Stephen Hawking told me (in his creepy robot voice of course; sorry Stephen Hawking, I know your disease sucks!) that CO2 levels will reach a self sustaining level if they haven't already. Then my friend, Tiffany, mentioned that we haven't reached the tipping point and that scientists have determined it to be five years before we get there.
FIVE YEARS!?! So basically we're doomed. I guess if we hit the brakes hard, and I mean this very second, we MIGHT be able to stop and eventually reverse these catastrophic symptoms of a species run amok before then, but the chances are very slim.
I'm getting carried away though. The film went on to say that it's not too late and that now is a great time to be alive so that we can be the change. I must admit that the overall thought I came away with was "what can I do in my own life to change my thoughts and actions, and how can I influence others to do the same?"
One of the main points of the documentary was that politicians can be sold to the highest bidder, and the highest bidder in recent past has been the oil companies. This is why we have been so slow in our reaction to the overwhelming evidence that we're on a path to destruction. So I WILL be writing to my representatives and to Obama and urging them to act on climate change legislation now, as we no time to lose. And to make sure I hold myself to this promise, I will be posting it here, hopefully tomorrow.
As far as what I can do in my own life, I was thinking three changes. The first change needs to be something in my home. We've already changed all our light bulbs to CFLs and installed a low-flow shower head and faucet aerators, so I'll have to think of something more creative. I'll let you know what I come up with.
The second change needs to be in transportation. I ride my bike to and from campus already and plan on taking the bus when the heavy rain hits next quarter. This decision came from not wanting to use gas, but also wanting to get more exercise as well as not being able to afford a campus parking pass. However, I have become rather lazy on my other regular outings. I don't think chucking the car altogether is the answer (it is a hybrid so I'm already cutting back), but I think I'll reserve it for certain chores only, like Costco runs for example. SLO is small enough that I can walk, bike, or bus most everywhere if I don't have a lot to carry.
The third change needs to be in the workplace. I've decided that it is absolutely unacceptable that there are no recycling bins or compost bins behind the counter, or in the back of the house, at Einstein Bros. Bagels where I work on campus. This is especially upsetting because Campus Dining has claimed that all its venues compost their food waste and turn it into biodiesel for the Campus Dining delivery trucks. Obviously, this is false. I see so much food and paper product go to waste over the course of one five-hour shift; it is truly appalling. I tried last year to designate one of the many trash cans as a recycling bin, but some of my fellow employees refused to comply. I let it slide. This year I will not make that same mistake and I will take it to higher authority. At the very least, I will get the special blue recycling bins behind the counter so that failure to sort correctly will result in a fine.
Now I must empower others to make these three changes also. I know for some it's not quite so simple, so start small. Maybe all it has to be is writing a letter to your boss asking them to support mass transit by paying for your bus pass, and then getting some co-workers to sign along with you. Or something even smaller than that.
Every little bit helps and we will get there! Pay it forward.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
The Premise
As a student entering her third year in Architecture school at Cal Poly State University, I've struggled through two years of late nights, crazy professors, and ever changing design criteria. Not to mention working 20-30 hours a week to pay for food and drawing supplies. I have three years left and I'm still not 100% sure Architecture is the right choice for me. Thus, a blog is born.
I know, I know. Since Julie Powell's wild blogging success, everybody's doing it. Really, I'm not expecting any book or movie deals to come out of this. Just a little insight. This is meant to be a place where I can record all my adventures, triumphs, and frustrations. Sort of a journal/online portfolio. Anyway, we'll see what happens.
Fall quarter starts on the 22nd. The professor I am going to have is doing a design/build project. All 18 of us students are going to work together on the interior of our AIAS club room. Then we're going to build the pieces, put them together, and (hopefully!) it will be finished and ready for use beginning in January. It should be a fantastic learning experience, but I do have a lot to learn. The only design programs I've had ANY experience with are FormZ, and a tiny bit of SketchUp, neither or which are really in Vogue at the moment. I'll also get to learn how to use a lot of useful tools for creating models, all of which I find a tad intimidating - to say the least.
And now, the scene is set, and as someone wise and therefore famous once said, "you can't do anything unless you start," so off we go...
I know, I know. Since Julie Powell's wild blogging success, everybody's doing it. Really, I'm not expecting any book or movie deals to come out of this. Just a little insight. This is meant to be a place where I can record all my adventures, triumphs, and frustrations. Sort of a journal/online portfolio. Anyway, we'll see what happens.
Fall quarter starts on the 22nd. The professor I am going to have is doing a design/build project. All 18 of us students are going to work together on the interior of our AIAS club room. Then we're going to build the pieces, put them together, and (hopefully!) it will be finished and ready for use beginning in January. It should be a fantastic learning experience, but I do have a lot to learn. The only design programs I've had ANY experience with are FormZ, and a tiny bit of SketchUp, neither or which are really in Vogue at the moment. I'll also get to learn how to use a lot of useful tools for creating models, all of which I find a tad intimidating - to say the least.
And now, the scene is set, and as someone wise and therefore famous once said, "you can't do anything unless you start," so off we go...
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