Remuneration (recover)

Remuneration can be defined in your own word as reward you get after you have been working for someone, salary/wage will be the most common remuneration. How much you for your remuneration can be varied from your experiences and skills, time constraints, amount of works and other costs.

With a fixed weekly wage, employees will just do as they told to do. To let employees to have more motivation to work harder, that’s where remuneration reward applied on. Beside Monetary, extra payment for overtime work or good achievement, there is also few type of non- monetary remuneration. 1. “Saying thanks/thank you”, this is simplest reward but it’s also the most important and highly valued; 2. Public recognition, thanking an employee for their contribution to a project or good achievement; 3.Symbolic reward, like a certificate or a high mark as in competition; 4.Relatively inexpensive award, bottle of wine, box of chocolate or coupon vouchers; 5.High cost award, can be oversea trip or holiday package, etc…

For our UT3 modeling project, our remuneration would be around $20,000 to $25,000 since we are still exploring as junior designer. And the non- monetary remunerations we are getting from this project are new knowledge, new skills, and experiences on both individual modeling and team collaboration.

reference:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn5305/is_20041004/ai_n24914613

Conflict (recover)

Conflict is a state of discord caused by the actual or perceived opposition of needs, values and interests. A conflict can be internal (within oneself) or external (between two or more individuals). Conflict as a concept can help explain many aspects of social life such as social disagreement, conflicts of interests, and fights between individuals, groups, or organizations. From the definition, you may think that conflict should be avoided to have a healthy and peaceful team environment. Then you are wrong, conflicts are negative but they also have positive outcomes, all depends on how you deal with them. If you chose to ignore conflict or managing your conflict in a wrong way, then the outcomes might be problem unsolved or even getting worst; confusion, feeling resentful or stressful; team or partnership broke up, which will cause failure to keep the project running. On the other hand, if deal with conflict with a good way, your rewards will be a sense of achievement, learnt more about each others with your teammates/partners and makes a stronger relationship and teamwork.

Way to deal with conflict, the most effective way to deal with conflict is to negotiate with the other person involved. Getting angry or aggressive often makes the situation much worse. Much conflict can be resolved if you use a positive and respectful approach - but sometimes this can be very difficult, especially if you or the other person are used to getting what you want by becoming angry, or used to just giving in.

One of the most effective ideas is the win-win approach.

• This approach is about both people being satisfied with the outcome.
• It's about finding out what you both want and where there are areas that you can both agree on, then working towards them.
• It's about working together as partners trying to solve a problem, not as opponents trying to win against each other.
• It's about working together on a basis of mutual respect to find a satisfying solution.

Conflicts happened in our project will be on decision makings, since our intent and knowledge are different, most likely we will come out with different plans. And what we did was getting our plans together and sharing each others intent, then combines them as one to keep the most desire and list out the negative outcomes, to solve or throw them away.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/conflict
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=243&np=291&id=2183

Planning (recover)

Planning is the first step of starting a project. A plan should be a realistic perspective of all expectations such as minimum or maximum time and cost allowed for completing the project, expectable time clashes or member conflict, etc…
Often project planning is ignored in favour of getting on with the work. However, many people fail to realise the value of a project plan in saving time, money and many problems.

As first step will be setting project goals, identify your/your client’s intent and who is this project for, the audience or the users of the project output. Step Two will be using your project goals which defined in step one, make a list of objectives, see which could be best to use for those goals and also find out any difficulties or errors could be make by any situation. Step three - project schedule, list out the tasks, for each task identify the approximate time required to complete and which team member to assign on which task, and also set up a deadline for each task in case of time clashes or uncompleted scheme. Step Four – problem support, expect the unexpected, creates an optional or backup plan in case of any error.

Beside the project plan, there are few other plans to support the project to run smoothly, which will be Human Resource Plan as team member organization, details of each member; communication plan, define the communication tools to use between members on team collaboration; Risk Management Plan, we identify as much risks to our project as possible and prepared to fight them off if they happens.

Reference:
http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/project-planning-step-by-step.html

Context (recover)

When we writing a narrative, the last paragraph always will be the conclusion refer or answering the first paragraph, this could be one of what we called “context”. Context is defined as the parts of a written or spoken statement that precede or follow a specific word or passage, usually influencing its meaning or effect, the set of circumstances or facts that surround a particular event, situation, etc.

For UT3 modeling project, we are not just to get the dimensions and make the solid models. We also look at the context of the model, and as well as architect’s intent. Our group is modeling an unbuilt building which is on a real site and designed a real architect. By looking at the plans and drawings, it looks really fantastic, but once you look at its details, where the confusions come out. The limitation drawings of the building and the site, and few sentence description of the design, we have to study the site and try to dig out its context from behind its scheme.

Reference:

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/context

Knowledge

You have the knowledge that I don’t have, I can learn from you; I have the knowledge that you never touched, then I can teach you. In Oxford English Dictionary, Knowledge is defined as (i) expertise, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject, (ii) what is known in a particular field or in total; facts and information or (iii) awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation. All livings or non-livings contains knowledge, they can be gained with all different way, by seeing, by smelling, by hearing, by touching or even by feeling. In order to share and spread knowledge, we have record them in resources with different methods. From the old ages such as Ice age, we started passing knowledge with speaking, and record them with drawings and symbols on cave wall or big rocks. Then there is papers come on handy, then books, and now we have new technologies like TV, camera and computer etc…

Lets divide the methods in classes:

Natural

Oral – Communication, lecture/class

Written - books, newspapers, notes

Practical – action, moves

Imagery – drawing, symbol, sign

Technical

Imagery – photo, digital images

Audio - radio, voice record

Video – video capture, movie

Webpage – text, animation and all of above, refined as multimedia

As we can see that knowledge is everywhere, take our project progress as an example. Each of our team members has different skills and knowledge, we learning from each other while we working on the project together, we sharing works as well as we sharing knowledges.

reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knowledge

Hierarchy

A hierarchy is an arrangement of objects, people, elements, values, grades, orders, classes, etc., in a ranked or graduated series. This goes to the structure of the team organization and collaboration. A hierarchical organization usually structured in a way such that every entity in the organization, except one, is subordinate to a single other entity. This is the dominant mode of organization among large organizations; most corporations, companies, governments, and organized religions are hierarchical organizations. Hierarchies denote a singular/group of power at the top, a number of assistants underneath and hundreds of servants beneath them.

For our collaboration team, we kind of used two different team structure. one is one leader leads four members, for organizing and decision making which leader can make the decisions after team discussion, to avoid conflicts gets further. another team structure is all members are equal when each of us have assigned works, we work equally while sharing experiences and knowledges.

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hierarchy

Intent

Intent is the purpose of something that is intended, the target that you going or planning to achieve. define it as "design intent" in architeture which will be a detailed explanation of the ideas,concepts, and criteria.

Intent can be communicated in several ways. Verbal explanations, to explain your purpose by speaking, and share information/knowledge and ideas through talking; Body language, which always will be played somehow while you talking, and it's faster and easier to reveal some of your intention; Written document, allowed more detailed explanation. Multimedia presentation, this the best way to fully see-through your intention on design or other activities, it can be viewed by hard copy with writings, images and diagrams, it can also be show with digital programs such as 2D CAD system for your design intent, animation or video on your "foot-prints"

Can you prove intent? There is two purposes to prove intent, one is to dig deeper on the real purpose or idea of the design for your own intent or the assigned one, make sure you are on the right track from the topic and did you achive the requirements. On another hand, in design team collaboration, solving your intent can further explain and explode your idea to others, and get them onto your perspective view, convince them to agree with what you thinking. Proving intent can be done by doing sketches and diagrams, documenting and reviewing, testing and comparing variety of options, the result can also be questioned and discuss in team collaboration to improve or to see what problems need to be solve.

These Diagrams shows your intent while it still need to be proved, and how your intention change in different area and different condictions. (2 images from Anecdote)

Record

Record is anything that is providing permanent evidence or information about past events, such as document, photograph or video. lets look at all types of records:

notes/documents - taking notes is what we do in lectures, we mark down all the topics that has been spoken and disscused by the lecturer, and summarised what is important and what you need to look at to get further understanding; As in a team collaboration, this will be done for the project progress, drop down what is done and what is need to be done and what are you or your teammates intent to do which are very important for the team to work together and avoid some of those mis-communication conflicts; And even at work, you should taking some notes on what you learned, what you are not clearly understand and what things need to done.

photo/screenshots/diagrams - A picture is worth a thousand words

For the UT3 project, we used Basecamp as project organize and managing team forum, and it also record our progress and each members individual works. And as per group meeting, we use note books and laptops to drop down what we had been discussed and whats need to be done or to be solve by the next meeting.

Discipline

Looking at the dictionary, there is about 9 different definitions of "Discipline", as it relates to Architectural Collaboration which will be "a specific branch or knowledge or learning". In an architectural project team, each team member has their own skills and knowledges, they are working on each part of the project then come togetheron collaborations. But different professions has their own set of rules and point of view, suchas designer vs engineer, designer will look at the way to make the project looks morebeauty and comfort, as engineer will take more efforts on the structures and constructions. the ideas might have conflicts but which is good to find out the positive and negative, then combine the positives and rework on a best solution.

For our current project, we required to develop the followings:

• textures - wall, floor, ceiling, furnitures and environments;
• lightinhs - sun light, indoor lightings,
• terrains - landscapes
• sounds - effects, environment and bg music
• exploring controls - programming

which will cover the skills of 3D modelling, photoshop(texture mapping and image editing), sound editing, UT3 map editing and programming. we all have the common desciplines, the best way to sort out the jobs for each members will be the most experienced on each program as the manager and also helping on other programs.
1. Texture editor (Photoshop)
2. 3D modeller (3Ds Max)
3. UT3 editor
4. sound editor
5. other programs
each assigned manager mainly work on their own descipline but also provide helps on other disciplines and collaborate.

Task 2 - Topic [C] - Shared Repositories

Repository is a place where data are stored and maintained. "Shared Repositories", we are talking about the technology/program/website where multiple databases or files are located for distribution over a network. A team use for sharing all sorts of information files, each team member allows to upload/download files from the main server/provider. Here is some examples:



Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/

YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. YouTube was created in mid-February 2005 by three former PayPal employees.The San Bruno-based service uses Adobe Flash technology to display a wide variety of user-generated video content, including movie clips, TV clips and music videos, as well as amateur content such as videoblogging and short original videos. In October 2006, Google Inc. announced that it had reached a deal to acquire the company for US$1.65 billion in Google stock. The deal closed on November 13, 2006.



Google 3D Warehouse [SketchUp] - http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/

SketchUp is a 3D modeling program designed for professional architects, civil engineers, filmmakers, game developers, and related professions. Sketchup may also be used to design buildings to be displayed on Google Earth. It was designed to be more intuitive, flexible, and easier to use than other 3D modeling programs, which often require steep learning curves. Several features allow designers to play with their designs, unlike what is possible in other 3D CAD programs. It is marketed as an easy-to-use conceptual tool with a simple interface. A well known feature in the SketchUp World is the 3D Warehouse. Users can use their Google Accounts to upload models, and then browse the 3D Warehouse for many components and models.



Filefront - http://www.filefront.com/

FileFront is a computer game and video game download service that provides patches, demos, modifications and other user generated game related content. It was first launched in December 2001, and created by I/O Error Development.



Fileplanet - http://www.fileplanet.com/

FilePlanet is a video game download service that provides free game patches, mod files and media downloads to its users. FilePlanet was launched, and is run by, GameSpy, which is now a subsidiary of IGN, and is one of the most used video game download sites on the internet. Users can either subscribe for a fee to access high-speed servers or use a free registration to access public servers, which usually have wait times before downloading. FilePlanet contains many different types of files such as game demos, trailers, and patches.
They have been criticized for making users pay to get new content like betas or demos. For example, with the Crysis beta, players could pay and subscribe, but were not guaranteed a spot in the beta.


These websites are the most common use of shared repositories on the world wide web, however, each of them have restricted the files to particular file types, such as Youtube for videos, Google 3d warehouse for SketchUp model files on google earth, Filefront and FilePlanet for computer/video game resources/patches, etc... In this case, they only good for public sharing but not for a team project file sharing. A good project team respository should have a large or suitable storage size, efficient and friendly user-interface and allow all sorts of file types to upload. therefore i have chosen 4shared for our team file sharing base, it has 5GB storage, max 100MB per file upload and allow all file types. Well, the main reason is that it's FREE and easy to setup and use.



Another good repository will be FTP (File Transfer Protocol). FTP is a commonly used protocol for exchanging files over any TCP/IP based network to manipulate files on another computer on that network regardless of which operating systems are involved (if the computers permit FTP access). There are many existing FTP client and server programs. FTP servers can be set up anywhere between game servers, voice servers, internet hosts, and other physical servers.
The objectives of FTP, as outlined by its RFC, are:

• To promote sharing of files (computer programs and/or data).
• To encourage indirect or implicit use of remote computers.
• To shield a user from variations in file storage systems among different hosts.
• To transfer data reliably, and efficiently.

and one more advantage of FTP is that it allows data has more privacy and security by setting up different user-levels and password, our FBE emustore server is one of the good example.

Reference:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki, http://www.youtube.com/, http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/, http://www.filefront.com/, http://www.fileplanet.com/, http://www.4shared.com/ - accessed on 01 Apr 08

Task 1 - Unbuilt Architectural Project

Auditorium and Movie Theater

Architects: Serero Architects

Location: Saint Cyprien, France
Total area: 1500 square meters

Construction start: Fall 2008

I have chosen this building because i like the way it merge with the trees, the park and the landscape, it is not conceived as a stand-alone building but rather as an open space in continuity with, and responding to, the rhythm of trees in the park, bringing the landscape into the building.

Site Plan
layers
Outside of theater
Inside of theater

The Concrete Canopy building is located in the middle of a park with sycamore, acacia, oak and poplar trees. Inspired by the silhouettes of the trees Serero architects created a computer script, generating a facade that assembles non-repetitive and non-standard components.The building’s roof, despite its irregular appearance, is generated from simple geometrical rules, allowing a variation of shapes between the elements.

"Trees are often a source of inspiration to me; they are complex structures elaborated from simple rules, growing coherently and continuously in time and space. The efficiency of those structures are based on the notions of redundancy and differentiation in opposition to the concepts of modern engineering such as modern optimisation and repetition" -- David Serero

The double concrete shell with its egg-shaped perforations, inspired by the shadows from the leaves, gives the impression of foliage. The external shell acts as a large sun umbrella, protecting the lobby and the auditorium from the sun. The internal glass and concrete shell regulates and controls the heating and ventilation levels.

"It is a concrete “pebble” under “foliage” that visitors will follow to enter the auditorium." --David Serero

In order to obtain maximum intimacy, and flexibility, the auditorium is divided into seven seating zones of different sizes. The internal wooden slat walls respond to the acoustical conditions necessary for both concerts and movies.

The structure is designed like a “living” skin with the ability to regulate the atmosphere inside. During the day it lights up the auditorium and, at the end of the day, lamps located inside the oculus compensate for the lowering light levels until daylight returns. It ventilates the building passively during the summer and warms it during the winter. Photovoltaic panels, placed on the south side of the building, contribute to the energy necessary for the building.

References:

ARCspace, Serero Architects Concrete Canopy, viewed on 31 Mar 08,

http://www.arcspace.com/architects/serero/canopy/canopy.html

First Post (Catchup)

Missed the first week class, slowly catching up!

i have been surfing the net for an unbuilt architectural project, there are lots of them but not much interesting ones that with good informations and details. here is some projects that i have looked at:

1. The New National Library of the Czech Republi
   
2. Gwangbok Street Renovation, Busan City, South Korea


3. Auditorium and Movie Theater, Saint Cyprien, France
   
4. the European Solidarity Center

and task 2, i have chosen "Shared Repositories", i will post them up on the next entries!