Getting through the assignment was interesting, especially the last few days, where the fundamental modeling was completed and imported into UT3. The last few days before the due date we spend some time touching up the fabrication work, such as adding external decorations, signs, sounds and other effects.
We left the light to last. When building the environment it took us quite a long while especially building the lights. Towards the last day we’ve encountered the last and final problem when trying to cook the file, the report spit out an error, after multiple fixing, trial and error and google help, we still was not able to find a solution. Our last option was to go to BECU and test it out with Graham before the 9am submission. To our surprise it print out a successful result, we are still not sure what when wrong as it was simply clicking the cook button. However overall it was a success as we managed to hand it in on time. Lesson learned in this situation was to make use and exploit our opportunities, finding help from different places until the problem is resolved.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Friday, June 6, 2008
Fabrication Arrangement
As Jeffrey continue working on the terrain, the four of us girls (Azize,Cettina,Rachel and myself) will continue working on the mapping, modeling and collecting textures, furnitures and fittings to put in the Wombarra House. Our decision at the last group meeting was to allocate different rooms between us all to work on mapping the textures and putting in the components.
Due to time and place constraints it is most likely that we have to design our allocated room individually at our own time. We understand that each of our room might have different mood as it is design by different group members. However we have addressed this issue through a group meeting, it was decided that we want the house to have a warm homey mood, and the colour scheme we wanted to portrait this is white, dark chocolate and gold. These colours are also an excellent blend to the context of the house representing rich, purity of the beach.
Due to time and place constraints it is most likely that we have to design our allocated room individually at our own time. We understand that each of our room might have different mood as it is design by different group members. However we have addressed this issue through a group meeting, it was decided that we want the house to have a warm homey mood, and the colour scheme we wanted to portrait this is white, dark chocolate and gold. These colours are also an excellent blend to the context of the house representing rich, purity of the beach.
We have also decided to modify the design of the house by moving the stairs closer to the entrance to allow for maximum view to the coastline while been use as a circulation space.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Task 11 - Conflict
Conflict in collaboration will always exist in any type of projects. Therefore it is not the issue of how to avoid conflict, but how to resolve it when it does occur. Developing a system to resolve these conflicts is a good approach to take when working as a group.
Conflicts come in two ways destructive and constructive. Destructive conflict often end with hard feelings, “co-workers avoiding one another, people taking sides and subtly or overtly harassing “the bad guy”, and lower productivity.” Constructive is what should be aim for as it turn conflict into collaboration, it improve communication, improve production and reduce absenteeism and staff turnover. [1]
When conflict arise it is best to address it as soon as possible, as the longer it is left unresolved the more complicate it is to find a solution. The conflict will grow like a type of virus, the earlier the cure the better.
Figure1 Conflict should be resolve as quickly as possible, before it brakes.
Strategies to approach conflict and turn it into a constructive conflict: firstly to recognise that when resolving it should not be a win-lose situation but instead a win-win confrontation. Both parties in conflict must understand what they really want and not simply want to win the argument. Then they could negotiate by addressing those concerns together. As Linda Gravett, PhD in SPHR concluded “You may not always get what you want, but I’ll bet that you get what you need.”[2]
Conflicts come in two ways destructive and constructive. Destructive conflict often end with hard feelings, “co-workers avoiding one another, people taking sides and subtly or overtly harassing “the bad guy”, and lower productivity.” Constructive is what should be aim for as it turn conflict into collaboration, it improve communication, improve production and reduce absenteeism and staff turnover. [1]
When conflict arise it is best to address it as soon as possible, as the longer it is left unresolved the more complicate it is to find a solution. The conflict will grow like a type of virus, the earlier the cure the better.
Figure1 Conflict should be resolve as quickly as possible, before it brakes.
Strategies to approach conflict and turn it into a constructive conflict: firstly to recognise that when resolving it should not be a win-lose situation but instead a win-win confrontation. Both parties in conflict must understand what they really want and not simply want to win the argument. Then they could negotiate by addressing those concerns together. As Linda Gravett, PhD in SPHR concluded “You may not always get what you want, but I’ll bet that you get what you need.”[2]
Figure2 Working towards a common goal.
As a group we have not encounter destructive conflict. However we did have some minor constructive conflicts such as how task should be done, what task needs to be place on priority, etc. As these conflicts occur, as a group we sought out our common goal that leads as back to understanding our group’s objective. In this process we constantly develop informal and formal action plans to help us understand what task need to be done and by when. So therefore the outcome was a reconciliation between all the group member, it did not go according to what each group member’s wanted, however it was definitely what was needed to continue the fabrication task. As a saying in the movie Fruit Basket go “…we might not all agree, however we can meet halfway.” In our situation the conflict was positive and constructive as it addressed our problem and pushed us to better organise our fabrication processes.
___________________________
[1] Gravett, L., “Turning Conflict into Collaboration”, e-HResources.com, (2001), http://www.e-hresources.com/Articles/Oct2001.htm, viewed 3 June 2008.
[Figure1] Business Training Works, “Conflict Resolution Training”, Business Training Works, (2006), http://www.businesstrainingworks.com/Onsite%20Training%20Web/Course%20Outlines/15%20Conflict%20Resolution%20Skills%20Onsite%20Training%20Program%20Outline.html, viewed 3 June 2008.
[2] Gravett, L., Op cit.
[Figure2] Wayne County, “Why Should I Learn About Conflict Resolution”, Wayne County, http://www.waynecounty.com/coalitiontochangetheculture/learn.asp, viewed 3 June 2008.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Task 10 - Planning
Planning is a process of forecasting what task will or need to be done at a certain period in time, to assist in guiding the direction of a project towards success. 
Planning could come in many levels when talking about an Architectural design; it involves the planning of site, the planning of spaces and the planning of levels. It is these planning that allow a building to be built. Just as Le Corbusier has mentioned “the plan is the generator”, without the plan building cannot be generated.
In looking at planning for our group fabrication project, we have to first determine our group’s goal which is to match the falling water model, or surpass the falling water model if time permits.
To accomplish this goal, our strategy was to do a SWOT Analysis to determine our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Strength – knowledge in 3dmax. Build on our strength we decided to do the all the modelling and mapping of the house in 3dmax.
Weakness – limited knowledge in UT3. Technical problems such as importing the model into UT3. In resolving our weakness we have allocated the 4 initial weeks to learn UT3 for all the group members. And about 3 weeks for testing and trial any technical problems e.g. importing issues and will also allocated to learn more advance knowledge in UT3, to create a highly interactive environment.
Opportunities – Tutors and other group members. Exploit our opportunities; ask for technical help from tutors and other groups.
Threat – Assignments in other courses. To avoid our threats we have to manage our time, allocate time correctly to do other assignments.[1]
After analysing SWOT an action plan is developed, it outline what needs to be done, by whom and when.[2] This action plan is scope to a 14 weeks period. The action plan will help to clarify the group plans and ensure every members are directed to know what to do and by when. It’s a good strategy to allocate the group resources (people and time). Below is an action plan I’ve developed to assist us in accomplishing our group’s goals.
Fabrication Task Action Plan:
The above plan will be revised weekly to alter any task reallocation.
__________________________
Planning could come in many levels when talking about an Architectural design; it involves the planning of site, the planning of spaces and the planning of levels. It is these planning that allow a building to be built. Just as Le Corbusier has mentioned “the plan is the generator”, without the plan building cannot be generated.
In looking at planning for our group fabrication project, we have to first determine our group’s goal which is to match the falling water model, or surpass the falling water model if time permits.
To accomplish this goal, our strategy was to do a SWOT Analysis to determine our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.
Strength – knowledge in 3dmax. Build on our strength we decided to do the all the modelling and mapping of the house in 3dmax.
Weakness – limited knowledge in UT3. Technical problems such as importing the model into UT3. In resolving our weakness we have allocated the 4 initial weeks to learn UT3 for all the group members. And about 3 weeks for testing and trial any technical problems e.g. importing issues and will also allocated to learn more advance knowledge in UT3, to create a highly interactive environment.
Opportunities – Tutors and other group members. Exploit our opportunities; ask for technical help from tutors and other groups.
Threat – Assignments in other courses. To avoid our threats we have to manage our time, allocate time correctly to do other assignments.[1]
After analysing SWOT an action plan is developed, it outline what needs to be done, by whom and when.[2] This action plan is scope to a 14 weeks period. The action plan will help to clarify the group plans and ensure every members are directed to know what to do and by when. It’s a good strategy to allocate the group resources (people and time). Below is an action plan I’ve developed to assist us in accomplishing our group’s goals.
Fabrication Task Action Plan:
What | Who | When |
Learning UT3, Modelling and Mapping in 3dmax | ||
Learning UT3 | Cettina Mangano, Jeffrey Aguas, Azize Ceylan, Rachel MacKenzie & Chivonda Lam | Week 2-5 |
Modelling the house in 3dmax | Azize Ceylan | Week 6 |
Importing trial | Azize Ceylan | Week 7-8 |
Modelling of components e.g. railings, doors and windows 3dmax | Rachel MacKenzie, Azize Ceylan & Chivonda Lam | Week 9 |
Textures and mappings on the house in 3dmax | Rachel MacKenzie & Chivonda Lam | Week 10-11 |
Furnitures and fittings in 3dmax | Cettina Mangano | Week 10-11 |
Textures and mappings on Furnitures and fittings in 3dmax | Cettina Mangano | Week 12 |
Start UT3 work | ||
Terrain in UT3 | Jeffrey Aguas | Week 9-11 |
Components in Terrain
| Jeffrey Aguas | Week 12 |
Import model, textures, furniture and fitting on to the terrain | Azize Ceylan | Week 12 |
Interactive environment trial– using UT3 CD tutorials | Rachel MacKenzie, Chivonda Lam, Azize Ceylan, Jeffrey Aguas & Cettina Mangano | Week 12 |
Add interactive environment, might require programming
| Jeffrey Aguas, Rachel MacKenzie & Chivonda Lam | Week 13 |
GOAL 1 REACHED - Match Falling Water Model | ||
Make the environment highly interactive
| Rachel MacKenzie, Chivonda Lam, Azize Ceylan, Jeffrey Aguas & Cettina Mangano | Week 14 |
GOAL 2 REACHED - Surpass Falling Water Model | ||
The above plan will be revised weekly to alter any task reallocation.
__________________________
[Figure 1] Robin Good, “Design Planning: Guidelines for The Effective Development Of A Collaborative Communication Project - RItalia”, Robin Good, (31 March 2007), http://www.masternewmedia.org/design_planning/communication-strategy/guidelines-for-strategic-collaborative-communication-project-development-RItalia-20070331.htm, (viewed 25 May 2008).
[1] Invest-Tech Ltd, “Developing a strategic Plan”, PlanWare, (2008), http://www.planware.org/strategicplan.htm#5, (viewed 24 May 2008).
[2] Ibid.
[1] Invest-Tech Ltd, “Developing a strategic Plan”, PlanWare, (2008), http://www.planware.org/strategicplan.htm#5, (viewed 24 May 2008).
[2] Ibid.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Task 9 - Remuneration
Remuneration often come after a satisfying result or the effort a person put into completing task set out for them. Remuneration comes in two types monetary and non-monetary. Monetary remuneration could come in the form of salary, gift, bonus and commission. If you are contracted to work on a project, remuneration such as salary are often a negotiation between you and your client. A client will often consider a higher paid contract to be more important, serious and professional due to the sum of money involve. Often when working within a group of contractor the client will be more open to offer a higher management position to a contractor that gets pay more, again it is the money level that determines professionalism. 
Figure 1. Monetary remuneration.
Figure 1. Monetary remuneration.Non-monetary remuneration could include things such as promotion, knowledge and recognition from employer or client and/or the public such as a simple thanks or award. However most people are happier in a job when receive non-monetary remuneration, as it is these that make them feel like a team, it creates a friendly work environment.
When developing a remuneration system a company should try to make the remuneration something that “attract, retain and motivate employees and at the same time support implementation of company’s strategic objectives and enforce its organisational culture”[1], this way their work quality could be improve as they feel that they are working towards something. This way it acts to the advantage of the company overall, employee get remuneration and company get better work standard.
Remuneration in terms of our collaborative project: Praising and thanking a team member for work done is remuneration. It is require in a team environment as it is the thing that drive the success of the project, and makes each member feels that they are part of a team.
In this project I am sure that most group members would agree that knowledge and experience is the most obvious remuneration gained. Knowledge gain from doing this course includes collaboration amount students and tutors, reflective work for wiki and blog, effective communication, presentation skill and learning UT3. For me personally it is the experience gain form been in a presentation environment, which I am certain will help in preparing for the future when presenting project to clients.
_____________________________________
[Figure1] Umicore, “Performance management”, Umicore, (2008), http://www.humanresources.umicore.com/ourPhilosophy/performanceManagement/, viewed 20 May 2008.
[1] HRK Partner, “Effective remuneration”, HRK Partner, (2006), http://www.hrkpartners.pl/en/effective_remuneration.php, viewed 20 May 2008.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Task 8 - Context
Context is usually referred to the surrounding, environment, or setting of a place.[1] These could be items such as the topology, trees, river, sea and etc. It is these items that we often categorised into context such as rural, suburban and/or urban. 
Figure1. Context
Architecture and its design often effect by these contexts as seen in the falling water project, or architecture could be an eloquent item that affects the context it is in, so strong that it inherent in the geographic region and become the main characteristic of the site. This is why Architecture could be considered as the source that creates a meaningful place and space that “enrich the lives of the people who use them...”[2] It form a part of human and nature.
In our fabrication project, in understanding the site and then represent it in our ut3 environment research and analysis is required. For our group in particular it has been planned that some or all of the group member will visit the actual site and collect information about its context. Data such as photos and sounds will help in understanding the real feel of the site.
It is understandable that some of the unbuilt project that some of the other group selected are situated where it is not feasible to visit personal however it is still possible to collect information about the city, site, and the actual location of the project through other mean such as maps, aerial photograph, drawing of the surrounding buildings and planning reports. Whichever mean the groups use, it is recommended by a paper that information of other projects of similar type should also be look at to better represent the context.[3]
In some case the context of a project could be deliberately misrepresented. It might be due to lack of resources and information on the context. Otherwise it might be because the context is not something that supplement the beauty of the project but instead subtract its attraction. If context changes the architectural design concept will be affected, this is especially true when the design concept base itself on the surrounding, which could be seem in most design, therefore with the removal of the contexts, others might lack the understanding of the design.
___________________________________
[1] Wikipedia, “Context”, Wikipedia, (3 March 2008), http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/context, (viewed 12 May 2008).
Figure1. ContextArchitecture and its design often effect by these contexts as seen in the falling water project, or architecture could be an eloquent item that affects the context it is in, so strong that it inherent in the geographic region and become the main characteristic of the site. This is why Architecture could be considered as the source that creates a meaningful place and space that “enrich the lives of the people who use them...”[2] It form a part of human and nature.
In our fabrication project, in understanding the site and then represent it in our ut3 environment research and analysis is required. For our group in particular it has been planned that some or all of the group member will visit the actual site and collect information about its context. Data such as photos and sounds will help in understanding the real feel of the site.
It is understandable that some of the unbuilt project that some of the other group selected are situated where it is not feasible to visit personal however it is still possible to collect information about the city, site, and the actual location of the project through other mean such as maps, aerial photograph, drawing of the surrounding buildings and planning reports. Whichever mean the groups use, it is recommended by a paper that information of other projects of similar type should also be look at to better represent the context.[3]
In some case the context of a project could be deliberately misrepresented. It might be due to lack of resources and information on the context. Otherwise it might be because the context is not something that supplement the beauty of the project but instead subtract its attraction. If context changes the architectural design concept will be affected, this is especially true when the design concept base itself on the surrounding, which could be seem in most design, therefore with the removal of the contexts, others might lack the understanding of the design.
___________________________________
[1] Wikipedia, “Context”, Wikipedia, (3 March 2008), http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/context, (viewed 12 May 2008).
[Figure1] Nolan, M., "Environmental Sciences", University of Washington Libraries, (31 October 2007), http://www.lib.washington.edu/subject/environment/, (viewed 13 May 2008).
[2] Atre, S., “Architecture and Context”, (Prof., California Polytechnic State University), http://www.calpoly.edu/~arch/program/fifthyr/atre.pdf, (viewed 12 May 2008).
[3] Ibid.
[2] Atre, S., “Architecture and Context”, (Prof., California Polytechnic State University), http://www.calpoly.edu/~arch/program/fifthyr/atre.pdf, (viewed 12 May 2008).
[3] Ibid.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Task 7 - Record
Since ancient time the process of recording has surpass many world power such example as the Ancient Rome and Greek. The records they left behind have made it possible for the new generation to further analyse their philosophy and assisted in knowledge advancement. These records are often analyse by historian the process is known as historiography. When historian analyse record often it require filtration of information as some records are personal recount of the past, therefore it might be biased or partly incorrect. Some are incomplete which require the historian own interpretation and often their analysis and interpretation change over time as they discover more records.[1]
Record comes in many different forms. Apart from the trillions of books there are also tapes, records, magazines, telegrams, newspapers, and with modern technologies we see the introduction of CD, DVD, USB, hard drives, etc. The technology has made it possible to store more records. Things that get recorded include text, images, video, music and many other medias. Records have made collaboration and communication easier.
Many organizations today cannot avoid recording. Records are vital for the success of the organizations, especially “accurate and up-to-date records”, a document compare keeping record to as keeping score in a football game, so without it you will not know who is winning.[2] Such recording of incomes, expenditures, customers details, emails, letters, meeting notes and minutes, objectives and goals, just to name a few. It acts as a core foundation and for future direction.
In project management term those who record control the direction of the project. A project time line is required to set project deadlines. It is especially needed when dealing with external entities such as clients. The recording of the design brief, alternations, meeting minutes, tasks completion and many more: all act as evidences of the project progression. Recordings can be use for clarification if conflict arises.
In looking at the fabrication project; task timeline, meeting minutes, personal diary, online calendar, email and phone messages all form parts of record keeping. In determining what should be recorded depend on if the element can act as an evident of what has happened at a point in time, similar to a historiography. There are things that we set to “go on record” such as the due date of the project, the wiki, the blog writing each week and the presentation all required to be completed at a particular due date, the breach marking of the group ut3 environment with the falling water environment could be set to go on record, which mean it need to be accomplish by a certain date. Sometime records accuracy could be questioned such questions as, if the task could be complete as scheduled? If the time allocated to complete the task is too long?
__________________________________
[1] Nancy F. Partner , “Historiography”, Concordia University of Wisconsin, http://www.cuw.edu/Academics/programs/history/historiography.html, viewed 4 May 2008.
[Figure1] Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, “govt01b”, Civilization (2008), http://www.civilization.ca/civil/egypt/images/govt01b.jpg, viewed 5 May 2008.
[2] The State of Queensland (Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry), “The importance of record keeping”, Queensland Government (2007), http://www.business.qld.gov.au/dsdweb/v3/documents/objdirctrled/nonsecure/pdf/22652.pdf, viewed 5 May 2008.
[Figure2] Marcato web solutions & Coventry Gang Show, “diary”, Coventry Gang Show (2007), http://www.coventrygangshow.co.uk/article/page100, viewed 5 May 2008.
Record comes in many different forms. Apart from the trillions of books there are also tapes, records, magazines, telegrams, newspapers, and with modern technologies we see the introduction of CD, DVD, USB, hard drives, etc. The technology has made it possible to store more records. Things that get recorded include text, images, video, music and many other medias. Records have made collaboration and communication easier.Many organizations today cannot avoid recording. Records are vital for the success of the organizations, especially “accurate and up-to-date records”, a document compare keeping record to as keeping score in a football game, so without it you will not know who is winning.[2] Such recording of incomes, expenditures, customers details, emails, letters, meeting notes and minutes, objectives and goals, just to name a few. It acts as a core foundation and for future direction.
In project management term those who record control the direction of the project. A project time line is required to set project deadlines. It is especially needed when dealing with external entities such as clients. The recording of the design brief, alternations, meeting minutes, tasks completion and many more: all act as evidences of the project progression. Recordings can be use for clarification if conflict arises.
In looking at the fabrication project; task timeline, meeting minutes, personal diary, online calendar, email and phone messages all form parts of record keeping. In determining what should be recorded depend on if the element can act as an evident of what has happened at a point in time, similar to a historiography. There are things that we set to “go on record” such as the due date of the project, the wiki, the blog writing each week and the presentation all required to be completed at a particular due date, the breach marking of the group ut3 environment with the falling water environment could be set to go on record, which mean it need to be accomplish by a certain date. Sometime records accuracy could be questioned such questions as, if the task could be complete as scheduled? If the time allocated to complete the task is too long? __________________________________
[1] Nancy F. Partner , “Historiography”, Concordia University of Wisconsin, http://www.cuw.edu/Academics/programs/history/historiography.html, viewed 4 May 2008.
[Figure1] Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, “govt01b”, Civilization (2008), http://www.civilization.ca/civil/egypt/images/govt01b.jpg, viewed 5 May 2008.
[2] The State of Queensland (Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry), “The importance of record keeping”, Queensland Government (2007), http://www.business.qld.gov.au/dsdweb/v3/documents/objdirctrled/nonsecure/pdf/22652.pdf, viewed 5 May 2008.
[Figure2] Marcato web solutions & Coventry Gang Show, “diary”, Coventry Gang Show (2007), http://www.coventrygangshow.co.uk/article/page100, viewed 5 May 2008.
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