Day07 - Model Making

The first thing the class did is to check the detailed work they had yesterday such as the site map and the site section.

Then from drawing exercises today's task is to use clay to make models as a design tool. They are put again into groups to come up with a final design for presentation.

James dividing the clay. He said that clay is a physical way to communicate with each other and there is no language barrier. They can easily express themselves just by molding. Their end design needs to follow three scales:
1. What is this project about to them as designers?
2. What is this project about to the community of Puerto Prinsesa?
3. What is this project mean about living across the Pacific?

They are ready to get dirty.

Students goofing around before the hard work.

The artistic hands of the designers.

A rough site model.

James and Kyle listening to one of the presentation.

During their break, some roam around and found a unique kind of flower growing around the vicinity of the site.

They also had a fantastic view of the church.

James doing his own sketch.

Heavy rain started to pour late in the afternoon but the design presentation still continues.

Top view of one of the model design.

eye level

Proud designers

In the end, after all have presented, James and Kyle said that they are very proud of the hard work the students had given on this and the impressive designs. They remind them that they are all designers evolving. That they came here in the Philippines with a purpose and they are very much ready to change the world.

BIrthday Celebrant :)

He was given a watermelon cake with candles and a birthday song sung by everyone.

Happy Birthday Michael Meo of America!
(from all of your PRP friends)

Day06 - Drawing Exercises (Part2)

The day started with a sunny weather and for a change Kyle started the class by reading a poem by Mary Oliver entitled "Some Questions You Might Ask." He encourage the students to think of any poem to be read everyday even if it is in their own language.


Then the group had their design presentations. Each came up with one final drawing by sharing and gathering ideas from one another.

James remind everyone that stealing of others idea is fine. It's a way of being smart because they have to function as one and put everything altogether. They are aimed to establish their design into one direction.

One of the group design presentation (Series of drawings from each member incorporated to one final design)

The second drawing exercise, the students were put into a much bigger group and still needs to present a final drawing as a result of each members ideas.

Students drawing inspiration from the sea.

More sketches of how the students think and feel about the site.

Lastly, they had a discussion about the limitations of the project, materials to be used (decided that they have to stick to the things usually seen in Puerto Prinsesa) and surveyed the site again trying to pick up more elements and getting more details.

Tomorrow, they are expected to make a rough model of the site for presentation to the class.

The students from the University of the Philippines - College of Architecture went to a nursery after class to look for possible plants to use for the park.

Then everyone headed back to the Pension house by a multicab. :)

Day05 - Drawing exercises

Still on the design process, students are asked to visit the site again for more understanding of the concept of the project. To achieve this, they are given drawing assignments to visualize what they want to do.

First, they need to have a look of the site and see it with fresh eyes by trying to find for a lot of things and wait for it to talk to them.

After that the participants shared their discoveries and sketches.

Second is a unique drawing experience. Participants are asked not to think as an architect but either as a musician or poet. To look for forms and feel the rhythm. To think of music and words. to let their imagination talk to them. They are encouraged not to limit their drawings from what they learn as an architect but to open their creativity to a broader expand and range.

Sketch by Long Fei Wang of China.

They were group accordingly for the last exercise. They have to learn to work as a group and accomplish things. A final design is required for a final presentation tomorrow.

During dinner we are welcomed by the Municipality of Puerto Prinsesa together with Mayor Hagerdorn.