Inspiring retractable awnings/canopies, check this out!

Oh guys who were doing the DKD detailing project about the garage doors. I've found a really cool site which really has stunning images of different systems, check the out on www.tunerexhibits.com apparently these kind of systems is generally grouped under a more broad term known as 'kinetic architecture'!

Next project, bigger scale, more thinking, less sleep, more drawing!

We have a new design project, designing a research centre and we have been given  site on our NMMU campus to work with.  Sounds very interesting as emphasis is on sustainable architecture which is the new trend or way to go with integrating great designs and ways to conserve energy and utilize resources to the maximum! 
Haven't got anything down on paper yet as still recovering from the bashing of the last few handins we've had.  Mmmmnnn might have to think of better time management!

Busy week indeed!

Wow, felt quite a bit of pressure with all the handing in projects from Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  Quite challenging.  I know this is a little late puting my designs up now as we have pinned up already but I welcome anyone to feel free to post or comment on my designs when you get a chance.

My market stall design was a bit of a chaos for me, not really having a direction.  I think the stereotype of an actual simple market stall always popped up in my mind, almost like I was wearing blinkers.  After long and late nights I finally came up with a concept which I quite like.  Reminds me of back home (i.e Seychelles) really where I had this deck chair, lekka comfortable with hanging cloth fabric supported by poles just slotting into the sleeves of the fabric with simple cut outs in the profile of the main members, which could be used to change the incline of the chair.  What I enjoyed about the chair was it was relatively easy to assemble and could be easily folded up and carried away. 

Here are some of my previous designs below which eventually led to my final design, including some of the feedback I received during the crits.

And voila!  here's my renderings of the final design. 

I've designed it in such a way that the frame work is light and easily foldable and dynamic in a way that you can change the degree of incline. 

The success of the stall relies on the stall owner stacking his displays which has weight, into the fabric and the displays should help stabilize the whole structure (with forces acting at various angles and countering one another) thus making it difficult for the wind to topple it over. 

In addition, rods can be placed anywhere where there are perforations in the members, where he/she sees fit.  This further adds bracing and the pockets of display may vary  in size.  It is a very open design as in it hasn't got any solid planes which will 'catch' the wind.  The wind seems to flow right through the displays in all directions as opposed to having a stretched material over which would act similarly to a kite!

Btech - it's just another year

At times, one must take a step back and analyse one's situation and definately time management is so crucial especially if other activities are running concurrently with your studies in Architecture.  One should find the balance between work and play and know your purpose.
I have found myself already falling short of sleep!  It's tough but perseverance and indomitable spirit gets you far and very often discipline and hard work!  It will pay off in the end, gradually getting back into the swing of things, I mean we survived 3 years of this kind of 'torture' so another year, can't be that bad can it?

Pulley system applied to a door in PE

As I walk around the Summerstrand area, especially when going surfing, the routes I take I'm always observing my surroundings.  I happenned to see an example of this pulley system that we discussed in class, quite fascinating!  If anyone wants to have a closer look at it, go to Aquasands guesthouse in Summerstrand, it's in the same street with the house which has a butterfly roof!

NB: Professor Donald Flint (Architecture lecturer) apparently worked out on this pulley system!

Something helpful for market stall project

Hi to all who are doing the market stall project for DSW4011, I'm sure you are all haven't fully resolved your designs and could be struggling to find one that could work, as well all know it's a work in progress. 
Just as a reminder to check out the link that Mr Hansie Vosloo put up, if you haven't received it here it is:
http://basmozambique.wordpress.com/ it's worth checking it out!  Open the mind a bit ;-)

It's all overwhelming

Wow, the amount of work initially given can get quite overwhelming, but not to panic as most say and just work consistently and hard. Much research and thinking about current projects occupy one's mind almost constently to the point where you start to ponder...."does sleep matter that much? or can one push through a couple more hours and maybe see the dawn of a new day? Know your limit i always say!" Although through all the tough times, you know what your purpose is and you must work hard at all times and be and give your best! Strive to be better everyday and in any way that you think you can, without self reflection there can be no vision!

First time blogger!

Hmmnnn this blogger, quite an experience, never done it before so bare with me. I trust in time I shall get better at this and what can be achieved through this experience as well as learning many things through my fellow collegues and friends relating to this vast evolution of architectural ideas