Thursday, March 31, 2011
The Coffee Generation
Okay I admit it, I am old. I can say that not just because I turned fifty last week (boo hoo) but because when I think about coffee a really old , very nostaligic ad campaign hits me - describing the "coffee generation" and "coffee achievers" - check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rea-yBgOSo Way back when coffee was described as the drink that "picks you up and calms you down" - only Madison Avenue could have crafted such a brilliant line. Coffee achievers in this ad spot include David Bowie (really? David Bowie?) and Kurt Vonnegut, the brilliant mind of "Slaughterhouse-Five." I love my java...and in just about a year I will be able to get a cup o'joe in the cafe of the new building. The cafe is located on the second floor, visible from the Link and across the way from the Student Clubs area, making this a lively juncture. The Union will be operating the cafe and if one thing is clear, it's that our students, staff and faculty run on coffee -- and its gotta be good coffee. But what else should the Union be thinking about in terms of menu and offerings? Take a few moments and share your opinion by clicking the link below for a quick, online survey: https://uwmadison.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_b1Qy2jnATpm2qmE If it's good enough for David Bowie, that's all I need to know.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Rock My World
It's my new obsession...sheetrock.
Frankly I feel a little freaked out that while I have been watching the web-cam of the construction of the new addition, there has been a frenzy of activity in the existing building. My 17-year old daughter would say I am "hovering" or a control freak, but the construction camera doesn't tell the whole story. I can't seem to get other there fast enough to track all the progress in the existing building-it's like a huge beehive. Just a few short weeks ago, most talented photographer Lori Ushman and I were strolling around open floors, weaving in and out of metal studs. And now I find out the construction has progressed to a stage where the walls are about 2/3 sheetrocked (or as they say in the trade, rocked).
What the heck? I'm not mentally prepared - I've been looking at paper plans for so long I get woozy.
So yesterday I drove over to the site, pulled on my Wellington boots and walked up to the third floor. Yup, the walls are up in the Interior Design studios, faculty offices and the department office. I stood in the new space specifically for critiques, nestled in between two studios. It's wicked cool.
My world is officially rocked.
Frankly I feel a little freaked out that while I have been watching the web-cam of the construction of the new addition, there has been a frenzy of activity in the existing building. My 17-year old daughter would say I am "hovering" or a control freak, but the construction camera doesn't tell the whole story. I can't seem to get other there fast enough to track all the progress in the existing building-it's like a huge beehive. Just a few short weeks ago, most talented photographer Lori Ushman and I were strolling around open floors, weaving in and out of metal studs. And now I find out the construction has progressed to a stage where the walls are about 2/3 sheetrocked (or as they say in the trade, rocked).
What the heck? I'm not mentally prepared - I've been looking at paper plans for so long I get woozy.
So yesterday I drove over to the site, pulled on my Wellington boots and walked up to the third floor. Yup, the walls are up in the Interior Design studios, faculty offices and the department office. I stood in the new space specifically for critiques, nestled in between two studios. It's wicked cool.
My world is officially rocked.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Are you mocking me?
I may have mentioned this a few times, but I am learning more about design and construction every day. Some experiences have already paid off - I've switched my dining room light fixture from traditional glass to a drum shade and the result was dramatic. Simple change you say? In my house, nothing is simple but that's a story for another day.
The thing that now has me really intrigued is the construction mock-up.
For years I've seen these modest installations on construction sites and never knew what they were. When Microbial Sciences was being built, I thought the mock-up was actually an elevator lobby. One person told me it was where the electric was connected to the rest of campus. A third thought it was the start of a bus shelter designed to match the building.
We were all wrong.
The mock-up is a valuable tool for the architects, contractors and campus. Built outside on the construction site, these "mini-buildings" are constructed with the exact materials specified for the project and are representations for viewing and inspecting how each material performs and if needed, make adjustments. For instance, the team may look at different colors of mortar, or test the reflectivity of glass. I learned the mock-up is useful for testing the structure for air infiltration or water penetration, and believe it or not to test for seismic movement.
The mock-up for Human Ecology is slated to begin in the next few weeks - it should be really great.
The thing that now has me really intrigued is the construction mock-up.
For years I've seen these modest installations on construction sites and never knew what they were. When Microbial Sciences was being built, I thought the mock-up was actually an elevator lobby. One person told me it was where the electric was connected to the rest of campus. A third thought it was the start of a bus shelter designed to match the building.
We were all wrong.
The mock-up is a valuable tool for the architects, contractors and campus. Built outside on the construction site, these "mini-buildings" are constructed with the exact materials specified for the project and are representations for viewing and inspecting how each material performs and if needed, make adjustments. For instance, the team may look at different colors of mortar, or test the reflectivity of glass. I learned the mock-up is useful for testing the structure for air infiltration or water penetration, and believe it or not to test for seismic movement.
The mock-up for Human Ecology is slated to begin in the next few weeks - it should be really great.
Friday, March 4, 2011
I've Changed my Mind
Now I think the wood posts (in place while the concrete cures in the new addition)...
...look more like idols from Easter Island.
Cool New Space
One of the most impressive areas in the complex will be the Concourse, located on the west end of the third floor in the new addition. The third floor of the addition has been poured and the contractor is working on the fourth and final floor - this photo taken March 2 is from the perspective of standing in the Concourse looking up towards the fourth floor-Centers area.
The south facing glass wall will be two stories high, and when complete this special gathering space will serve as a point of connection for students, faculty, and visitors.
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