Planning - Shockwave presentations + Theoretical position

Shockwave presentations

Alright. I've made two shockwave presentations for showing our questions one after the other. I know we all chose "He who fails to plan, plans to fail" but I've done a backup presentation of "Planning bridges the gap between where we are and where we intend to go". I'll show you guys both presentations before class today and you can choose. Additionally, below I am writing little sentences to support either one of our theoretical positions in the presentation today.

Planning - Theoretical position

• Theoretical position 1 - "He who fails to plan, plans to fail".

Okay based on the e-mail messages, our theoretical position is "He who fails to plan, plans to fail".

Rachel since you're starting first you'll just have to say that line to introduce our presentation.

The last person to present which might be me or whoever does says their educational plan last needs to say this to end the presentation:

"In conclusion, creating a plan does not always guarantee success but without one almost definitely ensures failure. "

• Backup theoretical position 2 - "Planning bridges the gap between where we are and where we intend to go"

1. Again, Rachel starts first and simply states our theoretical position.

2. Again, the last person to present will end with this:

"In conclusion, planning provides us with a clearer forecast of the future and helps to guide us to reach our intended goals."


We'll discuss more later. Cya everyone. Good luck.

Planning - My speech

Here is a copy of my speech/answer for my question. Please post yours on your blog guys so that we all have a good idea what we're all saying.

Individually identify your educational plan, both in terms of this course, and the degree in general?

“My educational plan in terms of the course is to enhance my knowledge and thinking of the nine main elements relating to collaboration we are all studying during this semester. I want to understand what the importance of these terms to me as a student and how I can apply this to work I do in the future. Additionally, I aim to develop my teamwork, oral and written skills. I aim to do this by consistently doing comprehensive research on each term every week to produce a defined blog post that represents my understanding and depth of knowledge of the term. Also I aim to augment this with daily or weekly practice in UT3 to develop my digital modeling skills. In terms of the degree, I ultimately aspire to study courses that interest me and be beneficial to my future career. It is imperative that I have a dedicated and organized attitude towards my university work to ensure a successful outcome. Also I owe it to my wonderful parents =D”

Approximately 50 seconds duration.

Good luck with everything guys. Cya all tomorrow.

Terrain & Video progress

Video
I've just completed the video for planning and will be uploading it onto youtube and then the wiki within the next hour. Personally I think its boring haha but it states what planning does, how we've shown it and our progress in fabrication.

Terrain
I have done the Terrain to a state I believe acceptable to show in our presentation tomorrow. It contains the general contours and basic terrain ground materials, surrounding buildings, indicative areas of foliage and appropriate skydome. There is definitely still more work to do. I need to add materials to the surrounding buildings, make a good road, more accurate representation of foliage, adding street signs, electricity lines, etc, fix the ocean and lighting. At the moment, the water I create isn't rendering/building properly. It's always black. I've followed the tutorials but its still not working. I'll probably just start doing the water from scratch. Anyways, please read your e-mails guys! It's important for tomorrow. Below are some progress images of the terrain.

Week 10 Task

Planning

Planning is the “act of formulating a program for a definite course of action” [1] Before undertaking any sort of project or task, a plan must be developed. “Preparation of a comprehensive plan will not guarantee success, but lack of a sound plan will, almost certainly, ensures failure.” [2] The plan should be a “realistic view of the expectations” [3]. It is the key to growth, helping too forecast the future to some extent and bridge the gap between where we stand and where we intend to go. There are numerous critical elements that a plan must contain in order to be effective. The plan should be set by a person having authority and define a clear and realistic goal. It should be easily measurable in qualitative and quantitative terms in order to provide a benchmark upon which actual performance can be measured and assessed. Additionally, the plan should outline specific strategies to implement throughout the project so that there is a clear definition of action towards achieving short and long term goals. However, a plan is never perfect. It cannot exactly predict the future but when done correctly, it can provide the best possible direction in successfully completing the project or goal.

One of the most effective tools in strategic planning is the SWOT analysis. “It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieving that objective” [4]
By taking a comprehensive review of both the internal and external environment of a business or any collaborative work, understanding where we stand and factors that can be beneficial or detrimental to achieving the project or goal are clearly defined. There are a multitude of types of planning such as the business plan, statutory planning and strategic planning but all contain the same concepts or critical elements as aforementioned. The process of planning is primary to the success of any project being undertaken. Beginning a project without a clear and comprehensive plan will ultimately waste time and resources. The effectiveness of ones methods are weakened without the guidance of a plan. In short, “He who fails to plan, plans to fail.” [5]

References
1. http://wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=planning Accessed: May 26, 2008.
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planning#Planning_basics Accessed: May 26, 2008.
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planning#Planning_basics Accessed: May 26, 2008.
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWOT_analysis Accessed: May 26, 2008.
5. http://thinkexist.com/quotation/he_who_fails_to_plan-plans_to/169985.html Accessed: May 26, 2008.
Image - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0b/SWOT_en.svg/320px-SWOT_en.svg.png Accessed: May 26, 2008.
Haughey, D 2008, Project Planning A Step by Step Guide, Accessed: May 26, 2008. <http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/project-planning-step-by-step.html>

Problems

Apart from being sick, I am having emotional problems right now. It's really personal so I don't want to say anything. It's affecting my uni work and I am doing what I can. I am sorry my blog hasn't been done yet. I am trying to do it now.

Terrain progress

Sadly, all I can say is progress is slow. Primarily because I am busy with so many other things. But I've decided to post a plan.

Using Unreal on my computer is really a pain. It's so slow, I best set aside a date to use the computers at university so I can work better.

The next weeks plan

May
Wednesday 21st - Help from group. For example, more clarification on details of the site.
Thursday 22nd - Plan out terrain.
Friday 23rd - Spend a day at Uni. Aim: General contours done. Add in the road.
Saturday 24th - Work on Planning presentation. Other uni work.
Sunday 25th - Work on Planning presentation. Other uni work.
Monday 25th - Spend another day at Uni. Aim: Start to add meshes. Surrounding buildings etc
Tuesday 26th - Work on Planning presentation. Other uni work.
...

Essentially, what I want to have done by next week before our groups final presentation is the terrain with decently appropriate and accurate contours with surrounding landscaping done so we've got something good to show. I'll do my best. Just having some problems at the moment. Cya guys tomorrow.

Week 9 Task

Remuneration

Remuneration “is pay or salary, typically monetary payment for services rendered, as in an employment.”[1] It is decided by numerous factors such as skills, experience and/or uniqueness of work. But is having monetary remuneration enough? Retention of individuals working together as a group is critical. All those involved inherently have “a personal desire to feel needed, valued and appreciated in their role”[2] Acknowledging and recognizing each persons personal contribution as a priority to the group and project will ultimately result in a more productive collaborative process. Group members will be satisfied and more motivated to work. But how do we achieve effective and ongoing retention? There are a multitude of ways to retain the loyalty and motivation of individuals, group members or employees. An obvious example is remuneration. Conclusively, money can be said to be the primary motivator. Whilst the majority of us value money, sacrifices need to be made in order to attain it. For example, the amount of time we spend to earn it, the amount of energy spent and loss of opportunities like spending time with family. Nowadays, the balance between work and life is difficult to coordinate and simply receiving money as recognition of work isn’t always enough.

Other forms of recognition in terms of non-monetary remuneration can be implemented. Examples of non-monetary remuneration include simply saying thank you to a colleague requires no money and is highly valued by the individual. Being courteous and grateful to your employees or fellow colleagues for their contribution is at times much more effective in retention as it provides them with intangible benefits of increased self-esteem and added self-value as opposed to the tangible benefits attained through expected monetary remuneration. Another example of non-monetary remuneration is public recognition. Thanking a particular individual in front of fellow colleagues for their outstanding achievement/contributions provides them with a sense of pride and self-worth, hence, more intangible benefits. Symbolic rewards are another type of non-monetary remuneration. These rewards can be items such as a certificate or 'trophy' acknowledging/recognising the achievements of an individual. For example, in the workforce, awarding an employee the title “Employee of the Month” for their work is another great tool for retention.
Additionally, another example of non-monetary remuneration is inexpensive awards. Giving employees or individuals items such as a bottle of wine, free movie tickets or box of chocolates for their contributions can be a another great motivator and a meaningful demonstration of thanks which ultimately develops a better relationship. Expensive awards can also be introduced. For example, giving an overseas trip to a performing individual, group or team is a highly effective and popular form of recognition, not only because of the magnitude of the reward but the opportunity it provides them with time to reflect and bond with fellow colleagues outside a professional/working environment. In the long term, this could prove beneficial as it allows for a group to develop a stronger relationship that will ultimately help to generate a more effective collaborative group for future projects.

With all of this in consideration, nobody within a group or team should be singled out. Each person should be acknowledged for their work, whether it is small or big, in order to promote equality and retain the loyalty of all involved in collaboration. In conclusion, remuneration is an essential element in the process of collaboration as it provides both tangible and intangible benefits to all involved. Determination of remuneration should always be done fairly in order to equally recognize the work and effort of an individual.

"Cash-based remuneration is expected, it is contractual and it represents a person's value in the marketplace. Non-monetary recognition has a feel-good factor and goes a long way towards fulfilling the unwritten but highly valued psychological contract." - Sharon Searle. [3]


References
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remuneration Accessed May 19, 2008.
2. Giles, T 2004, REMUNERATION; Non-Monetary Rewards - As part of the remuneration. Accessed May 19, 2008. <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn5305/is_20041004/ai_n24914613>
3. Giles, T 2004, REMUNERATION; Non-Monetary Rewards - As part of the remuneration. Accessed May 19, 2008. <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn5305/is_20041004/ai_n24914613>
Image: http://www.freeprintablecertificates.net/samples-paid/employee_of_the_month_2.png Accessed: May 19, 2008.

Terrain progress

Hey guys. I've spent some time doing the terrain for our fabrication task. There's a picture of it below showing what its up too so far. Doesn't look too flashy at the moment. Don't particularly like the rocks at the moment but we'll decide more on the finer details later. I am not entirely sure on the contours of the area based on the google image so I've left most of it flat. Once the main building is in I'd like to build the contours, foliage and surrounding buildings around it. Additionally, the map requires a skydome and appropriate lighting. I tried doing some lighting but rendering and building and errors are annoying me and my computer lol. I know theres more to do for the terrain and I know I can do it. So have no fear everyone! =) Alright cya all tomorrow. Take care.

Week 8 Task

Context

Context is “the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event;: [1] The word can be applied to numerous subjects relating to architectural collaboration. For example, when working on a project, acknowledging and respecting the contextual backgrounds of individuals from other disciplines is critical for effective communication. Furthermore, it allows for a greater understanding and awareness of the skills and expertise brought to the group which is ultimately beneficial for structuring hierarchal structures and planning. Alternatively, context can be applied to an architectural design/building/site.

“It can be argued that architectural design deals with a creative synthesis of project objectives and requirements, combined with specific site and cultural conditions, to reach some optimal solution [von Meiss 1996].” [2]

This statement highlights the importance of understanding context within a design. The design is generated from its context and should be a visual expression of its contextual parameters. The context is the foundation from which the architect must build upon to produce an architectural design that is appropriate to its environment. Additionally, context is what gives an architectural design/building justification. The significance and meaning behind every element of production and representation explicated by an architectural example is directly related to its context. Without context, an architectural design is weak. It lacks true identity and distinction which can only be defined by context. Both context and design need each other. They are interdependent.

If the context were changed, the design will be directly affected. For example, simply changing the orientation of a building on a site can have an adverse affect on its design. Changing the orientation of a site transforms “the circulation routes, the relationship of public and private space, to the effectiveness of solar access and control”[3] Therefore, such a scenario is testimony to the strict interdependent relationship between context and design.

In relation to ARCH1392, Group B has chosen Wombarra House, an architectural design strongly influenced by its context. The final decision to select this design as the basis of our fabrication task was largely a result of its local context. Greater access to information about the design due to proximity became a common benefit acknowledged by all. In itself, the design was generated from its client who has acknowledged the context of the Wombarra site, evident in the choice of local and natural materials. The numerous wall-sized windows around the building suggest an emphasis on viewing the surrounding nature of bush and sea.

Through intuitive utilization of the Unreal software, the opportunity to influence context becomes available. In fabricating 3-D digital models of particular buildings, careful consideration of the design intent of the architect as well as the context is vital. Some buildings, particularly already built, are very much immersed in their context. It is important that this relationship be captured in order to produce an appropriate and effective digital model. On the other hand, when fabricating models of some unbuilt architectural designs/projects, there is slightly more flexibility in choosing whether or not it is needed to influence context through Unreal and/or other 3-D modeling programs. For example, a particular design may need to pertain to a range of clients. Being able to cater to their needs by influencing the context to produce different designs creates a more versatile and qualitative representational model. In conclusion, there is direct relationship between design and context that must be carefully understood in order to fully appreciate its existence.

References
1. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/context Accessed: May 12, 2008.
2. A. J. Summerfield & S. Hayman 2006. On capturing context in architecture. Page 1 & 2. Accessed: May 12, 2008 <http://www.ibpsa.org/proceedings/BS1999/BS99_B-12.pdf>
3. A. J. Summerfield & S. Hayman 2006. On capturing context in architecture. Page 2. Accessed: May 12, 2008 <http://www.ibpsa.org/proceedings/BS1999/BS99_B-12.pdf>

Record - Theoretical position

Record is the past, present and future.

This is the groups theoretical position on the theme of Record. We acknowledge that it is an invaluable tool for collaboration that must be embraced by all in order to support and bring clarity to the entire task. Therefore, having records of the past sustains us for the present and lays a foundation for the future.

To the group
As I said in the meeting today, we require a theoretical position on the theme of record. I suggest this little statement I wrote can be said by Chivonda in the introduction. If you guys have anything to add or any other suggestions, just post a comment and we'll change it straight away. Good luck guys for tomorrow!

Week 7 Task

Record

The truthfulness of ones record keeping could be brought into question if those records were manipulated to appear correct. A degree of bias may influence ones method of record keeping resulting in a more prejudicial and inaccurate record. Whilst record keeping, having motive and personal perspective towards the event or subject being recorded will ultimately affect the truthfulness of the records. This is because these records are generated to favour the recorders personal point of view/attitude/beliefs rather than the reality of the situation. For example, in ARCH 1392, each student is required to complete a blog entry on a particular word/subject every week. A student knows that at towards the end of the semester, their entire blog will be assessed and marked. Therefore, the student may decide to skip a couple of weekly blog entries and complete them later on closer towards the end of semester. In doing so, they could alter the posted date of their blog entries to make them appear as if they were done on the recommended due dates during the semester. In this scenario, the student has changed the truthfulness of his/her records to favour his/her situation. Therefore, records must be objective and done without bias or prejudice to ensure truth and accuracy is fully captured.

A contrasting example to the aforementioned one can be found on ARCH1392’s main course blog. Russell’s post for the “Week 5 Task” was originally posted stating that before next Wednesday for independent study, “All students will write a blog entry on the theme of "Record". Azize collaborated with Russell by posting a comment questioning why the theme was Record when the course outline webpage clearly states or records that next weeks theme is actually on Knowledge. Russell replied saying “Hi Azize, sorry, typo on my behalf. Thanks for picking it up, you'll see it's corrected now. There's a statement about the authenticity of records in the digital age. Cheers”[1]. Russell quickly edited his blog post to correct the typo.

In the first example, the student changed the dates of his/her blog entries so they appeared to have been done on the correct due dates which is evidently wrong. In contrast, Russell has changed the recorded information in his blog entry in order for it to appear correctly which is proper so that students would not be misled. In conclusion, records can always be changed but there needs to be unbiased and objective reasoning to support its alteration. Otherwise, the truthfulness and authenticity of records is tainted.


References

1.https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=3769770311096582435&postID=1980949205780373460 Accessed: May 4, 2008
http://arch1392-2008.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-04-22T00%3A59%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7 Accessed: May 4, 2008