For my documentary project in the course LAR-285-01, I chose to focus on the life and career of the famous architect Ieoh Ming Pei. Below are some more details about the project and what I learned from working on it:
Purpose of the Documentary: The main goal was to show how Pei’s childhood, education, and early experiences shaped his work as an architect.
Pei’s Background:
- Pei was born into a wealthy family in China, which allowed him to be exposed to many cultural influences.
- He moved to the United States for college, where he studied architecture.
- This blend of Eastern (Chinese) and Western (American) influences was important in developing his unique style.
Important Projects:
- I covered some of Pei’s most famous buildings, such as the Louvre Pyramid in Paris and the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong.
- These projects show how Pei liked to mix modern design with traditional elements.
Skills Developed:
- Research: I learned a lot about Pei’s life, from his childhood to his major achievements.
- Storytelling: I worked on how to tell a good story in a film, which is about making people interested and keeping them engaged.
- Filmmaking: I improved my skills in making documentaries, like how to edit videos and put together different clips to make a good film.
Overall, this project helped me understand more about how an architect’s personal life and experiences can influence their work. It also made me better at researching and telling stories through film, which are useful skills for my future projects.
For my assignment in PHY-111A Ideas of Physics, I chose to merge my passion for soccer with the study of physics to explore the scientific principles of soccer. This process made the subject matter more engaging for me but also deepened my understanding of both physics and soccer. Here’s a breakdown of what I accomplished and gained from the project:
Course: PHY-111A Ideas of Physics
Purpose of the Assignment: The assignment was designed to apply physics concepts to real-world scenarios, teaching us that physics is in everyday activities.
Project: The Physics of Soccer
I have been a soccer fan since childhood, spending countless hours playing and watching the game. This project allowed me to explore the physics behind the sport and how principles like Newton’s Laws of Motion and the Magnus Effect affect the game.
Reflections:
- Newton’s Laws and Soccer: I studied how each of Newton’s laws plays out in soccer, from how a ball moves and stops (First Law) to the impact of forces and masses on the ball’s motion (Second Law) and the contact between players and the ball (Third Law).
- The Magnus Effect: By studying how spinning the ball affects its flight path, I was able to connect topics like fluid dynamics to free-kick strategies in soccer. This study was highlighted during a free-kick scenario, where the curve of the ball can mislead goalkeepers.
- Hands-On Experimentation: I tried experiments such as kicking a ball at different angles and spins, observing the effects, and comparing the results.
Achievements:
- Connecting Ideas and Real Life: Connecting physics to real-life soccer actions helped me better understand both topics. This project showed how physics is used in sports in everyday life.
- Improved Communication Skills: I learned how to explain complicated science ideas in simple terms, making them interesting and easy to understand for people who don’t know much about physics.
- A Love for Learning: By mixing my hobbies with schoolwork, I became more excited about discovering and understanding science ideas.
This project met my course requirements and also helped me grow personally and educationally, showing how combining what I love with learning can be powerful.
For my assignment in ENG-102, titled “Echoes of Injustice,” I chose to explore the challenges faced by immigrant workers in various industries across the United States. My interest in this topic stems from a desire to understand and highlight the systemic issues that contribute to the exploitation of this vulnerable group.
Why I Chose These Pieces:
I chose to write about the exploitation of immigrant workers because it’s a critical and ongoing issue that affects real people every day, including my own family, when we first came to this country. This personal connection made me passionate about understanding and addressing the issues of labor rights and immigration.
Course and Purpose of the Assignment:
The course ENG-102 focuses on developing my writing skills and encouraging us to examine social issues. The purpose of this assignment was to explore a systemic social issue, provide evidence, and discuss potential solutions to educate and inform our audience.
What I Accomplished or Gained:
- Deeper Understanding of Labor Issues: Researching and writing about the difficulty of immigrant workers deepened my understanding of the economic and legal structures that allow their exploitation.
- Research Skills: I sharpened my research skills, learning to gather information from multiple sources to build a well-rounded argument.
- Awareness and Advocacy: This project increased my awareness of the struggles faced by immigrant workers and highlighted the importance of advocacy for labor rights.
- This assignment was an eye-opening experience that allowed me to connect classroom learning with real-world issues, improving my educational journey and personal growth.
For our group project in the LAR-101 Introduction to Liberal Arts, we decided to design a school building with a focus on accessibility. This project combined our personal interests in special education and architecture. We aimed to create a space that was safe and welcoming for all students, highlighting the importance of making educational environments accessible.
Why I Chose This Project
I chose this project because I believe that every student, regardless of their abilities, should have an environment that supports their educational journey. This project allowed me to explore how architectural design can enhance learning experiences for students with various needs.
Course and Purpose of the Assignment
This assignment was part of a course that encouraged us to apply liberal arts principles to real-world challenges. The main goal was to address how architectural design can meet the diverse needs of students, specifically those with disabilities, and ensure that every student feels included and valued in their school community.
What I Accomplished or Gained:
- Understanding Accessibility: I learned about the specific needs of students with disabilities, such as those with physical disabilities who might need wheelchair access or those with learning disabilities who benefit from quieter, more structured environments.
- Design Skills: I developed skills in designing spaces that are not only functional but also inclusive. We considered features like wide doorways, ramps instead of stairs, and sensory-friendly classrooms that can help all students feel comfortable and supported.
- Awareness: This project increased my awareness of the challenges faced by students with disabilities and the importance of better accessibility in public spaces.
This project helped me see that architecture is more than just creating beautiful buildings; it’s about making spaces that everyone can use. I learned the importance of designing places that are accessible to people with all kinds of abilities, and this experience has deepened my interest in creating environments that help everyone.
In my Drawing II class (FAS-120), I focused on creating different types of house drawings. I chose to draw these houses because I have a strong interest in architecture. The two drawings I’m most proud of showcase my skills and my passion for designing buildings.
Why I Chose These Pieces:
I’ve always been fascinated by architecture and the design of homes. Drawing these houses allowed me to explore different architectural styles and techniques, which was both challenging and exciting.
Course and Purpose of the Assignment:
The main goal of this assignment in Drawing II was to improve our technical drawing skills and to express our personal interests through our artwork. For me, that meant delving into architectural drawing, which combines precision and creativity.
What I Accomplished or Gained:
- Skill Improvement: These drawings improved my ability to capture detail and structure in buildings, paying close attention to elements like shading, perspective, and proportion.
- Creative Expression: These drawings were a way for me to express my love for architecture. Each sketch was an opportunity to bring my architectural visions to life on paper.
- Appreciation for Architecture: Working on these drawings deepened my appreciation for the art of building design. I enjoyed thinking about how spaces are used and how a building’s design can impact those who use it.
These pieces are a reflection of my interest in architecture and my growth as an artist. They represent not just what I’ve learned in class but also what I’m passionate about exploring further in the future.
