Studio Begins

We started studio today.  We got a basic run through of what we will be doing this semester.  We are taking a new direction this semester for Clemson by trying to incorporate more engineering into our design.  I think this is a great addition to Clemson's great design program.   After meeting with our prof. for a while and discussing the coursework, we headed out to the site to explore our first project.  This first design will focus on verticality.  We will also be doing a research project this semester based on a topic of our choosing relating to our own architectural design principals.  After hanging around the site for a while and taking some good sunset photos, we headed back to the villa for dinner.

Tonight we had fish mixed wither herbs and spices as well as pan roasted vegetables and a type of Italian bread that was much like a quiche that we might have at home.  I am not doing the food near enough justice with this description because it was all delicious.  

After dinner, I was able to work on some more photos that I took today.  Jonathan has shown me a new technique to use with our cameras called HDR or high dynamic range.   In quick description, it basically involves taking 5 pictures of the same frame with different light metering.  It is a good way to capture all the highlights and shadows of an image.  I have tried a couple so far and seen some pretty good results.  I will put a few up just for you to get an idea of the contrast range that they produce.  

We are just hanging around the villa again tonight! More Italian class in the morning!  

Ciao!