Day of an Architectural Science Student

I prefer to wake up an hour early before any of my classes to make sure I have enough time to get ready and pack up. Today, I had Architectural Graphics scheduled at 10:20, so I woke up at 9:20. I got ready , packed my backpack and tool bag, and headed to class. In today’s class, we were asked to make drawings out of our cubic models. After about 90 minutes I completed the assignment, and was free to leave class. I grabbed a quick lunch and went the Architectural Science lab to get a head start on a photoshop assignment due. I then had other courses and coursework to work on, like microeconomics. After all of that was said and done, I went back home and completed homework for my building structures, technical writing, and country music. Luckily today wasn’t as busy as others so I could keep my schedule open and flexible. As you can see as an Architecture student it’s not all books and numbers, you have lots of creative freedom, and thats one thing I enjoy the most!

Churchill Downs

Photo by RIT http://bigshot.cad.rit.edu/2015/10/04/rit-big-shot-no-31-churchill-downs-louisville-kentucky/

And we’re off! What better time to talk about one of Louisville’s most famous and historical pieces of architecture than Derby season. Located in the heart of downtown Louisville, Churchill Downs is said to be one of the most well known racing capitols in the world. It hosts some of the largest  horse races, like the Kentucky Derby. The entire location is split into several different buildings for things like training, staff, and even betting. The main building on the property has betting, food, seating to watch the races, and more. When Churchill Downs was first built, the building faced the sun, however so many people complained about the sun being in their eyes during the race that they tore down the old building and built a brand new one, the Churchill Downs we know today. When the new building was built, the most iconic part of Churchill Downs was created… the twin spires. These spires can be found on merchandise and were even worked into the Churchill Downs logo. I love Derby not only for the horses, but also for the history!

What is your favorite architectual style?

https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Exoskeleton

It’s crazy how architecture started with a cave man building a hut for shelter and has grown into the massive industry that we all know today. Majority of architecture, both past and present, is heavily influenced by the nature surrounding it. For example, cave men saw sticks and built a hut. Another famous example is the work of Frank Lloyd, who took his environment and developed prairie architecture. Although I find the foundation of architecture to be essential, my favorite type of architecture is called exoskeleton. Exoskeleton architecture strays away from traditions in that it doesn’t necessarily reflect its direct surrounding environment, however it relates to nature. The theory and though behind it is that bugs and animals have exoskeletons, so artists use that to reflect it in their work. Everyone has different opinions on whether they think a building is aesthetic or unique, but at the end of the day everyone should learn to appreciate architecture for the art and effort.