architecture

Rendering Discussion – Event Recap

Thanks to everyone who came out last week to sip cocktails and share information about current rendering techniques.  From our lengthy conversation it became apparent there are two dominant modelling software packages currently in use in the Indianapolis market.  Some firms use Sketchup for renderings (often using Podium or V-Ray as their rendering engine).  Other firms use Revit for modelling.  One benefit to using Revit for schematic design and early renderings is that the design team is only maintaining one digital model; there isn’t a need to coordinate between different computer programs.

It seemed universally apparent that all computer generated images look better with a healthy dose of post production entourage added with Photoshop.  These flourishes often help create a more artistic vision of the project as opposed to the somewhat pristine or clinical product produced directly from a rendering program.

Stay tuned to our email newsletter for our next event and make sure you RSVP (space will be limited).

Hotel Tango Whiskey – Share Your Rendering Techniques – Oct 23

What: Hotel Tango Whiskey, Happy Hour + Rendering Techniques Discussion

When: Thursday, October 23, 2014, 5:30PM – 7:00PM

Where: 702 Virgina Ave Indianapolis, IN 46203

Please RSVP: Eventbrite

Fall is here, winter is coming, and there’s no better time to sample the spirits from the newest distillery in downtown Indianapolis. Besides being a good time to meet and network with other YAF people (and discuss how best to make an Old Fashioned) we’ll be talking about rendering techniques.  If you have a recent rendering your firm has done (or that you have worked on personally) make sure to bring a printed copy and a brief understanding of the process that was used to produce it.  As added incentive we’ll be buying a drink for the first 3 attendees to show up with a rendering.  Additionally we’ll include all renderings in the Event Recap we post on YAFIndy.org.

Even if you don’t care about renderings feel free to join us for drinks.  Bring your friends from your firm or from your days back in school.  This will be a good time to meet some of your architectural peers, grill the competition about design mistakes you’ve read about on IBJ, or ask for a recommendation on who is hiring around town.  We only have 3 events left before 2015 begins.

See you there.

Tour the Axis – September 25th

UPDATE: Meet in the Lobby between the Marsh and the Parking Garage.

What: The Axis (an under construction mixed use building in downtown Indianapolis.  For those familiar with the area it has the new Marsh supermarket on the first floor)

When: Thursday, September 25th, 2014, 5:30PM – 7:00PM

Where: 401 North Senate, Indianapolis, IN 46204

To Bring/Wear: Must wear shoes with closed toes. Bring a hard hat if you have one (some will be provided).

With project leaders form both CSO Architects and Flaherty & Collins, YAF will be taking an exclusive construction tour of the Axis, one of the highest profile developments currently under construction in downtown Indy. Not far from completion, this tour will focus on how this mixed use development was built over a prominent city block and provides unique amenities to residents; including a parking garage, swimming pool, and a full Marsh Supermarket.

In detail we plan to meet in the leasing center to hear about design decisions before we begin our tour.  We will then go on a guided tour with the developer and architectural representative.  Please RSVP via Eventbrite.

Transitions Round Table – August 21

What: The annual YAF Transitions Round Table
When: Thursday, August 21, 2014, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Where: CSO Architects Office – 8831 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 46240

Please RSVP through Eventbrite

5:30-6 pm – Networking, Food & Drinks (free)
6:00-7 pm – Round Table Discussion

Panel will include:
Deb Kunce from Core Planning Strategies
Bob Snyder from BSA Lifestructures
Tony Costello 

This annual event is a chance to meet architects in our community who are a few steps ahead of us in their career progression. We discuss the steps and transitions they’ve gone through to get them where they’re at today. They have a wealth of tips and suggestions on how to best continue with our careers in the architectural profession. It’s often a fun and inspiring event. Along with great conversation, we also provide food and drinks. It is typically one of the most well attended events and can be a great introduction to Young Architects Forum as well as a quick way to network with professionals from various firms throughout the Indianapolis area.

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A few more specifics on the location.

CSO Architects building is located behind the The Fashion Mall at Keystone.  For those unfamiliar with the area there are two free mall parking garages as well as free surface parking within walking distance of their office.

Marion County Fairgrounds Charrette : July 8

What: Design Charrette

When: July 8 4pm-8pm

Where: Marion County Fairgrounds, Expo Hall, 7300 E Troy Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46239 (more detailed directions below)

The Details:

Marion County Fairgrounds and Global Peace Initiatives have realized their potential for having real and meaningful impact in the wellness, education, food security and sustainability of the greater Indianapolis area. We plan to provide creative insight, ideas, and passion to help build upon the changes and growth envisioned by their 355 Committee, Board Chair; Ron Phillips, and GPI’s Executive Director, Linda Proffitt.

Please join us for an evening of intense design exercise and consideration to build a Center for Sustainable Living and hub of Urban Agriculture for our community.

Where:

We will meet at the Expo Hall (Exposition building, #7 on the map below). Follow internet directions to 7300 E. Troy Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46239. Turn north at the intersection of E Tory and S. Shortridge Road (just behind a line of trees and hill at the edge of a farm.) Follow Shortridge into the Grounds around to the Main gate, Gate 1(G1), the gate will be open. Continue on Main Street to the large gravel lot on the right, around a two story building (Admin building). We will meet and conduct most of the Charrette in the Expo Hall adjacent to the Plaza/Parking lot.

Parking space is plentiful.

How to Prepare:

We will be in a conditioned space with lights, power and adjacent restrooms, but we will be spending some time outside and touring the property. Therefore summer cloths and suitable shoes are strongly recommended.

Bring your own laptops, drafting tools and drawing/writing implements, and any other supplies you prefer to use. We will have some on hand, but don’t know what you like.

Schedule:

4:00 to 4:45     Setup and Organization

4:45 to 5:00     Marion County Fairgrounds and Global Peace Indicatives staff and volunteers present general info, history, needs, goals/expectations, dreams and liabilities/problems for the property

5:00 to 5:45     Break into groups to tour the property with staff/volunteers to see some of the existing program and spaces to be

6:00 to 6:20     Small group discussion and brainstorming

6:20 to 6:30     Refreshments and start working on programs/drawings

7:30                Return to spaces Engineering and Feasibility evaluation

8:00                Present plans, images , programs, and ideas to MC FG Board and GPI.

8:30                Wrap-up and documentation, pictures, scans, copies etc.

Sign up for free on our Eventbrite page: event info

Tow Yard Brewing – June 19

What: Tow Yard Brewing Social Event

When: Thursday, June 19, 2014, 5:30PM – 7:00PM

Where: 501 E Madison Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225

Summer is upon us and it’s time to enjoy a local brew or three. There’s no agenda, just come out and have a good time (maybe prepare a short Pecha Kucha about how your coworkers don’t understand you).

Come one and come all.  Bring your friends from your firm or from your days back in school.  This will be a great time to meet some of your architectural peers, complain about work their firm has done, or ask for an inside scoop on who is hiring.  If you have never attended a YAF event this would be a great time to start.  Remember there is no fee to join YAF and you don’t have to be a member of AIA either.

See you there. (Eventbrite link!)

Design Film Night – December 2nd

What: Design Film Night

When: Monday, December 2nd, 2013, 7:00PM – 8:30PM

Where: Herron School of Art and Design, Room 101. 735 W New York St, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Sign up for free on Eventbrite, link here.

The YAF is hosting an architectural movie night at the Herron School of Art and Design. We will be watching two films about architecture, design, and the urban environment. Anyone and everyone is invited, we hope it will change the way you see and understand public spaces. Stay around afterwards for discussions.

Film One: William Whyte: The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces

“This highly influential film in architecture and planning circles by William H. Whyte analyzes the success and failures of urban spaces. Observing the natural order of spaces and the way people move through them, Whyte provides an intuitive critique of urban spaces and ways these spaces can be improved.”

Film Two: Vertical Expectations – The Shard

“The Shard, is a skyscraper under construction in London Bridge, London. When completed in 2012, it will be the tallest building in the European Union and the 45th tallest building in the world. Vertical Expectations is a 26 minutes documentary that explores the nexus between architecture, development and society through an ethnographic analysis of the current building of the Shard.

This documentary highlights some of the questions that can inform a more nuanced understanding of architecture’s social ramifications and the relevance space art and technology have on local people and the city as a whole. It raises questions about how architecture and space reflect social needs, the role of urban planning in the construction of public areas and the impact it will have on the community.”

Tour the Artistry – September 24th

What: Artistry apartment building tour (mid-construction)

When: Tuesday, September 24th, 2013, 5:30PM – 6:30PM

Where: 451 E. Market Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, Meet at the leasing center.

Led by Greg McHenry from Milhaus development and Nick Alexander from CSO, YAF will be taking an exclusive construction tour of the Artistry, one of the highest profile developments in downtown Indy. Not far from completion, this tour will focus on how this mixed use development was able to build up and out of an existing concrete structure.

In detail we plan to meet in the leasing center before making our way across the first floor to the new commercial space. We will then go up to the second floor to explore the interface between new and existing construction.  Then we go one more floor up to the all new wood-frame construction and check out the elevated pool deck and courtyards. If time allows we will end with a tour of the basement, another interesting project component.

Artistry, from urbanindy.com

The Miller House Tour – October 5th

On Saturday October 5th, the Young Architects Forum of Indianapolis is hosting an all expenses paid trip to tour The Miller House by Eero Saarinen, Alexander Girard, and Dan Kiley in Columbus Indiana. This event offers the chance to visit one of the most prolific architectural icons in our state while bonding with members of the architectural community. The event is open to members of the AIAS, YAF, AIA, or FAIA. If you’re interested and available, head to The Miller House Tour for current info.

The Rathskeller – August 13

What: The Rathskeller

When: Tuesday, August 13, 2013, 5:30PM – 7:00PM

Where: The Rathskeller, 401 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204

It’s finally here, drinks and discussion in The Rathskeller Beirgarten. It’s the best place to enjoy the best beer in Indy. There’s no agenda, just come out and have a good time.

If you’ve never been to the Rathskeller, attendance is mandatory. You should also order a pretzel with mustard, it’s not spicy at all… Also, If you’ve never been to YAF, attendance is mandatory. There will never be a meeting better than this one to get to know some of your architectural peers.

We’ll meet out back in the beer garden. You can park in the Athenaeum’s lot or anywhere along the street, there are even some free spots on East St.

See you there.