RICARDO

= Best Fit = by Ricardo

= ** INVESTIGATION STAGE ** =

General characteristics of the neighborhood **:**
The neighborhood has a generally young population. This is because of the PS99 school in the area. The area is usually calm with little to no crime yet it is not isolated. Kew Gardens Road is a widely used passage way from Jamaica av too Manhattan. There are a lot of stores on Lefferts and a huge Trade fair that many residents rely on for fresh produce. There are very little recreation centers.

** Images: **
Lot Overhead view from Google Maps Lot sidewalk view form Google Maps

Needs assessment **:**
**1. A description of what the neighborhood already has.**

===The neighborhood has many homes and many small buildings. The area is densely populated but has little too no homeless people. The area has a train station and various main roads and is usually a great place to park. The neighborhood is also easily accessible, the neighborhood is mostly populated by families with children whilst the cultures vary dramatically. There are two main supermarket chains and many groceries. While there is a highly busy intersection the neighborhood is generally calm. There is a huge park in the neighborhood which provides all the summer park needs. There are also other clothing stores, barber shops, restaurants, tanning booths, and beauty salons. There is also Jamaica hospital with its dentist branch and many small doctors offices around the neighborhood, which are mainly pediatricians. There are many places of worship including various churches, and a synagoge.===

**2. An analysis of what the neighborhood needs.**

=== The neighborhood needs another place for recreation, like after school program and a community that will stay connected. There are many cultures in the neighborhood and a place for children as well as adults too meet and interact will make the community a stronger and well-united place. The neighborhood needs a good place too relax after school and a place too interact with others. ===

Buildings and architects that provide inspiration
===The Sydney opera house was designed by Sydney Harbour. This young architect at the time inspires me by his outlook on the future and modern architecture. Harbour's design is admired around the world by it's odd yet enticing shape. The roof and its fantastic spikes inspired me too think outside the box and not be afraid to look to the future. This building also proves that a modern landmark can fit in many scenarios.===

===The empire state building in New York city is one of my personal favorites. It offers a good amount of excitement and is definitely one of my favorite buildings in the world. Its impressive height is simply inspiring and how the building consists of many different angled roofs helps me think about how my building must also be structurally sound.===

===The Taj Mahal really inspires me because of it's architecture. it reminds me too think outside the box and it also reminds me that nature can be incorporated into a design and therefore make it better. The Taj Mahal also reminds me too remember old school construction when designing my building.===

In what ways has this investigation influenced you to design a building for our lot that makes the best fit for the neighborhood
===This investigation really helped me decide what the neighborhood needed and wanted. Investigating where it was and how the neighborhood looks like. I realized that my design must be rather humble and should not be very tall or futuristic. This investigation also helped me realize the building should be welcoming to all cultures so design must be based on no country. It has to be a rather bland but with many plants from all over the world.===

=Works cited=

Digital image. // 101 World Travel //. Web.[| http://www.101worldtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/sydney_opera_house-1.jpg]

NYC. "Empire State." // Home - Empire State Building //. Web. 13 Jan. 2011. <[]>.

Web. 13 Jan. 2011. <[]>.

= Digital image.7wondersoftheworldpictures. Web. 8 Jan. 2011. <7wondersoftheworldpictures.com>. =

= ** DESIGN STAGE ** =

Requirements:

 * The building must include a place for outdoor recreation
 * Must be tall enough to hold many members of community
 * Must be futuristic without standing out to much
 * Must be a safe place for kids and adults

Constraints:

 * The building must be an appropriate height
 * The building does not exceed lot size
 * The building minimally blocks other buildings

Description of Three Possible Designs ** Design #1 ** media type="custom" key="8107726" This design is very simple and it just barely fits requirements. It includes the building and a small backyard.

** Design #2 ** media type="custom" key="8108320" This design fits the lot very snuggly and has both a garden and a small playground for kids to enjoy during summer an when it snow for snowball fights. It also has a rooftop garden.

** Design #3 ** media type="custom" key="8190402" This design fits the lot space just right and is huge relatively. It has a garden in the back and is very well built too allow sunlight in and fits right in with the neighborhood.

== Identify the Best Design: ﻿Design #2 ==

Justify Your Choice:
===I chose design two because I believe it was the design that best fit my requirements and specifications in the design brief. The design brief requirements were well followed and fit the space really well.===