ALI_S

=**Best Fit** = by Ali

=INVESTIGATION STAGE =

**General characteristics of the neighborhood** :
The neighborhood of my lot is really peaceful. I have nev﻿er heard of a crime happeneing there in the time that I have been there. People are generally nice to each other. It is a quite area where you can enjoy nature yet still be conneced to the outside world (the subway is onle a few blocks away).

Block and Lot Number:
The block is on 31st Avenue and the lot number is 1124.

Size of lot:
175' x 350' x 50' x 50' x 275' x 250' x 125' x 125'

Images
== :

**Needs assessment** :

**1. A description of what the neighborhood already has.**

In my neighborhood, buildings are attached low-rise apartments that go up to only three stories. Most of the businesses in my neighborhood revolve around food. All neighborhoods need food and my neighborhood is filled with everything; from delis to supermarkets. All of these are near the mall on 77th street (where my lot actually is too) or on Northern Boulevard. There are approximately 10 delis that show up on Google Maps but there are definitely more. My neighborhood doesn’t have any doctors or hospitals however, there is a private dentist. I don’t know him/her but I know there is a dentist because I see the dentist’s sign. My neighborhood is very quiet. Most people keep to themselves since there are few places to meet out. Many parks also add to the quiet scenery. They only people you know other than those you live with are those who live above and below you. I speak with them almost everyday and we help each other out in times of need. There is no dominant religion or culture here either. People just mix with each other and there are many houses of worship. There are about three schools to my knowledge though I never attended any of them nor do I know anything about them, including their names.

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

My neighborhood needs a place where poeple can just sort of hang out with friends. Parks are cool but sometimes it rains and that's not really fun is it? You are really vulnerable to the weather. You also need a place where you can sit down relax, and just hang out with friends. You need a place where you can do activities together and wind down from a long hard day.

**Buildings and architects that provide inspiration**

 * [[image:http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS8tEnaeHTIFbMVhTPWlqZQqiDxq8Gobz-SbjVr-UNs78GQrLHNpg width="259" height="194" align="center"]] || This structure influences me because my parents are from Egypt and I have visited this structure many times and know how astonishing it is, considering the fact that it was built about 5,000 years ago and in a short span of time. It inspires me to think of history and posiible methods that they used to build for my future buildings. ||
 * [[image:http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSXgbqt0ed9CroBo8U6GS9ICFvYFoSVspAxmdYGYRH8XtWD_8Sq8g width="275" height="183" align="center"]] || This structure influences me because it is different from any other building built and is unique looking. It is also a very famous landmark to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It inspires me to build unique shapes. ||
 * [[image:http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcST-4OBMwt26yXXhiLh-EqpB8es14y0zh6cfnfs-tkLfkXX9Ni9NQ width="194" height="259" align="center"]] || This structure influences me because it very simply symbolized liberty in one structure and this structure has so much impact on liberty that when you think of liberty, it is one of the first things that pop to your mind. In short, it is a structure with great impact and inspires me to design a structure with great impact. ||
 * [[image:http://www.funfacts.com.au/images/great-wall-of-china1.JPG width="300" height="236" caption="Great Wall Of China" link="@http://www.funfacts.com.au/images/great-wall-of-china11.JPG"]] || ﻿This structure influences me because like the name says, it is great. Although rumored to be visible from space, this is untrue. However, this does not take away from its size as it is very large. It inspires me to "think big". ||
 * [[image:http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSPE5emk1p36hp6axJp3MAjFsCjH0WYWoEvZ_bewp6UYzN0oHqG width="285" height="177"]] || ﻿This structure inspires me because I find it quite interesting how high it towers the buildings around it and how it has a curved design rooted in two seperate locations. It makes me think once again of unique shapes. ||

==<span style="font-size: 1.3em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">In what ways has this investigation influenced you to design a building for your lot that makes the best fit for the neighborhood? ==

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">This investigation influenced me to design a building for my lot that makes the best fit for the neighborhood by showing me what my neighborhood needs. It showed me that my neighborhood needs a place where people can meet up and talk with each other. It needs a place where you wind down after a long day. It also inspired me to realize that my building should inspire those around me. All the buildings that I chose earlier are significant buildings that are well known. I wish to design a building that will also be well known to people and will be inspiring to those who see it. At the same time, also want to keep in mind that my building should fit in with my neighborhood. It can't be over 3 stories high or it would tower the buildings around it. It also has to be made from bricks and not steel since there are no steel buildings in my neighborhood.

<span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Works Cited <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: -3em;">Arad, Sylvia. "The Great Pyramids of Egypt – A Legacy of Diligence and Imagination at Work." // Family Adventure Travel Works //. Web. 9 Jan. 2011. <<span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; padding-right: 10px;">[] <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: -3em;">Brad. "» Blog Archive » Unique Tram Ride." // Welcome to Elevator World.com //. Web. 9 Jan. 2011. <<span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; padding-right: 10px;">[] >. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: -3em;">"Eiffel Tower, Paris, France." // Travel Blog - TravelPod™ //. Web. 9 Jan. 2011. <<span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; padding-right: 10px;">[] >. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: -3em;">"Fox Travel and Tours - Statue of Liberty." // Fox Travel and Tours - We Offer Vacation That Re-Energize! // Web. 9 Jan. 2011. <<span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; padding-right: 10px;">[] >. <span style="display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times; font-size: 16px; line-height: 32px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-indent: -3em;">A, Melissa. "Is The Great Wall Of China REALLY Visible From The Moon?" // Fun Facts & Trivia //. Orble. Web. 9 Jan. 2011. <<span style="background-clip: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 100% 50%; padding-right: 10px;">[] >.

=<span style="color: #008000; font-size: 1.4em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">DESIGN BRIEF

=

<span style="font-size: 1.3em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">**Problem to be solved:**
My neigborhood has many places to get food but not man places to eat food, if you don't count Wendy's. It should have a restaurant where people meet up and wind down. It should also be like a town gathering and where you get to meet people from all over the neighborhood.

Function:
<span style="font-size: 1.3em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;"> ﻿ ﻿This shall function as a grand restaurant.

<span style="font-size: 1.1em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">**Requirements:**

 * The building's front door must face 31st Avenue.
 * The building must be made of brick.
 * The building must have many windows.
 * The building must look appealing to the consumer.
 * The building must give you the inpression of relaxaion.

<span style="font-size: 1.1em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">**Constraints:**

 * The building can not be over 3 stories high.
 * The building can not exceed the dimensions of the lot provided.

Description of Three Possible Designs
 * Design #1 **

media type="custom" key="8148392" align="center"

This building is a restaurant. It is made so that people can come together and meet up. There are three stories to it because it is very grand. There are windows all around so that you can see everything around. There are six doors for easyentrance and exit.

media type="custom" key="8148406" align="center"
 * Design #2 **

This building is made from a different type of brick. It is different in that it is a different type and color. It also has a parking lot on top that the first design didn't have. There is also a car entrance this time as well to go with the roof parking lot.

** Design #3 **

media type="custom" key="8173142" align="center"

This building takes on a new look. It has different types of windows and the parking lot is adjusted so that the entrance to the parking lot matches up with the car entrance to he mall. It also has two entrances for cars. There are also more window and even the entire third floor now has windows.

<span style="font-size: 1.3em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">** Identify the Best Design: **
The best design is the one with two entrances for cars.

<span style="font-size: 1.3em; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">** Justify Your Choice: **
This one is the best because it has more windows which fulfills more of the design brief. It also is easier for the person going to the restaurant to go to the restaurant. The parking lot is now muc easier to use and the doos are also now clear to let you see what is going on inside he restaurant before you go in in addition to the windows. The windows themselves are also geater in number.