By William Van Zyl Published on 24 Sept 2024 This article includes stunning AI-generated architectural structures that reflect the shape and pattern of a stingray. This resource will provide valuable information to design and architecture students. The focus is on contemporary Māori-inspired design. A 3D print component is evident in the shape and form of… Continue reading Modern Sustainable House Design: ‘Whaitere the Enchanted Stingray.’ A Māori Story.
Tag: sustainability
MODERNISM: Terminology, Keywords, and Key Phrases for Architectural and Product Design.
By William Van Zyl (Published 15 January 2024). Overview: This resource will assist students, teachers, homeschoolers, artists, designers, sculpturers, and architects to develop their annotation skills by extending their vocabulary and understanding of key design words and phrases. Firstly, the features of Modernism (or a Modernist style or Design Era) are listed. Secondly, the most… Continue reading MODERNISM: Terminology, Keywords, and Key Phrases for Architectural and Product Design.
Mirror Opens Ancient Temple Door.
By William Van Zyl – Published in December 2023. A tiny beam of light – entering from a slit in the roof of the cave – shines like a long shaft of enlightenment onto the rugged cave floor. Thousands specks of dust – hundreds of years asleep – are disturbed. They wake up. The ancient… Continue reading Mirror Opens Ancient Temple Door.
Do these things – right now – to elevate creativity and innovation.
By William Van Zyl Published in November 2022. “I am not going to suffocate my children with literacy and numeracy. I don’t care what people – and even teachers – say. I want my children to be creative and innovative,” said the agitated mother. “My kids come home from school, and they express their boredom.… Continue reading Do these things – right now – to elevate creativity and innovation.
LESSON: Use the work of an influential designer to inform design ideas. Design a Moon-base on Minecraft Education – focus on Aesthetics and Function.
By William Van Zyl (Published in April 2022). Design Brief: Design a Moon-dwelling or a Moon-base (in your groups or individually) on Minecraft Education. Use the work of an architect considering aesthetics (beauty). But, more importantly, functionality. Choose an Architectural Design Era or Style (for example, Modernism, Minimalism, Hi-Tech. and more). Also, embed sustainability and… Continue reading LESSON: Use the work of an influential designer to inform design ideas. Design a Moon-base on Minecraft Education – focus on Aesthetics and Function.
Cardboard Art, Sculpture, and Bas-Relief work: An integrated lesson on ‘identity.’
Front cover. Back cover. Available at fivehousepublishing.com By William Van Zyl ( First published in 2017, edited in 2018 & 2024) The Battle of Bloodriver The first shot from the ‘Sanna voorlaaier’ (rifle) broke the silence of the fog. It crept slowly up and along the cold river like a thick blanket. It was an uncertain,… Continue reading Cardboard Art, Sculpture, and Bas-Relief work: An integrated lesson on ‘identity.’
Helium Balloons and Sky Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?
By William Van Zyl (Published in 2020) Essay: Soft bait is a silent killer. Synthetic fishing lures have been developed to catch any type of freshwater and saltwater fish. Designers and manufacturers have spent large amounts of money, time, and resources, on creating the most effective lures and soft baits. Soft bait is so effective… Continue reading Helium Balloons and Sky Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?
River Rights: A United Approach to Improve Sustainable Practice.
By William Van Zyl (2019) Overview of this article From a sustainability perspective, this article investigates the views of three prominent cultures: Hinduism, Māori World view (New Zealand’s indigenous people), and Christianity. By comparing the different cultures or perspectives, the concept of giving rights to natural features like rivers are discussed. However, there are many… Continue reading River Rights: A United Approach to Improve Sustainable Practice.
Sensors: Maintaining the eco-equilibrium of sensitive limestone caves in New Zealand. STEM and Digital Technologies -Programming microprocessors as sensors to improve cave sustainability (Micro:bit and MakerBot – mBot).
By William Van Zyl Thinking of the sustainability of a cave is not something that comes to mind naturally. It requires prompts: What choice of materials is best for constructing the walkways? What type of lighting is best? Could the electrical system of the cave be powered via solar power? To what extent could sensors,… Continue reading Sensors: Maintaining the eco-equilibrium of sensitive limestone caves in New Zealand. STEM and Digital Technologies -Programming microprocessors as sensors to improve cave sustainability (Micro:bit and MakerBot – mBot).
Sensors: Maintaining the eco-equilibrium of sensitive limestone caves in New Zealand. STEM and Digital Technologies -Programming microprocessors as sensors to improve cave sustainability (Micro:bit and MakerBot – mBot).
By William Van Zyl Thinking of the sustainability of a cave is not something that comes to mind naturally. It requires prompts: What choice of materials is best for constructing the walkways? What type of lighting is best? Could the electrical system of the cave be powered via solar power? To what extent could sensors,… Continue reading Sensors: Maintaining the eco-equilibrium of sensitive limestone caves in New Zealand. STEM and Digital Technologies -Programming microprocessors as sensors to improve cave sustainability (Micro:bit and MakerBot – mBot).
Learn Technology through Arts and Crafts: for 12-year-old to 16-year-old students. Primary and Secondary School. Integrated Learning. Global Citizenship. Critical Thinking. Electrical Circuits. Programming. Multi-materials.
Learn Technology through Arts and Crafts. STEM Project-Based Learning. Lesson objectives: 1. Research and investigate simple electrical circuits 2. Design a simple greeting card containing a Led light (or more) that could light up 3. Develop artistic skills (arts and crafts). Explore cardmaking ideas 4. Learn how a coin battery, copper tape (sticky), a switch, and a… Continue reading Learn Technology through Arts and Crafts: for 12-year-old to 16-year-old students. Primary and Secondary School. Integrated Learning. Global Citizenship. Critical Thinking. Electrical Circuits. Programming. Multi-materials.
Helium Balloons and Chinese Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?
Lesson: Essay writing – compare and contrast (Secondary School level). Exploring sustainable practice and our oceans. A 1000-word essay. By William Van Zyl (2020) Soft bait is a silent killer. Synthetic fishing lures have been developed to catch any type of freshwater and saltwater fish. Designers and manufacturers have spent large amounts of money, time,… Continue reading Helium Balloons and Chinese Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?
Helium Balloons and Chinese Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?
Lesson: Essay writing – compare and contrast (Secondary School level). Exploring sustainable practice and our oceans. A 1000-word essay. By William Van Zyl Copyright © 2020 by William Van Zyl Lesson (Essay Writing) – Helium Balloons and Chinese Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future? Lesson: Essay writing – compare and… Continue reading Helium Balloons and Chinese Lanterns: Our New Jellyfish and Alien ‘Space Killers’ of the Future?