Tension and Compression

For the last project, students explored the dynamic relationship of Tension and Compression in a "Wing" form. The process began with an idea from nature, a man made object or the body. Students then developed these ideas into designs that used Tension and Compression to expressed the form.
At left, Gina's Wing form.

Mass Section

In the Mass Section, students designed interlocking forms with wood and plaster. The wood pieces were created by laminating layers of wood to form profiles predetermined by the student's isometric drawings. Plaster forms were cast, and sanded to create curves along critical edges of the plaster form.

Above, Emily's project in the case along with other plaster projects.

Volume Projects

In the Volume Section, students took their studies of Platonic and Archimedean Polyhedra to develop designs that interacted with the spherical volume of the head. Good mechanical connections and clean design was emphasized along with strong personal statements.

A detail of Immauell's project...

Volume Project - The Mask or Head Covering

Week 6 -project #2: The geometric Volume - the mask

We have explored the dynamic construction of volume with geometric shapes and curves… what are the characteristics of volume?

In this project, students will focus on specific qualities of volume using the head as the form in which the volume interacts. The concept of this design will be inspired by masks that create a dynamic shape around the face and head.

Image: www.adrianbruce.com/Symmetry/masks.gif

CONCEPT/DEFINITION:

Artists at the turn of the 20th Century were influenced by African Art and objects from so called Primitive societies. These influences are clearly present in the work of the Futurists, and the Cubists. The movement towards more geometric and structural images was a significant change in the aesthetic practice of Western Art.

We will use this example to create a mask design in which Geometry and Structure are the dominant characteristics.

Students should think of how the face can be redesigned based on the Polyhedrons studied in the previous classes to form their design.

Rather than decoration, consider the qualities of the materials you choose to make the final object as having inherent aesthetic values. Use this in relation to compositional elements in your design. Use three of each:

Material qualities	Compositional qualities
Hard/Soft	Nesting
Reflective	Transition
Transparent	Open and closed
Open/ Closed	Scale
Textured	Repetition
Glossy or matte	Interior and exterior
Colors	Dominant and subdominant

Students will create a final form using elements of models from Week 5. This final form will be made with LIGHT, RIGID and PLANAR materials. In choosing these materials, students should include a transparent material to ‘open’ the volume so that color, and light becomes an element of the form.

Methodology

Concept and Model - students deconstruct their faces using geometric forms.

9/30 In Class - drawing with line to finding geometric forms. Use GS proportions to create segment sizes.

ASSIGNMNENT

Create 3 concept models using the straw and string method.

Research in the sketchbook a mood board that shows inspiration, colors, textures, or forms that influences the project.

IDENTIFY 3 MATERIAL QUALITIES AND 3 COMPOSITIONAL QUALITIES PRESENT IN THE DESIGN.

10/4 From this concept model, a precise planar model is made to use as a template. Recreate the polyhedra from the concept model.

Using the planar model as a template, students begin investigating materials and connections - making samples and exploring technique.

Once the materials and the form is understood, fabrication begins on the final project.

Materials:

Light, planar materials: Plexiglass. Mylar, vellum, balsa wood, etc.

All connections are mechanical.

Masks using Geometric shapes

Images from:

http://www.masksoftheworld.com/

http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_groups/fp_nwc5.html

The Platonic Solids - Tetrahedron, Octahedron, Cube, Dodecahedron and Icosahedron


More links for Polyhedrons:
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/topics/Polyhedra.html
http://www.korthalsaltes.com/cuadros.php?type=p
http://bulatov.org/polyhedra/index.html
http://faculty.smcm.edu/sgoldstine/origami/displaytext.html


Photo: http://www.upc.edu/ea-smi/personal/claudi/web3d/english/poli_reg.htm

Drawing a Triangle grid or net with a compass

Drawing the Pentagon with a compass

Drawing the Hexagon with a compass

Fall Workshop Schedule

FALL 2011 3D WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

SEPT, 6^TH 6 – 8:40

LINE w/NATALIA ZUBKO

We will explore the scope, realm, and possibilities of linear materials in the 3D world. What are linear materials? How can they be used? What are the methods for creating mechanical connections? Where do we see line/linear materials in art and design? and, Why is it important.?

SEPT 27^th, 6 -8:40

MODEL MAKING METHODS w/CHRISTIAN NGUYEN

A model is a three dimensional representation of an existing concept showing the proportions and its component parts. The Model Making Workshop will demonstrate various techniques to take the two dimensional design into a form that has contour, scale and structure. Students are encouraged to participate since the model is a vital component of realizing a three dimensional object.

OCT 4^TH 6:00 – 8:40

WORKING WITH SHEET GOODS w/NATALIA ZUBKO

Students will learn to measure, mark, cut & connect sheet materials such as thin wood veneers, sheet metals (brass, cooper, aluminum), plastics (poly carbonate, vinyl, plexi).

OCT 11^TH 6:00 – 8:40

BASIC MECHANICAL CONNECTIONS w/CHRISTIAN NGUYEN

This workshop will look at how to connect a wide range of materials in a variety of ways with hardware. Focus on nails, nuts& bolts, screws, rivets, hinges, and a world of third part connectors.

OCT 18^TH 6:00 – 8:40

SEWING WORKSHOP w/WENNIE HUANG

This workshop will introduce basic sewing techniques for textile constructions using a standard sewing machine. Students will learn the basics of fabric preparation, from transferring a template or pattern, to cutting and pinning fabric, followed by demonstrations and hands-on tutorials on the sewing machine. Students will learn how to thread a machine, wind a bobbin, and alter machine settings to successfully begin sewing fabric. More advanced sewing techniques, such as installing a zipper, creating encasements for rigid supports or elastic, and lining fabric will also be covered. Students must bring their own bobbin spools and cases, scissors, pins, and zippers (optional) to class. Fabric, thread, and sewing machines will be provided.

OCT 25^TH 600 – 8:40

NEW GREEN MATERIALS w/LAURA SANSONE

New Green Materials Workshop will introduce students to environmentally safe, low impact materials that originate in the biosphere (natural world) and techno sphere (human made world). Focus will be given to materials that are easily recycled, re-used or composted. Origin of manufacturing and material costs will also be outlined. Various applications of both hard and soft materials will be demonstrated.

NOV 1^ST 6:00 – 8:40

MASS & CASTING MATERIALS w/DEREK HAFFAR

This workshop will demonstrate and introduce several molding techniques and materials including silicon casting rubber and body double. Methods for producing quick studio replicas will include box and bullet molds and life cast demonstration will be done.

NOV 8^TH 6:00 – 8:40

DIGITAL FABRICATION w/EVA PEREZ DE VEGA

A workshop focused on new methodologies in 3D modeling. Basic introductions to digital rendering of the 3D model and rapid prototyping will be covered.

NOV 15^TH 6:00 – 8:40

STRUCTURE: TENSION& COMPRESSION w/ (TBA)

A look at the forces at play in a structure and how to stabilize them for maximum strength.

For Class Sept 2

19 0r 20 Dark Annealed wire (1 spool for 2 students)

18 x 24 Bristol Paper

Mechanical pencil, eraser etc.

Your completed orthographic drawing, name printed Lower Left Corner

Week 1 - Line - Analysis and Interpretation of Form

PROJECT TITLE:Orthographic studies.

CONCEPT/DEFINITION:

Orthographic projection is a way of drawing that describes multiple views of an object based on the x,y,z axis. A full projection uses both points of each axis and thus includes 6 projections of an object. The orthographic projection “projects” one side of the object onto one plane of a cubic space. When unfolded, the object is presented in 6 projection views. The orthographic drawing allows the designer to preview and study a concept in 2-dimensions.

IN CLASS: As an introduction to mechanical drawing, we will use the T-square, mechanical pencil and triangle create an orthographic study of 3 hand-held objects (cellphone, handbag, or shoe). Using simple contour drawings, map out the 3 projections of each object with precise proportional alignment.

Drawing materials:

18x24 Drawing paper

mechanical pencil

sharpener

B leads

T-square

30x60 triangle

drafting tape

eraser