Three Fabricated Concepts: 2/28 Pin-Up

To continue this project, I have decided to combine the crystal-like structures with the curved/peeled forms. The curved forms will now transform into a trellace, made of the crystal forms.

More conceptual fabrication

For the third scheme I was required to refer back to my last project, which was essentially a cube with interlocking spaces that were carved out of the inside of it. As the voids were the most essential part of my design, I decided to invert them to now be solids and act as a new form. Inspired by the "architectural" black dresses I previously posted, I created a few geometric forms that pop out of the sides of the (now) solids. If I choose to develop this scheme, I intend on creating MANY more of the geometric forms that pop out, similarly to the use in the dresses. Below is the basic framework of my idea, before fabricating it.

...and fabricating was much more difficult than I imagined. (Ignore the pattern on the fabric, it was the first shirt I was willing to part with.) I did not like 75% of what I produced, but I did take pictures of the side of the model that I did like. I wanted to emphasize a sort of tight, vacuum-seal that defines corners and some sides of the solid masses as well as the geometric forms. My issue was that I kept ending up with too much extra fabric. Having to constantly overlap it did not allow me to define the crisp lines that I would have liked. Perhaps I would need to create my own pattern for this type of design to make it work with fabric.

Per Louis' request, I began looking at one of my schemes derived from a sewing pattern and thought about how it would create space. I took these photographs with the intention of them being taken from a person's point of view. I started sketching out this scheme, but I will save those for the pin-up on Friday.

Avant Garde Inspiration

After seeing the cool fashion poster put up in studio, I decided to spend some time looking up avant garde clothing for inspiration. As a huge project runway fan/creator of my own duct tape prom dress, I was VERY excited to be looking up this kind of stuff. I find that each of these designs manipulate the fabric in very different, interesting ways. Although none of the scheme 1/2 trials I just posted are inspired by these images, I hope to use them further along in the design process and tomorrow when I actually start working with fabric.

My favorites so far are the top right and the second on the bottom row on the first set. The orange dress on the second set of images intrigues me a lot as well. I also enjoy the bulky forms on all of the dresses on the third set of images...they remind me of a Lady Gaga costume I made for myself in high school. BUT they also look very architectural to me. All in all, they are all unique in their own way and express different types of manipulations of the fabric. Hopefully they can help me out creatively if I get stuck.

Familiar problem, new intentions

For this next part of the project, we are moving in a complete opposite direction. Similarly to the last part, where we came up with three different additions to the site with CARVED schemes, we are now doing the same but with FABRICATED schemes. Creating architecture out of fabric seems even more impossible than our last part of the project. But I'm trying my best not to think and just do...here's what I've come up with so far:

To develop a first scheme, we were each assigned to a Frank Lloyd Wright textile block house, in which we would turn the plans/elevations/sections/etc. into spaces through (un)folding, (un)weaving and/or (un)seaming. I was assigned the Storer House...

The following are three trials at folding the house's technical drawings. Just realized I forgot to take pictures of one so I guess I'll have to post it with tomorrow's trials

For the second scheme, we were to choose provided sewing patterns and use the lines to guide us through the design process. This scheme involves the acts of folding, doubling, stitching, pinning, etc. I forgot to bring fabric to work on to studio today, so I worked with paper for these first trials, which mainly involved folding. Tomorrow I plan on revisiting this scheme with fabric.

The third attempt below made me frustrated, probably because I was thinking too much. So I crumpled up the paper and went to throw it out but found the trashed form to be pretty interesting...maybe I'll keep it for inspiration...

Overall, thinking of the project this new way has been fun...although it is very hard to not think while creating. Tomorrow I will actually use fabrics when designing as I previously mentioned, and will attack the third assigned scheme.

Final drawdels/castings for 2/21 pin up

After taking elements from previous drawdels I randomly created earlier, I finally came up with a final design for my addition. 

The first drawdel represents my original sketch of the carved out space I chose for my final design.

The second set is composed of plans and sections of my addition to the site.

Plan // Section // Elevation ideas

Through the following quick drawdels I explored different spatial opportunities within my design. They are inspired by my sectional exploration drawdels that I previously posted. The first set focused on section, but any of them can be turned into a plan instead. Vice versa with the second set. The third set explores how my solid-looking cube will be supported on the ground; these are elevations.

As of right now, the exterior of this cube is almost identical to the existing building on the site. At first I was against creating something that looked so similar from the exterior. Now I have warmed up to the idea...I feel that because the two have the same intentions and basic program, they should seem somewhat equal. I am not saying that my design will be just as great as the existing building, but that visitors should find the experience of each to be similar, as this project involves creating an addition. The interior of my version will be drastically different, and I intend to make my structure different as well.

My next steps will be to create a defined set of plans/sections/axons/etc. I am hoping to complete this (and post it to my blog) as soon as possible so that I can begin my final set of drawings for Friday.

More drawdel exploration

The following involve different methods of cutting and folding to express different depths and relationships of forms. The forms I have created all relate to my scheme in some way but are not necessarily complete thoughts. I'm starting to realize that even the simplest of ideas is going to take a lot of concentration and thought to produce a successful drawdel of said idea. 

Exploring section through drawdels

Three New Schemes

Because my presentation yesterday wasn't very successful and didn't represent ideas that I was excited to work with, I came up with 3 completely new schemes. The first two are still based off of similar ideas that I came up with for yesterday, and the third is a completely new and random one. I will continue to develop these schemes for friday, but these are the basic ideas I was able to come up with last night.

"A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes."

Final Thoughts

I have almost finished my carving, thanks to the snow day. Luis suggested yesterday that instead of sketching the gears myself, I should print them on blank pages from my book...genius. Now the images look like they were originally part of the book.

My final step is to incorporate words into the silhouette. As I have been carving away at the gears, I have been considering a few different options for how to do so. My favorite option is one that uses a quote by Gandhi. I have found two quotes that seem to suit the design.

"A man is but a product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes."
This quote is pretty self explanatory. Andrew proved to have passion for finance, art, industry and business. His knowledge towards these fields helped him become a successful millionaire and generous donor.

"I will not let anyone walk through my mind with their dirty feet."
This quote applies more specifically to the end of his life. FDR, who hated Mellon, requested an intense investigation of Mellon's tax returns. This was a pretty big deal as Mellon had just donated 15 million dollars to create the National Gallery of Art. However, Mellon was found to be not guilty two years after the investigation began. Unfortunately, he died just a few months before this decision.

I really like how both of these quotes apply to Mellon's life, as well as make references to the carved visual image of the brain. I am having a hard time picking one of these quotes, so my plan is to find the words to make up each quote and see what one lays out better in the silhouette.

Getting in gear

Our newest studio project involves carving randomly assigned books. I recieved a biography about American billionaire Andrew W. Mellon, which has only one image but the vintage look and feel of the pages make up for it. Because I have only words to guide me in the design process, I have to create my own shapes and images. 

After many failed ideas I finally came up with one I am excited about. The end result will be a (much neater) combination of the following two designs that I created in my physics book. Which I have to say felt quite satisfying to cut up.

I am now trying to determine if integrating text into my design would enhance or destroy it.