MODelS

FORMWORKDesign Studio Winter 2008instructor(s): Karl Daubmannpartner: Adam Melius

Utilizing paper as a medium, we looked at how to create a spanning structure with it. Using the formal and structural qualities from origami, specifically the works of Josef Albers, we designed and created a structural form which not only could be structurally fulfill the requirement, but also allowed for flexibility in formal configuration.

Techniques:Paper Folding (origami)

Material:PaperWire

DIVERGENCECareer Discovery Summer Program/ Harvard GSDSummer 2002

An abandoned lot in Cambridge, MA created a unique opportunity to create a connection in a divergent area.

This project proposes a local neighborhood gallery and bus stop that ties Main Street and Massachussettes Ave by creating a common median between them. Both its form and program reconceptualizes the divisive junction into a cultural and transportation hub.

fabricated

SCALED Advanced Digital FabricationFall 2009instructor(s): Wesley McGeepartners: Paulis Austrins, Colin Richardson, Jason Chernak

Scaled is the exploration of unpredictable outcomes using precise methods. Utilizing both automated (ie digital) and hand crafted, the project mass produced modules of various curvatures via water jet cutting and stamping. The act of aggregating various curvatures creates an undulating pattern, which, when combined with an programmed pattern scored onto the surface, creates a unique surfaces.

Techniques:Metal CNC routerWaterjet Cutter/etchingPneumatic Stamp (fabricated)Rivet (hand)

Materials:Aluminum (stamp)18ga steel sheets

CUP HOLDER/HOLDERIndependent Project/CommissionFall 2008

The inspiration for the project emerged from necessity. Existing paper sleeves provided insufficient insulation, so I decided to use this opportunity to design a holder. It became an exercise in product design and development (going through multiple iterations), material upcycling, and packaging.

The container for the cup holder became a separate project, to complete the concept. Utilizing 3D plastic printing technology, the package is designed to take up minimal space as well as providing the maximum protection in a beautiful shape.

Techniques:Metal work (hand cutting, bending)Material studiesSpot welding

Materials:Scrap Sheet metalScrap Cork (old place mats)Paint3D printing ABS plastic (package)

SKETCHESIndependent Study2008-2009

This is part of a series of projects undertaken in my spare time. Taking an arbitrary item, a pen holder, I investigated the principles behind it. The focus turned to the method by which the pen was held. Most pens needed to be held at two points, the fulcrum and one that counteracted the weight of the free end. This lead to several studies that looked at engaging the pen at only two points, minimizing material use while attempting to redefine/refine an every day object.

The second project was an exercise in digital automation. A lamp shade was designed by creating a vornoi pattern that was then laser cut from mylar. A second layer was added for both light control and structural consideration.

Techniques:Metal workHand Tools3D printingLaser Cutting3D design program

Materials:18ga sheet metalCorian (found piece-hand carved/shaped)Mylar (scrap)

[RE]CONSTRUCTIONThesis SeminarWinter 2010instructor: Dawn Gilpin

A body, be it a building or any other structure, can be read as a series of sections. This logic can be applied to the design of a better hospital.

Much like how FOA’s Yokohama Terminal project was presented as a series of sections, the section allows us to read a moment in a specific space as well as showing its relation with the subsequent section and the whole. The closest analogy in the medical field is tomographic imaging, such as MRI’s.

The brain, once reconstituted, is able to be read as both a 2 dimensional section and as a whole simultaneously.

Techniques:Laser Cut/Etch

Materials:Acrylic

ALOHAThesis SeminarWinter 2010instructor: Dawn Gilpin

Invisible forces exist that can physically affect the space we inhabit, particularly in the hospital.

Using a combination of found objects, the object itself is a mechanism to read and translate these invisible forces as well as being a metaphor for the objectification and disembodiment a patient may feel. A space is presented that offers an intimate and familiar environment while still maintaining its performative aspect.

The work helps visualize invisible forces, such as magnetic fields or the subtle exchanges of engergies from the external environment. The delicate balance of the hand is sensitive to these forces, and triggers the motion of the hand.

Techniques:3D printingMetal workSpot Welding

Materials:3D plaster print Steel tension rodBraided wire cableChinese MarbleSteel Block (fabricated)

WIRE SPANDesign Studio Winter 2008instructor(s): Karl Daubmann/Glenn Wilcox/Paola Zellner partner: Suma Pandhi

Wire Span’s goal was to support and suspend an egg over a certain distance using a single material, a thin gage piano wire. We investigated the idea of a dynamic field, where the object (egg) would be guided to the same position regardless of its inital position. The introduction of the egg activates the structure, causing the entire field to move towards the center as the egg moves as well. Elements of tension, compression and spatial activation were considered in the construct.

Techniques:Soldering

Materials:High Tension Piano Wire

The steel manufacturing process is usually not associated with green or sustainable processes. While highly recycleable, the initial process is energy intensive and produces byproducts that are not considered useful by the industry. Mill scale is one such by product. Scale is a layer of iron oxides that forms on molten steel as it cools. The opportunity arose to upcycle this product.

Research into the properties of scale lead to the development of two products. Decorative glass tiles were made by sandwiching a layer of scale between two pieces of slumped glass to create beautifully unique patterns. Additionally, the glass used itself is a byproduct of trimmed pieces from a nearby glass manufacturing factory.

Looking at the structural and magnetic attributes of scale lead to the design of a cementitious tile with scale as an aggregate, which made the tile magnetic.

Further speculations looked at scale’s electrical conductivity, and the possibility of producing a wall or floor system with an integrated electrical system with the scale, eliminating the need for embedded conduit.

UPSCALESustainable Material ConstructionWinter 2009instructor(s): Steven Mankouchepartner: Katy Santer Francis Wilmore Courtney Brinegar

MIDMOD PROTOTYPEWork Study Project2008-2009Advisors: Harry Giles/Lar GraebnerPartner: Paul Tierman

The midrise modular house (MidMod) is the culminating research project of Harry Giles and Lars Graebner, who are proposing a prefabricated, low energy modular house for the low to middle income economic bracket. The prototype is the result of funding from both the University of Michigan and a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and was fabricated entirely in-house at the College of Archtiecture & Urban Planning.

My role was that of fabricator and builder. My main contributions were in the fabrication and assembly of the steel structure (frame/ columns/ floor), the fabrication and installation of the Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) as the walls, and the interior partitions and drywalls.

The MidMod prototype is currently slated to be ready for testing in the near future.

Techniques:Metal workMIG WeldingWood work

Materials:SteelStyrofoamWoodPlywoodGypsum Board

RIGSVarious Winter 2008

Many projects require the fabrication of jigs and rigs. Most are purely utilitarian, and are fabricated from found objects, whatever is lying around. These are a some examples of rigs fabricated for welding purposes. The first is a basic rig used to hold two round pipes together to be welded.

Techniques:Wood workMetal work

Materials:OSB (found)MDF (found)Steel (found)Bicycle chain (found)

RIGSVarious Winter 2008

This rig was needed to weld multiple steel tubes that bent at various angles. Due to the multiple configurations, an adjustable rig had to be constructed that would be able to accomodate this variety. Scrap MDF was found, grooves were cut into it to create holders which could adjust to any configuration.

KINDLE CASESProduct Design2011

Exploration of maximizing efficiency with the minimal amount of input resulted in a series of handmade designs for the Amazon Kindle 3. All versions used a faux leather and felt laminate.

The first version explored the possibility of a seamless design, where no stitching or hardware was used or visible. The intent was to have it transform into a reading stand, which was unsuccessful.

The second version is held together with two stiches; no glues, buttons or other adhesives were used. The Kindle device is accessed by means of a tab, which, when pulled, effortlessly extracts the Kindle. The tab also doubles as the clasp which locks down the case when it requires security.

The third version utilized aspects of the forerunners. Now held in place by two snap buttons, the nylon tab was replaced by a canvas strap which contained concealed magnets.