Discoveries Through Translation Part III Final Product

This is the final product for the translation experiment. Plaster was cast on top of the original cut, and then a new pattern was cut, resulting in something which was unexpected. When designing the piece it was unclear where the cut would be rigid insulation, spray foam or plaster.

Kuka Clay Cutting

This project explores using the Kuka robot to carve oil based clay molds to make small benches. By using clay, we can create a cast for a bench, and then remold the same clay to carve out another bench. When using other materials to make casts, material is cut away and discarded, but with the clay we reduce our waste to almost nothing. This project is in collaboration with Jason Prasad and Mathew Schwartz.

Discoveries Through Translation Part III

This is the first part of the final translations experiment. This piece experiments with routing rigid insulation and spray foam. The spray foam provides an unpredictable and aerated material where the outcome of the final product is not exactly known before cutting into the material. This piece will be covered in plaster and routed once more with a different surface, where the final outcome is truly unpredictable.

Terra Cotta Panel Production Process (In Progress)

 

 

Discoveries Through Translation Part II

 

Dancing Ladies

This is the beginning of the design for the final work that will be completed by the end of June. Terra cotta has been chosen as the building material because of its strong historical background in architecture and architectural ornament. Three options are being explored: a panel system, a structural block with interior webbing, and a terra cotta shell that would be filled with concrete to make it structural. The design is being influenced by sculptural work by Bernini, where soft material effects are carved into a hard surface. 

Molds were made out of MDF using the CNC router and concrete was cast to begin the formal discussion. The next step will be to begin experimenting with terra cotta and the best way to cast it. This process will inform the decision of what the final piece will be; either a panel system or a structural, self supporting system.

Discoveries Through Translation

This work is about drawing and its conversion into a three dimensional object using the 3 axis CNC router. Abstractions and unexpected outcomes are discovered through the process as our points, lines and surfaces in the computer are transferred into an object. It is not the desire to have an exact reproduction of the drawing into the actual form, but to allow the tools and methods of routing the surface and the various materials to bring out new and unexpected characteristics.