This project furthers the connection between digital media and architecture through the introduction of historic source material translated to space by parametric and surface-based computational techniques. Above: Sandra Schwartz, prametric process translation diagram |
After identifying an ornamental module students define the geometry with parametric language. These modules can then vary to form space-defining surface. Above: Carolina Uechi, Variable Surface |
Above: Wenhui Chen, Variable Surface |
Above: Zachary Klipstein, Variable Surface |
Above: Jessica Choi, Variable Surface |
Above: Demetri Stafilatos, Variable Surface |
The final stage of this project tasks students with fabricating a surface with the same variable characteristics. Students use a combination of digital production and manual techniques. Above: Carolina Uechi, Constructed ornament |
Above: Sandra Schwartz, Constructed ornament |
In the Fall 2009 semester of "Introduction to Digital Media" this project used transformation of typefaces as the primary device for introducing digital modeling. The role of type here is not superficial: Type is uniquely relevant however, with both literal, metaphoric and historic connections to architectural and digital discourse. In the first portion of this project students systematically document the graphic form and space of a specific typeface. Above: Carolina Uechi documents Britannic Bold.
|
Above: Sandra Schwartz documents Bodoni Egyptian |
Since this class is about design process students design and document a process for implementing software. The early stages of developing a comfort level with software are the most difficult times for students to operate conceptually and creatively. Because algorithms are, by definition, neutral to software or content they enable an academic approach to technical learning. Their Above: Sandra Schwartz, Weaving Algorithm |
Students are required to document the process of transforming 2-d content into 3-d form (foreshadowing the translation of type to space). Above: Jessica Choi, Surface Algorithms |
The final phase of this project tasks students with implementing the algorithms with a conceptual approach to relating graphic space to architectural space. Above: Christopher Beck, Subtractive Space |
Above: Sandra Schwartz uses the rhythmically gestural lines of a typeface to trace spatial boundaries |
