Second Year Option Studio: Articulating Forces: Material, Form and Structure

Options Catalog Course Description

Options Presentation (10/30/2024)

This studio investigates the relationship between materials, structure and form. In doing so, it prepares students to cultivate an intrinsic design sensibility, wherein the exploration of spatiality is inherently linked to the examination of structural systems in conjunction with materials. The studio operates on the principle that understanding the relationship between materials and structure is essential for articulating the grammar of form. Ultimately, it aims to enhance students’ awareness of the underlying rationale behind form-finding.

The studio explores different form-finding methods and techniques through workshops and experimentation. The studio’s methodology is grounded in a systematic approach that employs scientific methods for experimenting, modeling and analyzing forms in order to achieve effective design outcomes. Physical models serve as a primary tool for exploration throughout this process. This studio is rooted in making, thinking while doing, working closely with physical models, form-finding experimentations, detailing the form, and exploring spatiality through structural rhythms in the presence of the material.

The studio posits that structure is both abstract and diagrammatic, which in turn offers extensive possibilities for a diverse array of forms. The realization of perceptible form is ultimately achieved through the organization of materials within space. This organization creates two distinct sets of spaces: one that surrounds the organized materials and another that the materials themselves occupy. In this design studio, students primarily engage with and detail the latter as an outcome of the principles derived from form exploration.

In the context of form-finding, we draw inspiration from natural forms to develop a physical configuration through experimental modeling. Our exploration includes an examination of Frei Otto’s form-finding models, as well as experimentation with the principles of triangulation, Voronoi surfaces, deformation and subtraction. In terms of tooling, we investigate the use of physical models employing both flexible and rigid materials, as well as soap bubble models, resin casting, 3D printing and CNC machining.

Material, form and structure are intricately connected to the body, experientiality and the effect of architecture. In this studio, we explore and expand upon these interrelationships. Building on the understanding of biome, climate and orientation established in Poiesis III, this studio focuses on the development of material and structural systems that inform architectural design.

Objectives:

• To stress the relevance of structure as the maker of space.
• To emphasize the relationship between material, structure and form.
• To develop the ability to systematically generate a structural system as a primary source of the production of architectural form.
• To develop the ability to investigate form, come up with a design methodology, and demonstrate a design resolution.
• To derive a structural system that becomes the foundation of a spatial system.

Prompt:

The studio explores derived systems of structure and material through physical and digital models that further inform light conditions, various spans, space character, notion of activities, and supporting services in a context.

Context:

Design for disassembly, material systems, detailing and assembly, spatiality and spanning. Braddock, Lawrenceville and Pittsburgh, PA.

Program:

Vocational training and Makers Research Institute

Learning Outcomes:

• Build understanding and skills pertaining to material and spanning systems in architecture.
• Learn detailing and architecture of assembly and disassembly.