first set of experiments

first set of tensile experiment using the all-thread frame. in the initial process, we are looking at free-form iterations; however, we will quickly need to develop a rigor for evaluating our studies by isolating variables.

to consider:
_saddle variants
_add'l exterior attachment points
_add'l interior attachment points
_internal ring (cone)
_apertures

see yall tomorrow. i can meet before 12 if anyone is interested // cg

UdB 020609

frozen form-making

http://picasaweb.google.com/charlesmgarcia/TRCPrototypesUmich06?authkey=8Zs_9p0oi6E&feat=directlink

here are a few images of fiber reinforced concrete experiments using a similar cube-frame strategy for generating the form. instead of spandex, we used a loose-weave mesh from jo-ann fabrics. after achieving the desired form, we painted the fabric with quik-crete and allowed to cure overnight. not incredibly clean results, but certainly a great way to maintain a form library for reference.

fabric arch starter

As a jumping off point for our tensile studies, take a look at the benchmark tensile fabric shapes here (as offered by the UK firm Fabric Architecture)

http://www.fabricarchitecture.com/products/all-structures/index.html

Class01 - comin' out swingin'!

Thanks for a great effort Saturday afternoon to nearly complete the two form-finding boxes. We're all anxious to start testing on wed. night at 7:15. Be sure to bring in 5 precedent/inspirational images. We'll have fabric and fishing line ready to go. I wanted to be sure that you noticed the new photo album on the side bar, as well as all of the course materials you've received to date (just in case you misplaced them during all our BUILDing!) - ks cg ph

Wed. Class Cancelled / Sat. Class Still On!

Due to snowy conditions, the BAC has officially canceled all afternoon and evening classes today. We will hold our first class Saturday at 12pm in the BAC basement! See you all there!

UdB Publication - A Case Study in Forming Collaborative Service-Learning Initiatives

An essay, written by Kyle Sturgeon as a component of the Boston Architectural College's 'Design Education Certificate Program,' will be published by the Indiana University Press in the spring of 2009. A downloadable PDF version is available now in the UdB'09 Materials sidebar. if you'd like to discuss the article, please contact Kyle at sturgeon.kyle@gmail.com.

UdB Featured at Design Exchange - Toronto

This presentation board showcasing the 2007 and 2008 UdB projects will be featured during the 'Carrot City' design exhibition beginning February 25th.