Parametric Piece, Polypropylene Installation, 2018
This project explored the taxonomy of folds, bends and joints. Led by studio director Mara Marcu, me and my teammates, Connor Tuthill, Peter Foster and Adam Schueler, explored how skin and frame can become a fluid continuum. By using Catia, we were able to rapidly iterate changes within the design, and analyze the resulting metamorphosis from two dimensions to three. It took 4 months of designing, iterating, testing and redesigning to complete the polypropylene structure that was displayed in the DAAP library courtyard, and the accompanying theoretical building that followed. The initial concept was derived from geometric Arabesques. Our base unit consisted of a triangular cutout folded into a 3D "fin". Three "fins" were then joined with rivets and zipties to form a single unit. The unit was then combined with 11 more units to form a ball. We then combined 9 balls to create 2 interlocking circles. The folding process of the triangles was recreated digitally using CATIA's sheet metal workbench, and we then expanded the physical limitations of the equilateral base by morphing it to create individually modulated components. The final structure floated against a concrete background in the DAAP library courtyard, encouraging interaction and play.
