What is the Microcosm Studio?

Contemporary culture embraces complexity in countless forms: networked mobile computing, news on-demand, global air travel, mobcasting, robotic-assisted surgery, computer-controlled fabrication, global positioning systems and Facebook. Each of us is part of an increasingly integrated global system that offers higher and higher degrees of local, individual influence. This is an unprecedented kind of order, which defies traditional categorization. The world is both orderly and unpredictable. Its parts are both integrated and independent. The world can no longer be convincingly described as centrally-planned or as a chaotic mess. Instead, it is a complex dynamic system.

This view is transforming diverse fields of inquiry from robotics to economics and from software development to architecture. Whereas architects have predominately sought simplicity and regularity in design, a new movement explores architecture as complex and diverse. The Microcosm studio investigates and extends this work, using emerging technologies and design methods to understand and channel complexity, rather than deny it.

Students undertake a series of short-duration research projects culminating in the design of a complex building. Based on empirical experiments and a review of writings in complexity theory, students identify the properties of complex systems, including non-cyclical order, emergence, redundancy, ubiquitous difference, and rule-based behavior. In early experiments, students test common materials such as concrete, glass and aluminum. By subjecting them to a tooling or chemical process, unexpected behaviors emerge. These behaviors are documented and tested further to reveal architectural potential. In another set of experiments, students analyze biological organisms and identify parametric rule-sets used to reproduce the organisms’ geometry. The geometry is then tested for its structural potential. In a final set of experiments, students integrate the results of material and geometric research to design a mass-customized, parametrically-controlled, architectural enclosure system.

A CONTEMPORARY AGENDA: RETHINKING CONCRETE THROUGH INNOVATIVE RESEARCH

A CONTEMPORARY AGENDA: RETHINKING CONCRETE THROUGH INNOVATIVE RESEARCH

I chose to relate project five back to our material research in project one. Still have some work to do on it, but what I have so far is the development of a script, producing geometry representative of the spackle extrusions. Molds for the base could be easily produced using a CNC mill, then individual units could be created using vacuum formed plastic or slumped glass. Units would be translucent to accentuate the overlap of layers in each piece and let light in.

yes, i need to keep working.

. . .

P5

more on the way...

smart enclosure

here's a timelapse animation i put together while completing a model to illustrate my intentions with the enclosure system. The first half is the fabrication of the screen wall.... the second half is an attempt at showing how the wall may react to various local stimulus by opening.

It's a little pschysophrenic at the end, but the intention is for a scaled effect across a lattice framework that will be responsive to the local environment. For example each panel will continually monitor the air within the machine shop for fumes, heat, humidity, etc. and based off a given set of parameters will react by opening up to allow for ventilation.

once i figure out how to digitally model this system some images will follow..... it's rough at this point, just trying to flush things out.

project 5

Theme statement:

The process of making is as important as the product. Free will is integral to the fostering of the creative impulse.

project_5-digifab workshop

Project 5: Space_Process_Artifact

Space_Process_Artifact....continued

Space_Process_Artifact....continued

Project 05 - Fabrication Studio

Project 5 - Gradiated Experience

As in project 3, my exploration here was in the area of authenticity. I took that a step further by also exploring spacial authenticity. Similar to the way that the structure is implied on the outside and revealed on the inside, the interior spaces are outwardly implied and revealed as experienced. The unveiling of the structure is slowed down compared to project 3. Inside, as one passes through each consecutively larger room, they should notice that the interior panels are more open, compared to the last, and that more of the structure is revealed.



South Elevation - Notice that the grid travels across the 3 shells. This ties the separate parts together. The gradient of interior spaces is evident from the outside.



From South West - The gradient of panels on the outside is varied and expresses interior flow patterns.



From South East



Courtyard from entrance with office enclosure on the right. Notice the difference in interior panels.



Interior of Machine Hall with fully opened interior panels.

This is still a work in progress and I hope to update the blog with better images when I find a computer that can actually render this geometry. Any advice on rendering would be helpful.