Powers of Ten-Final

Project statement:

This piece connects the story of where one element, Aluminum, is found in the world around us. It allows us to see it from the molecular state, to the human scale, and finally to its creation in a cosmic explosion.

Reflection statement:

In an attempt to explain the intricate processes of our world, Charles and Ray Eames’ film, “The Powers of Ten” brought science to the masses. It shows the relationships between objects in our universe from the molecular level to the scale of the cosmos. This film caused me to think about many ideas including scale (micro to macro), one person’s place in the universe, and the age of information and technology.

With this idea in mind, I wanted to trace the story of a specific element that is around us all the time and something we use as designers. Aluminum is the most prevalent metal found in the Earth’s crust and is used to make countless items in our world. My physical response to the “Powers of Ten” shows aluminum at the molecular scale with the structure of its atom. Next it shows objects that are built from aluminum at the human scale. Because aluminum can be produced so quickly, it is used for a wide range of items, from a soda cans to a plane construction. The last item represents a supernova explosion, which is the moment when all elements are created and spread across the universe.

I’ve created this 3D piece to create more of an understanding of where the world around us comes from. Just as the Eames’ film did, I wanted to simplify the complicated systems of nature and play with the idea of scale. This piece brings all three representations of aluminum to a consistent size that can be seen with the human eye.

Powers of Ten

Our first project in studio this semester asked us to create a response to the short film by Charles and Ray Eames, Powers of Ten. Some of the things this film had me thinking about:

• Scale-micro to macro
• understanding the everyday world in a new context
• age of information and technology
• one person's place in the universe
• microscopic systems to universal systems-things we can't see
• size-how objects relate to one another
• use of space
• distance

Here are some pages from my sketchbook showing my process:

"Computing in Architectural Design"

“Computing in Architectural Design” from Architecture’s New Media by Yehuda Kalay, The MIT Press, 2004, pp 63-81

This article was pretty interesting, especially because it goes way back into history to explain how computation was first used in design, something I had not thought about before. Beginning in Mesopotamia, architects needed to use mathematics and scientific formulas to create buildings that were structurally sound and aesthetically appealing. Research and experimentation with computer aided design occurred in schools, but it didn't take off until the invention of the personal computer. Drafting programs were created early on for macs, but they were limited in the amount of work they could do. After faster processors and printers came out, companies started to develop programs that were suitable for professionals to use. The article points out that the electronics industry has been able to develop software that actually aids in the design process. It knows when you are creating something that is physically not possible and therefore speeds up the design process. Software created for architecture needs to catch up to the other industries to become more efficient.

austin

Drawing I did of my nephew based on a photo. I love him and i'm excited about another one on the way!

thank-you

Thank-you Suzanne for this gift and everything you have done for me these past two years.

happy

The last project for studio this semester is all about happiness. To start it off, we were told to find a design that makes us happy, and something we would be happy to re-design. I found the first image from Kendall Wilkinson design and I am in love with this view of the room. immediately feel happy when looking at it. Besides the pops of fresh color, I love that it blends clean and modern style with traditional elements, like the molding on the walls.

It was hard to find a space that I would be happy to redesign because there are a lot that come up. I chose this room because it has great bones to start with: cool windows, a fireplace, and even the same molding detail on the walls as the first room. There are a lot of things that could be changed to make it a happy space.

IAR 202: Final presentation

We presented all of the work we've done this semester, from the makeshift shelters to phase 3 of Unity Village. I'm so proud of the work this studio has done and I'm happy I got to be a part of it.

Final Presentation board

Specifications

All of the furniture or lighting is from Room and Board or vivavi.

Final Perspectives

These are the final perspectives for the phase three project. I had time to experiment with a more loose rendering style and love how they turned out.