Modular Variations (Spring 2013)

Instructor: Adam Marcus

This project was a design- and fabrication-driven studio. 'Making' was the primary means of learning, experimentation, and exploration of architectural ideas. The process of forming and casting was explored through exercises that had students explore opportunities for ornamental and decorative innovation, structural performance, material efficiencies, and driving variation with functional or performance-based criteria, such as light transmission or view angles. Particular emphasis was placed on developing workflows that balanced both analog and digital modes of designing, as well as seamless transitions between 2D and 3D. Rhino 3D, Grasshopper, laser cutters, and a CNC were used in this workshop. A comprehensive summary of the studio's work and process can be found here

Nested Scales

Guest Instructor: Ken Tracy
Host Instructor: Adam Marcus

Students worked on teams to design and prototype a porous architectural surface. The surface was to be understood at three scales: the overall form, the individual components, and the surface texture. Students used Grasshopper to parametrically control porosity, pattern, and texture, and they prototyped their surfaces with a CNC mill, plywood, and solid hardwood.