Document your process
- Write in your notebook and take photos all day long!
- Post several times a week as the work progress – you can edit the postings later.
- Write about the work – what was the experiment looking to test? Be critical of the test – did it achieve your goals? Did the results show you something you were not expecting?
- Keep track of everything – what software did you use, what materials, what tooling methods (laser, cnc mill, vacuum press, etc.) If you combined the methods – what order did you follow.
- Try something new each week. Use a tool for the first time, use a method for the first time, etc. Everyone should try each material and each technique at least once.
- Iteration, Iteration, Iteration – this can be testing a of different patterns or testing the same pattern at different scales or the same pattern with different materials – metal, wood, plastic, rubber, concrete, plaster, etc.
- Think Positive and Negative – consider that when making a mold using the CNC mill cut both the negative and the resulting positive so it can be evaluated.
- What did you learn from the experiment? What is a logical next test?
By now everyone should have the following:
- There should be a page for each of the following posted on the site. Name them with your initials followed by iteration 1, 2 etc. (PK-Iteration 1, PK-Iteration 2, etc.)
- Multiple iterations of patterns sketched and drawn in a cad program
- Multiple iterations cut using the laser cutter
- Negative and Positive cut from foam on the Roland CNC mills
- Create a research page and include links to videos, images or websites that you found helpful. In addition to the link add a little description of what we will find when we follow the link.
- When you test a new idea or pattern – do not skip a step. Always review it at multiple scales, cut it on the laser cutter and then the CNC mill. Remember that as you move from drawing to the laser cutter to the CNC mill the cost increases – so it always makes sense to experiment first with the pattern and laser cut it before going to the mill.
Start to think about the real application of your work:
- What architectural objects might you create
- Lamp, Table, Chair
- Screen door, Screen for a window (measure the windows in the lab and make a screen to fit)
- End of semester display – how can we feature the work we did this semester. We need to design and build an exhibit space.
- Full size architectural elements like sun screens on a facade, entrance canopies, etc.
How can you apply your work to some real projects:
- Develop a bench system for the 8th floor corridor that facilitates design juries, exhibition of student drawings and models.
- Develop educational displays for the Mamakating Visitor Center
- Chocolate projects with the department of hospitality management
