Sunday, February 19, 2012

Project 2: Serial Planes Studies (Phase B)

Project 2: Phase B

 Serial Planes Study


1.     Recognition of a Problem: The purpose of this project is to apply serial planes construction concepts and the principles and elements of design to the creation of a three-dimensional abstract form using additive methods.


2.     Definition of the Problem: Create a three-dimensional abstract form that is a minimum of 15”x15”x15” using 3/16” white foam core board.

The form can be free standing, hanging or mounted on a base (the design of the base should enhance the form). Incorporate repetition and gradation of size and/or shape.

You must include an opening to reveal the interior space construction.  Keep in mind that the edges of the foam core will create lines, the layering of the planes will create a volume with positive and negative space, and natural and artificial light will create gradation and shadows.

3.     Research and Preparation
·       Research  on three-dimensional art forms and objects that use the concept of serial planes method of construction. You may use the internet, books from the library, magazines, newspapers or your own photographs to research imagery. Be sure to search your own surroundings, we live everyday surrounded by hundreds of objects/3D forms.   You must collect at least 10 good research images for your project.
·       Gather together all the supplies you will need to begin the projects in class.
·       Set up a work area at home where you can spread out your work. If you do not have adequate space at home or in your dorm, please come to use room 201 during Lab hours in order to complete your project on time.

4.  Analysis
The analysis of your project will consist on the following:

·       Book project – Reflect on your experience working with Altered books as well as the outcome of your classmates’ projects discussed during the critique.

·       Sketches : Based on your book project, the research images you have collected and the images were shown in class, create 10 rough sketches.  Of these sketches choose 5 of the most interesting designs to develop them further. Reproduce larger more detailed drawings.


·       Sketch models – Choose 3 of your most interesting large sketches to create sketch models.  Compose your models at a scale of 2x2x2 inches using Bristol board, card- board or foam core. Play with the forms. Build them and then pull them apart to look at other possible designs. Brainstorm!

5. Synthesis
Synthesize your sketch models into a final sketch model design by incorporating one or more parts of each design (if appropriate) into a final design.

6. Evaluation
Evaluate the final sketch model design based on the principles and elements of design lectures, class discussion and project requirements. Make sure your solution meets all the project requirements, especially the minimum size requirement of 15”x15”x15” and the opening that reveals the interior construction, exploring positive and negative space.

7. Presentation
·       From the final sketch model construct your final design out of the foam core. Calculate the number of shapes you will need and figure out the best way to transfer them to the foam core using the maximum amount foam core (least amount of scrap).
·       Be sure that the instructor has reviewed your final sketch model design. (Note: during the final construction process you may find that revisions are necessary or desirable. Be prepared to use extra foam core).
·       Use adhesives that work best for your design. Consider craftsmanship through the construction of your project.
·       You will need to change knife blades often to keep edges straight and smooth. Use sandpaper or a nail file to smooth rough edges.

8. Implementation
·       Each student will give a brief oral presentation. You are to explain how you applied serial planes concepts and the principles and elements of design to your final design. Discuss developments in the design process that you didn’t expect, were troublesome, or unusual. Finally discuss your successes and what you have learned in the process.
·       Take photos of your sketch models, book project and the final design in the order that you developed them. Take photos of your final project from a variety of views.

·       Reaction paperPhase A: Altered Books: 
Include Sketches (if available) & Photographic Documentation of process

Phase B: White Serial Planes Sculpture/ Object
Include Sketches & Photographic Documentation of  process

In this reaction paper, you will write about your experiences in both phases of the project.  Comparing the processes you went through in relation to each material.

You may mention about your research on “Serial Planes” structures/ sculptures/buildings, how did you approach the projects, make reference to Maya Lin’s work we discussed after the video, artists, designers, architects you may have looked at, etc.

Talk about what your learning outcome in each phase, and the project as whole.







































Sunday, February 5, 2012

Project 2: Serial Planes Studies (Phase A)

AT 104: Basic Design II
Semester: Spring 2012


Project 2:  Serial Planes Studies
Phase A: Altered Books 

For this project you will be creating sculptural forms out of ordinary paperback books.  When you examine the book you will notice that the pages are laid parallel to one another and are connected by the spine. 

If you bend the book back touching the front to the back covers the book becomes a cylinder.  By altering the pages you can create new forms based on this cylinder. 

 

Working with the books

To add volume and shape to the book you must use a combination of cutting, bending and folding the pages. 

Folding and Bending will give volume, structure and some geometric shape and pattern to the book. 

Cutting will allow for organic shape as well as more complex geometric shapes and patterns to arise. 

To begin, play around with a few pages by cutting and folding them.  Imagine and visualize what would happen if these steps where repeated.  Based on these few experiments use cutting and folding techniques over the entire book.
Explore all the visual elements that the selected book offers in terms of color, lines, texture, value, etc.
 
No page should be left untouched! 

Your final piece may be symmetrical or asymmetrical, abstract or representational.
It must be presented in the best way that emphasizes the resulting 3D form from altering the selected book: wall mounted  (relief/ three-quarter), free standing, hanging, or any other form of installation that you may conceptualize, visualize and present.

Remember to Document the process photographically:
The book before you altered it and the outcome of the creative transformation.







This project is due for critique: Monday February 20th