Design Brief: The installation is a "digitally manufactured" architectural installation cut from 4x8' sheets of Russian cabinet-grade, birch-veneered, plywood. The project can be described as an "aggregate form," for it is composed of 80 sequenced 4 inch x 52 foot splines, or ribs. Each rib follows its own unique curving line which, when assembled sequentially on 2" centers, allows for the approximation of larger and more distinct figuration. Resulting from the critical 4x8' foot dimension of the flat source material, and specific curvature of the geometry, each individual 52-foot spline is actually comprised of 8 sections glued end-to-end via mitered and pocketed lap joints. This type of joint bears back upon itself and was informed by the common pre-manufactured canvas frames used commonly by painters.
In section, the project is based off of 2x out-of-phase sine curves and the resultant visual appeal of laterally transitioning between them. All wood ribs were bound together horizontally with staggered lengths of 5/16" diameter metal rod, and shorter thousands of 11/2" section cut from 3/8" O.D. tube were used to maintain uniform spacing. The solid 240-rib bench (15" long) at the bottom of the intervention functions to shield the presentation area of an expansion studio from the constant foot traffic along the far edge of the atrium. During school assemblies, the podium is often situated near the bench, and those yet to speak sit there awaiting their turn. On the second floor where the installation arches just over one's head, there are four adjustable expanded metal shelves that can be used for coffee, books, laptops, and loitering outside the adjacent classrooms and studio. At the top, a second 80-spline "open bench" [not shown] is placed to provide the necessary triangulation needed to support the cantilevering top section. Although highly formal, the piece also has much relevance to advancement of fabrication process, and to boot, it also to coexists with its environment in a productive fashion.