Models and Descriptions

With the first group of models I experimented with plaster in 3 different forms.

This was made by creating a form and using plastic wrap as a mold for the plaster.

The second attempt was pouring plaster into a plastic shopping bag. 

The third and final attempt was with canvas.

Getting the right texture with a fluid form was something I really focused on accomplishing.  I tried using the plaster in a way that showed the organic shape, which can be made when the material of the form, if it is used carefully.  The part that interested me with these models is the fact that plastic is this liquid form but is never represented as such.  I wanted to explore the fluid nature that plaster can accurately show.

The next iteration dealt with integrating site analysis data into the form.  But with this attempt I used a much lighter fabric instead of the canvas.  I wanted to show even more the organic aspect that plaster can have. 

 In this case the higher/lower the form represented the high/low percentages of families below poverty.

I then used a heat gun to wrap a piece of acrylic around the curved shape.

This next model was originally designed in Rhino.  I sectioned the pieces, printed them out, and cut them out of 1/4 plywood using a band saw.  I also cut notches out at the intersection points so the model would assemble with no needed connections.

I wanted to keep using the acrylic so I made a vacuum form shown above for the previous model shown made out of the 1/4" plywood.

I took the plastic sheet, heated it in the oven and stretched it over the wooden form.  I placed both on the vacuum form and switched it on to produce tightly shaped plastic sheet that will display the ribs of the previous form.

This is the final plastic shape before I cut it out to assemble it into the final model.  (excuse the windex)

I cut the plastic out of the formwork and attached it to a 1/2" piece of plywood to start assembling the hydroponics planter.  I also used a heat gun and stretched plastic water bottles through until they fit perfectly.

I attached the tubing which would become the water supply to the plants.

I then hooked up the pump with a water basin and connected the tubing to keep an continuous loop of water circulating through the bottles.  The tubes had small holes that would allow the water to leak into the bottle, through the rocks and to the root of the plant, feeding it nutrients.

Then I threw some LED's on the top and bottom.  I feel like you can never go wrong with some LED's, it gives the project an entirely new personality.

The next phase of design was massing models.  All of these forms currently follow the same concept of living, breathing, architecture.  I am really interested in exploring how architecture weathers and researching how I can take that and make it an advantage for the design as well as aid the people in Over-The-Rhine.  I also want to incorporate part of the last model, using hydroponics to create a knowledge base that the people in OTR can use and apply it to their own lives.

I focused on creating this massing model to directly take shape from the proposed human movement on the site.  This created the opportunity for gathering spaces in the voids in the sides of the mass.

This model explored the use of habiting the roof structure.  So much of the mass is roof, so I wanted to make use of it, whether it be gathering spaces for residents and workers, or more private outdoor spaces to be used for the residents.

The digital files are fairly large, I will compress and upload asap.