Archinect - News

In school, sometimes more research is just more procrastination

2020-01-08T17:59:00-05:00

More research isn't always better

Occasionally, we have tendency to look for more information even when it does not cause us to take action. Here's an example: let's say your thesis explores the intersections of music and architecture. You start by scanning the literature on these two disciplines. Naturally, you have access to a lot of architectural works, and through investigation, you discover some works on music.

After some study, you decide that your project will focus on the rhythmic aspects of music and how that can also be interpreted in spatial rhythms through architecture. This becomes the focus. As your presentation approaches, you determine that in order to have a "strong idea" that you need to learn more about how musical instruments are made and how their structural qualities are similar to that of buildings. This will deepen your understanding of the dichotomy you're exploring, you think.

Going further down this rabbit hole, you begin to also examine the physics behin...

ZIP: Studio400 book show installation, by Cal Poly students

2013-02-11T11:39:00-05:00

A quarter of a million zip ties altered a gallery into a bristled vortex of swirling, cavernous zip tie fabric magnified through reflective cellophane and augmented by subtle changing color. ZIP expresses the story of collaborative effort through research, acquisition, design, and construction of an environment designed as haptic reading room. Designed as an experience to exhibit thesis books, Professor Karen Lange’s fifth year studio (Studio400) at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, was assigned a collaborative installation project to showcase their previous personal research and transition into the design phase of their individual thesis projects.

Nineteen students worked tirelessly through the zipping, snipping, and stitching of the zip ties together composing an intricate three-dimensional fabric that could be swirled onto itself to create multiple experiences within a small storefront space. Entry portal, tubular book receptacles, undula...