Light Frames was an exploration of construction methodologies and how they approach the concept of lightness in both mass and translucency.

Set in the front courtyard of Materials & Applications, the project, composed of two parametrically generated objects (one a vinyl inflatable termed the ‘cathedral’ and the other a delicately faceted double skin dome known as the ‘gem’) enticed onlookers to enter the courtyard as they moved through a giant jungle gym of EMT conduit and bellowing vinyl.

Developed as a materials experiment in how to convey lightness through two very different media, Light Frames was designed entirely through rigorous parametric iterations in the computer, assembled in components offsite at a local university, and then transported onsite to be assembled by a team of volunteers.  Spanning three weekends, the teams, using both a digital model and a scaled 3d print of the projects, assembled, finished, and anchored the two structures in place.  In the case of the gem, parametricism was used to find the delicate balance between optimal number of components and rigidity of the space frame so that it could be as thin and light as possible while still maintaining enough mass to fractalize incoming sunlight.  The cathedral, on the other hand, utilized parametricism to control an array of Ronchamp like portals all angled to optimally allow light to fill the internal cavity of the structure. 

Design Team: Gail Peter Borden of Borden Partnership at Materials & Applications

Position Held: Installation Lead for Materials & Applications