Friday, February 25, 2011

Project 2: Serial Planes Studies (Phase B)


AT 104: Basic Design II
Spring 2011

Project 2 : Serial Planes  Studies
Phase B: Foam core 3D constructions


Recognition of a Problem:
 
The purpose of this project is to apply serial planes concepts
and the principles and elements of design to the creation of a
white foam board - 3D form using additive and subtractive methods.

Definition of the Problem:

Create a three-dimensional abstract or representational form that is a minimum of 12”x12”x12” using white foam core board.

The form can be free standing, hanging or mounted on a base (the design of the base/way in which the work would be installed should enhance the created form).
Incorporate repetition and gradation of size and/or shape.
You must include in some area of your design an opening to reveal the interior space construction, and in this way, explore the positive and negative space possibilities within your design.

While thinking/ sketching your design, 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.
 
Research and Preparation

 
Research three-dimensional art forms and objects that use the concept of serial planes or similar construction with different materials. You may use the internet, books from the library, magazines, newspapers or your own photographs to research imagery.
Be sure to search your own natural and artificial surroundings as well.
We inhabit an everyday environment with hundreds of object/ 3d forms.

 You must collect at least 10 good research images as reference before beginning sketching/constructing your project.
These images should be included in your blog as part of the research process 


Gather together all the supplies you will need to begin the projects in class. Remember to use the cutting mats for easier cuts and better results while cutting foam boards. Have always available several new blades for x-acto knives.

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, work out some schedule to use room 201 using open studio hours.
 
Analysis
 
The analysis of your project will consist of the following steps:

Altered Books – Project 2 [ Phase 1 ]. Your and your classmate’s designs, as well as issues discussed during critique, should be used as reference for the sketching/ designing the second Phase of Serial Planes project.

Sketches : Based on your book project, the research images you have collected and the images shown in class create at least 5 rough sketches.  Of these sketches choose 2 or more of the most interesting designs to develop them further. Reproduce larger more detailed drawings.

Sketch models – Choose the most interesting large sketches to create sketch models.  Compose your models at a scale of about 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!

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.

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 of 12”x12”x12” and the opening that reveals the interior construction.

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).
You will be given 2 pieces of white foam board plus a piece for sketching.  You may purchase additional foam board if you wish to develop a larger piece. 

This board may be a color other than white but no more than one additional color may be used. For example: White/black, white/red, white /blue, etc.

Use adhesives that work best for your design. Consider the importance of craftsmanship throughout 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.

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.

Project 2: Serial Planes/ Blog requirements

Phase A: Altered Books:
Sketches (if available) & Photographic Documentation of process

Phase B: White Serial Planes Sculpture/ Object
Sketches: Drawings  and 3D models & Photographic Documentation of  process

Reaction Paper
In this reaction paper, you will write about your experiences in both phases of the project.
Talk about your research on “Serial Planes” structures/ sculptures/buildings,
how did you approach the projects, make reference to Maya Lin’s work,  or other artists that may have inspired you, etc.

Discuss your learning outcomes in each phase of the project, compare your experiences and challenges working with different materials and reflect on the project as whole.

 Critique Deadlines
 
Section 02: Wed. March 9th
Section 04: Thursday March 10th
Section 50: Wed. March 9th

 
Blog to be completed during the Spring break week
















Saturday, February 12, 2011

Project 2: Serial Planes Studies (Phase A)

AT 104: Basic Design II

Semester: Spring 2011


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 and folding the pages. 

Folding 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: free standing, hanging, wall mounted or on a base, or any other form of installation that you may conceptualize, visualize and present.

Remember to Document the process with Sketches, (2D/3D) and photographically.

This project is due for critique:
Section 02: Monday Feb. 21st
Section 04: Tuesday Feb. 22nd
Section 50:  Wednesday Feb. 23rd