[R]ed[U]x Lab: TMU Department of Architectural Science Design Lab

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Physical Permutations - Version Two

Hardware! How wonderful it is in aiding our ability to manipulate material. Every day, the wood seems to bend a little more than it did before.

Our explorations are still guided by the desire to find the form; something layered and fluid and sinuous. Structural concerns about how the layered "strips" all tie together are simmering on the burner; finalizing the formal qualities of the design will ultimately lead us to understanding how it will all come together.


Bolted connection detail

Still plenty of clamps...

Form evolution

1:5 Explorations

Our design group then went about creating a scale model which was useful for designing the cart's substructure, and for generating key connection points for the outer shell. It was also used to develop a more formalized gesture through the proportional pinning and fanning of the wood slats.

We then came to the conclusion that the cart would optimally interface with the ground at three points, evolving from the overarching rib that supports the canopy.

We are intent on exploring the opposing possibilities of form generating structure, or structure generating form.

Scale model with an iteration of the cladding

Physical Permutations - Version One

There were smiles all around as the team embarked on 1:1 iterations. We were feeling optimistic about discovering novel ways of combining old techniques with new technology.

Design exploration centered around manipulation of the material in various planes was enlightening; while challenges in finding a way to maintain form and structural integrity emerged symbiotically, the true limits of the material became apparent as well.

Yes, there will be fewer clamps as we move along.

:D]

Easy does it...

Preliminary detail study

Form exploration, and the first prototype

Development Proceeding as Planned

As the design continues to develop, there is an increasing desire to push the boundaries of material properties and form in the design of the cart. Where convention and utilitarian ideals focus upon more conservative and restrained approaches, the [R]ed[U]x Lab's design team has taken upon itself to stand out and use this project as a showcase of its experiments with material properties and haptic design approaches.

Sketches and Design Iterations

Slowly but surely the [R]ed[U]x Lab team has been translating their ideas to prototypes. Here are some of the conceptual sketches that have been put forth. These are just concepts for now; the actual design that is shaping up in the Department of Architectural Science is far more than just conceptual. Technically this project will be a challenge on account of its smaller scale and material explorations that the team wishes to undertake.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Back to Work...

As the university's Winter term draws to an end, the [R]ed[U]x Lab team once again finds ways to keep busy through the summer months. We are extremely excited to be part of this year's Night Market Cart design presented by The Stop Community Food Centre, a charitable organization that, among other things, "strives to increase access to healthy food in a manner that maintains dignity, builds healt and community and challenges inequality". On June 20th (summer solstice), some of Toronto's notable chefs will be preparing and selling food from carts created by equally innovative artists and designers in Toronto's Honest Ed's Alley (581 Bloor Street West).