Surface It, With Pieces

3 units

The seminar will focus on the in-depth understanding and development of ideas based on the technical, experiential and aesthetic exploration of one material: concrete, into a specific application; pavers. The students will design a module and then explore different pattern options. The pattern modules will consider the limitations of the material in terms of strength, weight, size, etc. The goal is to make a single piece or pieces that can be lifted by a single person without much effort and combine them in different ways in order to create an artificial topography. Students will learn about the material itself as well as the act of construction, assemblage, and mass production; which will include methods and technology, ranging from tools to form work. The forms for the concrete pieces will be built through a process of CNC milling and/or vacuum formed plastic. The challenge will be to define environmentally sensitive strategies for problem solving, conceptual development and poetic expression at both levels of the design process, conceptual and real. Sustainable principles, such as the use of recycled materials as an aggregate in the concrete mix, will be an important consideration for this class. They will be also asked to investigate water run off in a given area and alter the percentage of open grids as a way to create a pervious, though walkable surface. Construction will be the ultimate goal.