COURSE: ARCH 552 (INSTITUTIONS) FALL 2021
PROFESSOR: Neal Robinson
TOOLS USED: Silicone, Monster Clay, Jello, Gelatin, Citric Acid, Sugar, Food Coloring, Edible Glitter, Rhino, Math
PROJECT SUMMARY:
For this studio we were asked to create a library. Our site was where the current Downtown Ann Arbor District Library currently stands along with the parking lot across the street and the near by Liberty Park. The site model was a studio wide group effort. The massing model was for a studio project I called Scronchy. The name is a combination of the softness of fungi and the crunchy insects, the focuses of my project. Much like the Ann Arbor library doesn't use data to decide what to put in the library, I decided that the local community needed to learn more about the many untapped potentials of fungi and insects. I opted for a less conventional material of gummy as I though the color and texture of the material suited the focus of my project and gave off a playful, welcoming, and inclusive vibe that I hoped my library would off.
For this studio we were asked to create a library. Our site was where the current Downtown Ann Arbor District Library currently stands along with the parking lot across the street and the near by Liberty Park. The site model was a studio wide group effort. The massing model was for a studio project I called Scronchy. The name is a combination of the softness of fungi and the crunchy insects, the focuses of my project. Much like the Ann Arbor library doesn't use data to decide what to put in the library, I decided that the local community needed to learn more about the many untapped potentials of fungi and insects. I opted for a less conventional material of gummy as I though the color and texture of the material suited the focus of my project and gave off a playful, welcoming, and inclusive vibe that I hoped my library would off.
FIRST TRIAL:
In my first run of constructing a gummy massing model I used 41 boxes of Jello and 10 boxes of gelatin. I calculated the volume of each building and converted to a 1 ft = 1/16 in scale. I then cut blocks of gummy to match the scaled volume of each building. I began cutting out shapes with a knife, but later on experimented with cylindrical cookie cutters.
In my first run of constructing a gummy massing model I used 41 boxes of Jello and 10 boxes of gelatin. I calculated the volume of each building and converted to a 1 ft = 1/16 in scale. I then cut blocks of gummy to match the scaled volume of each building. I began cutting out shapes with a knife, but later on experimented with cylindrical cookie cutters.
LET IT GROW:
I also experimented with letting the model grow mold. To encourage growth I contaminated each surface with my hands, spritzed with water, and kept the gummies covered in a warm place. This is how they looked after several weeks.
I also experimented with letting the model grow mold. To encourage growth I contaminated each surface with my hands, spritzed with water, and kept the gummies covered in a warm place. This is how they looked after several weeks.
FINAL PRODUCT:
For my final massing model I tried to stay as loyal to the true form of the structures as possible. Learning that I would be unable to use the vacuum forming machine in the university woodshop, I opted to use sulfur free Monster Clay (a wax-based sculpting material) and food safe silicone. I also decided to experiment more with the material rather than using Jello. With only 24 hours to spare I used a recipe I found online as my base and adjusted the gelatin and sugar quantities to ensure the last few models would cure in time for my final presentation. To add an additional touch of fun I mixed my own colors and added a dash of edible glitter.
For my final massing model I tried to stay as loyal to the true form of the structures as possible. Learning that I would be unable to use the vacuum forming machine in the university woodshop, I opted to use sulfur free Monster Clay (a wax-based sculpting material) and food safe silicone. I also decided to experiment more with the material rather than using Jello. With only 24 hours to spare I used a recipe I found online as my base and adjusted the gelatin and sugar quantities to ensure the last few models would cure in time for my final presentation. To add an additional touch of fun I mixed my own colors and added a dash of edible glitter.