Complexity and contradiction in design

Three weeks ago, just before the Arataki site visit, my mind popped a thought one evening. I decided to make a new and simplified version of the previous wooden structure/model. In fact, I have been thinking about the structural and constructional aspects of the model. It still needs to resemble my initial concept from my first blog. I simplified the matrix structure significantly.

As designers, sometimes we over analyse matters. I have to admit that myself has a tendency to go to the opposite spectrum. I prefer structures, products and buildings to be either intensely complicated or bare minimal. So this was what I did. I have cut up new pieces of timber and made two wooden standing structures. Each structure consists of multiple wooden pieces and connected by adjustable bolts. The adjustable bolts are truly useful in terms of changing the structure to variable geometrical shapes as desired without the need of a spanner. The two pieces could be arranged in multiple directions to create different matrix systems.

Later on that week, I considered of re-making the attachment piece to the wooden structure. Geometry and natural landscape is still a key concept for the design. I went to the wet lab and sculptured a few shapes with clay. I then painted them with acrylic paint and glaze once they have finishing cooking in the kiln for 3 days. They are able to be hang from the wooden structure above.

It has been a long week for me, I am sorry that I was not the writing frame of mind. Hopefully things get improved next week. I am looking forward of model making which my design innovation transfers into a real architecture.

Michelle x