The site–specific installation, made from hundreds of translucent polycarbonate pieces and common zip–ties, is suspended with thin wire to create a unique and dynamic entry piece into the Thompson Lecture Hall at Tulane University. The Hall is a heavily used multi-purpose space that during the course of the installation held dozens of admissions presentations, movie nights, architecture critiques and notable university lectures.
The form was modeled using 3D computer software and then unfolded these volumes to generate flat patterns. The puzzle–like patterns were then programmed into a Computer Numerically Controlled machine (CNC) that cut the polycarbonate sheets into hundreds of pieces with unique dimensions. The piece was assembled using simple, and very cheap, plastic zip tie fasteners.
The undulating form followed the geometry of the entry and rose as high as 15-feet and as low as 7-feet above the floor. Appropriate openings and formal gestures allowed for a projector booth as well as storage spaces and a kitchen. During the day, the piece floated like a plasticized cloud while at night, hidden sensors changed the hues of the lighting from vibrant red to subdued violet depending on the location of visitors.
Tools:
Rhinoceros, Pepakura, Universal Laser Cutter