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We were able to get some images from the Re-sampling Ornament show and an article that was published in Switzerland. We plan on having more spicific content on the individual projects later in the week. So for now enjoy>>>>> read more

Here is an update on the CARDBOARD SURFBOARD PROJECT or, Cross-sectional Notched Rib Assembly for Aquatic Sliding Boards. We have included a great little video and a link to the site. Have a look on (sheldrake.net) for more information on the development process of this project.

An amazing collection of historical German camera gear on display @ Deutshes Technikmuseum Berlin. The exhibit is full of retro gadgets, including bisected lenses and cameras, the insides of which show the precision of a CAD drawing. via WIRED mag read more

Here is a sampling from xiaming’s flickr page that has a series of the Olympic Center photos. The ones here specifically are of the Water Cube done by Australian architects, PTW. What makes this collection exceptional is that there are few creative, high quality images that were taken during its construction phase. Please take the time to visit xiaming’s page to see more images from the site and other amazing shots taken in China, Korea, Japan + others . read more

Skylar Tibbits: Tesselion is a project by Skylar Tibbits which proposes a system of flat panel tessellation derived from complex surfaces to enable ease in constructability and a directly evolved spatial environment through lighting, programmatic adaptation and structural simplicity. Each panel’s uniqueness is afforded by the efficiency of digital fabrication while coded parametric relationships allow an emergent structural efficiency, from a single panel to the complete adaptability of the surface as a whole. read more

A big thank you to suckerPUNCH for the Prefab-China post. They have amassed an impressive collection of designers that are all pushing the limits within their respective field.

Clear Seas: This surfboard’s frame is cut from 16.6 square feet of cardboard and covered in transparent fiberglass. Photo by Brian Klutch

When it came time to replace his old surfboard, Mike Sheldrake decided to build his own. But the former Web programmer didn’t have the sculpting skills to carve one out of foam the way professional builders do. So he used 3-D modeling software to design a snap-together deck that’s as sturdy as a conventional model and performs just as well, made from the cheapest material he could find: cardboard. read more

Three Pratt Institute Sponsored Research Studios for Sustainable Architecture and Design

Containing work from the studios of Richard Sarrach, Lonn Combs + Mark Parsons, Anthony Caradonna + Francine Monaco

OPENING & RECEPTION
TUESDAY MAY 20, 6-9PM.
PRATT MANHATTAN GALLERY
144 WEST 14TH STREET, 2ND FLOOR

“Manufactured Surfaces” is an exhibition of design research that represents a unique collaboration between Pratt Institute and three progressive corporations that make architectural products and materials. Each corporation is partnered with a design studio comprised of architecture and interior design students. The intention of their research is to transform the character and performance of a particular product into something completely new that draws upon recycled material sources, enhances the sustainable qualities of buildings and spaces, and is adaptable to new geometries that respond to natural light. The work in these studios, while experimental in nature, is applied research that results in full-scale design-build proposals or achievable deployment strategies. These studios present a magically new and exciting direction in design research and education, made possible by the imagination and generosity of the sponsors and their faith in the creativity of our students. read more

Instructors Lonn Combs and Mark Parsons conduct a collaborative studio environment of material research based on the window covering products of Hunter Douglas. Using an inherently energy efficient material, new applications of architectural space are explored that expand the potential product uses from a window covering to architectural partitioning of space that emphasizes light, acoustic, and thermal properties. The research includes the development of a full scale structural weave that integrates into the lightweight fabric to achieve free-standing material configurations. In parallel to the real concerns of construction and environmental effect, the fundamental phenomena of the material and its reaction within the environment address the cultural concepts of beauty, transparency, publicity, privacy, and the ability of manipulated light to induce specific categories of ambience. read more