shannon leah small

a brief synopsis...

2008-04-17T02:26:00.011-05:00

A very quick overview of the progression of my model as a product of process for presentation purposes. An in depth overview of the entirety of the building process will be posted over the next few days...stay tuned!

Umbrella Structure - Revision 7 - Pulley & Canopy

2008-04-09T00:51:00.004-05:00

Umbrella Structure - Revision 6 - Canopy

2008-04-09T00:47:00.003-05:00

Elevation from Drawing 4

2008-04-06T19:10:00.001-05:00

1 to 100 - North side of Higgins

Site Plan - Drawing 4

2008-04-06T16:04:00.003-05:00

Site Plan - 1 to 300 (24" x 24")

Connection possibilities between each post in the specific area.

Mapping the Possibilities of the System - Drawing 3

2008-04-03T00:02:00.010-05:00

Unlike my previous drawing this one is to scale, just for starters - it is 1:50, the same as the final model will be when constructed (this drawing is approximately 6'-0" x 8'-0"). I decided to start mapping out my final model so I could do a material calculation and a quick schematic layout on my living room floor in masking tape turned into a very complex drawing which is modeled after The Thinking Machine creation upon which I wanted to base a drawing surrounding the same concept.

I began by making a simple non-linear connection between each of the points within the site where a telephone pole is located. From creating one connection I began to form more layered on top of one another, each with a slightly different path than the previous to demonstrate the organic nature and tendencies of the system. My previous drawing was extremely rigid, ordered and geometric whereas my goal with this drawing was to break past the barrier of rules that I had created for myself by originally limiting the constraints of my system's components (the rings attaching to the posts).

The concept that I began with basically layered on top of itself until I had created a web of connection paths. I am now left with a mapping of possibilities through connections that may be constructed in my final model. Some will exist in my final concept, some will not and all of them will most likely vary to a certain degree to what I have predicted. This drawing is only a prediction, or a set of possibilities or assumptions. I have not however let one connection determine or limit another connection as in the previous drawing, I tried to be as uncontrolled as possible other than the obvious rule of connection points being the posts.

Below is a time-line of my mapping the progress of the drawing growing in complexity and above is the product that I now have as a result of the process. My plan is to possibly recreate the situation but this time on a clear backing material so that I can sandwich the drawing and use it for presentation purposes rather than only having photographs...at least this is a possibility...the interesting part about this is the recreated version will be slightly different than the original, but that's the beauty of the system and the technique that I'm using.

Thinking Machine 4

2008-04-02T23:45:00.010-05:00

"The artwork is an artificial intelligence program, ready to play chess with the viewer. If the viewer confronts the program, the computer's thought process is sketched on screen as it plays. A map is created from the traces of literally thousands of possible futures as the program tries to decide its best move. Those traces become a key to the invisible lines of force in the game as well as a window into the spirit of a thinking machine."

- http://www.turbulence.org/spotlight/thinking/

It was suggested during my last crit that I may want to take a similar approach in creating a drawing in which this drawing is generated. Basically a series of possibilities or opportunities are mapped out, much like what I attempted to do in my last drawing, but in a more organic way. A less linear interpretation of the site will show the true nature of the system that I'm creating.

Connection Opportunities - joining the in between

2008-04-01T22:14:00.002-05:00

Moving along with the bunching that I've been working on where the structure is starting to meet in between the posts I have designed some pieces that will create opportunities for connections. The pieces are getting cut on Thursday, possibly earlier, out of calendar vinyl, and will allow me to experiment even further, no on a completely different plane which I began on the previous model. Hopefully with the incorporation of these new pieces I will get a better grasp on the spaces that I'm trying to create as a result of the bunching, at least that's the plan -

Umbrella Structure - Revision 5 - layering

2008-03-30T22:49:00.007-05:00

Incorporation of Blocks - The system is ALIVE!

2008-03-27T00:00:00.006-05:00

Studying a typical rigging arrangement for a sailboat using several different types of blocks I have come up with a method of raising and lowering the eight sections of the parasite which will latch onto each post. I want everything to be operable by a single person and because creating that much tension in some type of material would be difficult a pulley system works perfectly because the amount of force required is distributed over the multiple blocks, therefore making it easier for one person to operate the system. All lines will run to a single end point at the base of the post using a cleating system, to be determined.

...I'm super excited...

Blocks, Rope & Cleats

2008-03-26T22:51:00.006-05:00

Trying to get as in depth as possible for some of the research I've been looking at regarding different components involved in the rigging of a sailboat I have been able to scavenge some equipment from the Black Pearl - Thanks!!! A few different sizes of blocks, some different styles of cleats and some old rope will allow me to set up a small rigging system that will help me in making some of my decisions regarding the set up for the operating system of my umbrella system.

Essentially my focus is going to be specifically surrounding blocks (very similar to pulleys), which will allow me to create a system to control the functionality of the 8 sections of the parasite attached to each telephone pole throughout my site. I haven't decided yet if I want this system to be manually operated or if I want to incorporate electronic capabilities into the mix. In a way I like the factor of human interaction, reliance and control of a person operated system, very much like that of a sailboat.

Potential Points of Interaction - Drawing 1

2008-03-25T21:56:00.002-05:00

My focus today was to construct a drawing which could be used as a tool for mapping interactions between the parasite umbrella structures. Using the existing locations of the telephone poles throughout the area I chose a particular one as a starting point and set an angle of rotation to the parasitic disc that inhabits the bottom of the post, therefore becoming the base support for the upper canopy structure. This positioning was determined by my desire for an adjacent post to become to next point of interaction for the parasite. My goal was to begin to connect nearby posts but in such a way that their point of interaction started to inhabit the existing space in some way. It seems appropriate to begin to leap across the roads as much as possible as well as form connections between posts by using as many of the eight given potential points on each as possible.

In some cases the connection point between poles becomes a very large distance simple due to the angle of projection acquired from the positioning of the disc surrounding the post. There are essentially indefinite configurations for the site because of the unlimited amount of positions allowed by the system that I currently have created. The pattern that I did end up with in the end was dependent on each choice and decision I made along the way starting with the positioning of the first disc. If one disc in the entire system was to be rotated even 5 small degrees the entire system would have a different and unique outcome therefore changing the inhabitance of the parasite or virus.

The wonderful thing about the site being able to essentially "change" is that my parasite creation needs to have the natural capabilities or instinct to adapt and configure itself to these conditions. If one telephone post was to be moved or removed completely some of the connections between the post in question and the surrounding posts would be lost. At this point the adjacent parasite would need to find a new point of attachment or be left to exist without that piece of its individual system.

I hope to use this drawing to begin a more 3D process of mapping so that I can better visualize the process of creating canopies / coverings between the points of interaction of the parasites attached to the posts.

Umbrella Structure - Revision 4

2008-03-24T21:32:00.004-05:00

I have started to repeat the structural pattern that I have created over an area so that they can begin to interact with one another forming new opportunities that do no exist when they are single isolated structures. Connecting the poles will allow the structure to take on more viral characteristics, which works well with my original intents at the beginning of this semester. Tomorrow I am going to begin mapping the possibilities, in the form of a drawing, for formation using this technique.

Umbrella Structure - Revision 3

2008-03-21T15:05:00.005-05:00

Umbrella Structure - Revision 2

2008-03-21T14:02:00.005-05:00

Shade & Shadow

2008-03-17T16:33:00.002-05:00

Sails / Shades in between

2008-03-17T15:43:00.002-05:00

Working on the "post condition"

2008-03-17T11:38:00.006-05:00

I'm trying to look closer at some of the forms that I have created and pick out a particular characteristic that can help me to evolve my form further. Currently I'm fascinated the point where to rods can be bent and then come together to be attached. My curiosity with attachments obviously is evident within this discovery as a lot of my focus last semester was surrounding this part of my machine.

I know that I need to deal with particular conditions throughout the site so to begin I'm looking at how I can attach a form to a telephone pole. Up to this point I haven't been relating my form from last semester that was highly inspired by Harry Bertoia's sculpture to what I'm trying to achieve, the two have seemed very disconnected. The inspiration for this first form is a direct result of some of the ideas that were presented in my walking machine but applied to a particular site condition. I will begin to develop this idea further as I feel that I'm beginning to tie ideas together nicely which is bringing more meaning and consistency to what I'm creating.

Trying not to effect the structural integrity of the telephone pole (only structural to itself, in that it can stand up, but not support anything else) I wanted to have another element that latched onto the post so that the wire form could then be attached to that. The ring structure mimics the forms that I was creating as an element within my machine and works nicely when applied to this particular condition also. This allows for the possibility of more or less rods according to what is desired or needed to support the structure. This ring would be a static element that would be consistent for other similar conditions throughout the site.

The plan is to have a reflection of this ring component on the top of the structure as well but this piece would have the capability of being dynamic and could slide either up or down the post. This would push the top "umbrella" like structure downwards onto the bottom rods creating a larger diameter / amount of coverage of below to above.

I feel this is really good progress in terms of where I think I want to go with the form. For the first time this semester I have managed to link the relationship of the above and the below, something that has been a constant goal for me.

Mast & Boom

2008-03-14T15:12:00.005-05:00

In keeping with my research for the process & method portion of the studio I'm starting to become focused on some of the larger methods of attaching components on a sailboat, in particular the connection of the mast to the boom as mentioned in a previous post.

The connection between the two forms roughly a 90 degree angle, which is adjusted very slightly by the use of the vang or the mainsheet. Increasing the vang is effective when sailing downwind and the use of the mainsheet is reserved for traveling upwind. Although the connection between the two is 90 degrees the boom is allowed to swing, or circle around, perpendicular to the mast depending on the circumstances (ie. direction, wind etc.).

I've also been looking at methods of attaching sail like structures similar to those on a boat to a stationary object such as a mast, or in my case a telephone pole. Seeing as wind is a dynamic element the sails or fabric structures that I create must also be dynamic to a certain degree which therefore requires a joint which can accommodate and is therefore not completely static in it's method of attachment.

...questions...where to begin

2008-03-14T15:03:00.006-05:00

- How can I stabilize telephone poles?

- How can I begin to use structure from my play experimentation to span from one object to another (telephone poles)?

25 tiny structures

2008-03-14T14:32:00.004-05:00

I began documentation of my tiny structures and started to realize their true complexity. Over the weekend I will begin to analyze each one individually now that I have experience them as a whole to see that kind of opportunities each one has to offer in terms of form & attachment capabilities to different conditions that they may encounter. In total I constructed 25 tiny structures which are each unique and will hopefully offer different aspects & direction to my process.

I think right now the biggest piece of information that I will take from this first session of play is that if the right sequence of structural arrangement is combined it can actually be quite supportive. This is probably a round about way of me realizing how it is possible to build a bridge to span a particular distance without having any supports below but I'm happy that my experimentations are giving me cues.

The next task at hand that I hope to tackle starting tomorrow is using some of the mini structures that I have created to attempt to leap from one structure to another, I figure if I can make them self supportive without being attached to anything there is no reason why I can't use them as a bridge like structure.

I would appreciate any further input on a possible next step to take or criticism on what I have achieved so far.

"play" observations

2008-03-13T21:16:00.004-05:00

I have been in total production mode now for the past few days making tiny structures at the suggestion of my critique earlier this week. It has been brought to my attention that I tend to make more discoveries when I simply play with the materials and question at hand rather than try to create something that I'm unsure of what I'm looking for.

"Play" has been interesting so far...and very frustrating...I was warned. I'm not sure in what direction that I'm making progress exactly other than I have the potential for tons of jumping off points for form, so in reality this is indeed my process.

Photos of my little structures will get posted tomorrow morning but as of right now I have made a few discoveries -

1. triangle = support - although this may be seemingly obvious a lot of my creations did not go well or were not able to support themselves because they did not contain a triangular shape

2. 3 is better than 4 - as I attempted to build my structures higher they all seemed to naturally develop a sort of base element, the ones that had 3 legs were more successful because the weight was more evenly distributed and the overall form seemed a little more forgiving than those which had 4 legs, as these had to be perfectly balanced and identical length and position

3. more height requires support - this is pretty straightforward, but it did depend on how I was making attachments. Attaching one wire to another by a single point didn't seem to allow there to be a strong enough connection for the next piece added to have enough support.

4. attachment of connections - when two or more pieces were attached to one another at any sort of an angle this connection had to serve several purposes. The connection must keep the rods from sliding out of the joint and also must keep the pieces from changing their angle of attachment to one another.

My choice of materiality for my "play" session was difficult because attaching the piano wire with this flexible wire did not work well because the two materials slipped when placed against each other. Basically I had trouble creating joints that kept everything in place, the angle would change shape the majority of the time until I braced the structure.

Pole construction

2008-03-10T22:01:00.002-05:00

Mast & Boom

2008-03-10T13:40:00.007-05:00

As a compliment to the studio this semester the process, method & theory course is allowing me to look in depth at a particular technical aspect of my project to develop it to a more refined state. Last week we had small seminar meetings to discuss a direction that would be suitable for research so that the studio would benefit as much as possible.

Because of where my interests currently lay in regards to the Institute of Lightweight Structures I have been encouraged to look at flexible fabric structures & extreme textiles, which relate to a lot of my fascination with Frei Otto. In relation to this, in pairing with my interest in connections & attachments I have been encouraged to focus my research in regards to Sails.

I hope to look at some specific parts in particular including the mast and its relationship to the boom. In addition to researching the larger components I hope to also look into some of the smaller pieces including brackets, cleats & blocks.

So far I have began my research in finding general overviews of parts and components to begin the process -

Locating Posts

2008-03-10T00:07:00.004-05:00

Today I went back to my site for the second time this week to map out the telephone poles and lines which will become the substrate for the travel or spreading of the virus or viral form. There are several different types of poles which I will construct and have categorized as follows –

- Double top (both aligned) – minimal space between

- Double top (both aligned) – good amount of space between

- Double top (skewed – misaligned)

- Single top w/ both sides

- Single top w/ one side

- Pole without top

- Side bracing

- Single sided, double top – spread between

- Double top w/ single bottom

- Triple top

- Other

So far I will be constructing 27 poles which fall into the categories above which I will then run lines to and from one another enabling me to create a path of transportation through an electrically charged wire running between.

Clarity

2008-03-10T00:04:00.005-05:00

Clarity & direction – finally it feels like I know what I’m doing instead of searching for a light in a dark space!

In the previous post I created a brief abstract which was posted on the Dedale page to give a general sense of where I am going with things, I will now attempt to explain it a little clearer…

The virus that I wish to inhabit the space (area), in Point Douglas, will have a supposed starting point which is in close proximity to the river due to the properties of water. I have been searching for an opportunity to relate the “upper” and “lower” in keeping with the characteristics of my machine last semester and after the last critique have found it fitting to make use of the telephone poles and lines as a substrate for the virus to inhabit and subsequently use as a method of spreading.

Essentially the virus will live in the spaces above us, which is essential to our lives in terms of communication yet is a space which we do not physically inhabit or go. Similar to my machine last semester the upper structure was a way of holding up the lights of the antennae, very much like the telephone wires transferring data. The virus cell, some sort of a machine capable of traveling along wires, will live on the lines in constant searching of a host in which to spread and begin the infection process, in the same process a disease would spread.

For a disease to spread the host environment must be suitable and because I have been researching joints and attachments it is fitting to declare this the criteria for inhabitation by the virus. Whether it be a building, an object or a piece of a structure the joint must be suitable for the virus to begin to inhabit. The joints that I am describing are elements contained in the portion of our world in which we come in contact with, the lower portion, opposite to the telephone wires. Therefore having a way to link the two would relate one to the other creating an opportunity to grow a world of inhabitance in between them.

I imagine this taking place by the viral creature inhabiting the lines sending out an infectious strand, in this case a cable or line from the machine, to attach to a suitable attachment and latch on. This would then begin the inhabitation process. The strands of infection, the lines, would become gradually more embedded and more securely attached by having many points of contact or fixation. Once the virus, the above machine, has become comfortable with its relationship to the host environment it can then begin to infect which would be a relationship between the two becoming evident. Again this is the relationship between the upper and lower worlds.

In this in between world is essentially the infection which I wish to take the form of a fabric formed structure much like the membrane of a cell structure, again in relation to the virus and disease. The skeleton of the structure will be comprised of the points of attachment and the lines of distribution of the infection, the cables. The fabric formed structure will grow from the viral inhabitant of the above telephone lines down towards the attachments below. These structures not only form a visual relationship between the upper and lower worlds that previously contained an unexplained existence between them but will also fill the voids between intentionally constructed spaces – something unintended for which has the opportunity to exist – again like the virus.

…hopefully that is somewhat more explanatory!

Viruses, Connections, Motion & Structure

2008-03-09T22:55:00.003-05:00

To recap the past semester in a short summary I constructed a walking machine that allowed me to begin to examine the relationship between the upper and lower aspects of structure, experiment with fabrication in addition to connectivity and components, as well as analyze properties associated with balance and movement. My final product was an unbalanced system which relied on my interaction to create security but simultaneously created an interactive experience between myself and the machine that gradually grew into an obsession. My research focused on automatons, magic and magicians, Harry Bertoia and light.

…to get a better idea of how I’ve arrive at the following points in more than a VERY brief explanation please see my blog for my complete elaboration…

Right now what is running through my head is a parasite that exists above our heads inhabiting the unsuspecting telephone lines. Its focus is to exist by achieving balance as well as capturing it’s stability and points of rest by latching onto surrounding structures and connections, leeching off of what exists and finding opportunity. During its time of rest it begins to inhabit the space and grow into the area by creating new structure. This structure can be left behind, infecting the space, or raveled up again by the parasite and taken to a new host location. I hope to use tensile fabric structures, such as some of my inspirational research at the moment.

Currently my research surrounds the Institute of Lightweight Structures & experimental architect Lebbeus Woods. I am also focused on components of connectivity, balance, motion & adaptability.

Dynamic Joints - study 2

2008-02-29T00:32:00.003-06:00

Joints - Study #2

2008-02-29T00:00:00.010-06:00

In order to focus on joints and begin to break down what joints I may want to create would consist of I found it fitting to construct some. I started simply by attaching very thin steel in various ways, and different amounts combined to create a static joint condition. After creating several versions of this the attachment material that I was using (thin wire) was allowing me to create the connection tight enough to hold the joint yet at the same time left enough movement between the wires so that the joint could be dynamic.

From the connections I've created I will now begin to catalogue the different arrangements and scenarios in working towards a sort of database that I can use to move and navigate through site conditions.

Over the weekend I plan to visit the area where my virus will be spreading in order to catalogue different points of attachment that can work cohesively with the potential joints that I've created.

Here are some of the joint conditions that I have created so far -

Joints study

2008-02-28T00:01:00.004-06:00

To get an idea of what type of joint I might want to focus on since this topic is so wide and I don't want to get carried away on too many tangents I thought it would be useful to do a study on some items throughout my house. I basically drew some joints, some static some dynamic -

Institute for Lightweight Structures - starting point - JOINTS

2008-02-27T23:26:00.005-06:00

I've been trying to get a handle on things by finding a specific focus that I can build on. To do this I started research into the Institute for Lightweight Structures, which is AMAZING! I checked out 4 volumes and flipped through them looking for inspiration that I could possibly find direction from, this resulted in my current fascination with joints, joinery, connectivity and components. This works well with the items that I was focusing on last semester because it will allow me to take and simple idea and develop it really in depth making small changes and tweaking the design. I really liked the experimentation aspect of the manufacturing of small components so this focus should lend nicely to that as well.

Some images that I was intrigued by from the ILS were as follows...(this will only be part...I will keep posting my finds as necessary!) -

I'm back!

2008-02-27T00:19:00.003-06:00

Confusion set in...to say the least...

...I have been a bit stuck for a while but now I'm back on track. Model construction is well under way, new photos to come, research has led me in the direction of the Institute of Lightweight Structures (which I will also post some amazing photos of) & I have started a new little project this evening regarding connection points of rods. Reviews are this coming Friday and by then I hope to be well on my way with dealing with certain conditions that may be contained within my site as well as have the pieces of my model connected to one another forming the beginning of the substrate that will become more useful over the next few weeks!

Only a few weeks left in the semester so things should really get moving now!

Substrate support

2008-02-12T02:18:00.001-06:00

The mid-section of this piece is shortened for the purpose of this drawing but keeping with the relationship between my body and the model the height of the support will be proportioned to my waist so that I can maneuver in the exploration that I create. The pieces to this component will hopefully be created tomorrow as I've finally got a good hold on my mock up version, I will construct 5 as a starting point.

Connection mock up

2008-02-08T16:14:00.001-06:00

I made a quick mock up of the component that I'm working on designing for the supports of the substrate. I have only attached one of the rods but there would be three (as can be seen by the two empty sections) and I will need to use some hardware to secure the rod from slipping through the holes, similar to the issue that I had last semester with the foot detail, I will most likely use the same type of connection piece. I will be working out a few details this weekend before I begin to produce that parts.

research [inspiration] - Lebbeus Woods etc...

2008-02-08T15:57:00.001-06:00

I've been looking a lot at different types of architecture trying to figure out where some of my ideas might fit into the scheme of what I'm trying to achieve and how I will interpret it architecturally. One person that I have been looking at in particular is Lebbeus Woods. There are a lot of similarities concerning form that is similar to his projects and the current state of my studio. I hope to take inspiration and direction from some of the following works.

mock up support component

2008-02-08T12:29:00.000-06:00

Topography Assembly

2008-02-07T21:53:00.001-06:00

Tripod Component

2008-02-07T21:43:00.000-06:00

Progressing with the substrate design I have made the decision to take cues from my body to help me to make a lot of decisions along the way, as mentioned in my previous critique by Candace. This is logical considering where I was at the end of last semester in that 'the dance' between my machine and I became obvious and our movements according to one another were evident. Taking this as a starting point, the substrate will sit at my waist height so I can begin to walk through the course that I create for the machine/virus to interact with, therefore it has a relationship with both of us, and the machine and I remain connected. To raise the substrate I'm in the process of designing a kind of stilt system that will mimic the design of the legs of the walking machine, a sort of tripod design. Tomorrow I will begin the construction of a mock up model to work out any issues that may come up.

Topography cuts

2008-02-05T21:29:00.001-06:00

topography planning

2008-02-03T21:49:00.001-06:00

I have been working on a template that I will use to cut out the layers involved in the construction of the substrate topography. I have yet to decide if I will construct every step as the rest of the model is conceptual and making every step may not be necessary for getting an idea across as I will not be concerned with accuracy in a literal sense at other steps within my process, I will leave this decision for now.

substrate; proof of concept - planning

2008-01-31T23:27:00.000-06:00

I'm still working out the details in how I want to execute the construction of the substrate but my process of thinking is well under way. For whatever reason I seem to be getting a better grasp on what an 'in process' model consists of, it is basically exactly opposite to anything that I have ever thought of or created. I basically have to make a conscious effort to in a sense let go of the process and begin to let it almost create and design itself. Hopefully I will get an actual physical start on the model this weekend, wood will most likely be purchased tomorrow as today I went and spoke to Keith in the woodshop about which materials will suit me best.

The dimensioning for the topography lines works out well with the 1:50 scale of the model in that 1/4" MDF is 5.5cm which is actually the scale version of the 250cm height difference that each step in land contains.

As my process with the model progresses I will keep things updated!

topography - 238 m above sea level

2008-01-30T22:21:00.000-06:00

I was able to get a copy of the plans for Point Douglas which includes a bunch of different versions of the topography of the area as well as a high resolution aerial photograph. As I mentioned yesterday I am going to begin the model as a starting point for the development of the virus so I am beginning construction of the riverbank up to where the land begins to level off (part of a residential lot) which will also include a portion of the river itself. I overlaid the topography map on the aerial photo to verify which portions of the topography my construction will begin with.

In total I will be beginning with 28 steps of land which I believe are measured in cm elevation changes ranging from 23 000 cm on level ground at the top of the river bank down to 22 300 cm at the bottom of the bank, creating a level change of approximately 700 cm (7m) from river water height to where structures can begin on flat ground.

...virus, parasite, water, river, model...

2008-01-29T22:39:00.000-06:00

After having chosen a site I have now realized that I have chosen too big of an area, or while I'm on the subject of area, I probably shouldn't have chosen an "area" at all...this is all getting very abstract...I should clarify...

Going back to what I was saying a few days ago it's important for me to choose a starting point or a beginning rather than a particular piece of land which I wish for my virus to inhabit. This makes sense because the path of a virus cannot necessarily be predicted, or contained for that matter, therefore I have no way of knowing the coverage of my project when I have absolutely no idea what my project is at the moment, this however is not a bad thing, but rather a way of process and method that I'm trying to get used to.

My model needs to be able to grow and transform exactly the same way my virus will grow, expand and modify. To start things off I am going to construct the starting point of my virus. The starting point is within the area that I wanted to choose as my entire site because I think it's important that my virus have access to the points which I see to be significant, if all the spaces are not inhabited then that is fine, if the area is completely taken over and the virus spreads throughout the entire area of Point Douglas that is also fine, I need to keep things unpredictable.

I've been reading 'The Art of Being a Parasite' - Claude Combes. Currently I am focusing my studies on Chapter 4 entitled 'The Profession of Host' in attempt to gather information that will point me towards a starting point within the area which I have chosen to begin the inhabitation or infection process of the parasite. As I mentioned in a previous post viral distribution takes place effectively within water, therefore providing a platform for contagious spread because water is difficult to avoid within life. Parasites have a tight relationship with water (120). Water is an excellent carrier because during the beginning stages of inhabitation the parasite is typically undetectable by the host, therefore it is unnoticeable and moves in.

The area I have chosen to work within contains a section of river bank, which is obviously connected to the river - containing water. The river bank meeting the water will be the starting point for my virus or parasite (I will most likely refer to it as both until I figure things out further or make a distinction between the two).

Back to the model...I will be beginning where my starting point is and constantly working with the possibility of growth and spread in mind as a necessity. As I mentioned, the model has to be able to grow just as the virus contained or present. I've been thinking about ways of joining different pieces together and have come up with a joint system that allows other pieces to be constructed to fit into what already exists as well as for that new piece to shift or extend accordingly. By using this method, unlimited sections can be added to the whole, therefore never forcing the model to reach a finishing point, which works nicely with the idea of a virus never exactly having a defined starting or ending point, and also having the ability to modify itself. As the project develops new pieces will be added and perhaps new methods of building/constructing will be developed as I become more intimate with the virus, right now I have no way of predicting this.

I will begin with topography of the river bank moving from the water level towards flatter land levels. Slabs of layers will step as I go, purposefully leaving a void space underneath the structure to potentially deal with the underneath space at a later date (it'll be nice to leave this open as an option). The biscuit joint system that I explained above will be present around the perimeter of this first section to allow for attachments. I will begin construction out of hard board (?) which again could be adapted as I progress.

spaces in between - a brief introduction

2008-01-28T00:02:00.001-06:00

I basically wanted to start to capture some of the in between spaces that I have been talking about in the past week, some of which are very focused on the areas within the housing in the area of Point Douglas. Houses typically are built in the middle of their respective lots which means there is land left surrounding them, but when placed beside another lot this space becomes larger in size and remains to be negotiated between the two houses and their owners. This space can be claimed and / or abandoned in many different ways which I have began to consider. Fences, infill housing, signage, vegetation, parking spaces or spaces for junk are a few that I have began to consider which all waver on the line between being either claimed or abandoned in some way.

Another item within the site that I have been encouraged to look further into are the existing or former power lines / towers, in terms of their significance, function and meaning to the area as a whole. I will be contacting my listed "source" this week for hopefully a little bit of information that may help me in my explorations....not sure where this will take me but I like the idea of looking at the power tower in terms of its relationship between upper and lower.

SITE chosen! - categories for analysis

2008-01-27T23:31:00.001-06:00

I posted the order in which the three tasks in this blog took place in reverse, more so for my own reference. Basically I set a deadline for myself to have a site chosen by Saturday night (yesterday) or else I could probably have wandered around Point Douglas forever attempting to justify many areas as potential candidates. My goal was to find an area that contained many different site conditions, all in close proximity, programming wise I guess you could say.

The area indicated below on the middle sketch is the area which I located on a zoning map and went to visit to see the potential it might have. Once arriving I toured the site locating buildings, empty lots, houses, green space, parking lots and any other major items such as large busy roads, train tracks, bridges, the river, back lane ways, paths & piles of discarded materials. I wanted to chose a space with a lot of diversity contained in the smallest area possible.

Considerations for making a site choice also included elements that were happening throughout the area on the ground plane as well as the construction of certain spaces, intentional or unintentionally formed or constructed. This is hard for me to explain at the moment but my further analysis of the area will begin to deconstruct these elements along with many other categories that I have already began to define, starting the process of creating rules and boundaries for my process.

Conditions - Site Visit #2 (last week)

2008-01-26T22:59:00.001-06:00

Parasitic Symbiosis

2008-01-20T22:48:00.001-06:00

I think that I have finally, with much thought, come up with a name for my project which provides a kind of overview to what I'm trying to achieve in a way this semester. I realize that I don't completely understand where my studio is going, or maybe what I'm trying to achieve at all...to be honest I'm still rather confused, but I'm coming to terms with that not being a bad thing necessarily. Still either way I think it's appropriate to name my studio, correct or incorrect, maybe it too will evolve as my thought process does throughout the semester - Parasitic Symbiosis

Parasite - an organism that lives on or within a certain environment
Symbiosis - the relationship which the parasite has with its environment

Virus - an overview (define)

2008-01-19T22:05:00.000-06:00

In keeping with the idea of my machine moving through a space or area with a particular starting point yet no definite end point or length of time for inhabitation I'm finding it appropriate to study viruses including what defines a virus and how they behave and respond under certain circumstances. My machine is similar in many ways to a virus in that it contains different behaviours as well as varying responses, this is also according to the space or environment that it is in.

Trying to relate the two more clearly with more of a basis I began to do some basic research on what exactly a virus is -

- Latin translated as 'toxin' or 'poison'
- an infectious element
- capability to grow, reproduce, spread and infect
- infect cellular life forms
- types: animal, plant & bacterial
- do not have cells but do have genes and are able to evolve
- resultant is immune response & disease
- noxious substance
- agent that causes infection or disease
- parasitic reproduction capabilities
- distribution: bodily contact, fluids, injection, soil, air, ingestion
- quarantine as a method on limiting contagious spread
- no single mechanism can account for the origin
- virus life cycle

attachment - binding between viral protein and host cellular surface
penetration - virus enters host cell
uncoating - process by which the viral enzymes are released
replication - basic assembly of the viral particle with host cell

Void Mapping - Site Potential #1

2008-01-18T14:08:00.001-06:00

A brief mapping of the void spaces in between the spaces that are occupied by housing structures shows the potential for a virus to spread amongst buildings that are similar in use, providing a semi-constant set of restraints -

Sorting out the site - Selection #1...yes...

2008-01-18T12:19:00.001-06:00

The Walking Machine - December Presentation

2008-01-17T21:42:00.000-06:00

I don't think I got a chance to post a few photos outlining what my machine looked like at the end of last semester for final presentations. Below is a brief look at the machine as shown in my portfolio -

Possible Site Choices - 4 considerations

2008-01-17T19:45:00.000-06:00

After re-thinking some of the questions I was posed with during the last critique I returned to Point Douglas with the intention of staying away from the bridge this time. A few other areas sparked me interest, which I will list, locate on the map & briefly explain...they are in no particular order however some feel more developed at this point -

1. Residential area located at the North West corner of Point Douglas: I like this area because it allows the possibility for my project to potentially have a starting point, instead of a particular site or confined area. The area is about 6 blocks square and is essentially dense, low income housing. Where I find the potential is with the space in between the houses, particularly the 4 main back lane ways, which can be seen on the map. It may be interesting to use my above & below concept to tackle the in between? With this said I would be able to develop a program surrounding infill structure possibly with an inspired undertone of the politics of homelessness which is prevalent within Point Douglas as a whole. Basically the theme would be 'infill', but not necessarily housing....

2. Vacant river bank stretching from Waterfront Dr. turning circle to Dewdney Ave : I'm drawn to this area because of the possibility for a design which involves the idea or concept of span but which also incorporates the idea of the above and below duality that I keep returning to which could potentially involve the water and land. I find this area lacking something but I'm not entirely sure what exactly that is, I think that's part of what draws me here. I'm intrigued that such a beautiful piece of land, directly in contact with the river can go essentially unused. Also the river bank, in particular within the constraints that I have located, is home to many homeless individuals within the area which would also be an interesting element within the project as mentioned in site 1 explanation.

3. The River surrounding all of Point Douglas or part thereof: I decided to make the river a possibility for the basis of my studio because it holds possibility is terms of addressing the generation of space as well as acting as a possible catalyst for a virus effect and also finally provides the opportunity for me to address span in terms of the relationship between upper and lower, which is a prominent element within my machine. By choosing the river I have the option to select a starting point in relation to land or other undetermined factors for the 'virus' in an architectural sense but also I have the opportunity of repetition of this starting point through the use of more river, but also variation because it is a river. Also by using the river I can relate both Point Douglas and the land across the water tying two regions together or separating them further. Also I can address many elements within the Point Douglas area without being constrained, which is the potential drawback to some of my other site choices. So far the river may be my favourite...

4. Train tracks spanning from East to West through Point Douglas: Currently this choice is the least developed. I think it offers some of the same possibilities as the river does as a selection in that is embodies repetition but also provides a position for start and the opportunity for expansion, growth and possibly span. Currently the tracks act as a point of separation, with attention they could be seen as a joining element...again I'm not entirely sure about this choice but I also like the interaction that the tracks have with the river on the East side.

Each of these four choices offer similar as well as different benefits, drawbacks, possibilities and ideas as far as the potential of my studio progression is concerned...I would appreciate input on each or any of them with specific feedback.

The search continues!

2008-01-15T22:54:00.000-06:00

As it turns out the site that was my preliminary choice is actually not a good fit...bummer. My evaluation of the bridge as a relationship between the upper and lower as a representation of my machine is possibly too resolved, basically I have chosen a site which is essentially the final product of what I am trying to achieve. "The bridge" has apparently been a little overdone and does not provide the type of opportunity that I should be looking for in a site...back to the drawing board!

I am now searching for a relationship between movement and structure, which attempts to resolve or analyze the process of growth and movement. It may prove more appropriate to look for a region of sites that provides a starting point rather than a specific location that the entirety of the project is contained in. This lends well to the fact that I have always been resistant to containing the machine, maybe the site needs to be a reflection of this. I need to look at the site as a generation of space or a virus in a way. Also I need to be aware of the concept of spanning and how I with to address this as it has always been an underlying theme within my process. The site could be a combination of units, but again must contain an element of evolution and growth which in a way feed the machine and its intention. Basically I am now in search of an origin rather than a site. I am now attempting to negotiate a relationship rather than imposing a purpose or final product.

The search continues...

Site Possibility...Disraeli Fwy & Sutherland Ave. - Bridge

2008-01-14T00:09:00.001-06:00

I decided to go to Point Douglas and explore to look for a site that spoke to me regarding how my studio has developed so far. Usually a site gets chosen according to the function that it is to suit and then the project gets developed accordingly. In this case I have essentially designed something that does not yet have a purpose or a location so I find it therefore appropriate to chose a location within the site that has something to say yet I'm unsure of exactly what it is saying to me - hopefully it will begin to tell me!

One of the most important elements to me regarding the state that my machine is in is the relationship that it creates between the 'up' and 'down'. Whenever I go to Point Douglas I'm always drawn to the area where the Disraeil Freeway crosses Sutherland Ave. The freeway crosses over Higgins, therefore requiring a bridge, which I love. The space underneath this area seems to be missing something which I can't completely put my finger on at this point.

The thing about a bridge is that is conquers the relationship of the over and underneath by dividing the two and clearly defining their boundaries yet not completely separating the two ideas, which is essentially what my machine manages to do. I'm not entirely sure where this will take me but right now I like that a bridge as mentioned deals with the relationship with over and under, creates a natural void space typically overlooked, has void spaces within, creates a dark space in need of light which could work nicely with the capabilities of my machine, and provides the opportunity to re-think a system that is widely used in the architectural world yet is often overlooked as a visual piece but instead focused on in terms of functionality.

Thoughts on some questions...

2008-01-13T23:31:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm back and ready for the new semester & all that it holds!!! Over the holidays I had a chance to reflect on the point that my studio was at when I left and where I aspired for it to be starting up again here in January and also looking forward to April. A long list of questions were presented to us on Friday so consider over the weekend...some of which I have put deep consideration into and others which I either do not know how to answer right now or am not sure how to interpret with the information my machine is providing me with or inspiring me with....anyways, here is the beginning...

How does the machine engage with the environment?

Ultimately the machine & the environment would work together to create a space or structure. They would function by making use of the limitations of the other therefore creating boundaries from one another, basically there would be a mutual harmony between them.

Does the machine project into space?

Right now I find it easier to think in terms of the 'machine' as the creator of space rather than the inhabiter. This could be in the form of light or through a method of extension, both of which were explored last semester. The complexity of the final product would be a result of time as a layering effect would begin to form. The purpose of letting the machine project to create the product would be that it would communicate its intention without human translation or intervention...rather interruption...the result would be literal and pure.

What is the spatial behaviour of the device?

The machine provides a view of the relationship between the upper and lower spaces associated with itself. Behaviorally in terms of space it is limited to where it can travel within an area according to the conditions of the ground plane. Because of this the upper antennae are also limited because they can only travel where the legs take them. Spatially its behaviour is to claim, invade, interrupt and transform an area occupied by darkness through the introduction of light.

How does it claim space?

The machine claims its space physically, in the moment, by simply being present - similar to any other concrete element, but it also leaves traces of behaviour that inhabit the space as well as an inticipation of movement that occupies an area without the machine having even move yet, basically it has presence.

What are its spatial conditions?

The machine needs a space that gives it the freedom to create. Walls have always seemed to me as limiting barriers, or of less significance in terms of presence within the project, I've viewed them more as unnecessary elements. A ground plane and ceiling plane however suggest the definition of an area without necessarily enforcing it or limiting the machine.

How is time considered as a spatial condition?

The machine doesn't necessarily need time in the typical sense, in the sense of the passing of minutes. Its actions can occupy as much time as it is provided with. Small portions of time can be layered over one another to create the illusion of time.

What other spatial conditions need to be considered?

Currently what the machine requires is a relatively flat ground plane however the adaptation of the walking motion to another condition can be introduced by ways of considering pneumatics or some sort of shock absorbent system involving a fitting attached to the foot or an entire redesign of the leg and its functionality.

What is the condition of the system?

Technically three systems are working together to create the larger overall system. The original mechanical system is in place which allows the movement of the legs through the motor and gears. The timer system is then incorporated onto the mechanical system manipulating its functionality in terms of timing, occurrence and overall capability of movement. The lighting system is then incorporated into the overall system. This system is independent in that the machine does not have to be physically active in order for the lights to appear yet their movement is a direct result of the other two systems working together. Therefore the effectiveness and capability of the system as a whole is a direct result of the smaller systems existing in harmony.

What are the characteristics of the space that it could inhabit?

I'm tempted to turn back to an earlier idea that I had involving the machine being partially submerged in water. I'm not exactly sure how this would carry out but the legs could potentially have some sort of capability to transmit information sensed underwater and then translated by the reactive movement of the antennae, which would in turn be given form through light...I have not completely developed this thought...

Alternatively I would like to find a space with characteristics involving the division of lower and upper space...or an area which is missing one of these components...or missing the components of side...overall I'm not completely sure...I want to visit the site to get a feel for what I may be drawn to.

The Dance

2007-12-16T00:37:00.001-06:00

After receiving some critiques during the final presentation concerning the relationship of my machine and myself being somewhat representational of a dance I decided that I would take some photos of it and myself doing just that - dancing. It actually makes a lot of sense now that I think about it...the relationship between the machine and myself has been an unusual one, something that I never expected. It's weird to have feelings for a machine that go beyond it being an inanimate object...although this brings some of my original research concerning the blurring of machine and man into light again for me to investigate further. All I know for now is that I have been dependent on my machine for the past four months and now it relies on me for assistance to balance. Oddly enough while taking these photos tonight whenever I let the machine go, no matter where I was standing it came towards me....

The Accident...2am - 2 days before deadline

2007-12-11T13:52:00.000-06:00

So after attaching most of the antennae I decided to take the walking machine on a bit of a test run, I have been doing after adding each component so that I could identify any potential problems gradually so as to not end up with many issues at the end. Everything was going great as it had been until the it lost its balance and slipped on the tile in the hallway crashing against the wall and falling to the floor....everything survived except for the front piece to the new foot component on the machine's right leg...dammit...

A re-make of the piece is currently being laser cut as I write this post as well as two entirely new feet which contain more material and less void space which I think was most of the problem for the breakage as can be seen in the photos. The piece that snapped was only 1/8" in thickness in a space that may be stressed quite a bit...I'm not totally sure...it could have simply been the force of the fall in general...either way, back to the drawing board!

base & disc system re-design - components

2007-12-11T13:43:00.000-06:00

Other components that also received a re-design for increased functionality and general cohesiveness of the system as a whole were the base holding the motor/gear box in place between the two legs which was originally the yellow plastic pieces adapted with wire so that the legs would not slide out to the sides. Secondly the disc system needed to be rethought so that an exact amount of wire rods could be accommodated as well as all the wiring that needed to take place to run charges to the new LED system. Also space needed to be provided for the circuitry and battery packs to be mounted now that the feet have been re-designed.

The Foot Returns - Part Deux

2007-12-11T13:35:00.000-06:00

As seen in a previous post I also decided to readdress the design of the foot so as to create a more functional piece directly suited to the needs of the component and the system as a whole. After the pieces were cut using the laser cutter I then assembled them to create the foot piece which attaches to the bottom of the original leg component, creating a sort of sleeve effect. The rods will receive some sort of an attachment, which is still to come, as well as a red rubber capping to finish the end which is not touching the ground surface.

Antennae - Part 1

2007-12-11T13:20:00.000-06:00

The antennae on the top of the walking monster were the first component that needed re-designing as there were a few issues that needed to be resolved. The antennae design consisted of very thin steel rods with a lot of flexibility on which the positive arm of an standard red LED was soldered to the top end. The rods were then covered in a single length of clear shrink tubing to insulate the rod's positive electrical charge that would be applied from below. The negative post of the LED was then soldered to another very thin piece of wire and insulated to separate it from the positive charge. The thin wire was then twisted around the outside of the rod with the shrink tubing, therefore bringing the negative charge also to the bottom of the rod, yet keeping it separate from the positive charge. I was then able to weave the rod and the wire through the system of disks I had created containing many tiny holes the same size as the steel rod so that reconfiguration could occur or more rods could be added in the future. In total I decided to produce 8 antennae, each of which contained a positive charge and a negative charge which powered the LED on the end, therefore making it possible to draw with light.

Several issues needed to be addressed including the weight of the antennae as the plastic tubing and the large LED's caused each individual rod to flop over to the side. As a temporary fix I secured the bunch with a wire strapping which caused the rods to curve outwards creating a kind of flowering effect. Each of these issues will be resolved in the re-design....to come!

Cut Diagram

2007-12-10T19:59:00.001-06:00

The first step in my re-building process was designing new components to be cut on the laser cutter in place of some original pieces as well as some previous elements that needed tweaking. I will explain each element individually but here is the diagram that was used for cutting as they all needed to be completed on the same day. The cutting diagram includes new pieces for the feet as well as the top piece of the body to secure all of the antennae in place....

The Foot Returns

2007-12-06T20:52:00.001-06:00

Image of Time

2007-12-06T00:49:00.001-06:00

A different depiction of the drawings I completed last week with the overlaying images, this image simply shows the areas in which the LED's spent the most time (red) to the least time (turquoise). The image not only tracks the lights in terms of location but it also captures an element of time within a still frame.

Translator II: Grower - Neat!

2007-12-06T00:31:00.000-06:00

Something I thought was really interesting that I came across while doing some research the other night on grass and the idea of artificial grass. ---->

Translator II: Grower, by Chicago-based artist Sabrina Raaf, is a rover robot which navigates hugging a room's walls and responding to the carbon dioxide levels in the air by drawing varying heights of "grass" on the walls in green ink.

Grower senses the CO2 level in the air via a digital sensor. The more people in an exhibit space breathing in oxygen and exhaling CO2, the higher the grass line.

By the end of an exhibition, the bases of all the walls in the space will be covered with fine green lines which together resemble a cross-section drawing of a field of grass. This simulated grass is just like the grass found in nature: it needs CO2 to grow.

Watching the artistic output of a machine sensitive to its environment makes the people in the space more sensitive to their environment too. Besides, the piece demonstrates how much art institutions depend on visitors to make thriving spaces for new art evolve and flourish.

Fireworks Beside the Sea

2007-12-06T00:07:00.000-06:00

(A Shore Point in New Hampshire)

Pigeons shot from the pavilion eaves
At the first explosion, fanning out over
The festive crowd avid for any violence
If only to see some rockets launched
Against the sea's wide darkness and silence.
A final rocket on the dark,
A constellation hovering near,
A momentary chandelier,
Lightened the summer shore of faces,
The land, the sea, the heavenly places,
And then winked out. Like burning leaves,
The slow debris rained down the air.
The birds that roved, affrighted, everywhere
Rained into the pavilion eaves.

Ernest Kroll

Overture: The Narrow Path Toward the Whole

2007-12-05T23:51:00.001-06:00

(Page 1 of 4)

supplies obtained!

2007-12-04T21:55:00.000-06:00

Three and a half hours later I have successfully picked up all the materials on my list! Aside from the miscellaneous stuff that I needed including a new soldering iron...mine saw better days before Montreal...I got the necessary supplies to make the adjustments on my monster beginning tomorrow.

Coming up with a new solution for attaching the metal 1/8" rod legs has always been something that I have been playing around with. I now have the kit I need to start tapping so that I can give the rod a threaded section, which can then be attached to a foot with a threaded hole.

I was also successful in finding some sort of a paint that has electricity insulating properties. After doing some research I found that paint with silicon dioxide or teflon worked as good insulators but after researching further I found a product for insulating connections between two wires, which should work well for what I'm doing in terms of coating the thin rods for the antennae.

I was also able to get 42 more thin steel rods for the antennae so I will be able to complete my original vision of having quite a large amount of grassy movement on the top of the monster. Also I got the very tiny super bright LED's that I determined I needed so that the antennae could be reduced in weight from what they are currently.

I will be streamlining as much as possible in terms of weight on the monster which will hopefully allow it to not be attached to a point or a line and be self contained with all of its components.

Here's the deal...

2007-12-04T13:34:00.000-06:00

After my crit at the end of last week I had a lot to think about. Here I am with this wonderful machine that has the ability to construct spaces out of light within darkness, to be honest the whole idea of that freaks me out a little even though it's really something wonderful that I didn't expect to be so complex. The plan as of Friday was to begin the thought process to translate the movement and essence of what I have created with my walking monster into possibly something else. I spent the next few days doing research looking for some precedence and also trying to come up with a design of a new machine to build. After becoming completely frustrated and overwhelmed I realized that maybe it wasn't about creating something new but instead with perfecting something that already is so rich.

No matter what ideas I was coming up with this past weekend nothing seemed to be as dynamic as the walking monster at this point in time. Maybe the thought process for that needs to become a little more developed but I think it's a sign to me that I need to concentrate and not be so quick to run away from a good thing. Therefore I am sticking with my walking monster.

The next little while will be spent perfecting technical details that were either made as quick fixes or simply because I did not have the knowledge or resources to do them differently at the time. I will meticulously go through my machine and record different elements of function to see if there are improvements that can be made (I'm sure there always are) or a way I can maybe achieve something differently. I'm happy with this decision because I'm making the decision to stick with something and work rigorously on it.

The second half of my journey for the next week and half (my current plan!) is to work on how my monster is going to be contained. Firstly I just want to say that I'm not ok with the idea of 'containing' my monster per say...I'm going to be thinking of it more in terms of creating a smaller version of the environment which my machine holds potential to function how I am intending in. Ideally I would have the room to myself and have all the lights off...but we all know that that's not possible...so I will be constructing a sort of curtain system so that an area can be blocked off with simulated darkness, to create a suggestion of a dark environment.

Hopefully all goes as planned, it should be a busy week!

Light Canopy

2007-11-29T21:58:00.000-06:00

Carbon Walking Machine Drawings - Take 1

2007-11-25T22:03:00.000-06:00

Walking Drawing Machine

2007-11-25T21:43:00.000-06:00

This weekend I took over Center Space, literally. Finding a way to track the walking movement of my walking machine proved a little more difficult than tracking its antenna. I thought about potentially attaching a drawing instrument to each of the legs but again I did not want to inhibit the natural movement of the legs, so this idea moved to the back shelf. Instead I decided to use carbon paper, from the suggestion of Patrick in a crit last week. Since my walking machine covers a large area I knew I needed a large space with a hard surface flooring (much like Montreal - Black Box), a ceiling that I could hang the 'insides' from, and somewhere that I could turn the lights out for the antenna LED photography. Center Space was perfect!

I bought a package of typewriter carbon paper because it can be used many times and still achieve the same transfer result, and also it is black. I decided to use approximately 100 sheets and laid them out on the floor within the boundaries of which the walking monster could travel, face down on top of 3 large sheets of strathmore paper. On top of this I then laid out 3 strips of tracing paper and taped the seams together to eliminate tripping of the walking monster which would in turn effect the drawing. From here it was simply up to the walking monster to travel around his confined space and draw for me!

I sat with the walking monster for 2 hours of his trip late Saturday night, and then again for 2 more hours on Sunday morning while he finished things off, which for whatever reason proved to be more finicky than Saturday night, requiring the repair of a broken leg attachment (all is better now!). The final result was magnificent, and although more subtle than I originally envisioned the result is still amazing and is a wonderful illustration of the walking motion of my monster.

Light Drawings - Take 1

2007-11-25T21:19:00.001-06:00

This weekend the focus was on capturing the actions, movements, tendencies, quirks and personality of my large walking machine, which will be my main focus until the end of term as it is the most developed of the two. The two main actions of the walking machine are its ability to shuffle and stumble in a walking motion across the floor as well as its dynamic antenna which as discussed in an earlier posting have the appearance of flowing grass blowing in the wind.

I decided from earlier experimentation with long exposure light photography that this would be the most rewarding technique to use when trying to capture the movement of the antenna. This method also proved effective to make use of as I did not want to inhibit their natural movement or falsify their natural reactions to the walking motion. By attaching an LED to each of them I am able to track their movement by simply turning off the light, which provides no interference to their motion.

I was quite pleased with my findings, as I knew their would obviously be a tracking of their movements, I did not however realize that even though their paths of travel seemed quite random their was in many cases a pattern to their movements. This repetitive act of movement creates geometric patterns that appear almost as shapes, a kind of helix?

This is only a small sampling of the hours of photos taken this afternoon, more are to come. I am also going to be using the photos overlaid with one another to identify further patterning and continue with my course of tracking movement through drawing!

Drawing...begins tomorrow!

2007-11-20T22:00:00.000-06:00

Taking a few days to let Monday's studio sink in a little and digest tomorrow will mark the beginning of some intense days of drawing. I will go further in depth day by day as I progress but the plan right now is to track the movement of the legs of my monsters through a carbon paper transfer technique and to track the grassy limbs on top by using light mapping. It should be exciting!

Pondering & Portfolio

2007-11-17T22:38:00.000-06:00

Nothing necessarily groundbreaking or earth shattering to report from the last few days other than portfolio work seems to be moving along quite nicely. I realize it's maybe a tad early to be concentrating this heavily on portfolio already but it seems as though at the end of the semester I'm so rushed that I never get to do as thorough of a job on it as I would like - hence this semester I'm being pro-active and starting early - this is kinda a big deal for me!

While working away on the portfolio I'm pondering the list of stuff that needs to get done this week for studio, or rather simply thought about...not entirely sure...but it's plaguing my thoughts! The following questions need to be addressed -

- What does your monster/thing do?
- What is it about?
- What is its purpose?
- What is its site? (not specific at this point, characteristic)

Also some other items that need to be thought about are -

- Gathering all portfolio material (currently have an ok handle on this...I think)
- Suggest where the 'thing' should go (also addressed above in questions)
- Evolution
- Purpose
- Interpretations and tectonics
- Percenium
- Autopoetic system
- What are its disturbances?
- GOOD drawings
- Light & sound considerations

All of this is in the works, I'll update appropriately!

Research & Prairie Grass

2007-11-15T22:57:00.000-06:00

Getting back on track with some quality textual research that will hopefully become inspiration or at least clarity to advance with studio, here are my newest additions...

- Soft Architecture
- Architecture and...
- Modular Growth in Seed Plants
- The Driftwood Aesthetic
- The Kindergarten

Also I'm diving right into information surrounding prairie grasses and what their purpose, function & form communicates which is what the form of my walking machines seem to be leading me towards at this point in time.

To digress, I realize that while in Montreal I felt confused about what the next step I needed to take was and how I needed to interpret the form that had essentially evolved through my process - long extended structures that for whatever reason keep leading my thoughts to grass blowing in the wind (of course along with a supportive sub structure of stick like legs). If it makes any sense all of a sudden everything seems very organic and imitative of nature through not only form but action as well. What I can appreciate about what I have created is that it too is also random, not unlike grass blowing in the wind - unpredictable & confined only to the certain restraints of space or condition, whichever is present. To make the million thoughts that are running frantically through my mind at 11pm on a Thursday night simple - I'm thinking about grass blowing in the wind. Period.

A quick re-cap of the week @ Concordia...in depth details to come!

2007-11-13T16:11:00.000-06:00

A quick re-cap of the Black Box week @ Concordia University...each day involved visitors, critiques, individual work, set up & informal lectures or discussions...but here is a brief description of each day, kind of...

Monday ---> Basically a day of set up and checking out the space with organization for the week ahead...see previous post titled 'Inhabiting the Black Box' for a better idea of the
space. Monsters were assembled with my new fabricated pieces, which work and look great.

Tuesday ---> During the morning we had some tours of the Hexagram facility, AMAZING! The rest of the day consisted on more set up but individually rather than group organization. Chris and I rigged up our 'telephone pole' hanging horizontal wire system (which can also be seen in the 'Inhabiting the Black Box' post) for our monsters to be suspended from, which proved effective.

Wednesday ---> I started experimentation with fiber optics after my discussion with Flower to attach to the flowing 'antenna' of my monsters (see fiber optics - light extensions for photos)...as well as progressing with circuitry and getting my monsters to interact with each other.

Thursday ---> Basically a work day again, a lot more progression with circuity...this will have to be explained more in depth with a separate post to clarify in depth...stay tuned! At this point in the week I thought it would be interesting to take my prototypical circuits and make them permanent... perhaps I didn't have enough time for this at this point in the week...ha ha but I did get it done, so I guess that's all that counts!

Friday ---> An overall crazzzzzy day trying to get prepared for 5-7pm exhibition 'Grotesque Perturbations'. At this point I had finished making my boards but they were not yet working perfectly with the monsters, therefore the day was spent in extreme frustration trying to get everything working with the help of Nick and Patrick as some new elements needed to be added to what I had created. The show went GREAT!!!

Back from the Box! (and Toronto)

2007-11-13T16:06:00.000-06:00

I survived the Black Box and am officially back in Winnipeg after a quick few day jaunt through Toronto...trust me I needed it after Montreal!

Being at Concordia all week was extremely intense, but in the end well worth it from the amount that I was able to achieve in progressing with the process of my monsters. I had no idea that everything would come together by Friday to produce such a fantastic show, well done everyone! The following posts will be a brief catch up from the week as blogging on top of everyday work was proving to be a challenge, yet I still want to make sure that everything is documented on here as well...better late than never!

Erro Ambulo

2007-11-08T13:49:00.000-06:00

Inhabiting the Black Box

2007-11-08T13:07:00.000-06:00

The Black Box is a large theatre space within Corcordia University in Montreal of which Hexagram is affiliated with. We basically picked up our studio from Winnipeg and moved it here for the week to work on 'Grotesque Pertubations' - soft architecture / Dedale studio workshop, working along with the Topological Media Lab.

To give an idea of a space - extremely high ceiling with a grid system used for lighting and suspension, a concrete grid floor which is conductive and also have removable panels, black fabric panel walls and one huge white wall for projection purposes.

When we arrived we began to lay out the space for placement purposes and also equipment locations. There are also 3 suspended ceiling truss rigs used for lighting, sound & projection - all of which is integrated into the exhibition using various techniques. Since Monday we have all been working on our individual 'monsters' and introducing a form of interaction to our ideas.

My walking monsters are suspended along a cable system which is attached to two posts secured to the floor. Clamps on each side of the post allow the cable system to be shared by Chris' hanging monsters to futher emphasize the element of interaction. The electronic bodies of my monsters are suspended from the cable system using pullys so that they can walk along the floor. The hollowness of the floor system amplifies the action of the walking motion into a scraping noise, which should work wonderfully with the wireless microphone of which I hope to make use of before tomorrow.

Day 3 @ Hexagram

2007-11-08T00:29:00.000-06:00

Fiber Optics - Light Extensions

2007-11-07T12:52:00.001-06:00

Components in Context

2007-11-07T12:50:00.001-06:00

Components

2007-11-03T00:24:00.001-05:00

Diagrams for Black Box Theatre

2007-11-02T11:04:00.000-05:00

The following are diagrams for what my machine's are currently capable of, performance wise, after today there will be some additional interactivity between the two sets, but nothing that would change my set up. Basically the two walking monsters and the YMCA elmo move along the ground and require a suspended cable system (horizontal) which can be seen in the sketch below. As far as location in the room a more open portion of the space would work well as there is potential for interaction with the works of others.

New touch puppets

2007-10-31T23:37:00.001-05:00

While doing some research tonight to hopefully find some inspiration for some more of my objects within the world of puppetry I came across an old fashioned toy commonly known as either the 'climbing man' or 'climbing monkey'. Basically the toy consists of a figure suspended between two strings with the ability to slide up and down according to which string is pulled due to friction creation in the manner of which the strings are attached. When the toy moves up the strings it appears as though it is climbing - I find this absolutely fascinating! So I picked a member of my army and gave it a try!

I decided to use YMCA Elmo because he has similar arm actions to that of a human, if that was whom were to be controlling the toy. This worked great! Originally I made the figure out of paper and then decided to switch to a metal plate because I could create the same effect that I had with my walking monsters touching each other. Here is the outcome so far...

Touch supportive components

2007-10-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

Figuring out, with the circuitry that I created at the end of the weekend, what I wanted to do with my monsters has lead me into creating components to allow this to function more effectively. Basically, before I had simply placed a steel rod on the two monster's hands...but after critiques last week I have decided to move further away from the monster's animal identities and more towards viewing them instead as more like systems or simply components working together to create an action or set of occurrences. To do this I have chosen to remove the arm elements for the original toys and begin to work upwards in creating taller creatures that have a more structural identity. This involved the designing of some components because I am now creating something new instead of working with what is available to me.
The 2 new components that I am working on serve the purpose of supporting the very thin rods attached to each monster that will activate a set of independent events or occurrences. I am adding new elements to existing structural components to create extensions of pieces that work well.

Creating light through interaction & touch

2007-10-28T21:44:00.000-05:00

With my new found electronics knowledge gained this afternoon (funny yes) I was able to start thinking a lot more in depth about where I wanted my walking creatures to progress. Patrick and I had talked more again on Friday about my monsters being able to interact with each other more so than they are currently (with relating to each other only through walking). Either way I knew I needed to work more on the projection aspect of the studio...so here goes!

While learning circuits today I was happy to discover that the steel rods I had got to extend the monster's limbs was able to conduct a current (yay!) and so could a thin sheet of metal that I also got a hold of (even better!!!). This opens up a whole bunch of possibilities for where I can go from here. So I tested this condition, or what I figured might be possible....

Honestly I was so excited when this worked, even though I realize that it's a simple thing (keep in mind that I have no previous electronics background). So I took this idea and translated through the actions of my monsters. I attached a thin steel rod to the top of each them that would sway back and forth. On the Chicken I created the positive portion of the circuit from the battery pack and ran a wire to the new limb. Another wire ran from the Chicken to the positive end of an LED taped to the wall on the other side of the room. On the Teletubby I linked a wire to its new limb and ran the other end of this across the room and attached it to the negative leg of the LED.

To complete the circuit and turn on the LED all that had to happen was that the two monster's new limbs would come into contact with each other throughout their sporadic walking around the room attached to their new cable suspension system (wire with pulleys running along them which each monster has to support their 'insides' and give them boundaries). This may not happen often but when it does the LED across the room becomes lit up!!! (the video is very dim, so watch closely)

By doing this I now have a million new ideas running through my mind! Basically I now want to combine the contact of the two monsters with each other along with the solo contact of each individual monster with other unique elements. My first idea is having the two, when touching each other still powering a system of lighting but to add something else to the mix I will hang other metal panels throughout their shared space which will be wired to either more lighting circuits or sound activating circuits - either should be exciting and will create a series of independent and unique outcomes. Stay tuned!

LED...oooo...ahhhh

2007-10-28T21:26:00.000-05:00

So I figured it's about time that I started to actually work with electronics - this is a huge step for me! I'm not exactly sure why I haven't created any circuits yet, I think it's mainly because my focus had been more on mechanical elements....either way, here goes!

My first step was to go over some of the basics. I went back and read a lot of the "intro" stuff that Patrick posted way back at the beginning of September, it was a huge help, also so was Randy that showed me the basics of the breadboard (there's your shout out!). Anyways I started extremely easy with creating an LED circuit and then from there I started experimenting with resistors and light sensors - overall it was a very productive & exciting day for me!

My first LED lit up!

Once I figured out one LED it wasn't long before I had a few set up, but I was pretty happy that I started using resistors which allowed me to dim some of the lights - the photo above shows 3 of the same green LED but all at different brightnesses.

I had some light sensors so I decided to see if I could make one work, success! I was pretty proud of this one :)

Jacob's Ladder

2007-10-27T19:32:00.000-05:00

I came across this - 'Jacob's Ladder' while doing some research and think it's amazing!!! If you google the term check out the images, some are fantastic!

Borrowed from - Visual Entertainment - http://www.answers.com/topic/spark-gap?cat=technology

A Jacob's Ladder with electrical arc

A Jacob's ladder (more formally, a high voltage traveling arc) is a device for producing a continuous train of large sparks which rise upwards. The spark gap is formed by two wires, approximately vertical but gradually diverging away from each other towards the top.

When high voltage is applied to the gap, a spark forms across the bottom of the wires where they are nearest each other, rapidly changing to an electric arc. Air breaks down at about 1MV/m (24kV/in), depending on humidity, temperature, etc. Apart from the anode and cathode voltage drops, the arc behaves almost as a short circuit, drawing as much current as the electrical power supply can deliver, and the heavy load dramatically reduces the voltage across the gap.

The heated, ionized air rises, carrying the current path with it. As the trail of ionization gets longer, it becomes more unstable, finally breaking. The voltage across the electrodes then rises and the spark re-forms at the bottom of the device.

This cycle leads to an exotic-looking display of electric white, yellow, blue or purple arcs which is often seen in movies about mad scientists. The device was a staple in schools and science fairs of the 1950s and 1960s, typically constructed out of a Model T spark coil, or any other source of high voltage in the 10,000 volt - 30,000 volt range, like a neon sign transformer or circuit (10-30 kV) or a television picture tube circuit (flyback transformer) (10-28 kV), and two coat hangers or rods built into a "V" shape. The sparks can burn through thin paper and plastic and start fires; contact with the exposed high voltage can be lethal.

Chicken Monster

2007-10-25T17:08:00.000-05:00

There are still some bugs to work out but this is the first prototype for the what I'm calling for now 'Chicken Monster'...based on the same process as the Teletubby Monster I have extended the legs which has in turn created new erratic movements. Currently I am having some issues involving balance as his legs have more joints than the Teletubby as well as a rotating hip joint instead of a stationary one. What I find intriguing about him at this point is that he moves very fast and his movement is completed in two stages - the first a brisk walk and the second a significantly faster run - with a pause in between for about 4 seconds. His arms also have their own up and down action movement independent of the leg movement which should be interesting to work with.

Plan B - Foot

2007-10-25T16:24:00.000-05:00

Due to the failure of 'Plan A' I then created 'Plan B', which as I mentioned in a previous post involved an idea from earlier in my process that I decided to revisit. Basically a cutout of wood, sized larger than the existing foot shape, was designed to be sandwiched between the two pieces of plastic. This new shape became the base for securing the metal rods which act as legs to the monster. The shape started as simply a larger version of the original shape but after some trial and error I was able to modify the design so that less material could be used, therefore cutting down on the weight of the foot, which was an earlier issue I was aware of this time around. By modifying the shape I was also able to cut down on the possibility of the two feet hitting each other in the middle.

I first traced the plastic foot and made a cutout from mill board as a prototype as I knew the design might change once I secured the piece.

The shape was then able to be modified to preserve material and cut down on weight of the component.

I then took a tracing of the mill board foot with a few dimensions and imported it into AutoCad so that I could create a more polished template that I could reproduce easier and also mirror to create the opposite foot.

From here I used a wood composite board to create a new foot from the template I produced and then incorporated it into the monster with a connection piece I also created to secure the metal rod legs. The connection of leg to foot consists of a nut secured to the rod with high strength metal glue so that the leg would not slip out of the foot holes drilled into the wood board. The nut was then secured to a piece of nylon coated galvanized strapping used for copper piping so that a screw could be placed on each side of the rod connection, therefore prohibiting the rod from rotating, also an earlier issue I faced. Finally a nut was then placed on each of the screws sandwiching the connection around the wood board foot.

The end result of 'Plan A'

2007-10-25T16:20:00.000-05:00

As promised here is a photo from 'Plan A' failure...or rather 'learning experience'. Despite the fact that I spent the weekend using this method for making the feet of the Teletubby monster that didn't even work in the end, I did however learn a ton about mold making.

Plan A failed but Plan B is a success!

2007-10-25T00:59:00.000-05:00

So unfortunately, or not depending on how I look at it I guess, my mold making failed, kinda miserably. Each individual step seemed to go well, and I honestly had a really positive and hopeful outcome for the process as a whole as well as a potentially really cool final product, but in the end it just didn't work out.

Basically to summarize things the rubber mold worked great to a certain extent but it took way to long and probably would have greatly benefited from about twice as many coats. The rubber mold had issues sticking to the plaster backing, which I probably should have seen coming, and then because of the fragile state of the rubber portion of the mold, unfortunately the resin seeped in between the two layers and acted more like a glue between the two - I totally didn't see this coming. Anyways once I managed to finally get the resin piece out of the two part mold it honestly wasn't going to work exactly how I planned. The fit was just not precise enough and the holes for the steel leg rods just weren't going to work.

So after days of hard work, frustration set in and with some brainstorming a new plan got set into place yesterday! I call it - Plan B!

Plan B reverts back to what I had originally discussed during an earlier guest crit - sandwiching a material in between the two foot pieces and securing the rods somehow - the "somehow" is the part that has been a rediculous battle! Sketches will get posted along with photos tomorrow but basically my 'monster' is now walking again, yay, and the system that I have used allows me to completely disassemble him and pack him up for Montreal (always a plus).

A have achieved a little tiny piece of success and will now continue to move forward!

Walking Monster - pre-deconstruction

2007-10-23T16:23:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the sideways video...I wanted to get this up on my site but I can't get it flipped around for whatever reason, when I have a new one with the new foot construction I will post it :) For now, just tilt your heads to the right...

Motion

2007-10-22T21:41:00.000-05:00

Frustration sets in

2007-10-22T21:31:00.000-05:00

Currently I am overwhelmed! I am absolutely in love with the possibilities of my walking Teletubby in terms of interaction as well as entertainment, but at the same time this excitement has also been discouraging me. Although the other objects that I have hold tons of potential, their capabilities just don't seem to be fitting the ideas that I'm having in terms of movement, especially in terms of movement as a group.

Ideas have been flying through my head like crazy and my concept has been changing slightly more everyday. Despite the changes that I may be making to my ideas my underlying theme stays the same which is research based - movement, puppetry, interaction -

So out of frustration today I went on the hunt for more items that spoke to me in the same way that the Teletubby does. I managed to find a few things that I'm really happy with in terms of possibility. The first is a tiny walking duck and the second is a bouncing Tigger. The duck excites me so much in that it will be amazing once I extend its legs in the same way that I'm doing currently with the Teletubby, but it walks much faster and has a more complicated arm movement opening up a few more possibilities that way. The Tigger has a crazy amount of leg power and I'm hoping to give him a few more legs than the other two character which should create a really interesting movement!

So hopefully this means I'm on track to something good, not that I wasn't before but it feels like I'm still lacking focus....tomorrow will hopefully be clearer! It's not that I'm not moving forward it's just that I'm not totally sure where I'm headed....although that may not be a negative thing...

Imitation of Movement

2007-10-21T17:50:00.000-05:00

Looking at the general paths of motion of each of my objects I then related this to the actions of certain animals so that I could attempt to mirror the movements and behaviours that each are associated with. So far only a few seemed obvious and I hope to look at others this week more carefully so that I can pair them appropriately.

From here mimicking the animals through puppetry is my next plan of action. Once each action is assigned an animal I can then extend the movements and attach a cutout to the exaggeration. The iconic images can then be projected onto the wall with a light source, therefore turning the machine into the manipulator, taking the human out of the process which is an idea I keep coming back to which is taken from The Chess Player written by Mark Sussman previously mentioned in earlier posts.

Another possibility is that the animal figures can have their own light source so that when the lights are dimmed the visuality of the machines is no longer the focus but instead the focus is the animal images which seem to be alive.

Simple Beauty of Puppetry

2007-10-20T22:36:00.000-05:00

While searching for some inspiration this afternoon after a day of experimentation with mechanisms and mold making I came across a website dedicated to Puppeteers that is extremely interesting!

My main goal at this point is to link together the three elements that are most important to the context of what I'm hoping to create -

exaggeration - beauty of the simple mechanical movement - puppetry

- through these things working together I hope to achieve a sense of poetic chaos

At this point some of the images that are making my imagination run wild with possibility are -

Component Construction - the beginning! (feet)

2007-10-19T21:35:00.000-05:00

Today I went and got all the necessary supplies to begin the construction of new feet for my monster that will incorporate the new legs into their design. After talking to a bunch of people, visiting a few art stores and searching the internet like a maniac I have decided to attempt some mold making which will give me a final product made out of resin.
The first step in the process was figuring out the new design for the feet and then modeling them out of clay. This is where I currently am in the process. The rest of the step will begin in the morning as they will take several hours and must be completed all at once. Next will be coating my clay models with several coats of liquid rubber which is designed for mold making. Each layer must be painted on waiting 30 min in between each coat. After this is complete I will then make a base for the mold out of plaster of paris. Next I will fill the rubber mold (female piece) with a thin layer of clay the thickness that I wish the final object to be to create space between the female and male parts of the two part "squish mold". Once this is in place I will coat the inside with several coats of rubber once again and then complete the mold making process by filling the male portion with plaster to give it rigidity. Once both sides of the mold are dry and ready to go I will mix the resin mixture and pour it into the female side of the mold filling it about half way and then I will place the male side of the mold into the female side forcing the resin to fill the void between the two pieces. I will then wait for the resin to dry and pull the two pieces of the mold apart...and hopefully I will be left with a resin component in the form of the foot I have designed...we shall see!!!

Traces of Light

2007-10-18T22:30:00.000-05:00

I decided to track some of the movement of the monster (formerly the Teletubby) today by recording its sporadic walking while having the lights dimmed so that I could concentrate on the actions of the upper limbs in particular. Attached to the ends of each arm is a small light bulb (not an LED) extracted from the sparkle tummy panel of the original toy. I was fascinated to see that the movement was very different each time I activated him adding to the general sense of chaos. The flailing arms created gorgeous curves of light each unique and equally intriguing. Hopefully I will be able to set up a similar experiment involving the legs once the foot attachment is completed to see if I achieve similar results even though the movement doesn't seem as extreme.