GHASSAN ALSERAYHI
MSc. Arch, M. Arch, B. Arch, Assoc. SCE
ARCHITECT + EDUCATOR + RESEARCHER
LIGHT LEAK AND MATERIAL CHANGE
SUBJECT: ‘PRACTICUM’
TYPE: DESIGN RESEARCH SEMINAR
INSTRUCTOR: CATIE NEWELL
DATE: 2022
Concurrently, the 'sender' part of the project is integrated with the actual art pieces. This component, installed at each selected exhibit, is designed to interact with the wearable receivers. When a visitor, equipped with the receiver, gets close to the art piece, the sender responds with its own set of signals and lights. This interaction serves as a notification and a form of connection, signaling to the visitor that they have arrived at the art piece they are interested in. This project, therefore, is not just a technological marvel but also a narrative enhancer. It bridges the gap between the visitor and the artwork, creating a personalized and interactive experience. By using light and signals, the project facilitates a unique form of communication between the art and the audience, enriching the visitor's experience and fostering a deeper connection with the exhibited pieces. The design challenge lies in creating these two devices to be both functionally effective and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the museum.
This part of the project blends 2D cutting with 3D construction using the Zund Cutter and materials like Yupo Paper, PETG, and a microcontroller with LED lights. Central to this is the Adafruit Circuit Playground Bluefruit (CPB), a microcontroller and light source. The project involves shaping PETG and Yupo forms into interactive sensory devices, emphasizing light behavior, material efficiency, and geometric design.
Teams of three design these objects, pairing light with one of six senses - sight, sound, proprioception, thermoception, vestibular, or time. The challenge extends to efficient material use, avoiding adhesives, and ensuring each group's design fits within a 16 square feet material limit. The project also incorporates motion sensors and light detectors.
A vital aspect is crafting a support system for the light source and battery, making it accessible yet discreet. The project aims to create an immersive sensory experience, blending design innovation, technical skills, and material conservation with a fusion of traditional and contemporary design methods.
THE ORIGAMI DIAGRAM OF THE TWO PARTS OF THE PROJECT
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continues the exploration of 2D cutting tools, this time focusing on the use of a waterjet to craft thin gauge metal parts. This project builds upon the foundations laid in "Project 01: Light Leak," but introduces a significant shift in materials - from paper or plastic to metal. This change requires a thoughtful redesign, adapting to the distinct properties of metal. The project's primary assembly techniques include folding, tabbing, notching, and spot welding to create 3D forms.
The transition to metal brings new design challenges and learning opportunities. Students must consider how the alteration in tool, material, and opacity will impact their results, leading to necessary modifications in scale, fit, form, and assembly logic. Unlike the glow and diffusion seen in Project 01, light behaviors in metal structures will present as shards, shadows, and leaks. This alteration calls for a reevaluation of the circuit python code and a heightened focus on energy efficiency in design.
The primary design challenge is to create a single sensory device that is energy-efficient. Operational and procedural constraints require students to adapt their Light Leak project designs to the new material's constraints. This involves testing cut notches and details and producing 3 to 7 component pieces that will be assembled into one cohesive object using notching, tabbing, or spot welding techniques. This project not only tests students' ability to adapt and redesign but also deepens their understanding of material properties and their impact on design and functionality.