Working with Found Objects

posted by Chris Chalmers

More often than not, new parametric component-based designs rely on custom fabricated pieces for their construction. Their form is allowed to be free-flowing only because the individual pieces vary dimensionally to accommodate. However, the use of re-used or recycled materials often means working with fixed dimensions.  Some of my current work  involves negotiating free-form designs using either found objects, or stock items which are available only in a finite number of sizes.

CupWall

This project uses translucent plastic cups, attached to a laser-cut cardboard substructure.

The mockup below was made with actual beer cups from a party (They have been washed).

The corrugated cardboard ribs have  attachment clips laser-cut into their profiles.

The cups are also held- together with the plastic clips used in the mockup, which are  laser-cut from acrylic sheet.

Tile Wall

This project attempts to create surface with variable texture using a fixed module. We began with FOA’s use of moon-shaped pavers in their South East coastal park project because they adapt well to the compound curvature of the surface. Our project  uses hexagons in order to accentuate the pattern formed between the tiles as their spacing is varied. As the spacing increases, a second system is introduced between the tiles: small square windows. The idea here is that the tiles could gradually dissapear as their spacing increases, giving way to more glass in an Escher-esque transformation.

CupWall

CupW

Paversall