PROBLEM 4: PLANAR STRUCTURE

PROBLEM: 
Using paper, board or other appropriate material*, create a volume from repeated and similar planes. Dimensions: Minimum 8"x 8"x 8, maximum 12"x 12"x "12" in any and all directions.
Presented on a solid base with no more than a 2" clearance around the volume.
Base should be created to show off the volume. The planar forms cam curve, fold or remain flat.
Voids of a contrasting shape or direction should be cut through the planar forms to create emphasis and counter-movement.
Dominant planar forms must demonstrate a progression of direction, scale and color from one end to another.
All forms must unify into the appearance of a larger solid. Volume should be the first understanding.
Apply color to accentuate the planar characteristics, rhythm and movement. 360 Degree view. 

RESEARCH: 
Upon researching for this project, I found myself very drawn to Jen Stark's work. Her planar structures are so visually intriguing that I kept wanting to keep looking at her work to figure out how exactly she made the masterpieces. What I admire about her work is how she took risks in order to create order within chaos.  These elements combined created a balance that was both beautifully interesting and dynamic, and therefore became the inspiration for my project. What I also found interesting was how Richard Meier was able to include these elements into actual building designs.

PROCESS: 
At first I found myself a little intimidated by getting started simply because of the freedom in the use of planar materials as well as the amount of specifications we needed to meet. As I started my rough sketches though, I found that all these elements kind of come together in the design process and the overall process was not as rough as I thought it would be. I knew I wanted to create something that included a risk of some sort but also something that would allow me to create clean cut lines. With these things in mind, I settled on creating a triangular planer structure that came together from two sides to create a suspended arch.

I started by measuring out my triangles and decreased each plane by half of an inch. I cut out templates on note cards and used them as stencils on foam core. My biggest challenge was figuring out how to create a void that would go through the planes. After playing around with the voids for a few hours, I realized that the best way to demonstrate an ongoing void within my off set, triangular structure was to shift the void back and forth in order for them to match up. I think the end result turned out well because the shifting voids create a sense of bouncing movement for the eye when looking at the overall structure and furthermore, brings a cohesive view from one end to the other. Another issue I faced was gravity. With the tip being so heavy, I began to feel worried about how it would stand. Unsure if the bottom planar form would stand on it's own, I decided to add a few supports to the bottom to create a more sturdy base. Rhythm and movement are demonstrated through the progression, positioning and color changes of the triangular planes while volume is shown through the overall shape.

PROCESS PHOTOS: 

Initial Sketches

Initial Sketches

Note card templates

Foam core

FINAL PHOTOS: