Strip Morphologies Workshop | modeLab | 20100619-20100621
Ronnie Parsons + Gil Akos

This workshop introduced participants to the cultural, technological, and tectonic domain of parametric design and digital fabrication. Over two-plus days, the workshop investigated the morphology of the ’strip’ by cross-linking developable surfaces and seaming strategies. We identified and exploited the constraints inherent in sheet material and High-Force CNC cutting technology in an effort to explore and construct highly articulated material assemblies.

coLab Casting Workshop | modeLab | 20100403-20100404

This workshop introduced participants to the cultural, technological, and tectonic domain of parametric design and digital fabrication in a fast-paced and hands-on learning environment. Over the course of two days, the workshop involved iterative prototyping and associative design strategies capable of incorporating and embracing an array of material and fabrication constraints. Participants explored and constructed highly articulated material assemblies through computer-aided manufacturing, mold making, and casting.

This workshop was the result of a collaborative effort between Studio Mode and Point.B Design and will provide participants with direct access to a full suite of manual tools for wood, metal, and plastics fabrication in addition to a 3-Axis CNC Mill. Instruction was provided in the construction of molds, the proper handling of materials and casting, file preparation for working with the mill, as well as a series of parametric design strategies with supporting content.

The introduction of computation and digital fabrication into architectural design, and its related fields, has not only accelerated our production capacity but has radically transformed the way in which we imagine and construct our surroundings. Incorporating both digital and material processes will provide participants with a unique opportunity to not only gain knowledge in digital design but also explore, through hands-on learning and prototyping, the radical implications of this rich new territory.

Associative Protocols | Catalyst Workshop | University of Minnesota | 20100308-20100312
Ronnie Parsons + Gil Akos

Architecture continuously informs and is informed by its modes of representation and production. Evidenced by recent material, construction and media innovations in our field, the introduction of computation and fabrication has accelerated and broadened the means by which architects imagine and construct the world. As architects, we have the unique capacity to catalyze opportunities in this contemporary scenario into novel design solutions.

While this fertile ground may seem exclusive to the contemporary condition, there is a rich history of material and construction innovation within the field of architecture poised for interrogation. This can be seen in the work of architects such as Charles and Ray Eames, Erwin Hauer, and Miguel Fisac, whose explorations prefaced architecture as a material practice. Drawing from such precedents, this workshop will investigate a design model that simultaneously incorporates means of working and making that are iteratively examined and cross-related through prototyping and material testing.

Associative Protocols encompasses processes that are explicit, specific, and operative. This model will be the mechanism by which we incorporate design and fabrication constraints as well as cultural pressures in the design of rich and robust material assemblies and prototypes.

Studio Mode is pleased to announce it will be giving a lecture and teaching an intensive Catalyst seminar at University of Minnesota College of Design. Many thanks to Marc Swackhamer for the invitation.

ParaGrove text coming soon…

ParaGrove was a part of the system::system show in Brooklyn 2009.10.23.

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Mode experiments with System Path Optimization.

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http://modelab.nu/

Studio Mode is pleased to announce it will offer a Parametric Design Workshop utilizing Grasshopper. This workshop will be a two day design workshop to be held in New York City, December 5th-6th. More information is available on modeLab. ]]> http://studiomode.nu/mode/707/feed 0