We fabricated the prototype for the table design in our own shop. This gave us the opportunity to make some critical design changes. A key detail shown in the images is the angled cutting of the structural tube – were they meet the side supports. This cut essentially hides the tube from the side – making it seem as if this thin piece of wood is spanning the full distance on its own – keeping the feel of the piece minimal. We actually had to find a second fabricator in Oregon because the first didn’t think the detail would work – and ideologically disagreed with the sense that the wood was spanning when it wasn’t. But we knew better!

The table design for Falling Sky Brewery was inspired by the classic German beer hall table which is picnic table like and communal. This fit with the vision of the brewery. However – we wanted the design to be modern, minimal, flexible, and economical to build. Our idea was to use a standard steel angle and structural tubing for the framing – the wood was to be reclaimed fir salvaged from an old garage on site. We designed the tables in two halves that could work independently or together – and a series of modular sizes – 4′, 6′, and 8′ that would allow for the greatest flexibility in configuring the space.

This was a project that began last summer and was completed in January this year. We were commissioned by Rob Cohen to design lights and furniture for a new brew pub, Falling Sky Brewing, that he was opening in Eugene Oregon. These are some images of the prototype of the first version light – what we were calling the ‘hairy one.’ We designed a parametric system in grasshopper to be able to alter the overall form of the light – then after unfolding we ran a script we wrote to create the tabing. The drawing shows how we were experimenting with the morphology of the tendrils. Key was the idea that the tabing not only holds the piece together (i.e. is structural) but also plays an ornamental roll. The only fasteners in the piece are the ones that hold a laser cut acrylic bracket to the body of the light. We adapted an inexpensive IKEA fixture to use as a light source.

Click on this link to view a short video that demonstrates the parametric/scripting system that we developed in Grasshopper and Rhinoscript to manipulate the digital model throughout the design phase. After a form is selected – a script is run on the main regulating lines to create the structure. Note: the video is without sound. Total Length: 5.45

We continue to study the kitchen tent project through a series of physical study models. A wire form was created – following one of the digital studies. This was used as a kind of dressing mannequin to form various surface studies exploring different techniques of patterning the fabric skin. These will eventually be flattened, scanned and re-worked as digital files.

This was a project that we worked on this summer in which we were exploring the typology of tent construction – pairing it with digital parametric logic. The entire piece was designed on the computer and the patterns were transferred to the nylon fabric using projection. Of particular interest for us in the piece besides the strategy of digital design and the system of construction – is the interdependency between the fabric and carbon fiber rods. The shape of the piece is in part determined by the pattern of the fabric – but also the weight of the piece which bends the rod into a particular shape. This research is ongoing. Erika Lindsay assisted us on the project. Thanks Erika! The project was produced in support from the University of Michigan.

A few initial study images of a current project in the office. The steel and fabric structure is designed to house an outdoor kitchen and eating area for a health and wellness retreat organization – located on a rural site in south-eastern Michigan. The project will utilize CNC – pipe bending machinery to fabricate the frame from computer models and pattern making software to design and fabricate the skin from sailcloth.

Glenn recently presented area’s 99k House project at The Lean Years conference held at the University of Michigan from March 18-19. The project was also part of an exhibition in the college gallery which coincided with the conference. Below are renderings of the project produced specifically for the exhibit. More info on the project can be found in the projects area of the site.

tetra | n project is based on the desire to design a generative
self-supporting structure capable of variable form – through utilizing a
single robust detail – one which could be fabricated out of flat stock
material. tetra | n project accomplishes this through two means. First is
the development of part geometry based on a tetrahedron (see diagram) –
structured in this way – the generation of more complex geometry through
simple base geometry always produces well – formed planar objects.
Additionally, coincident faces of adjacent tetrahedrons always produce
continuous forms – joints always meet correctly – regardless of the
position or scale of the next part. Secondly – through the utilization of
Rhinoscript – highly complex variable formed structures of n tetrahedrons
are possible. The script is ‘run’ on an assembled tetrahedral base
structure – part generation, connective element generation, labeling,
drill holes, and part flattening are integral functions of the script.

tetra | n is formed as a single unified tower structure with an occupiable
base that supports itself simply by standing on the ground. Depth and
redundancy in the form develop not only a robust structure – but a level
of complexity and intricacy found only in organic forms. The visual effect
is of a structure that is, on the one hand, highly ordered, rigorous and
geometric, and on the other degenerates into near chaos, simulates organic
growth, and confounds clear distinctions between foreground and background.

Below are our two entries for the Sukkah City design competition. All of the entries and winning designs can be viewed through the competion site – sukkahcity.com The twelve selected designs are still under construction – but should be completed soon – with the ultimate winner choosen by the public.

This Sukkah design is composed of two essential components – a light weight wood composite surface element and a folded metal frame element. Connected through a single – but variable detail, the two component types form one continuous structural surface. The laser and CNC cut components: 1,048 frame elements and 672 surface elements in total are joined by 4,032 fasteners. Although each element is similar in kind – no one part is identical to another. The development and fabrication of the design is made possible only through parametric computer scripting in connection with digital fabrication technologies. This continuous surface structure – which could be considered either a roof that becomes a wall or a wall that becomes a roof – is composed of elements no greater than 4 handbreadths (16 inches) in compliance with the Talmud laws.

Although constructed out of wood and metal– our Sukkah design is meant to evoke something other – eluding in both form and construction to historical Sukkah structures composed of woven textiles, the mythological use of animal carcasses, and a vessel which is both welcoming and sheltering. The intention of the patterned surface is both iconic in its reference to natural leaf forms, star patterns – and utilitarian in its structural triangulation, porosity, and ocular focus on the sky. Lastly, our Sukkah table is designed to conform and work with the dynamic space and present a democratic / non-hierarchical seating arrangement.

slide is the design for a highly flexible and compactable sukkah. It takes into consideration the shortage of space in most New York City apartments and offers a prototypical unit that can compact and expand as needed. Using principles of English fabric smocking, we constructed elasticity out of inflexible materials by hinging twenty-six (10’ x 12’) ¾”honeycomb paperboard panels together. The panels are hinged at varying intervals to create a varied field of dappled light as it enters the sukkah from above. The honeycomb material is very lightweight but very strong, a combination which we hope enhances the flexibility of the piece. In the configuration presented, slide can accommodate very small Sukkot dinners (2 persons) up to larger ones (as many as 12 persons) by being pulled apart. The furniture is built into the unit so the table and benches expand with the unit. Material remaining from the cutting of the panels will be used as panels for the floor, table, and bench surfaces of differing dimensions. At the end of the holiday, slide can be saved for next year in two (5’ x 10’ x 12’) bundles or completely recycled.