Critical Point

A new surge of energy has griped our group and leads us through a rigorous investigation in which we are learning how to design with an intent to build. Having designated task with an ever growing trust in each other, we are moving foward with momentum. The ground crew has interesting things going on while the up-top boys are cranking out ideas on how we get this canopy safely and solidly in place and still maintain a delicate sense of tact for the site. As of now, we see this system supporting a lattice-like wooden structure from which the fabrik panels will be suspended. Methods of constructing this lattice will most probably be between a laminated timber construct in which the main structural members will be footed at a pin joint and run parallel in the "x" direction while the intermediate struts will run normal to these. We seek the balance between: the mass needed to span the distance of the stage and the lightest system possible for reasons of support and cost. The other system would be a series of repeated planks whose joinery would allow for a hyperbolical space grid. In either case, if we can avoid driving those big ass light poles in the ground to suspend it, I'll be happy. Much love Gary. Along with the canopy, the elements of the site are really being tied together by suggestion and repitition rather than an overwhelming invasion of the site. For example, elements of the fabrik material manifest in strategic places on the site in order to form a new continuity. The materiality of the canopy is mirorred in the stage work and on the handrail of the bridge which begins to stage moments for the signage which informs the viewer of our efforts while also, through the signs materiality, tie to both the parametric fabrik and our recycling bins. I think that when experienced by the common user, this conectivity will be subconsious but effective.

We meet with a structural engineer tommorrow to try and nail down the canopy framework so we can move to the process of calculating cost and means by which to begin building.

Progress

A lot has gone down since returning from the Rural Studio and the last entry. As of late, the Clemson group has come to a general agreement on what we expect from our design; mostly in terms of the degree to which our implementation affects the site, a sense of how all the elements in the site need to be tied together, and our underlying approach to sustainability through materiality. What we were hung up on, though, was exactly what this element we create will look like. I think we are faced with the infinite number of possible things that could be done. This is why we have been hesitant. I feel we are stagnant and have been since the first flourishes of enthusiastic communication. The ideas were fresh and vibrant then but since then that energy and momentum brought us to the brink of manifesting these ideas in the analog world. We have not made that leap; instead we sit on the edge and say what it could be instead of what it will be. The reason for this hesitation is obvious. It is the lack of a formal design concept that informs the design decisions. I think these concepts are there, but we have not embraced them and clearly identified them. I feel that as of now we are responding to the unique condition of the site. It is a small cradle of life within the city. What is not so readily obvious is that the small lush area is the outer most tip of a branch of the lake. It is a delicate capillary in a global vascular network in which all the earths waters are connected. It is a threshold space in all aspects of the term. It is the point at which urban becomes natural. The creek that flows through the site nothing more than the run-off from the cities drainage system. The water from Clemson is then channeled out into the lake and permeated out into all corners of the world. It is an opportunity to bring awareness to that scale and to make parallels between the waters relationship with that larger network and our responsibility as stewards of the earth as they are situated in a larger global effort. I think this is an opportunity to employ the cleansing properties of crumb rubber. It strengthens the aspect of a community effort by plugging into other Clemson resources. Maybe in the same way we cleanse the water we put into the system through the creek, the pavilion is also a cleansing space for us, for catharsis and rejuvenation.

My responsibility is to solve the issue of structure. I will post a blog in the morning that speaks to this endeavor. I hope to provide photos as well.

Personal issues include the parallelism of the signage element whose presence as an integral part of the design process is detrimental to its success.