32 DESIGN 5 / FALL 2010
ART/SHELTER TAYLOR, TX The main project of my design/build semester was the design and construction of a personal shelter/art piece for the “Design/Build 17” event in Taylor, Texas. The event stimulated arts in the Taylor area by involving local businesses and high school students. I began with the concept of the Desert Carcass, with organic shapes made of manufactured materials, and flipped the “equation” by taking organic bamboo from the site and manufacturing it to make a structure. I manufactured steel connectors which I personally cut, drilled, and welded, becoming versed in those skills through the process. The frame of manufactured bamboo and steel was supported with canvas pulled through holes in the connectors and secured with disposable bamboo chopsticks. The final presentation of the piece included a projected movie of me constructing each part in juxtaposition to the natural surrounding of the bamboo grove. Final Video made in conjunction with structure and exhibited in Taylor: http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=s8YeCcCVwDA