Pressurized Motion

Lawrence, KS

Professor Kurt Hong | Spring 2023

Groupmates: Chloe Eminger, Michael Garrett, Sarah Gibbs

A design-build project completed in two phases. First, a wall installation that represented our ability to use Rhinoceros 3D and Grasshopper to create a parametric design. Second, a sphere created out of the same material using a similar parametric design and built at a much larger scale.

Laminating Wood for the Molds

Frame Ideas

Phase 1

A wall installation using expanded metal sheets. Our group created wooden molds which we used to shape heated squares of the metal. We then pressed the heated sheets in wooden molds. The sheets were then arranged in a pattern created in Rhino 3D using the Grasshopper extension. We hand-made the frame and used screws and acrylic rods to fasten each sheet to the frame.

Color-Coded Sphere

Sphere Pattern Ideas

Phase 2

A sphere made of expanded metal sheets. Rectangular pieces were cut from 4’x8’ expanded metal sheets. Our group then proceeded to heat the metal triangles, like in Phase 1. We shaped them into curved triangles and welded them together in a pattern created in Rhino 3D. We then installed the sphere in the space in front of Chalmers Hall on the KU campus.

Heating the Metal

Photos: Chloe Eminger

Pressing the Metal

Water Resonance

Rockefeller Prairie Trailhead, Lawrence, KS

Professor Shannon Criss | Spring 2022

This Pavilion will introduce a peaceful, relaxing space to gather and interact to the Rockefeller Prairie. Guests will be guided throughout the land as the travel to the pavilion. Sights and sounds will flow around them and enhance their experience at the site. Nature will remain as untouched as possible outside of the pavilion space. Man and nature will twine together and create a harmony.

Can just see Lawrence in the distance

Path follows incline, path of least resistance

Move along treeline for shade, more natural path to take

New path to and from site

Areas where water will collect

Construction/train sounds

Prairie grass and other sounds

Watershed

Heavy foilage

Winter Wind

Summer Wind

First Models

Sketched Ideas

Concept and Nature

The pavilion was developed from the idea of being cupped by the land. The roof form was created to be a more geometric representation of a cup-like shape. The roof was designed to catch and redirect water. The final design redirected water to the center of the roof and into a vessel at the center of the pavilion’s platform.

This center will house the history of KCK from native settlement to present day and inform visitors of that history. Interior and exterior spaces will be used to educate visitors on the area that is around it. This building will create a much needed space that invites people from KCK and outward. The black box theater which is the main wildcard space is something that KCK does not have but could benefit from immensely. Other spaces, both inside and outside of the center, will be used to further educate visitors about KCK history in fun and informative ways.

Depth

Grass

Treecover

Parking Paths