The cart is a simple construction of wood and steel; it features a series of elements that support the tasks of the print shop. The
constraints
of
the
project,
eclectic nature of the site,
the
and the form
of the cart allow for a large diversity of
potential
material
configurations.
Its construction will create a powerful synthesis of different materials, textures, and finishes that resonate together and offer glimpses at the future materials of the print shop.
An investigation into a variety of wood types: hardwoods for the legs and softer woods for the surfaces; is inspired by mid-century danish design. The wood is juxtaposed with metal to support the industrial aesthetic of the press room. The search for material resonace necessitates a palette for experimention: steel strap, bent steel sheet, aluminum plate, cypress, redwood, oak (white and red), walnut, mahogany, alder, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and medium density fiberboard (MDF). The following pages show the compositions and ideas that have emerged from the material study.
whitened redwood aluminum sheet blue steel
whitened redwood aluminum sheet red oak blue steel
oixidized redwood aluminum sheet blue steel
oixidized redwood aluminum sheet red oak blue steel
whitened redwood aluminum sheet alder blue steel
whitened redwood aluminum sheet mahogany blue steel
oixidized redwood aluminum sheet alder blue steel
oixidized redwood aluminum sheet mahogany blue steel
yellow cypress aluminum sheet blue steel
yellow cypress aluminum sheet red oak blue steel
aluminum x 2 blue steel
aluminum x 2 red oak blue steel
yellow cypress aluminum sheet alder blue steel
yellow cypress aluminum sheet mahogany blue steel
aluminum x 2 alder blue steel
aluminum x 2 mahogany blue steel
Next, 1:1 material experimentation with hardwood, whitewashed redwood, and blacklacquered composites formed a final palette for the legs, the top surface, and the shelf respectively. Utilizing steel and aluminum as constants, the experimentation achieved a material composition with both a powerful internal resonance and external respect for the print shop.
whitewash stain: a redwood surface reflects the sky, shown top to bottom: 4 3 2 1
coats coats coats coat
hardwood legs point the cart, shown top to bottom: stained red oak walnut khaya mahogany honduran mahogany
a dark shelf grounds the base, shown top to bottom: OSB sanded ply red oak MDF
The cart is a simple construction of walnut and steel, which supports a whitewashed redwood surface and flip-up aluminum extension. Structure and surface are complimented by a rose-colored trough and a glossy black shelf.