STEVEN RANTA | PORTFOLIO ARCHITECTURE + FABRICATION + RESEARCH + SPRING 2010 - CURRENT
[WEBSITE]
website: stevenranta.com phone: (+1) 949.322.6008 email: smranta53@gmail.com
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1.0
2.0
4.0
5.0
ACADEMIC: PNEUMATIC LIGHT SCULPTURE PG 01 SPRING 2012 - CURRENT
COMPETITION: COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTER PG 27 SUMMER 2017
ACADEMIC: THERMAL BATH PG 11 SPRING 2011
PG 35
ACADEMIC: HARNESSING WIND SPRING 2012 - CURRENT
3.0
PERSONAL: LOUNGE CHAIR PG 21 SUMMER 2015
6.0 PG 45
PROFESSIONAL: SELECTION OF WORK SUMMER 2012 - CURRENT
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1.0
PNEUMATIC LIGHT SCULPTURE THESIS + CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT SPRING 2012 ~ CURRENT PROFESSOR: Roland Wahlroos-Ritter INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
Research for this thesis project started with a fascination and desire to examine the natural refraction & reflection of light through various materials. This research transformed into an ambition to design a system aimed at the manipulation of these light altering properties; Material analysis of glass & translucent plastic forms lead to the concept of a hexagonal pneumatic sculpture made of reflective material. As the sculpture contracts and expands, the reflective surfaces reflect light rays, providing the possibility of filling spaces with more light. The overall hexagon shape allows assemblies to stack in a seamless grid across various surfaces; Next steps include developing the script to convert accurately recorded sunlight data into instructions which determine the shape of each sculpture. Although each unit maneuvers independently of its neighbors, the ideal amount of sunlight for a specific space is a result of multiple sculptures working together.
SOFTWARE: Rhino + Grasshopper + SolidWorks + 01
light shaft populated with sculpture systems
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1.1
INSPIRATION
2.2 PROCESS // SKETCHES
Sarah Donovan | Untitled, 2008 (polyester film)
development sketches of mechanical design for pneumatic sculpture based on umbrella concept Yumiko Kanazaki | Raibow Church (glass prisms)
Olafur Eliasson | One Way Colour Tunnel, 2007 (acrylic mirrors)
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1.2
PROCESS // STUDY MODELS FRAGMENTS 1 material: glass description: analysis of light distortion through multiple layers of shattered glass; findings: there exists a certain threshold of utility before the quatity and size of glass fragments distorts too much;
FRAGMENTS 2
FOLDS
material: glass
material: museum board
description: analysis of light distortion through multiple layers of shattered glass;
description: analysis of light coverage across a curved tesselated surface;
findings: juxtaposed to the first Fragment study, this analysis looks at the cross section of glass pieces;
findings: at certain angles of light, more folds create a larger area of light coverage;
PORTALS material: transluecent straws description: analysis of light refraction through stacked layers of variable length plastic straws; findings: the distance and angle at which this artifact is viewed creates a drastically different experience; varying the length of each straw creates more surface area for reflecting light; the translucent attributes of the material create an atmospheric and distorted glow;
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1.3
SCULPTURE PARAMETERS
A
B
C
PARAMETRIC DEVELOPMENT
D
++ restrictive parameters are set using a pneumatic cylinder system; ++ umbrella technology is used as the concept for design; ++ 12 triangular sail members combine to form a hexagon shaped surface; ++ as the piston extends, sail members compress; ++ as the piston contracts, sail members expand;
SYSTEM ASSEMBLY CONCEPT + + +
individual sculpture units are mapped across a curved surface; vector distance and angle data from the center of each sail member to a light source are generated; pistons extend or contract to angle sail members to ideal position;
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1.4
ARCHITECTURAL INTEGRATION
ASSEBMLY B.O.M. PART NO. 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
DESCRIPTION M30 hex nut M12 hex nut rear base plate DC power cable USB cable Arduino mounting bracket M6 cap-head machine screw M10 cap-head machine screw M12 threaded rod M6 socket-head screw solenoid mounting bracket 6mm push-in joint connector fitting solenoid air directional control valves arm hinge 1-axis symmetrical hinge assembly (sml) reflective sail member (left) 1-axis symmetrical hinge assembly (lrg) hinge lever reflective sail member (left) pneumatic air pump 12mm push-in joint connector fitting Arduino unit M20 hex nut 2-axis symmetrical hinge assembly M6 flat-head machine screw front mounting platform M20 hex nut hinge bracket for arms rear mounting platform M12 hex nuts
EXPLODED ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM ++ pneumatic air pump is controlled by a 5-way 2-position solenoid valve; ++ instructional data is fed to the solenoid valve from an Arduino unit; ++ (3x) threaded rods are used as the main structural mounting support for the sculpture;
2:15 PM
angle limitation of 90°
angle limitation of 90°
2-AXIS HINGE ASSEMBLY +
ASSEMBLED UNITS AT DIFFERENT STATES
assembly composed of 4 custom machined aluminum brackets; + full 90° rotation at each hinge axis;
1.6
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SCULPTURE RENDERINGS
INSTALLATION EXAMPLE OF SCULPTURES
2.0 THERMAL BATH
YEAR FOUR | ITALY STUDY ABROAD SPRING 2011 PROFESSOR: Cara Lee INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
The proposal for this project was to design a thermal bath for the residents and visitors of Lake Como, Italy. The site was located in a sloped green landscape stretching down to the shore of the lake. There were two main driving forces behind the design of this project: 1. the desire to explore an organic form slowly ‘growing’ out of the landscape and into the lake 2. create sense-altering experiences via uniquely atmospheric baths Materials were an important decision in the desgn process. Cooperation with the elements and the construction of organic forms was necessary. Concrete is capable of being cast into irregular shapes and acts as a perfect canvas for the the playful nature of light reflecting off the water;
SOFTWARE: Rhino + Maya + 11
oculus bath experience
2.1
2.2
INSPIRATION
Naoshima Contemporary Art Museum Tadao Ando
Landmarks, University of Texas at Austin James Turrell
PROCESS // SKETCHES
Carapace Bespoke 3D Printed Mask MHOX Studio
Infinity Mirrored Room: The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away Yayoi Kusama
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VILLA GENO
DOCK #4
DOCK #3
ISOLATION EXPERIENCE BATH UNKNOWN EXPERIENCE BATH LAKE EXPERIENCE BATH TRANSPARENT EXPERIENCE BATH DOCKING PIER DOCK #2
WOOD LOUNGE SCULPTURE VERTICAL CIRCULATION CHANGING ROOMS GYM AREA
TEMPIO VOLTIANO
LAKE COMO
OCULUS EXPERIENCE BATH STARLIGHT EXPERIENCE BATH
DOCK #1
VILLA OLMO
STADIO COMUNALE
SITE PLAN (view from aircraft)
2.4
DRAWING VIEWS // GROUND FLOOR & SECTIONS
gym area
vertical circulation (spiral stair and elevator) 25°
entrance and front desk (above) women’s fitting rooms sun lounge area
9°
25°
°
15
°
10
90°
men’s fitting rooms
OCULUS · EXPERIENCE · BATH open to the elements, an atmospheric experience of light, water, and sound is created from a large opening at the top of this bath
TRANSPARENT · EXPERIENCE · BATH (above) tranparent bath bottom allows guests to interact w/ each other from the interior and exterior
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32m 9m
20m
UPPER FLOOR
4m
+10.2m
MAIN FLOOR
15m
+10.2m
8m
STARLIGHT · EXPERIENCE · BATH holes in concrete form above allow hints of light to penetrate giving a star-like sensory experience
BASEMENT FLOOR +0.0m
STARLIGHT · EXPERIENCE · BATH holes in concrete form above allow hints of light to penetrate giving a star-like sensory experience 8m
LAKE · EXPERIENCE · BATH (above) pump filtration system allows clean lake water to flow into bath
ROOF LEVEL +10.2m
OCULUS · EXPERIENCE · BATH open to the elements, an atmospheric experience of light, water, and sound is created from a large opening at the top
20m
16m
ISOLATION · EXPERIENCE · BATH generated from the Oculus negative space guests reach this pool by traversing the dock platform ramp; sloped deep into the concrete form provides a sense of isolation
3m
UPPER FLOOR
2m
6m
+10.2m
MAIN FLOOR 3m
+10.2m
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2.6
EXPERIENTIAL RENDERINGS
DOCKING PIER pedestrians can choose between 2 points of arrival: ++ access stairs located further down the shore ++ boat docking from the lake (shown here)
ENTRANCE + MAIN LEVEL WALKWAY this is the transitional point between the lower and upper levels of the thermal bath complex; the upper walkway grants access to views below and the outdoor terrace for tanning and specialized baths;
LOWER LEVEL + LOUNGE AREA
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the lounge area includes a sculptural canopy catered toward tanning; the canopy penetrates the building form’s roof, allowing sunlight to fill the space; the oculus experience pool can be seen to the right, changing rooms to the left, and the entrance to the starlight experience bath beyond;
3.0
LOUNGE CHAIR POST GRAD | FURNITURE STUDY SUMMER 2015 MENTOR: Vincent Pocsik INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
In an attempt to pursue the art of craft further, the design for a multi-functional chair was born; The overall form and dimensions of the chair attempt to compliment the curves of the human body. Layers start to deteriorate as they progress from one side to the next. Areas consisting of seamless layers act as the points where an individual’s body will touch while sitting. By tilting the chair backward, it quickly transforms to function as a lounge; Constuction of the chair utilizes the process of contoured plywood layers, which are assembled using a template system of clearance holes and brass rods;
SOFTWARE: Rhino + Maya + RhinoCAM +
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detail photograph of the void
3D PRINT SCALE MODEL 3D printing was utilized as a quick method to view each design iteration;
SCALED WOOD MODEL quick wood model to check the overall form and balancing issues;
3.1
PROCESS // STUDY MODELS
SEAT PROTOTYPE prior to cutting the final form, a quick MDF prototype of the seat was created to check comfort and balance;
3.2
DIAGRAMS
14.9° 89.6° 70.5°
200.5 776.0
91.2 194.1 90.7 415.7
364.5
14.9° 89.6°
90.0°
70.5°
200.5 776.0
91.2 194.1 90.7 415.7
364.5
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LEFT SIDE ELEVATION chair in alternative lounge position;
RIGHT SIDE ELEVATION chair in proper upright position;
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TOP PERSPECTIVE expressed transition from solid to void;
DETAILED LAYER VIEW 26
transition from flush layers to void of double curve;
4.0 COMMUNITY MUSIC CENTER IN PROGRESS - COMPETITION SUMMER 2017 INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
The following is a selection of work for a recently completed competition; The overall prompt for the project is the development of a community center located in a neighborhood at the infancy of gentrification. Music was selected as the main driving force for program and design. A rich culture of musical heritage surrounds the populating demographic and school districts in low-income areas are in desperate need of music education; Large corten steel fins surround and penetrate the building in triangulated, overlapping arrays. Corten was chosen for both it’s aesthetic and sustainable attributes. Each panel is controlled by a rotating armature assembly to allow variations of light into the building and create unique acoustic experiences; The Music Center is composed of various programs including classrooms, private practice rooms, a community-run cafe, music library, performance theater, study pods, administrative offices, communal rooftop, and public garden; *Not all generated assets are shown here until competition results are released;
SOFTWARE: Rhino + Grasshopper + Solidworks +
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CALLOUT - “K” interior rendering of isolated study-pod space
4.1
INSPIRATION
4.2
PROCESS // SKETCHES
Pangolin (protective keratin scales)
Resonant Chamber | rvtr (acoustically dynamic environment)
Iron Man Armor | TRIXTER (mechanical design)
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4.3
PLAN VIEWS // GROUND FLOOR
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// FIRST FLOOR PLAN
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// SECOND FLOOR
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4.4
SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT
GRASSHOPPER SCRIPT outer skin louvers rotate based on sun location 10:30 AM
12:30 PM
1:30 PM
2:30 PM
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
6:30 PM
7:30 PM
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OPERABLE LOUVER STUDIES
responsive opening and closing of outer skin at specific times of the day
4.5 A
B
EXTERIOR SKIN south wing (A) north wing (B)
D
C
ROOF corten steel light shafts (C) concrete slab (D) steel roof framing (E)
E J
F
H
SECOND FLOOR glazing (F) administrative offices (G) study hall (H) rooftop lounge (J)
FIRST FLOOR isolated study pods (K) music library (L)
CALLOUT - “S” interior rendering of theater space
G
L K
N
S
GROUND FLOOR outer circulation (N) music practice rooms (P) classrooms (Q) cafe (R) theater (S)
Q
R P
P
N N
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CALLOUT - “R” interior rendering of cafe for VR engine
5.0
HARNESSING WIND MORPHOLOGIES YEAR 3 | BUILDING BEHAVIOR SPRING 2010 PROFESSOR: Rob Ley INDIVIDUAL PROJECT The proposal for this project involved bringing a Vertical Farm to the Downtown Los Angels area. Part of the requirements included the utilization of parametric scripting in a program of the student’s choice; The main concepts of this design utilize and harness the predominant wind flow around the site to generate numerous controlled environments for plant growth and observation; A field of louvers, arrayed and morphed (via speific areas of influence) generate spaces for building programs and plant visualization. A moirÊ gradient effect results as the exterior louvres twist individually of each other; A school designed prominently for the health concious and enthusiastic knowledge seeker, hydroponic vegetation is accessed by an extensive system of ramps and catwalks;
SOFTWARE: Rhino + Grasshopper + 35
detailed visual: center section of the tower
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5.1
INSPIRATION
Glass Rope Sponge (Hyalonema) compact, stalk-like, twisted root spicules
5.2
PROCESS // MODEL ANALYSIS
Venus’ Flower Basket (Euplectella Aspergillum) hexactinellid sponge | symbiotic home to shrimp
Young Male Willow Catkin unisexual flowers usually wind-pollinated
5.3
DIAGRAMS
2 DIAGRAMS STUDIES + variying filtration pattern densities + prominent wind flow studies across site (downtown LA)
WIND FLOW STUDIES visual distortion of wind flow through building louvers as they rotate at multiple intervals
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+ stacked floor layers
+ wrapped glazing system
LOW WIND louvers completely open for pollination
+ circulation system
MODERATE WIND louvers half open for pollination
+ static louver system
+ dynamic louver system
HIGH WIND louvers slightly open for pollination
5.4
PLAN VIEW
CIRCULATION CATWALKS main method on circulation and plant obsevation for students and pedestrians occurs across a ramping system of catwalks
STRUCTURAL BRANCHES stemming from the central core, these structural bracket members hold the louver system in place
5.6
SECTION // FULL HEIGHT
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AERIAL RENDERING
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6.0
PROFESSIONAL WORK POST GRAD SUMMER 2012 - PRESENT STANDARDVISION + VINCENT POCSIK DESIGN COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS
During the past 5 years of my career, I’ve quickly discovered and pursued an interest in product design, engineering, and fabrication. Specializing in Architecturally Integrated LED Media Facades, StandardVision (SV) has allowed me to learn from a diverse team of architects, engineers, graphic/production artists, and programmers; My role at StandardVision has evolved from an entry-level Project Designer to Product Integration Manager. Through this transformation, I’ve been successful in generating graphics for project proposals, designing mounting solutions for various products, developing drawing sets for all phases of a project, and leading installations by coordinating with site installers, architects, contractors, and manufacturers; * The first documented project from SV is called Oceanwide Plaza. Located in Downtown LA, this has been the largest and most challenging project I’ve experienced since my start at the company. The design consists of a 300m (~980’) long LED screen which wraps the podium and includes a complex 3D-curved section. I am currently managing the second documented SV project, called One Culver. The installation features a 72 sq. ft. interior LED screen, located in the main atrium space. My responsibilities include design development, completion of drawing sets, scheduling, coordination with contractors and engineers on/off site, and internal team management; The third SV project is the Wilshire Grand in Downtown LA. Recently completed, the project boasts an impressive 12,000 linear meters of linear LED lighting integrated into the glazing system panels. My role included assistance with design development, shop drawings, and coordination with the project facade contractor; The final documented project was a collaborative effort with Vincent Pocsik for a commissioned conference table. From beginning to end, my duties involved alterations to the 3D model, running and programming the CNC, laminating, sanding, and material finishing. 45
* Sharable assets are currently limited for the Oceanwide project;
6.1
LED fixture custom connection bracket
mounting bracket attachment to building sub-structure rods slide through connection brackets to build modules
EXPLODED DIAGRAM double curved LED screen - connectivity and mounting diagrams
OCEANWIDE PLAZA
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6.2
A
ONE CULVER
D
C E
B
ASSEBMLY B.O.M. PART NO. A B C D E
DESCRIPTION LED Tile Sub-structure (design varies per project specs) Standard T-slot Tile Connection Bracket Mounting Bracket
6.3
WILSHIRE GRAND
Linear LED fixture Containment cover
Fixture mounting bracket assembly
BUILDING SECTIONS
6.4
CONFERENCE TABLE STRIP LAYOUT & LAMINATION
CABLE TRAY
wood cut into rough sections and layered to form bounding box of table form; careful attention to wood grain and pattern details;
detail photo of finalized cable containment; cables for monitor equipment pass through the opening shown on the left;
ROUGH PASS rough pass on mill to uncover overall form of table;
PROCESS detail photo showing physical transition from rough pass to finishing pass;
LEG CONNECTION detail photo of table underside; legs constructed as a separate parts and finished with solid brass accents at attachment points;
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