Formworks Fall 2008 - Syllabus

Special Topics in Fabrication
FORMWORKS
Visual Studies FALL 2008 / 2ND session
Professor: Josh Draper - jwd2107@columbia.edu

Class time: Tuesday, 8-10pm, 412 Avery

Class brief: Challenge the repetitive nature of casting and formwork by developing a parametric, dynamic formworks system and produce a series of elements using that system.

Products of the formworks system may include:
- a series of parametrically related casts
o the formwork is performative and dynamic
o the formwork is a recombinant kit of parts.
- a repetitive series that can recombine (flexible unit / kit of parts)
- a casting that is itself dynamic (material dynamics)
- a flexible structural system which employs the products of your formworks

Goals:
- Develop a sophisticated, well made formworks system
- Produce and assemble a large quantity of products from your formworks system
- Identify the architectural performance of the casting
- Site the products of your formworks
- Experiment with and present an argument for the material you used in your castings.
- Develop a tectonic between cast parts
o How do the products of your formwork aggregate and fit together?
o What other kinds of details, structure and materials can you integrate? The products of your formworks can be part of a larger system

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Week 1 10/21

Lecture: New Casting Techniques Part 1
Present class brief
1 and 2 part molds in Rhino and Mastercam
202 Fayerwether - Mastercam – Point, Line and Surface

Week 2 10/28

Lecture: New Casting Techniques Part 2
3d printing review - Ceramic casting?
Research proposal presentations and discussion
202 Tutorial Session:
GIS and GCode - Milling a Map?

Week 3 11/5
Lecture: New Casting Techniques Part 3
Research presentations and discussion
Silicone How-to
Fablab Tutorial Session: Two part mold foam prototype

Week 4 11/11
Lecture: Silicone mold process in the lab
202 Tutorial Session:
Review of techniques and project assistance


Week 5 11/18
Deskcrits
202 Tutorial Session:
Review of techniques and project assistance

Week 6 11/25
Deskcrits
202 Tutorial Session:
Review of techniques and project assistance

Week 7 12/09
Review
Location: TBA