Project 1     | A Vessel for Organic Elements

ARCH 171 | Fall Semester 2015 | August 19 University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design

Tao Te Ching: Chapter 11 - translated by J. H. McDonald (1996)

Thirty spokes are joined together in a wheel,
but it is the center hole
that allows the wheel to function.
We mold clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that makes the vessel useful.
We fashion wood for a house,
but it is the emptiness inside
that makes it livable.
We work with the substantial,
but the emptiness is what we use.

Design Statement:

Each student will select, analyze, document and design a vessel to hold a organic linear element. Each will begin by carefully choosing objects in your immediate locale. Students will then create a container using systematic methods to hold and/or support one of the elements. 

The design process will explore the creative process beginning with geometry to create a simple structure from thin, pliable pieces of paper, cardboard and metal. Each material will transform into another so that structure, shape and form will become vessels of containment for the chosen element. 

The design process will examine the organic qualities of how to carefully shape an idea with an emphasis on how two-dimensional compositions have three dimensional, spatial consequences. Each phase will express how the form, shapes, color, and patterns found within the design process become a singular means to house, protect and poetically give the element another life. 

Learning Objectives: 

  • A studio culture that recognizes design as essential to society, history and the environment.
  • Visual literacy; spatial thinking.
  • Fluency between two and three-dimensional constructs. 
  • An integral sense of craft, fabrication, precision.

Assignment 1

DUE: Friday, August 21 at the beginning of class

STEP ONE: Watch Part One of River and Tides: 

 

STEP TWO: Explore your environment by carefully gathering objects:  

Collect three linear organic objects: Light weight, and can be placed in a paper container you will be designing. Each object should be no longer than 3/4 the length of your desk. Find three or more and bring them to class. It may be helpful to bring in several examples of the same type of organic object if it is easily collected. 

Collect three linear non-organic objects: similar to above and bring them to class.

Collect and bring in three very distinct example of vessels or containers.  

STEP THREE:  Carefully compose three different pages in your sketchbook and make one set of images of your organic objects in graphite, another set using ink and a final set using both graphite and ink. 

Create the sketches to FOCUS on the linear qualities of the organic objects. 

STEP FOUR: Complete the following form so we can learn more about your and your interests. 

FOR FRIDAY: We will discuss, as a group, the selection process and River and Tides. Be prepared to briefly talk about the elements you have chosen. Bring your sketchbook and collected elements. 

OPTIONAL: Watch the final half of Rivers and Tides....