Studying Practice

These two projects, my Biography Page on Michael Maltzan, and my Wooden Octagon, may seem incongruous at first glance. However they follow the same path as my last pair of artifacts, the first is the research and thoughtful phase of pre-design, and the second is the design and construction of, in this case, an object rather than a series of photographs.

Maltzan’s work and lifestyle spurred my inquisition into the connection of materials and the thoughtful nature behind physical creation. I used this research in my preliminary exploration into the making of an object with my Wooden Octagon. I took the material provided and began to consider its properties and potential. This consideration propagated the actual composition of the piece as I split the single plank of wood into three pieces, which were then finished and rearranged into a new version of the original form.

The careful exploration and employment of theories and strategies in both theoretical and practical architecture simultaneously cause the full realization of a form. Even then, the design is incomplete until its construction, as previously unknown variables and obstacles can appear and cause the design to change and adapt to the new situation.

Each artifact has had a significant impact on me as they both shared similar qualities. The Biography began my interest in both the work of Michael Maltzan and high-end design with unique material palettes and spatial awareness. The Wooden Octagon has sparked my interest and vastly expanded my knowledge on how furniture and objects are actually made. Each artifact has inspired me to seek further knowledge and self-development and has furthered my understanding of the theorization and creation of architecture.

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3.1 | Biographical Sheet

For me, this biographic page was about making me think about design and then using that knowledge to influence my Shadowbox Assignment. In a sense it is about the theorization of a process without any physical making or doing involved, just as my Junior Film Essay was about the mental understanding of culture and architecture through a film representation. My biographic sheet did however lead me to a new understanding of how I might think about materials and the qualities of design.

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3.2 | Wooden Octagon

As I entered my final semester, I took with me this knowledge of materiality and construction and sought a new course in which I could develop this interest further. The course selected was Furniture Making. I began timidly with only minimal knowledge of the wonders of the Wood Lab within the Architecture School, and thankfully, we began with a seemingly simple and innocent project. Take a rough-cut piece of lumber, and turn it into a polished twelve-inch wooden octagon.

At first glance, the result may seem insignificant, but in reality, learning about the connections and creation of a piece of simple furniture is an incredible process. Having completed this small project, I now approach my larger ones with a sense of clarity and understanding of how I might accomplish tasks that are more difficult and how I might be more efficient in my designing and constructing processes.