Week 5

This is a process blog and I apologize for the schizophrenic nature of what is posted... Its a result of designing in a schizophrenic context... I'm glad and relieved that last week our professor stated that "this is our project, we are just here to kick you in the pants". Thus, relieves me from the pressure of trying to fulfill lackluster assignments to focus and design at my own pace.
I've been having on going conversations with my friend who is study for his doctorate in Material sciences engineering, which have been enlightening in getting into the minds of what investigators are like. we also discussed possible materials that could be inspire a project. I recalled that two russian physicist recently won the Nobel prize for discovering graphene, a one atom thick sheet of carbon atoms. I asked him about the potential of the material in the scientific community there are huge potentials in using the properties of graphene and other carbon structures, like carbon nanotubes, polymers etc. 

graphene

Carbon is the 4th most abundant element in the universe and its properties in its pure state can range from being as hard as a diamond to soft as pencil graphite. an insulator to conductor of electricity, highly transparent to opaque so on and so on. It's versatility lies in its having 4 "free" electrons in its outer shell, which allow it to easily bond to other elements to make many things, for example, plastics, petroleum products, steel.  etc.
In terms of Material study, I'm going to abandon the idea of liquids... not because it'll be messy, costly, potentially dangerous, (all reasons valid) but the truth is its was not a good idea in the first place, I'm going to leave the science to scientist, who know what they are doing and can do it safely. Instead I'm going to expand on this promising graphene material. The reason is because its extremely easy to make... all one needs is tape and graphite, a child could make it ( its perfect for OMSI). Knowing that, the material is not how it can be used or done architecturally (maybe... carbon is pretty much in everything) but how would a design an exhibit that engages children to explore this material. Last week I met with Chad Jacobsen, an exhibit design manager at OMSI. Exhibit/ exhibition design is one of OMSI money makers and ships exhibits and exhibition all over the nation. Take away insights from my visit:
-Mainly funded by grants, process is write grant, receive award, design, mock up, redesign, construct and then put on display, troubleshoot.  (a year - two year process)
-  shipping exhibits and its dimension are key to its business and logistics
- OMSI specializes in interactive displays, Thus durability is key issues, design for wear and tear, with easy replaceable parts.

OMSI "Design Zone" Exhibition

I hope to design an exhibit space that focuses on children "discovering" graphene and its potential. At that scale I would imagine that satisfies the "micro" study. I hope to work with Chad more as the design flushes its self out.
Below are images of my new concept the revolves around "carbon". In the center, I imagine a place like called "the nucleus" which is a place that scientists have to pass through to reach their office or labs. In that nucleus will be "collaboration rooms" and the main vertical circulation. The combination of these places increase the level of interaction between researchers. However, each researcher is given their own office and space to do "deep thinking." There are three wings of offices or metaphorical "bonds" to laboratories. The scientist are "the electrons" that move between the nucleus through the bonds and to the laboratories. At each junctions there are meeting spaces for people who want to collaborate within there own departments and at each void are inner courtyards that provide light wells into the offices and connection to the nature.
I think this is a more architectural and experiential solution than my previous "rectangles and courtyard scheme" (below) which assumes that the void of a courtyard will be a place of interaction... a poor assumption. Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to tag along with a Calpoly architecture studio to listen in at lectures regarding the OMSI site and laboratory designs with ZGF here in Portland which was extremely educational experience. The presentation although helpful it locked me in to the "business of designing a laboratory" which is very much based on efficiency and practicality of a laboratory. 

The nucleus scheme programs the interactions space with architectural form is a lot more dynamic place and not a static outdoor room. Although the when investigating this scheme at a larger scale I may find the geometries odd and difficult to work with, and kinks will hopefully smooth itself out. I think the overall scheme has more potential than the previous. My next step I think is working out a rational structural grid for the nucleus and bonds, also work on giving "the nucleus's" form and provide the much needed hierarchy .