Pathways, Edges & Boundaries - Presentation

The class presented our design to a panel of design professionals and University staff members. To coordinate this presentation, a couple individuals from each group meet as "the presentation group". The presentation group decided that each area group needed to do a drawing of their site plan in pencil on vellum tracing paper with a half inch border and to the scale of 1/2": 1'.


With time quickly ticking away, Our site plan (pictured above) was truly a group effort. One group member did the dimensions of the medium and the trees. I did half of the concrete pieces on the pathways edge. Another group member finished the pathway edge and did the title and scale.

There was also a large drawing of the whole site plan, based on the site plan that I created during the research phase of this project. I drew the site plan for the Oasis area onto this drawing.



Each member of the class was also responsible for drawing a plan drawing and a Section drawing of one of the pieces that they created. I drew one of our pieces that came from a lime green plastic drawer organizer (pictured below). I choose this piece because I remembered scooping concrete into it twice. In one of those instances, I also helped mix the concrete.


In my drawings I differentiated between the rougher top texture and the smoother side texture of the pieces.

The presentation group constructed a beautiful exhibit.






The exhibit had all the drawings discussed above, matching scale models created by each group, process pictures, and even aggregate samples.

On the day of the presentation the Oasis group still had much to do. We realized that our individual site plan was oriented upside down. All the lettering had to be erased and rewritten. Other group members had to transport all our pieces to our site. Then, we had to arrange the pieces as we had planned. We were quite pleased with the finished look.











Overall our design was well received by the panel of critics, and by the rest of the class.

Pathways, Edges & Boundaries - Production

Once all the groups had an individual, but cohesive design plan, we began the production phase of the project.

My first task was to cut the cylindrical molds into 3 ft sections for our cylinders (1 foot would be underground) , as well as into multiple 1.5" sections to use as molds for stepping stones. The group decided on the width of the stepping stones after much discussion, and weighing of different advice and opinions.


Although we had access to a variety of power tools, none of them could be used to cut our cylindrical cardboard tubes into small sections of even with. Thus we used a hack saw and two work benches (pictured below). Cutting each section required a minimum of 3 people, one to cut and one person at either end of the tube to hold it and rotate it.



Nestling the tube in the space between the two work benches made an ideal grove for rotation. We measured the section to be cut with a ruler and then drew a pencil line for the cutter to follow. To draw this line, on person held a pencil up to the tube, while two people rotated the tube. In this way, the line was evenly drawn around the tube. It took approximately 6 hours to cut a third of the sections. Thus, this process ended up being much more time consuming then we predicted, and it was hard work!

After we had cut a number of circular sections of different sizes (including some from a small used carpet role), we duct taped them down to a cardboard base.



Other group members duct taped the edges of our cardboard boxes. still other group members cut out texturizing shapes and glued them to the bottom of some of the molds.

Once we had a variety of molds prepared, some group members began mixing our first couple batches of concrete.

It was a project requirement that each group choose their own aggregate. Our group experimented with two different aggregates. Our first choice was sawdust, because it was abundantly available in the wood shop, and thus free. In addition, its fine texture was thought to be beneficial in that it wouldn't create a visible texture.


Our second aggregate was Perlite, a growth facilitating additive for potting soil. Perlite was predicted to be a good aggregate, because it was designed to keep soil from compacting. It was hopped that it might have the same function as an aggregate in our concrete.
After mixing our concrete we scooped 1.5 inches worth into our molds and smoothed over the tops.





We let it harden over one day and one night. Then we pulled off the molds, and shook out the concrete forms.


The large cardboard box molds left a raised texture created by the indentation of the box flaps.


We didn't initially plan for this texture, but we were pleasantly surprised by it and thought that it might enhance our design. However, the pieces created from the large box molds seemed to be especially prone to cracking.

Sawdust did not work as an aggregate, the concrete forms made with sawdust had edges that crumbled (see picture above). However, the smaller forms made with Perlite seemed very solid, and had a smooth even texture.



The group did not like the look of the textured pieces, and these pieces required a lot of time, both to make and to remove from the mold. Thus, it was decided not to make textured pieces.

With only a few work days of the project remaining , our group began to make as many small forms with Perlite as possible.


We repeated the mix and scoop process 3 times. Each time we added more molds to our collection.

Plastic planter drip pans were purchased to use as circular molds, because it was deemed too time consuming to continue to cut cardboard sections. Shoe boxes made good rectangular shapes. Plastic drawer organizers from the Dollar Tree also worked especially well. Individuals were dispatched both to the Dollar store and a shoe store to pick-up more of these items.

Despite working every day of the week, by our final weekend it was clear that we would not be able to finish our pathway. So we took all of the shapes that we had made so far, loaded them into the trunk of a car and drove them to our site.


Then we worked on a new design plan using what we had.

The new plan that we decided on involved using the forms to line the edge of the pathway on one side, switching sides where the medium aligned with the building's middle. Thus, this design was very similar to our plan with the 8 and 12 inch diameter cylinders. It was noted that this new plan of using the concrete pieces to form an edge, rather than an actual pathway, worked best with the smaller pieces. Some of the wider rectangles made from wide shoe boxes ruined the perception of an edge of a pathway, as opposed to a pathway.

We decided to make as many more small forms as we could in the time remaining. The cylinders were were nixed as there simply wasn't enough time to experiment with making these much large forms. The group separated into an early afternoon and evening work group. We also bought more plastic drawer organizers and taped up some more narrow shoe boxes.

Pathways, Edges & Boundaries - More Design Planing

Once each group can up with a plan, we had several class meetings to work on merging each group's idea to unify them in a way that embodies the project concept of an interactive progressive gateway. In addition, some class members felt that the transparency represented in the open duct work, balconies, and multiple glass walls and windows in the design of the studio arts building should also be represented in the project. The entire class also meet with the campus groundskeeper to get his input on merging our plane with the existing vegetation and ground coverings. Once each group presented their ideas in class (see class notes below), the whole class would come up with suggestions on things that could be done, and each group would meet again separately and then present again to the class.


To accommodate the word transparency (without being able to make transparent concrete), the oasis group decided that there would be large spaces between the stepping stones of our pathway.

However, unlike my sketch above, it was thought to be unreasonable in the time allotted to the project, to construct the molds for the semicircular shapes in my design out of wood. In fact, to make the amount of pieces necessary for a full pathway spanning 35ft, it was thought to be too time consuming to build any of the molds out of wood. Thus, it was decided to find existing circular and rectangular structures to use as molds to create a pathway like the one pictured in the model below.


Our group divided into subgroups, and individuals each responsible for completing various tasks, such as creating scale models like the one pictured above, talking to the groundskeeper, or construction workers, or researching the properties of concrete (see Oasis meeting notes below)




I was responsible for researching the cheapest available pre-made rectangular and circular molds in the sizes that we needed. It was decided the cardboard boxers and circular cardboard concrete tubes, would be the least expensive.


Based on these prices, it was decided to use both the 12 inch and the 8inch diameter cylindrical molds. Due to cost consciousness and environmental considerations, it was also decided to use used cardboard boxes scavenged by each group member, rather than buying boxes in specific sizes.

From speaking with individuals who had worked with concrete before, it became clear that larger structures such as the bench and birdbath. Would be very heavy, unstable, and extremely prone to cracking if built from concrete alone, as was specified by the project guidelines. Thus, theses elements were omitted from our design plan.

Other groups followed suite in simplifying their design plans. In addition, our class meetings were yielding commonalities in the design of each group's area. Specifically,
1. The use of light & shadow
2. The use of a pathway or other structures for directing pedestrians
3. The use of texture
4. The use of simple cylindrical and square shapes.
Transparency was not a word that was key to any group's plan and was thus decided to be omitted as a design directive. A "steering committee" created. This committee was composed of 2 members from each group who met to ensure that each group's plan not only used all the common elements but created an overall progressive movement.

The Oasis group further altered our design plan so that we too would be able to integrate light and shadow. We added vertical elements in the form of 2 foot high cylinders outlining the pathway.


As is represented in the sketch above, these cylinders line one side of the pathway, and switch sides in middle. However, the moment that they switch at is not the absolute center of the medium, but rather the place on the medium where the center of the building is aligned. This plan was designed to heighten visual interest. Additionally, the four cylinders in the middle are made out of 12 inch molds, and the remaining cylinders as made of 8 inch molds. It was thought that the 4 large cylinders could thus double as impromptu seating. Just before beginning the production phase, motivated by both a desire to save time and save money, the 8 inch cylinders were omitted from the design plan, although some 8 inch molds were still decided to be necessary for constructing the pathway.

The Oasis group was also able to agree on a texture for our stepping stones. Our texture was based on some of the pictures that I took (below) of the texture of the bark on the Cyprus tress.


Interesting this texture was mirrored in the branch alignment of the trees, which also create a canopy overhead (see below)


It was decided to mimic this texture through cardboard shapes cut out and glued onto the bottom of the molds. However, not every stone would be textured. Some would be smooth like the cylinders. This was decided on from practical considerations of time limitations and a desire for the texture design to be special, to standout and provoke thought.

I was responsible for collecting money from each group member and purchasing the cylindrical concrete molds, which came in 4ft long tubes (pictured below). Other group members were in charge of looking for used carpet roles to provide more variation in circular diameters.



Each group member was responsible for bringing in used cardboard boxes of various sizes and a roll of duct tape. The duct tape is going to be used to plug-up the corners and edges of the boxes, as well as create a seal around the base and walls of the cylindrical molds.

Pathways, Edges & Boundaries - Design Planing

As part of the oasis group, I have been working on a design for that area that will fit with our project concept of an interactive progressive gateway. In the research phase of this project, I took the general dimensions of our area (the widest parking lot medium across from the middle of the building).



However, I did not measure the placement of the three trees and two signs in our medium or the width of the curb. For accurate planing, it was going to be necessary to know these things. So, myself and another group member went out to take some measurements.
Based on these measurements, I drew a site plan for our area. I made the site plan as big as I could, while still allowing it to fit on a single standard 8.5" by 11" sheet of paper. To do this, I used the scale 3/16": 1'


Then, I scanned my drawing into the computer and created a digital image that retained the original scale. I then put this image on a word document with labels and the scales written in.

I printed out many copies of this handout, so that it could be used for design planning and brainstorming by both individual group members and during group meetings.


For my own design planning purposes, I took many pictures of the Oasis. First from outside the area from a variety of different angles.





Then, I took pictures from with in the area looking out, and closely at different elements.





Using my pictures as inspiration, I came up with the following plan.

In this plan, I have used the edge of the medium, a series of straight sides, with curved corners, as inspiration for my design, one which is very conscious of context. The geometric nature of my plan considers two factors: a desire to extend the geometric nature of the building into the parking lot area, and the challenges of working with concrete, our designated material.

I have chosen to outline two pathways. One, moving length wise and slightly diagonal across the medium, has already been worn into the pine straw, and thus appears to be the preferred route of pedestrians from the parking lot to the building's main entrance and main thoroughfare into campus. The other pathway runs width wise across the medium, and is across from a brick divider on the building's exterior surface. It is my thought that this pathway would connect to something constructed on the buildings edge on the other side of the road and/or a crosswalk painted along the road.

I have designed a sculpture consisting of a metal pole running through concrete steps, to be used as a bike rack, and placed on a back corner of the medium. At the front of the medium, there are two decorative steps leading up to a simple bench. In an upper corner of the medium, diagonal from the bike rack, there is a bird bath. Both the bench and the birdbath, are very simple rectangular structures on top of a circular base. However, visual interest is maintained both in the design of placement of the concrete elements and the juxtaposition of the curved and straight lines.

I have put my plan along the images that inspire and explain it on a "throw-up sheet". Each member of the class made one of the sheets. They were each posted on a wall to share with and inspire the class as a whole.


Based on each members individual ideas, the Oasis group can up with a design plan to present to the class. This plan was fairly similar to mine, but with some key differences as well. The group decided to omit the bike rack, steps, and widthwise path, but kept the lengthwise path, bench, and birdbath. In this way, the area would not be overwhelmed with concrete pieces. Also, instead of outlining the existing length wise path, the group decided to actually build a concrete pathway using stepping stones.