Depiction of global ground-water fluctuations on a monthly basis from 2002 to present. Navigate months and years by mousing along bottom-aligned timeline, or using left and right arrow keys.

Requires a webGL capable browser such as Chrome, Safari, or Firefox. For unsupported browsers and computers, the following is a screencast video :: http://vimeo.com/32062020.

Kilograph is a multidisciplinary firm which does work within many contexts, including architectural and film visualization.  This site is a response to their need for a more user and owner-friendly interface which focuses on the accessibility and provocative display of graphic media.  As designer and developer, I implemented my knowledge of progressive web technologies to present a unique and maintainable graphic environment.

I recently started experimenting with processing(org) generating graphics and learning java along the way. One of my first experiments was an attempt at making a drawing application which would render a combination of human and machine output: a user dragging their mouse along a canvas will generate a number of points along that path. Running in the background is the machine: storing these points for future access while at the same time finding, from this cache, the closest points to the user’s current input and rendering a line connecting them. My initial intention was for the canvas to be constantly updating with the addition of new points, recalculating the closest points for each point in the cache and redrawing all of these lines. Through this process, lines drawn within the initial stages of the process could be replaced by closer connections at the end: this posed a horrible cpu condition for the recalculation of hundreds of points for each new point. This issue was simply resolved by limiting the drawing function to only the newest points: like a conventional drawing, new inputs can begin to build on top of the old, while still enabling the machine to partake in the drawing process connecting to the closest points within the drawing’s cache.

Implementation of this sketch was relatively successful within processing’s canvas, but when exported to a java applet ran unfortunately slow, with the drawn lines lagging behind the actual position of the user’s cursor. I’m fond of web development and am aware of the use of the canvas element for bitmap manipulation, so I decided to rewrite the application in javascript for use in common web browsers. This version of the app runs smoothly and includes a simple UI for adjusting stroke opacity and density (length to and number of closest points).

Visualization of abstract architectural or spatial concepts is too often poorly done because of time constraints and a skewed workflow: spending countless hours setting up and editing renderings for those one or two money shots. This imbalance between eye candies and communication of ideas (kindof the whole point of conceptual work) can negatively influence workflow during the stage of concept visualization. In recent projects I have experimented with a graphic hybrid between diagram and perspective realism attempting to capture the feel and conceptual basis for space within a single image. Most diagrammatic elements are closely inherited or a derivative of the existing 3d model of the project, but what never exists within the model is a clear representation of traffic: either pedestrian or automobile. This information is usually depicted with a site plan and some boring, minimally informative, arrows within a graphic which is routinely ignored. Why should this explanation of flow, people’s non-static existence within space, be so bland? In response to these observations and questions I sought to define an easily implemented grasshopper (rhino 3d generative modeling plugin) definition which can take curves existing in three-dimensional space (within the model itself) and generate graphics representative of user input for density, flow, volatility, …etc.

Thus the pathenizer grasshopper definition: from any single curve a number of equidistant divisions are made determined by user-input. At each division circles with randomly generated diameters are drawn to match the number of user-determined paths. Each of these circles are then equally divided according to this same user-defined number of paths. Of all of these points, only one from each circle is selected for final use, these points are then gathered and joined into a single curve. The result is a sequence of fluctuating curves resonating around the established base paths, a dynamic visualization of flow and movement which can be easily implemented and adapted.

This module is intended to emphasize the importance of water conservation. A 20 foot long cargo container is turned on its end creating an oversized cistern which also houses deep-rooting vegetation within the uppermost section. A window is embedded into the side to serve as a visual understanding of rainfall and water collection volume while extending up to reveal rooting systems of the plants above. A chain of smaller conventional cisterns connect to this main storage tank. This section focuses on the importance of plants in water purification, each container housing a composition of wetland plants which consume any impurities within the water. On the southern edge of this twenty foot square lot is a manually operated carousel of hanging pouches. These cloth sacks can house student’s plants, promoting individual involvement while still allowing a large volume of vegetation to be grown.

As a child, I had a toy bulldozer which would proclaim ‘LIFT IT UP!!’ while being operated …which has little to do with this idea other than the title. Background is an abstraction generated from an image of clouds, the rest is pretty analogue.

Audibility, reverb, echo: interact with the volume and acoustical clarity of the space. Provoke and amplify audience perception of space through mood. Project, shade, obscure, illuminate, distort: manipulate scale and focus of participating audience within a space void of daylight. Use contortions of human form to produce a perception of space specific to the individual relative to the imagination. Allow the audience to become as individual within the space as those performing the script, yet fully immersed in an experience within the space, utilizing performers as mentors who have prepared and investigated the potential for exploration within the space.

This project was designed for and assembled within the historical Irving Theater of Indianapolis, Indiana as an interactive piece for a site-specific performance in collaboration with theater students at Butler University.

Abstraction of texture into line expressive of character and form.

A minimal representation of Buckminster Fuller’s dymaxion map.

Through many conversations and discussion about the College of Architecture and Planning’s student architecture journal at Ball State, the intent for the journal has changed into what should produce a more provocative work. We’re pushing the journal beyond documentation / showcasing student studio work and opening content up to a wide range of topical discussions and projects. This year we’re pushing the recent U.N. prediction that by 2050, the population of the world will reach 9 billion people and questioning how architects and designers fit into this new world. As co-editor of glue! 11, I developed this site as a hub for discussion as well as a place to gather and showcase student work including studio projects, writing, photography, poetry, whatever. We want people to become more involved with each other and the world, including ourselves.

By precedent, the American justice system manifests itself in the built environment as a symbol of power and authority. This representation seems to contradict ideals inherent in a democratic collective: the justice system is in place to protect society and therefore should be open to them. For a democracy to be productive, representation of the collective is paramount. Our vision of a courthouse is one of openness in government, including the justice system. Openness and accessibility in such a building encourage community involvement to engage our democratic system as well as provide a place for people to gather for discussion, collaboration, or protest. Architecturally, this is emphasized through a sense of transparency and a form that encourages the community to enter and have a purpose to stay.

We began by examining the hierarchy in the traditional courtroom arrangement. We wanted to break down the idea of “the State v. the Defendant” and arrange a space that suggests a community resolution rather than government judgment. To accomplish this we arranged the space in the round to encourage a discussion of the accused by a jury of individuals, rather than a mob of people to execute justice.

Civil space is territory of the individual and the collective population. There is an inherent tension when considering the needs of an individual relative to the collective needs. This tension informs design as a composite of ideals: those of the state collective as well as those it serves. Formally expressing this tension is the dynamic relationship of the city grid, the source of people, to the boundaries of this moderating institution. Latitudinal flows of people cut into the site making a place for casual use by any pedestrian, while the building’s heart and skin are thrust forth enclosing the void. This physical presence recognizes functionality of the collective and provides shelter. Forming this fundamental thrust are the courtrooms, places of action and a beacon to the collective. This intermediate space between borders becomes neither that of the individual or the collective, but a place for their integration.

Destination visibility and clarity of route is important to individual interaction. Involvement in the proceedings is encouraged both physically and visually through treatment of circulation as a procession to the courtrooms. Path emphasizes views both of the landscape and of the user’s destination through the angle of the stairs. Building accessibility is greatly improved by locating a security checkpoint to the third level serving the courtroom floors. Such ease of access allows users to participate and use this civic building freely as well as allowing the ground level to become very open when appropriate. Here, the meeting hall is equipped with walls that open directly to the outside, designed to create a variable space that can expand to the outside during community events. In this way the courthouse becomes less of a sacred untouchable building and more of a community resolution center.

After considering the efficiencies of different renewable energy sources, we chose a two-system approach to power the building. Solar collectors, located in a double-skin cavity, will provide hot water for domestic needs as well as to heat and cool the building. Photovoltaic panels will also be used to provide electricity for the lighting system, plug loads, and the miscellaneous pumps and fans associated with the HVAC system. Because the solar collectors are more efficient at converting solar radiation to heat than PV panels to electricity, this approach gave us more freedom on the exterior of the structure.

This scenario provides a building situated on a corner site in a downtown area. Raking back at an angle of fifteen degrees, the southern façade forms a surface for absorption of the sun’s energy while maintaining an adequate building volume for people to function. Round PV modules are integrated into the cladding system in varying densities providing both shade and views for the occupants inside. To adequately diminish electric lighting loads, workspaces are designed for a daylight factor of 4-8 percent. Working in tandem with a centralized sky lighting atrium, densities of photo voltaic panels change to provide this light level while still maximizing p.v. square footage.

This southern façade’s panel system is a multi faceted system with integrated functions. Initially confronting the sun’s rays is a layer of glass with an integrated grid work of photovoltaic panels. Next is a metallic mesh embedded in glass which diffuses light and reduces any harsh shadows created by the PV grid. Within this double skin is a cavity where solar radiation is trapped and begins to heat the air. Following this system to the upper portion of that same façade leads to flat plate solar collectors trapped within this same double skin. Any hot air generated within is exhausted up and away from the building within this system, supplementing any heat gathered by the solar absorption components of the system. These complementary energies increase the maximum temperature and flow of hot water. This hot water is served to occupants domestically as well as a solar thermal absorption chiller which provides cool air when necessary. When conditions do not call for mechanically conditioned air, the lower part of this cladding system is operable, providing a system for natural ventilation and cooling.

compact / unfold / shield / adapt / hold / shade / move / disappear / save / illuminate / conceal / facilitate / block / open / hoist / support / expose / hide / ignore / touch / flex / distort / shed

Graphic experimentation with texture and line. Design contestant for threadless loves pre-loved.

A robot with human hair. Mixed media experiment with digital and hand techniques.

This guy is all buisiness, and utilizes uv ink: when exposed to sunlight the man’s groucho glasses begin to radiate.

The clash of cultures has fueled violence and dispute within human society throughout our existence. Wars have been waged, and cultures swallowed up and assimilated, but historically cultural interaction has been relatively local. With human ingenuity and progress, inventors harnessed the forces of nature to exponentially increase the efficiency and power of men. The greatest impact on how cultures interact has been made by innovations in the transportation sector of society.

Globalization is a phenomenon initially fueled by innovation in transportation. Speed and efficiency have revolutionized the global economic model making international relations almost essential. This necessary interaction has forced cultures to interact despite many moral, religious, or social conflicts. A dangerous aspect of efficiency, when applied to cultural issues, is standardization. Nation’s declaration of primary language, federal laws, and even state religions dilutes the rich character and variety of culture which has organically occurred throughout history for the sake of efficiency. Nationalism has formed as an extremist response to the threat of foreign cultural influence. By establishing and holding tight a single cultural identity, politicians create a national sense of unity and strength. These actions only lead to a diluted culture with stale ideas and traditions.

Relative to the world, Ball State is a symbol of globalization. People are brought from around the world for the purpose of education. The model of organization is similar to that of a nation state; many cultures are brought together for efficiency and stability. Individual cultures are not ignored, but they’re not actively recognized. Standardization within the university, people trying to fit in with the majority in particular, degrades the potential for unique university culture. The opportunity for cultural richness provided by the university should be exploited by individuals with organizational supplements to facilitate interaction. Universities, as an academic rather than economic organization, can stand as an example of cultural coexistence for the world.

Distressed inner cities such as Gary, IN have substantial decay with phenomena such as urban prairies growing from the rubble of demolition. Much of the depression in these locations is caused by the loss of a large industrial power. Low cost, locally sustaining and productive industries along with cultural changes have potential to spur growth in these conditions. This project presents a locally sufficient community based around a dense agricultural core. A mix of greenhouse based, year-round growth and seasonal outdoor production minimizes cost, while still maintaining reasonable production during winter months. The urban expression of agriculture is composed of low-cost, excess cargo crates of standard international dimensions. Manipulation of these modules is limited to maximize utility and minimize waste.

The greenhouse structure supporting year-round production is based on a concept of aquaponics which is already in place at urban locations, only at a much smaller scale. This system establishes a symbiotic relationship between plant and aquatic life similar to that of a healthy ecosystem. A large below-grade tank is home to thousands of fish which produce large amounts of waste. Water from this tank is circulated throughout the many levels of the building to each greenhouse module where the waste produced by the fish below is consumed by filtering plants. To maximize the utility of the building, northern modules house programmatic elements which do not critically need sunlight such as chicken coops, storage, and rooms for compost. Interior environmental conditions are mediatedby the water, which utilizes solar heating and evaporative cooling techniques.

Loud colors and texture overlays, hands and drills, the earth and its parts.

Paths throughout the project lead visitors to several destinations including group meeting spaces, a private chapel, a reflection garden, and a gathering sanctuary. Change in grade and direction are intended to disorient those visiting: paths weave between spaces and the only views available are to the tree‐tops and sky. Sky and sun are celebrated throughout the project, with varying elements creating patterns of reflection and shadow on each other and interior space. The sanctuary and private chapel contrast a majority of the low‐lying below‐grade structures, whose green roofs seem to merge into the surroundings, with solar panel clad towers actively challenging the height of surrounding trees.