#materials&applications

[universityartmuseum]

One workshop down, two to go! MatterApp:Pyramidial community workshop number one was so much fun—designers, architects, artists and enthusiasts all came together to construct and describe the possibilities for the visual language of the structure. Some people played with K'Nex, others worked with mesh and plastic balls or wire and cardboard. The materials were limited but 20 or so people who showed up at EXPO Art Center to participate were thoroughly engaged and their enthusiasm for experimentation was amazing to see! Of course, it was pretty hard not to get excited after Mic Patterson, one of The Pyramid's architects, talked about what it was like to work on that project and the opportunity for space frame exploration. (He even tinkered with rafia, wire and plastic balls.)

You missed Mic but for this week's workshop on Thursday, October 10th we'll be working with Oliver Hess and building upon the structures and forms from last week. The focus will be on MatterApp's underlying skeleton built from an octet truss system. Please make sure to register (it's free!) and bring your friends.

Collaboration really is at its best when everyone is working with the same goal in mind and they bring their energy and enthusiasm to the table. See you there!

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Brigette Brown is a freelance writer and editor based out of Orange County. She holds a BA in Studio Art - Graphic Design from CSULB (2010) and is currently putting her MFA in Design Criticism from SVA (2013) to good use writing about design’s role in shaping our communities for publications like Surface, Disegno and The Los Angeles Review of Books.

[universityartmuseum]

Oliver Hess: Applied Matter and Beyond

I've never been to the Department of Design's Duncan Anderson Design Lecture Series. I'd never even heard of it (I'm a COTA alum and hardly ever made the trek to that part of campus) which is a shame because both schools are so inter-related. Even so, I'm glad my introduction to the series was last week's talk with Oliver Hess.

The Duncan Anderson lectures are held within the confines of a small white-walled gallery space of the same name.

Oliver Hess talked about his love of the monument and the work he does at Materials & Applications and his own studio, Aperiodic Industries. Quickly, the stuffy gallery was transformed into a room filled with giggles and dry humor.

Here's the short form of my takeaways:

1. The myth of the monument is very real and we often actively participate in perpetuation the fantasy of that myth (see Statue of Liberty and Pyramids of Giza...or the Walter Pyramid?)

2. Experimental structures are important for heightening our sense of what the world is capable of doing.

3. There's still a lot of untapped territory in technology and it isn't difficult to build your own stuff. Plus, it's fairly affordable for all the DIY-makers.

4. The social aspect of designing is incredibly important, resilient and fun!

5. Graduating students and young professionals are often choosing to create their own practices and careers.

6. You can build with Oliver workshops and participate in MatterApp:Pyramidial workshops this October.

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Brigette Brown is a freelance writer and editor based out of Orange County. She holds a BA in Studio Art - Graphic Design from CSULB (2010) and is currently putting her MFA in Design Criticism from SVA (2013) to good use writing about design's role in shaping our communities for publications like Surface, Disegno and The Los Angeles Review of Books.

[universityartmuseum]

Introducing DESN 360A: Environmental Communication Design

The first class! The students were sent straight to work to design  an experimental, dynamic and interactive environments with new tools and methodology using an array of form, color, light, sound, material and more importantly, movement. The goal is to create systems for audience experience within virtual and physical environments.

CSU Long Beach students in DESN 360A will actively participate in and collaborate on an experimental architecture and landscape design that culminates in a site-specific installation presented in conjunction with the exhibition Materials & Applications: Building Something (Beyond) Beautiful, Projects 2002-2013 in January 2014.

The resulting structure, MatterApp: Pyramidial will be located behind the Walter Pyramid on one of the lawns outside the Gerald R. Daniel Recital Hall. Thus, it is intended to resonate with both spaces, reflecting and transforming our understanding of the way the space is navigated, identified and celebrated. But wait, there’s more! MatterApp: Pyrimidial is also a performance space, a collaboration between students, community members and CSULB staff. The resulting translation will be far from literal.

Stay tuned as the UAM follows the progress of the installation by tracking and reporting on the class’ evolution from conception to completion.

For more info about DESN 360A, contact:

Heather Barker

Assistant Professor of Design

CSU Long Beach Department of Design

Direct: 562) 985-7903

[email protected]

_________________________________________________________________

Brigette Brown is a freelance writer and editor based out of Orange County. She holds a BA in Studio Art - Graphic Design from CSULB (2010) and is currently putting her MFA in Design Criticism from SVA (2013) to good use writing about design's role in shaping our communities for publications like Surface, Disegno and The Los Angeles Review of Books.