Location for installation of sui generis thesis project
The view approaching Palmer Commons from Medical Campus (north).
The view from inside where sui.generis will be installed.
Archive for thesis
I create uncetainty
I’m so very happy to know that people worry about what I will do. I mean this sincerely, because after all, doesn’t the creation of an uncertain future also take into account the possibility of a preferred one? I’ve been getting questions about my upcoming thesis project.
“…what exactly will be on display within the tent. I think he got a little wary when he remembered the reproductive chair that was on display at Palmer some time ago. If you could e-mail the both of us with a brief description we would really appreciate it.”
The truth is that I really don’t know what will be inside until it is installed. Nonetheless, some suggestions are often needed to get things moving in the first place.
“Inside the structure there will be an opaque set of plexiglass screens on which will be projected the shadows of various plant configurations. There will also be a visual juxtaposition (as an image) of the social spaces of a chapel and a modern biological laboratory.”
Exhibition Proposal for Palmer Commons
This is an exhibition proposal for Palmer Commons. I am in the process of building a medium-scale architectural piece that I think would fit and function well in the Windows Room on the third floor. The installation is in partial fulfillment of my work towards the MFA degree in the School of Art & Design. A reception may be planned to celebrate the installation/opening.
CLICK HERE FOR {images of the installation/sculpture}
Its approximate dimensions are 12′ L x 8′ W x 10′ H.
Its weight is between 250-500 lbs.
My thought is that the piece could sit in the 16′ space between the two central pillars closest to the windows facing Washtenaw in the Windows room–extending slightly (approx 8 ft from the center of the pillars) into the central space. As such it would be visible and attractive to passers-by. Electrical outlets are the only input needed, and I’ve noted the multiple outlets at the bases of the pillars.
I am expecting to complete the piece by the end of February with proposed installation in mid-March. How long the piece is installed is negotiable-though my aim is three-four weeks.
Please let me know what I can do to make this work out. My contact is available in the right-hand side column. I’ve already contacted and communicated with Mr. Barcena, and if possible, I’d like to arrange a time to meet to discuss the matter as soon as you are available.
Sui generis
The goal is to try to understand what it means to think, design, and act with empathy towards the recipient(s) of our solutions. The recipient in this case is me- as you are all engaging in a critical dialogue of the work with regard to my intentions for it. How does a collaborative arrangement facilitate this? What steps are required to reach consensus?
My aim is to extricate myself from the process so as to see better what possibilities exist beyond my own sphere of influence. Thus, I rely on you all to take the tasks as your own- as if they were your own.
Guiding questions:
WHAT NARRATIVE/STORYLINE CAN I USE TO STRUCTURE AND THE EXPERIENCE AND INTERACTIONS ONE HAS WITH THIS STRUCTURE?
HOW IS THAT NARRATIVE REALIZED WITHIN THE UPPER AND LOWER HOUSES (SEE BELOW) THROUGH A COMBINATION OF PROJECTION, PERFORMANCE, SCULPTURE, INTERACTION OR OTHER SENSORY GESTURES?
I will have the structure set up in the common space…
(left)Model of the structure showing the intersection of a plane dividing the upper and lower houses. The lower house is on the right in this image and is the larger of the two.
The readings are taken from The Order of Things: an archaeology of the human sciences (Foucault 1970), Politics of Nature: how to bring the sciences into democracy (Latour 2004), and The Semantic Turn: a new foundation for design (Krippendorf 2006).
Reading them in reverse order may be useful if you are pressed for time.
The plan is this (1 HOUR):
Initial organization and task articulation (5 min): Identify tasks to complete; identify strategy(ies) to use to complete the tasks (I suggest the method outlined starting on page 247 of KRIPPENDORF); identify groups (upper/lower house).
Time for additional questions (5-10 min): What else do you need to know?
Design solutions (20-25 min): individually / in teams
Present solutions (20-25 min): present solutions / discussion
KRIPPENDORF outlines the method (re: narrative) I would you to use if possible.
LATOUR outlines the story that the narrative should construct.
FOUCAULT outlines the history and philosophy that the story finds itself situated within.
(left and below) Multiple views of the proposed structure.
