NOCMAT DB 2021
(pandemic edition)
Functional Objects from Non-Conventional Materials
Jen Donnelly, my friend and co-instructor for this course, was critical to its re-imagining in the face of restrictions of student contact and uncertain levels of student-instructor engagement during the waning pandemic. This course was split between virtual and in-person instruction. Students were asked to construct a 3 functional objects; a lamp, a stool, and structural object of their choosing.
Students' Work
Charrette 1: Lamp
Students worked to salvage materials and gain experience with laser cutting and hand tools.
salvaged canvas and wood panels
Maeve K.
wine bottles, copper tubing
Rob G.
cardboard, acrylic
Emily E.
plastic straws
Erin D.
cardboard tubes, acrylic
Nick L.
aluminum cans
Colin C.
Charette 2: Stool
Students demonstrate competency with laser cutting by creating a structural object that is statically loaded to failure. Failure mechanisms are studied to improve upon designs.
waffles (300+ lbs)
Josh C. and Colin C.
inside out (300+ lbs)
Maeve K.
tensegrity (25 lbs)
Erin D. and Rob G.
scissor stool (110 lbs)
Emily E. and Nick L.
Charette 3: Refine an Object
Students defined and crafted their final projects using skills gained over the semester.
tensegrity table
Erin D.
tensegrity table
Erin D.
tensegrity table
Erin D.
cathouse
Colin C.
cathouse
Colin C.
cathouse
Colin C.
demin and ply folding stool
Emily E.
demin and ply folding stool
Emily E.
tensegrity table
Rob G.