Experimental Materials
From Experimental Materials with Prof. Kihong Ku
This elective lab/seminar course is a hands-on exploration into materials' mechanical properties and aesthetic potential in the built environment. The course encourages experimentation with new materials and the non-traditional use of existing materials toward the full-scale production of architectural objects and building components. Implications of craft and technology underscore research and production.
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Acoustic Partition Wall
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Algae Wall
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Acoustical Mycelium Wall Panels
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Acoustic Partition Wall
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Algae Wall
This algae wall is designed for interior spaces such as offices with the goal of improving indoor air quality without sacrificing space and aesthetics. In the past algae has been used on the facades of buildings as a source of energy and also as a means of providing shade to buildings however is not used as frequently on the interior of buildings. This module wall was designed to hold individual cells of algae which each produce oxygen while consuming carbon dioxide to create cleaner air for people in the building. 36 modular pieces can create enough oxygen for 4 people in a 24 hour period. Larger amounts of modular pieces have the ability to provide clear air for an entire office.
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Acoustical Mycelium Wall Panels
The goal of this project is to explore and investigate biomaterials and their relationship to the built environment. Society is entering an era where sustainability is imperative to the survival of our resources and ourselves. Disciplines like architecture need to continue developing more sustainable means of construction and material selection in terms of considering its lifecycle; reducing the amount of material used and considering materials sources and end use. The project researches the use of mycelium, the vegetative part of mushrooms consisting of fibrous branching “roots'' that consume and bind organic substrates for the use of acoustical controls and spatial partitioning. As a test bed and design premise the project researches materials, test, and design portable partitions for CABE in spaces. Spaces that present acoustical and spatial flexibility challenges for the design include the upper level of A+D or Search Studios; such spaces not only require increased performance, but demand flexibility due to programmatic and curricular adaptations. The product will have a focus on reducing acoustical impacts and be designed for ease of constructability and maintenance.
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