BOXEL TOWN

Workshop Leader: Ronald Rael

A voxel (volumetric pixel or Volumetric Picture Element) is a volume element, representing a value on a regular grid in three-dimensional space. To a certain extent, the brick architecture’s first voxel, however the inherent absence of gravity in the digital environment (and the existence of it in our own) has made the brick and the voxel rarely cross conceptual paths. In this workshop, we will confront the building unit (brick), the voxel (organization system) and gravity (a huge pain in our ass) to produce many (or maybe just one) full-scale study models using 1,000 12”x12”x12” corrugated boxes. If we create more than one, maybe we make a town!

IN-BOX During the workshop, students will be introduced to the subdivision surface modeling program, MODO, which is described as the next evolution of 3D modeling, painting, sculpting and rendering in a single package and will be a valuable new tool to your architectural arsenal. It is an advanced polygonal and subdivision surface 3D modeler ideal for precision modeling of mechanical and architectural designs, and for freeform organic modeling—ideal for designing the complex spaces and forms we will construct during architecture week. After an introductory workshop to subdivision surface modeling to a workflow that employs 123D Make to create studies, students will work in groups to create one or more large-scale voxelized structures that explore form, space, light, projection, graphics, context and performance. Students should download and install the trial version modo and the associated content prior (JUST A COUPLE DAYS PRIOR) to the workshop available here: (http://www.thefoundry.co.uk/products/modo/) Additionally, students should download the free version of 123D Make here: http://www.123dapp.com/make

OUT-BOX In addition to large scale structures, a series of renderings and laser-cut models will also be produced as part of the workshop and displayed in the boxel structures.