The following project was meant to diagram the translation from a digital world to a physical space in the real world. This idea of translation was a key theme within the work that I wanted to explore in greater depth. To do this, I used multiple materials and tried to show the various facets of rhino modeling. 

The prompt for this project was an evolution from a previous assignment in which we were supposed to model in Rhino abstractly; we were meant to respond to a musical piece and model to rhino as a way to show how we react to sound. From this sonically influenced model, the prompt required that a single piece or the entire thing be translated into a physical object. There was great emphasis on trying to use found objects and not rigidly adhereing to the exact materials used within the model during the rhino process(model depicted below).

I decieded to use mac and cheese boxes because of their naturally reflective texture once the outer paper-like layer is peeled away from the boxes. However, I also wanted to reinforce that the form i chose had a very distinct structure. i deiceded to use different materials to signify different parts of the rhino software and the different textures one could apply to a model once it has achieved its coveted form.

I started with a simple wireframe model of the form I had chosen to make sure that I could later add other important textured parts that would provide more information about the true materiality of this object. This wireframe model was then supplemented with the addition of a stronger wooden frame constructed of bamboo skewers. These bamboo skewers serve as a structural addition and also exist to highlight the natural form of this object. They serve as a spine and were also very important in placing in other features within the entire extent of the object.

the next layer of material is a series of tracing paper pieces meant to represent the ghosted layer on Rhino. This layer outlines the ribs of the wireframe and shows that this model is in the process of being translated. I wanted to literally model this translation and how many things would be lost between the digital and physical world. In the case of my model, there are close to three layers, but the only complete layer is the wireframe. The tracing paper, bamboo skewers, and mac and cheese boxes are all incomplete layers that show how the original materiality of the digital piece was lost. The final layer of mac and cheese boxes is a series of circular rings that overlap the other forms of the object. I wanted to create intense overlap and relief in other areas to allow for movement of the eye throughout the piece. 

I also wanted there to be incredible focus on the overall structure of the object and the idea tht it was being translated while be witnessed by the viewer. Even though part of the original materiality is lost in the process of translation, there is a better idea of its true structure in the real world. I also included a small mechanical engine that provides power to this airship-like, imaginitvely-constrcted object. 

These layers of materials are meant to show how one cannot truly replicate something from a digital material. However, by focusing on form, one can understand the true nature of the form created in modeling space and how that form would interact with its environment in the 3-dimensional world. This project required iterative design and hoped to explore the true distinction between digital material and physical material.