These projects reference standardized dropped ceiling grids as an overlooked area of design exploration involving connections, hanging systems and the understanding of current and previous systems. These projects must have the potential to accommodate program, and shelter and create newly engineered spatial sequences.

 

Project goals utilize the following principlas as an overall logic:

(1) An understanding of the fabrication & manufacturing processes used in design, both small & large scale.

(2) An understanding of “Cradle to Cradle” manufacturing concepts.

(3) An understanding of digital methods & their use in outsourcing to laser-cutting/CNC.

(4) To develop skills that allow students to apply gained knowledge directly into other courses such as design studio.

(5) To gain an understanding of the real world applications of DD+F, its complexity and potential.

(6) Understand concepts of micro-financing and how this can allow students to develop real world strategies for success, giving students further potential with their design ideas.

(7) Understand concepts of small business & entrepreneurship relative to their design activities.

(8) To understand and evaluate “Size” vs. “Scale”.

(9) Understand how design and business interact.

(10) To put students in contact with real scale applications of detailing, connecting & joinery.