Category: LookingOutwards-03

YouieCho-LookingOutwards-03

Keyboard Frequency Sculpture by Michael Knuepfel, 2011

This is “Keyboard Frequency Sculpture” designed by a NYU design student Mie Knuenfel. This work caught my attention because it is simple, but a very straightforward computational digital fabrication showing a simple set of data. Although there are many other sophisticated works with abstract or complex data, as well, this work was inspiring for me because I could easily relate to and it seemed approachable to look into. This is a 3D visualization of the frequency of which keys on the keyboard are used. The frequencies are spatialized onto a QWERTY keyboard, represented in blocks of different heights. I think the artist was sensible in the way he created a rather straightforward representation with the Apple keyboard that most people are familiar with. I believe that creating computational digital fabrication with complex algorithms and high technology is important and appreciable, but it is also important to keep in mind how the work would appeal to its audience. This work spoke to me with its directness and clarity.

Process

Ankitha Vasudev – Looking Outwards – 03

The Voxman Music Building at the University of Iowa was designed by LMN Architects in 2016. The architects used parametric modeling to explore the intersections of multiple theatrical disciplines. The concert hall features a suspended “theatroacoustic” system, unifying acoustics and lighting. I find this building inspirational because generative modeling was used to design and build the structure. The ceiling is assembled out of 946 unique, folded-aluminium modules that were digitally fabricated from modules digitally designed and fabricated from the architects’ parametric model. 

Internal photo of Voxman Music Hall

Using a series of generative-design scripts, the designers first protoyped and then created a unique architectural feature and used those same scripts to describe to the builder the geometry and construction sequence needed to fabricate and install the ceiling.

The builder then took the digital information computed by LMN’s generative algorithms directly to the fabrication floor, assuring absolute fidelity to the design the architects created, and manufacturing the system with computer-controlled accuracy.

Hence, without generative modeling, the design and construction of this building would have been impossible.

External facade of Voxman Music Hall
A video by LMN Architects explaining the design of the Voxman Music Building