The Making of Nature: Part 3, CAD/Molds

We carried two concepts into CAD, Nature and Nurture. One took inspiration from organic forms such as flowers and cones. The latter took inspiration from architectural forms such as balconies and skyscapers. Each concept was created full scale in Rhinoceros, a 3d computer program. Careful attention was given to make each opening the correct size. I wanted the openings to be large enough for planting and digging.

Next, I wanted to understand how to mold these pieces. To help with that, I made computer generated molds. The molds I created were each five pieces. The final physical mold ended up being six pieces, and weighed about 380 lbs.

Inner walls in slip casting are created as the liquefied clay is robbed of moisture by the plaster mold. I created inner walls to visualize how the surfaces would come together. These drawings helped communicate the designs to the model fabricators and potters. I used them extensively in the next step.

Atelierdorp

Atelierdorp, a design family from robertanderson on Vimeo.

The Making of Nature: Part 2, Models

It’s valuable to get into scale models quickly. Some forms are like puzzles. To gain a better understanding of this complex form, I made a small, clay model. Other popular sketch modeling materials include foam, cardboard, wood or paper. I have been using this same clay for years. Even at this early stage, important decisions are being made about proportion. These decisions make a great impact on the final design. From what I learn from this clay model, I am ready to start building a full scale computer model.

The Making of Nature: Part 1, Inspiration

Inspiration can come from so many things. In the case of Nature, it was simple. An interest in gardening combined with inspiration from natural and man-made patterns. The final key was the discovery of a manufacturing technique—slip casting. On an episode of “How It’s Made,” the show featured slip casting on a tea pot. I started imagining how this particular technique could be applied on a larger scale. I hoped this age-old technique could be pushed in it's ability to create a complex, organic form.



I jumped right into sketch visualization. I drew on inspiration from many sources in my initial sketches. After settling on a couple drawings that we were happy with, I looked toward the next steps.

Nature is featured in Dwell's April issue

While grabbing a bite to eat and glossing through magazines, we realized we were holding the latest issue of Dwell. We then excitedly flipped through to see if our Nature planter was featured and...YES indeed!

Such good news! Thank you, Dwell!