Professor Emeritus Ron Daniel’s Foundation Design Lab Progression Explorations

Earlier this week, Ron Daniel's Foundation Design Lab students explored ideas of progression using subtractive actions applied to 12"x 2"x 2" wood elements. Multiple iterative studies were developed, drawn, and fabricated using machines and tools in the wood shop. Work proceeded from early iterations in pine, ultimately moving to poplar with increasing precision and results.

"The wood project is an exploration of subtraction through closely working with machines. We not only investigated the material properties of our wood piece but also designed various geometric shapes enabled by the machine's capabilities. This project is a holistic challenge to our understanding of wood working, poster making, and line drawing." - First-year student Kyle Kai-Jun

The students' design process was critical throughout. Second level iterations then explored the idea of multiplicity of elements, while proposing new elements that could be varied, repeated, and connected. Approaches to fabrication were often complex, requiring new investigations. Ultimately, students summarized by creating graphic pages and posters to visually communicate their concepts, process, and final results.