Earth Pendulum
Biomaterial research holds the connotation of nano-geomorphology, where earth can be manipulated on a genomic level, in hermetically-sealed environments. But rendering “Artificial Earths” as a reality requires manipulation of nature-based materials at both microscopic and macroscopic levels. “Earth Pendulum” positions itself at the intersection of design, environmental engineering, and geoscience to center scalable, low-tech solutions as a juxtaposition to energy intensive, hi-tech solutions.
We seek to understand and apply the lessons from vernacular earthen construction to futuristic building practices, such as 3D-printing and modular construction. This project acknowledges these novel modes of construction as inevitable, but strives to restore dignity to the vernacular by building an apparatus that rejects a robot-assisted praxis, pursuing instead assistance solely from gravity. By using a pendulum, an initial momentum and start angle creates Lissajouls patterns, dictated by gravity and the earth’s rotation.
We created tiles from excavated land, and designed a panel for interior facades. We then painted the earth-based tiles with earth-based paint, motioned by earth’s rotation. Reflecting on the omnipotence of natural materials, we were able to achieve complex parametric forms through strictly analog means.
Biomaterial research holds the connotation of nano-geomorphology, where earth can be manipulated on a genomic level, in hermetically-sealed environments. But rendering “Artificial Earths” as a reality requires manipulation of nature-based materials at both microscopic and macroscopic levels. “Earth Pendulum” positions itself at the intersection of design, environmental engineering, and geoscience to center scalable, low-tech solutions as a juxtaposition to energy intensive, hi-tech solutions.
We seek to understand and apply the lessons from vernacular earthen construction to futuristic building practices, such as 3D-printing and modular construction. This project acknowledges these novel modes of construction as inevitable, but strives to restore dignity to the vernacular by building an apparatus that rejects a robot-assisted praxis, pursuing instead assistance solely from gravity. By using a pendulum, an initial momentum and start angle creates Lissajouls patterns, dictated by gravity and the earth’s rotation.
We created tiles from excavated land, and designed a panel for interior facades. We then painted the earth-based tiles with earth-based paint, motioned by earth’s rotation. Reflecting on the omnipotence of natural materials, we were able to achieve complex parametric forms through strictly analog means.
1/2021—Ongoing
Research
Assistants
Assistants
Jennah Jones