Designing a smart surface – Temporal, Mechanical, Environmental

The first project asks you to consider what a smart surface might look like, what its performance might be, and how it will behave.  This research / design project will function to get your team started and to build your basic skill set.  Each week the project scope will increase and the teams will change as a means to support in class discussion and to accelerate your investigation of the course topic.

The focus of the 2011 SmartSurfaces course is ‘Power’ – in the form of electricity in a localized grid and in terms of taking control by becoming an example of self-reliance.  Our clients will be Power House Productions (PHP) - an incorporated nonprofit whose mission is to develop and implement neighborhood stabilization strategies in a Detroit neighborhood near Hamtramck. 

We are interested in the ability to solve simultaneous problems relevant to multiple fields of study and as such, your task for the first phase of the course will be driven by three divergent criterions*.  It is our belief that the global problems we currently face are the result of reductive modes of thought that sought to optimize single criteria and conversely this course seeks to bring multiple voices together to explore design able to solve multiple problems with one solution.  But before we can attack the big global issues we must first learn how to work in teams and explore this concept at a manageable scale.

•    Make a surface that synthesizes the three criteria* selected by your team
•    Make a surface comprised of at least 9 interlocking components
•    The surface should be no greater than 3’ x 3’ in dimension
•    Document the design process as a decision tree
•    On your blog document the team structure and roles, and the various prototypes made
•    Present the surface and process at the start of next class

Criteria* - Each team will randomly choose one from each category:

Temporal	Hourly	Daily	Seasonally	Annually
Mechanical	Folding	Sliding	Rotating	Inflating
Environmental	Light	Heat	Water	Wind

•    How was your team able to synthesize the form, function and behavior of the surface?
•    How does your team evaluate the surface’s efficiency, durability and economy?
•    How does your team value the complexity of the proposal (could it be more simple)?
•    How does your team value the spectacle of the proposal?

In addition to documenting and recording the project, process, and criteria (from above), please include the following issues in your project report:
•    Within the constraints of the brief, did the team define a high value problem?
•    How were tasks delegated?
•    How were the tools, conditions and constraints negotiated?
•    How were time, resources and team capabilities negotiated?
•    Use a decision tree to aid in the description of the process.

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Project 1: Seasonally - Rotating - Light (aka "the floodlight")

Keywords: energy efficiency sun angle available control brainstorming aperture light ventilation direct relationship 2d-3d module array bounce through thinking sketching talking priorities collect energy spin hibernation validate levels consensus democratic integrating longevity visual residual rotation potential security independent horizontal color capture mechanical energy structure self-aggregating reciprocal security outdoors passive evolution cluster follow psychological optical wall lawn weather resistant eliminate moving transmit active propel passive engagement fun public interaction pedestrian activity sidewalk playfulness self-awareness personality self-sufficient theft-proof spatial threshold artificial natural evergreen criminal wireless benefit durability

Sept 6.
Initial teams formed.  Start.
Dylan Box
Stephanie Nixon
Patty McCormick
Branden Clements
Erika Lindsay
Ning Wang

Sept 13.
Each team will present their surface at the start of class.  We hope to see multiple attempts, mock-ups and prototypes developed using chipboard and corrugated cardboard as a means to describe your surface.  For week 1, the project can be manually operated.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria and materials added.  The surface is required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs.

Branden Clements
Brian Muscat
Alexander Watanabe
Ben Hagenhofer-Daniell
Natalie Smith
Yun Tae Kim

Sept 20.
Each team will present their smarter surface at the start of class.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria and materials added. The surface is required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs and track the sun using photoresistors and a motor.

Maria Galarza
Ted Teng
Micaela McCabe
Justin Moyer
Peyton Spaller
Yun Tae Kim

Sept 27.
Each team will present their even smarter surface at the start of class.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria added.  The surfaces are required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs and track the sun using photoresistors and a motor.  Each team will be required to incorporate a battery and photovoltaic cells into their system.  The surfaces must operate in an off-grid condition (i.e. able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services).  We will visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum to learn how nature solves these issues.

Steven Griffiths
Kevin Wayne
Keenan May
Lauren Vasey
Ning Wang
Jingyao Wu

October 4.
Each team will present their Off-Grid, Solar-Tracking, Illuminated Surface (OGSTIS) to our clients Power House Productions (PHP) in Hamtramck.  The OGSTIS must survive the trip to Detroit and be able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services.  Teams must be ready to solicit input and advice from our clients as to the appropriateness of their solutions.  Further instructions will be issued.

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Project 2: Hourly - Folding - Water (aka "the trellis")

Keywords: means representation measuring rate passes through held within physically rods cones folds larger area cistern flushing watering checkerboard weight dispersal sense moisture levels agricultural watering regulation dry unused woven structure containment angrily problem mass integral utilities rain shadows low-res result behavior passive collecting representing billboard shame invisible origami balloons material urban bio-mimicry stiffening compression membrane concentrate flow moisture insulation hi-tech plants gravity pressure urban desert home-grown global efficiency light northern facade mirror light well minimal tension structure fruit clay database helical water error-checking plant power garden light float sensor fresnel sun tunnel diffuser reservoir gravity porcelain hydroponic greenhouse self-monitoring maintenance culture function spectacle light durable

Sept 6.
Initial teams formed.  Start.

Lindsey Eldredge-Fox
Brian Muscat
Justin Moyer
Maria Galarza
Keenan Hurlin May
Alexander Watanabe

Sept 13.
Each team will present their surface at the start of class.  We hope to see multiple attempts, mock-ups and prototypes developed using chipboard and corrugated cardboard as a means to describe your surface.  For week 1, the project can be manually operated.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria and materials added.  The surface is required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs.

Dylan Box
Erika Lindsay
Justin Moyer
Stephanie Schutter
Ted Teng
Garret Huff
Lauren Vasey

Sept 20.
Each team will present their smarter surface at the start of class.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria and materials added. The surface is required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs and track the sun using photoresistors and a motor.

Dylan Box
Stephanie Schutter
Steven Griffiths
Kevin Wayne
Ning Wang
Alexander Watanabe

Sept 27.
Each team will present their even smarter surface at the start of class.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria added.  The surfaces are required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs and track the sun using photoresistors and a motor.  Each team will be required to incorporate a battery and photovoltaic cells into their system.  The surfaces must operate in an off-grid condition (i.e. able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services).  We will visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum to learn how nature solves these issues.

Peyton Spaller
Micaela McCabe
Rachel Meyers
Natalie Smith
Ben Hagenhofer-Daniell
Erika Lindsay

October 4.
Each team will present their Off-Grid, Solar-Tracking, Illuminated Surface (OGSTIS) to our clients Power House Productions (PHP) in Hamtramck.  The OGSTIS must survive the trip to Detroit and be able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services.  Teams must be ready to solicit input and advice from our clients as to the appropriateness of their solutions.  Further instructions will be issued.

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Project 3: Daily - Inflating - Wind (aka "the filter")

Keywords: events input output turbine fan storage breezy stores energy mechanically spring ratchet registration fully wound stopped in-between layers motion open closed bags pressure regulation airflow light body closed volume displacing generation control impure organisms colony bellows filter color efficiency durability spectacle blinking convection patterns ventilation unconventional infiltration online streaming bellows pumps pressurized gasket expansion pressure vacuum differential aperture triangulated rotational degree pressure relative gradient pressurized withstand assumption wind temperature change dynamic seal control waveguide pv collecting energy accommodates fluorescent ventilation expensive module clustering filter angle color

Sept 6.
Initial teams formed.  Start.
Stephanie Schutter
Steven Griffiths
Micaela McCabe
Gloria Maria Murillo
Ben Hagenhofer-Daniell
Ted Teng
Jingyao Wu

Sept 13.
Each team will present their surface at the start of class.  We hope to see multiple attempts, mock-ups and prototypes developed using chipboard and corrugated cardboard as a means to describe your surface.  For week 1, the project can be manually operated.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria and materials added.  The surface is required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs.

Stephanie Nixon
Ning Wang
Maria Galarza
Steven Griffiths
Rachel Meyers
Peyton Spaller

Sept 20.
Each team will present their smarter surface at the start of class.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria and materials added. The surface is required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs and track the sun using photoresistors and a motor.

Erika Lindsay
Keenan May
Lauren Vasey
Stephanie Nixon
Brian Muscat
Natalie Smith

Sept 27.
Each team will present their even smarter surface at the start of class.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria added.  The surfaces are required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs and track the sun using photoresistors and a motor.  Each team will be required to incorporate a battery and photovoltaic cells into their system.  The surfaces must operate in an off-grid condition (i.e. able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services).  We will visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum to learn how nature solves these issues.

Garret Huff
Dylan Box
Lindsey Eldredge-Fox
Branden Clements
Yun Tae Kim
Alexander Watanabe

October 4.
Each team will present their Off-Grid, Solar-Tracking, Illuminated Surface (OGSTIS) to our clients Power House Productions (PHP) in Hamtramck.  The OGSTIS must survive the trip to Detroit and be able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services.  Teams must be ready to solicit input and advice from our clients as to the appropriateness of their solutions.  Further instructions will be issued.

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Project 4: Annually - Sliding - Heat (aka "the venetian blind")

Keywords: passive airflow light ventilation problem play pull taught summer cool dark shades materiality cause sun maneuver reflect close gap circle panels open close keep-in keep-out background storage process design advantage insulating develop split set respect ideas respond friction collect venting insulation breathing rotating telescope chimney operative consistency mitigate gain multimaterial dynamic data-driven proximity override humanistic psychology behavior circadian energy security environment protect mirror lighting reflector orienting energy water shower compares glass tracking efficiency difference interior efficient system copper mechanism water specific sunrise sunset flaps security constraints pragmatic integrate applied subtlety

Sept 6.
Initial teams formed.  Start.
Natalie Smith
Garret Huff
Rachel Meyers
Kevin Wayne
Yun Tae Kim
Lauren Vasey

Sept 13.
Each team will present their surface at the start of class.  We hope to see multiple attempts, mock-ups and prototypes developed using chipboard and corrugated cardboard as a means to describe your surface.  For week 1, the project can be manually operated.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria and materials added.  The surface is required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs.

Lindsey Eldredge-Fox
Keenan Hurlin May
Jingyao Wu
Kevin Wayne
Micaela McCabe

Sept 20.
Each team will present their smarter surface at the start of class.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria and materials added. The surface is required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs and track the sun using photoresistors and a motor.

Branden Clements
Ben Hagenhofer-Daniell
Jingyao Wu
Lindsey Eldredge-Fox
Rachel Meyers
Garret Huff

Sept 27.
Each team will present their even smarter surface at the start of class.  After the presentation the personnel on each team will be changed.  The surfaces presented will be used as starting points and extra criteria added.  The surfaces are required to illuminate using an Arduino and LEDs and track the sun using photoresistors and a motor.  Each team will be required to incorporate a battery and photovoltaic cells into their system.  The surfaces must operate in an off-grid condition (i.e. able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services).  We will visit the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum to learn how nature solves these issues.

Justin Moyer
Brian Muscat
Stephanie Nixon
Stephanie Schutter
Maria Galarza
Ted Teng

October 4.
Each team will present their Off-Grid, Solar-Tracking, Illuminated Surface (OGSTIS) to our clients Power House Productions (PHP) in Hamtramck.  The OGSTIS must survive the trip to Detroit and be able to operate completely independently of all traditional public utility services.  Teams must be ready to solicit input and advice from our clients as to the appropriateness of their solutions.  Further instructions will be issued.

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The final teams are:

SmartFence:
Brian Muscat
Kevin Wayne
Lauren Vasey
Keenan Hurlin May
Ben Hagenhofer-Daniell
Stephanie Nixon

WaterLilly:
Lindsey Eldredge-Fox
Justin Moyer
Yun Tae Kim
Dylan Box
Branden Clements
Erika Lindsay

Mathatters (formerly Otto):
Micaela McCabe
Payton Spaller
Maria Galarza

Fnut (formerly Otto):
Alexander Watanabe
Ted Teng
Jingyao Wu

Dragon:
Natalie Smith
Garret Huff
Ning Wang
Steven Griffiths
Stephanie Schutter
Rachel Meyers