bent tree + better blocks kent installation

installation _ this installation was created as part of our studio's installation in the Better Blocks Kent event, in September 2019. The one-day installation consisted of large scale cardboard models of forms created as part of our 3rd-year design studio. Inspired by the process of the artist Max Ernst [1891-1976], each student was tasked with creating an abstract drawing using a process known as "frottage"; a technique that uses rubbings of objects as a source of images. By searching out different textures and medias students created an analog abstract representation of an object. Using their drawing as influence each student then began to translate their design into 3d by use of modeling software. In addition to the creation of the 'frottage object" students were asked to formulate their own interpretation of what "play" is; this would later be relevant as the studio was broken into two parts with the first half concentrated on this installation and the second the design of a large scale playground for Cleveland's Irishtown Bend neighborhood. In the beginning, the objects were scaleless, however, as they became more refined we were asked to begin to think about how the viewers would interact with them and what scale was necessary for these interactions to take place. With a design in place, each student's design was cut from large sheets of cardboard using the fabrication shop's CNC mill and then was assembled by hand. For the installation, at Bent Tree Coffee Roasters [a local coffee shop located in downtown kent] a temporary bed of grass was spread in the parking lot at the front of the store and students began placing their objects throughout the site; searching for ways in which the other students' sculptures could interact with each other, and that allowed for spectator [mainly small children] interaction. A large hit with children, the installation was a success as it sowed newfound interest by the general public into the kent architecture program, and it provided the students new research on how their models could be utilized and "played" with.