One Of My Early Diagrams

From Systems Sites and Building class last year. I diagrammed how I receive energy from the sun, a solar map if you will: link

I tried using pictures to increase legibility. Not sure if it helped or just made it worse.

OR

better diagram

d3o

If you haven't heard of it before, d3o is this material that acts soft and pliable when at rest, but instantly locks up when impacted and returns to its original shape right after. They're using it in beanies, ski jackets, soccer goalie gloves, etc.

They don't give out samples to students, but I do have a hat with it built in that I can bring to the next class.

Interlocking Plywood Panels

dibbz.

Speaking of Pop-up

Spending too much time on the internet today. But this is probably the truest "pop-up" example I've seen. Talk about minimizing material waste: http://freshome.com/2011/05/06/a-creative-design-rising-chair-by-robert-van-embricqs/

Pop-Up Paper Lamps

Found this while surfing the interwebs. Interesting way to make a functional object using just paper, some folding, and glue.
http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/16595/nancel-duke-sadako-paper-lamps.html

*couldn't get the picture any smaller, sorry

Crazy Chipboard Columns

Just came across another post about Michael Hansmeyer's ridiculously complex layered chipboard columns: http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/16587/michael-hansmeyer-at-gwangju-design-biennale-2011.html

Concrete Canvas

This is the material I originally attempted to work with for this class. It is a concrete-impregnated layered fabric with a waterproof backing that is flexible and bendable but fully hardens 2 hours after becoming wet.

Here's the site: www.concretecanvas.co.uk

And here are some design-oriented uses of the material: http://www.concretecanvas.co.uk/Docs/CC_Design_Brochure.pdf

Unfortunately, the manufacturer is based out of the UK and has limited inventory at the time, and a 1 sqft sample will set you back $10 plus shipping.