The tectonic vessel

The tectonic vessel

Florida Atlantic University School of Architecture Anthony Abbate AIA NCARB, Professor
ARC3463 Materials and Methods of Construction ASSIGNMENT 1
The tectonic vessel
material investigation through a designed object
tectonic from the Greek tektonikos, meaning of a builder.
vessel from the Latin vascellum, meaning a container for holding something.

(Extracted from Merrian Webster Collegiate Dictionary)
Statement
Behind every real object there is a dream object.-Jean Baudrillard
In this excercise to create a designed artifact the active construing and constructing and the resulting
material expression of the container and the contained is explored. Success will require understanding
of relationship of materials and functions, rigorous attention to detail, and the development of an
understanding of the connections between design intentions, design activity, design outcomes.
Due Date
13 January 2015
Functional requirements
Container must hold exactly 1 liter of water.
Container must be portable and stand on a flat surface.
Container must be leakproof, prevent spillage, and permit dispensing of water into a small teacup.
Liquid shall dispense elegantly from the container.
Vessel must be beautiful.
Selection and use of materials shall express the container, and the contained, in a meaningful way.
Material requirements: use any of the following permitted materials (no substitutes)
Galvanized steel, or aluminum, flexible pliable sheet metal.
Clear Polycarbonate, or Polymethyl Methacrylate, sheet.
Clear silicone, or polyurethane, sealant.
Compatible stainless steel, or aluminum, screws, nuts, washers, bolts, and wire.
Vinyl, rubber, or elastomeric gaskets, bushings, glazing tape and caulking bead.
The vessel must contain only materials identified in the list above. Use as few or as many materials
necessary to complete the task. No substitutions. No “super-glue”. No preformed shapes (i.e. cans,
bottles, bowls or other ready made components). Do not use heat to form any component of the container.
Summary analysis
Analyze the performance of your designed and constructed tectonic vessel and prepare a summary
analysis (maximum 300 words). The report must be produced with word-processing software. Limit the
report to the following:
a. Photograph of the completed vessel.
b. Discovery about the relationship between materials and function: provide an example of how material
is mediated by function and how function is mediated by material.
c. Discuss how the intention of the design was influenced, or even modified, through the process of
making and the testing of outcomes.
d. Discuss how the notions of utility, function, and aesthetics pertain to the quality of the vessel.

Submission requirements.
Completed vessels and analytical paper are due at the beginning of class.
Grading.
The following metrics are used for grading this assignment:
1. Demonstrated understanding of the relationship of materials and functions.
2. Degree to which the relationship between design intention and process of making are resolved.
3. Conformity to the functional, material, and summary analysis requirements.
4. Demonstrated best effort to achieve quality in preparation, execution, and presentation.

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