This week I explored the city to find inspiration:
MUSEUM OF MATH
I was very inspired by my visits to both the Cooper Hewitt and the Museum of Math. I think that aesthetically, they both express similar attributes. From the images above you can see that there is a common theme of geometry as aesthetic. For me, I have always been attracted to math because of the forms that are expressed through the language of mathematics. Even the language itself is aesthetically pleasing to me - the curves of an integral sign and the edges of a sigma. The projects at the architecture exhibit take these mathematical forms and bring them to life in real world, physical forms. This to me is incredibly interesting - that something so small like an equation can be realized into an awe-inspiring scale. Architecture, for me, is a way that these small mathematical properties, angles, and formulae can be transformed into something that makes a person look up and realize their insignificance or "smallness". I also was very interested how the Cooper Hewitt and the MoMath exhibits showed the process of creating by using 3D printing and paper prototypes. I don't know exactly where my thesis is heading, but seeing these two museums made me realize that I am going in the right direction. Someone out there speaks my language and soon enough I will be able to articulate my concept with both language and physical form.
SCULPTURES AT SCALE
I also ran into this architectural sculpture in the lobby of The New School. It appeals to me both aesthetically because of its wave like pattern. I also like that it is made from natural materials which appear to be some kind of paper or very pliable wood material. This made me think about prototyping and how to incorporate simple materials.