1. Abstract sculpture assignment

2. The mayor of Charlotte has tasked us with creating a prototype for an abstract sculpture that will reside at the front of the Mint Museum in uptown Charlotte. This will be a group project.

3. Where the new sculpture will go (will replace the one shown below)

5. Prototype Requirements
Must be abstract
Must be free-standing
Consist between popsicle sticks
Convey movement or repetition
Cannot be in multiple parts. Must be in ONE piece
Must be able to fit in the prescribed location (see previous slides)
Possess only ONE of these color schemes: Monochromatic (ex. light blue to dark blue)
Complimentary (ex. yellow and violet)
Analogous (ex. yellow-green, green, blue-green, blue)
Intensity (ex. Vibrant red to a dull brown)

6. Questions to ask yourself throughout the planning phase
Can the public interact with it? (Not Required)
Does the color/color scheme go with its environment? (Required)
Does the design cohere nicely with its surroundings? (Required)
Is the design interesting to look at from ALL angles? (Required)
Will the stairs remain accessible to the public? (Required)

7. Design examples found online

8. Design examples found online

9. Approach via the STEM Cycle
EMPATHY –Put yourselves into the situation. Become emotionally invested into the assignment. Get involved.
IDEATE –Brainstorm design and color ideas in your sketchbooks. Create several LOOSE concept sketches. Talk, draw, and write it out AT ALL TIMES. Research BEYOND the scope of this presentation. Mix and mash ideas together.
PROTOTYPE –Pick best concept sketch and neatly redraw it. You may cut up poster board or cardboard to create a 3D prototype if you wish. Draw and write out how you’d like to assemble it.
FEEDBACK & REFLECT –Look over and decide if your design will work. If so, proceed. If not, get back to the drawing board.
CREATE –Spread the workload amongst group members and follow your blueprint. Craftsmanship is key.

10. What to Document
Photograph all of your sketches. This includes both your best your worst designs.
Photograph your final drawing of the design, along with a blueprint/written plan for how you intend to assemble/create it.
Photograph any evidence of a 3D prototype. A 3D prototype is optional.
Photograph work-in-progress shots of the construction of your sculpture. Time-lapses and videos are optional.
Photograph your final product with a plain white floor and backdrop. You can accomplish this by using the white poster board in the storage room.

11. How to Present
You will introduce your sculpture prototype to the class as if they are the design committee and I’m the Mayor of Charlotte. Remember, this will be a sales pitch; you are in competition with all of the other groups.
Spend 5 minutes explaining to the committee why your design should reside outside the Mint Museum.
Refer back to slide 6 “Questions you should ask yourself” to assist with this.
Spend 8-10 minutes explaining individual roles, process, failures and successes, and inspiration for your design. This is when you will also present to the class your journey throughout the STEM cycle (photos and videos).

12. Good luck and happy designing!