POLYCARB HOUSE °*
TEETER DOCK °*
LENTICULAR COLUMN °*
CLOSED LOOP °*
HYPAR CANOPY °
SHARED BEDS °*
MATERIAL MUSEUM °
SPLIT HOUSE °
DRAPED STONE °*
FLAT STAND °
TIP TAP °*
ROCKER °*
ARCADE °*
TAUT °*
VEER °*
SLING °
ENFOLD °
THREE LEVEL HOUSE °
CHI-OSK °
FIBROUS TECTONICS °
ACTIVE COMPOSITES °
PETRO HOUSE °
BCL *
Fiberglass Wrapped Structural Nodes
DATE2017
LOCATIONHouston, TX
TYPEMaterial Research & Public Installation
DESIGN LEAD
David Costanza
DESIGN TEAM
Philip Niekamp
Ekin Erar
Samantha Schuermann
OVERVIEWRocker is a public interactive installation on the Rice University campus. The form is made of straight segments attached using complex structural nodes. Overall, the installation is designed to tip back and forth, similar to the motion of a seesaw. The structure has a woven rope surface that allows for a sectional occupation. The small seesaw-like interaction activates the object more broadly and encourages user movement, climb, and play.
The structure is produced using 3D-printed nodes that define the angles and geometry of pultruded fiberglass tubes. The entire object is adhered with bio-based epoxy resin. This structure serves as the frame for two woven surfaces, allowing the object also to be occupied sectionally. Twisted 1/2” polypropylene marine-grade rope is used to construct a soft interface, producing a playful, energetic, woven urban object. The prototype eventually led to a larger installation for Lawnfdale Sculpture Garden titled TipTap.