COMPOSITE PROTOTYPES I-VII

These seven prototypes are part of research concerned with unpacking the spatial and aesthetic potentials of composite materiality in terms of combining structural monocoque surfaces, MEP services, and lighting. Based on chunk logic rather than layer logic, these prototypes are intended to manufactured and delivered as fully integrated assemblies embedded with technical infrastructure.

They are constructed from molded fiber composite and polycarbonate materials, assembled with friction-fit connections and structural adhesive. They sometimes feature embedded solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, radiant cooling systems, and greywater capture systems. They never have hardware.

TYPE

Prototype

CLIENT

Artists Space, NY/ Tallinn Biennale/ SCI-Arc

YEAR

2008 - 2013

DESIGN TEAM

Principal: Tom Wiscombe, AIA
Research Team: Tom Wiscombe, Jonathan Proto, Brandon Kruysman
Design Team: Dave Bantz, Michael Gross, Paul Mecomber, Vince Pocsik

PROJECT TEAM

Design Architect: TWA, Los Angeles
Construction Coord: Tom Benard, Henry Dominguez Engineering: Buro Happold Consulting Engineers, LA Composites Fabrication: Machineous, LA

BATWING

A piece for the Matters of Sensation Show at Artists Space, Batwing is a prototype that uses delamination of composite surfaces to route MEP, lighting, and chilled water systems, with structural benefits.

BRAIN

A molded acrylic maze-like algae photobioreactor spreads across the architectural surface. This maze also stiffens the surface structurally, and includes an ambient lighting system.

STRUCTURAL TAPE

This project uses composite materials to integrate form, structure, and ornament. A 50-foot cantilever is stiffened with pleating and dyed fiberglass tape, creating structural tattoos that merge engineering and graphic intent.

THERMO - STRUT

This structural monocoque surface combines structure, services, and a solar thermal heating system, all glued together without mechanical fasteners.

TRACERY PANEL

DEEP SURFACE

This prototype uses manifold composite surfaces to nest volumes within a container. Leopard-like spots and stripes of thin-film solar and thin-film OLED are embedded in a super-thin composite skin.

MASS PAINTING

This piece for MoCA Geffen, explores multi-materiality and composite thinking in construction. Cartoon-like tattoos are created by over-molding rubber and thin-film OLED onto a composite substrate, using manufacturing techniques borrowed from toy design.

COMPOSITE PROTOTYPES I-VII

They are constructed from molded fiber composite and polycarbonate materials, assembled with friction-fit connections and structural adhesive. They sometimes feature embedded solar thermal and photovoltaic systems, radiant cooling systems, and greywater capture systems. They never have hardware.

A piece for the Matters of Sensation Show at Artists Space, Batwing is a prototype that uses delamination of composite surfaces to route MEP, lighting, and chilled water systems, with structural benefits.

SEE WORK