Edit: I know a 4x8 plywood grid seems like the easy, no-brainer minimal design solution, but the design interest is intended to be in the modules vs. the cheap and easy infrastructure. Observe the easy incorporation of kinetic elements a' le Dave. Simple Plug n' Play/unrarified infrastructure isn't necessarily a detriment. Pleeeasseee believe in me! I try and convince you with fanciful colors, but it is in your hearts you must truly decide.
'Horizontal Modules w/ Pallet Base
Single Panel
Multiple Panels: Wall
Method of Stabilization: Pallet System
Square Modules w/ Cinderblock BaseSingle Panel
Multiple Panels: Grid
Method of Stabilization: Cinderblock and metal post
Arrgghh... the unspeaking horror of models.
Hmm... anyway. Realized that the grid was probably the way to go, after two or three days of physically modeling horizontal stuff similar to Jess's original idea. I'll still upload sketches and maybe some photos of that stuff, though, because I DO like the horizontal module system, and I actually developed modules for it, not just the system... But these are just three, concise images of a both square and horizontal module systems and infrastructures.
Square: The system is simple: 2x2' plywood panels bolted on a frame with roughly the same intervals, backed by tube or rectangular metal posts planted into a two stack high retaining wall of mortarless cinderblocks. Stick a 'lil solar powered light on the front and you're done.
Because panels can be cut as doubles- or even 2x2 module squares- there's a lot of flexibility to how modules are arranged on it- and the systems they make across it.
Horizontal: The horizontal modules are designed to reflect human proportions... the bottom is perfect for a bench module, the divide between the third and fourth modules is at jaw level, to allow the two top panels to slide up and allow viewing. I like the proportions, but... it just seems a little awkward.
The weighted pallet system behind these make them extremely easy to move around, just remove the weight and cart it away. It also might allow them to take heavier wind and pressure loads (i.e. fat people sitting on benches). Unfortunately, it exposes the base (probably just plywood and 2x4) to the elements... and I'm not sure that would be very practical...
Both: Types are modular and offer flexibility as far as curves and corners go. Both could potentially create viewing opportunities by strategically shifting panels up. Both use a minimum of material, so they're relatively cheap... although still expensive as hell compared to chain link.
Below are some images from mah sketchbook depicting horizontal module types and wall combo combos.
Wall Combos:
Module Types:
Conclusion: I worked a lot on the horizontal module system, but I think the square one is probably the way to go.
the simple plug n play modules combined with the cheap/easy infrastructure is something we can still totally incorporate in our proposal. but i still think we should continue to develop the framework to allow these modules to not only plug/play but become more functional and memorable (slide and fold out below to become a bench, slide and fold over to become a roof, etc...as discussed in the meeting and demonstrated by your physical models). of course, we don't wanna try to propose something complicated and super expensive, but if we really wanna push for something flexible and versatile that'll encourage as much human activity, it may be worth looking into the framework even further. The challenge will be trying to make that framework as simple as possible, while still allowing us to do so much with the modules and the walls themselves.
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