Living on the Edge Work Summary

Casting was a true trial and error experience throughout the various molds, strategies and aggregates. In the end, we found what worked: plastic square molds, some wood and a few cardboard boxes. We found our base was 1'-0" by 1'-0" at 3'-0"thick. 

One of our molds was rectangular because it was to be placed across from the desert group at the bottom of the property/hill. So we wanted to be able to bury it in the ground to look 1'-0" by 1'-0" like the rest of the Living Edge models. 

Bray and Kristina working on carving out their first attempt at foam curves. They were able to create a second model that allowed them to make a better version of this first attempt. 

An example of a first mold gone bad. It was sad to see the wood shop work and some concrete and aggregate go to waste, but it was a beneficial learning experience and times like these assisted our group in making rational and strategic decisions by the presentation. 

Random FYI: It was very cold during the majority of the casting process. 

The casting took us about two to three days depending on the size of each mold to officially turn green and eventually harden. We were expecting a much longer drying process due to the cool temperatures outside or possible cracking but thankfully ran into very few bumps in the road. 

Finishing Touches

Pictured above are Chey & Kristina sanding down the final, dry and casted molds for presentation. The square square model had zebra like stripes that needed to have foam and concrete pieces removed from each of them. Due to the pine needle and Ginko leaf aggregate, the sanding removed parts of the exposed aggregate. 

With each of the molds: Circle & Circle, Circle & Square, Square & Square and Square & Circle Models all needed to be individually tended to and smoothed down to a certain extent. Depending on where in relation to what island, the sanding technique was different. For example: the square & square was across from desert, so it was not as sanded down as others were. The models each have a special touch or design added to them for visual interest. 

Making the Molds to Cast

Creating the molds for the main form and the bases too much time and lots of trial and error. We used wood from the woo shop, tubes, cardboard boxes & plastic dishes from Target. We had some wood forms & some cardboard box molds break during the casting process. 

Building Edge Model for Initial Presentation

For our first model presented to the class, we made our model out of: foam, cardboard and the actual leaves of the plants from the side of the building. The model was to scale at: 1/2" : 1'-0". The individual molds were made of clay that represented our final models. 

Square & Circle Mold

This is the mixing, pouring and final dried model of the square & circle mold. Foam was used to create the circles and squares within the square design. This created some visual interest and turned out great. 

Square & Circle Mold by: Charese + Annie + Greg

Living on the Edge--2

For the square/square subgroup, we designed a model that was a 1'-0" by 1'-0" with a 6 inch center. The sides would eventually fall off. This trial and error process resulted in a shoe box mold and the result was great! The natural agrigate of pine needles & Ginko leaves from the ground worked well. 

Square & Square Model: Kristina + Bray + Jenna 

Building Edge Group Day One

The first day, we learned the tricks of the trade and tackled the wood shop, building our first molds, tried different agrigates & foam inside the mold, mixed and poured concrete. It was a very busy and productive day and much was learned & edited from the results.