Tyler Rodgers Clemson University

The Carpenter’s EllipseA Comparison of Analog and Digital

This project involved the analysis of the ellipse, and various methods for drawing ellipses. This included the analog method of drawing ellipses through the carpenter’s method, as well as generating ellipses through digital methods. The carpenter’s method entailed the use of three nails and looped string to trace the outline of ellipses onto paper. The digital method, by contrast, was more fluid, and involved Adobe Illus-trator and Photoshop to create digital depictions of ellipses. Ideas for this project were generated by observing

alternate ways of creating ellipses. In this case, the motion of the fob in pendulums was studied, and the path that the fob would trace when it swung in an elliptical motion. The motion and path became the basis for both the anaog and digital meth-ods, showing how the motion of the pendulum affected the drawing of the ellipses. The underlying shape that was created by combining these paths was used to create a series of compositions based on this pattern, and was manipulated for the final images.

Shapes Carving ShapesDesigning with Boolean Operations

This project addresses the method of designing through the process of shapes carving shapes and Boolean operations. This process involved initially creating a series of wireframe models in which a series of varying rectangles carved out of a larger cube.The wireframe model was then interpretted as the white sol-id-void model, depicting the relationship between the carving pieces and the main cube.

Additional arrangements of the cube were arranged on Rhino to illustrate alter-nate methods for how the carving shapes

could intersect the cube. In this project, the principle of gestalt was prioritized. Although the wireframe shapes that carved out of the cube were not completelely visible as shapes embedded within the cube, enough of the shapes were present to impart the suggestion of the shape within the mind of the observer while also allowing for the creation of a new whole. Similarly, enough of the cube was left intact to al-low the viewer to still see the underlying shape of the cube while also oberserving the new composition created through the intersection of the cube and carvings.

Folding Analysis Creating Three-Dimensionality with a Single Sheet of Paper

The process of creating a paper fold-ing model began with an analysis of a standard folding plate template, which was then experimented with to create a variety of additional templates lead-ing to three final large models, two folded plate models and one curved crease variation. In each project, the main focus was the creation of three-dimensional spaces within the models. In the documentary “Between the Folds,” Erik D. Demaine notes that the process of folding paper changes the memory of the material in a way

that permanently changes its shape. To this end, the models were made to suggest three-dimensionality and inhabitable spaces. As a result, the models became increasingly three-di-mensional throughout the process in experiments with different folding pat-terns to achieve this result. The final models demonstrate this intial idea of habitable areas, and each contain spaces within the models which were not present in the early iterations of the projects.

Folding AnalysisExamining Paper Joints with Multiple Sheets

Like the previous folding study, this analysis focused on the process of creating a design purely from folding paper.However, this study operated under the parameters of creating a design utilizing a series of folded tiles to form a pattern model.

This project drew influence from the structure of the seeds of pine cones, as well as scales.

Additionally, joints between the tiles

could only be folded, and could not use tape, glue, or other adhesives. To overcome the issue of joinery, a system of slots was designed in each of the tiles, in which flaps from other tiles would fit into these slots and fold down to lock them into place.

As the model progresses from each end, the tiles begin to decrease in size, allowing the design to spiral to-wards a point.

Ruled SurfacesModeling Curves from Straight Lines

This project involved an analysis of ruled surfaces, in which a series of straight lines combine to create the appearance of a curve. In a ruled surface, the various lines connect the frames. With the idea of frames and connections, this project started in the creation of a series of illustrations of lines linking various frames.

From these drawings, the project progressing to modeling, to gener-ate a series of models operating on this principle. This process led to the creation of a model in which straight

lines connected the sides of ascend-ing square frames in a ruled-surface model. The physical model was created with dowels, which highlighted the moments of compression inherint in ruled surfaces, and also depicted the aperatures between the surfaces of the model. These elements of compression and aperatures were utilized in the next study, involving generating ideas for a viewing platform model, in which this object was used as a study model for that project.

Viewing PlatformUsing Ruled Surfaces to Impact Space

The setting for this viewing platform was a scenic hill in a southeastern national park, overlooking a panora-ma. The parameters dictated that the viewing area needed to incorporate an entry for park patrons at the top of the hill, and at least two viewing areas. One of these viewing areas is meant for an individual experience of the view, while the second space serves as a viewing area for groups. This project took inspi-ration for the overall space from a pre-vious analysis involving the creation of ruled surfaces. Creating a ruled surface involves using

a series of straight lines to form the illu-sion of a curved surface. The principles of ruled surfaces guided each aspect of the project, as three main rectangles formed the borders, and ruled surfaces connected each to make up the over-arching structure of the composition. The project prioritized the tendency of ruled surfaces to stretch and com-press, incorporating multiple moments of the compression of the lines within the structure. The design further incor-porates a series of aperatures meant to highlight different modes of viewing the surrounding area.

Micro-House StudyThe $50 Salvaged Shelter

This 32-square-foot shelter served as the predeccessor for later stud-ies in micro-housing. The shelter was designed as an inexpensive model for a writer’s office or camp-ing retreat.

Like the 96-square-foot micro-hous-ing design, this house was de-signed and constructed with the goal of cost-efficiency, and the set project budge was $50. The major-ity of the structure wass composed of salvaged lumber from a dock, nailed to 2x4 framing. The windows

and door were also salvaged. When the house was deconstructed, the windows and all of the lumber were repurposed in the new design. This project was a first design-build experience, and was useful for learning several carpentry tech-niques which informed later deci-sions during the second tiny house build. The focus of this project was the structure of mciro-dwellings, and the process of transitioning from the design to the construction of a shelter.

Thinking SmallDesigning and Constructing a Sustainable and Cost-Efficient Tiny House

Tiny homes represent an increas-ingly prevalent demographic of the housing sector. These smaller struc-tures present a wide array of advan-tages, and they are less costly and more environmentally sustainable than average housing models. For these reasons, this project examines current models of smaller housing as part of a two- year research project, under the supervision of architect Scott Hendrix, of McMillan Pazdan Smith. The goal of the project was to design and construct a micro-dwell-ing. The end result was the pictured 96-square-foot tiny house. As was

the case in a previous shelter de-sign project, the goal was a focus on cost-efficiency, and the total bud-get of the home was below $500, due in part to the incorporation of used and salvaged materials The house includes a food preparation space, bathroom, living area, and a 36-square-foot loft space. The de-sign incorporates windows whenerv-er possible, in order to allow natural light into the space. In addition to providing a more affordable form of housing, potential applications for this design, include an inexpensive disaster shelter or homeless shelter.

Analyzing PrecedentsDiagram of the Geology Museum, LeeMundwiler ArchitectsHand Drawing

Tyler E. Rodgers e: terodge@g.clemson.edu

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, Double-Minor in Business Administration and Sustainability Clemson, SC Degree anticipated May 2018 Calhoun Honors College GPA: 4.0 National Scholars Program Clemson’s premier four-year academic scholarship Study Abroad at Stellenbosch University, South Africa Summer 2015 AWARDS AND ACADEMIC HONORS Cleveland Institute of Art 2D3D National Contest 2012-2014 Project Design Category Winner Submitted a comprehensive design brief for a micro-house design Supervised by the McMillian Pazdan Smith Architecture Firm Designed and constructed the 96-square-foot house

Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society Spring 2015-Present

EXPERIENCE AND INVOLVEMENT Clemson CUSG Sustainability Committee Fall 2015-Present Liaison to the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities Organized the Clemson Sustainability Fair and recycling events Collaborated on strategies to make the campus more accessible for bikers

Creative Inquiry: Designing a Clemson Maker Space Fall 2015-Present Founding member of a team under Professor Todd Schweisinger Wrote and executed a business plan for a 3D printing space for Clemson Received a $20,000 grant from the Creative Inquiry Program and the Spiro Institute Created marketing and promotional materials to promote 3D printing workshops

Clemson Engineers for Developing Countries Fall 2015-Present Developing a living-learning community design for CEDC operations in Haiti

Clemson College of Arts, Architecture, and Humanities Ambassador Fall 2015-Present Working with current and prospective students to promote the College of Architecture

Clemson Writing Fellow Spring 2016-Present Serving as a member of the Clemson Writing Center staff Working to develop the writing of Clemson graduate and undergraduate students Habitat for Humanity and Salkehatchie Summer Service Volunteer Summer 2012-2014 SOFTWARE AND DESIGN SKILLS Rhino, Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Google Sketchup, Revit, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, MS Office, Drafting, Sketching, Carpentry, Physical Modeling