This third sequential course in Materiality & Space focuses upon processes suggested by the distinct intention, application, and detailing of materials themselves. Through a series of projects, creative uses and innovative combination of methods, tectonics, research, performances, and synthesis are explored. Students will study the quality of inhabitance, where the dimension of the interior affects the body’s senses, such as the texture of space, movement through space, and the materiality of space. The course also highlights the evolving breadth of sustainable building design through methods of representation, life cycle of spatial systems, research, and issues of waste. This puts into perspective, student’s role as designers within the larger context of the global environment. Through the realization of studio projects, the class will examine the characteristics associated with systems, materials and the endless possibilities to reinterpret their meanings in order to create new relationships.

MS3 will partner with G Hensler, a San Francisco-based belt manufacturer, to explore post-production and post-consumer interior design focused uses for their excess leather, plastic and fabric products. Each student will produce a full scale prototype by the end of the semester using this material. MS3 this semester is one of four courses at CCA selected to be a part of the National Science Foundations’ “Science in the Studio” program. These courses are given support to invite scientists to participate in the studio via lectures and workshops. The work of studio will be exhibited at the Science in the Studio Exhibition on the Oakland campus in November, as well as in a public exhibition at CCA in December.