The updated version of these light sculptures took off on fab.com in May 2012. You can learn more and buy them at betablocs.com.

Reclaimed Architectural Glass Block + Electroluminescent Wire + Electronic Controls

This is one of my favorite projects, created during Bill Burnett's Formgiving class for the Illuminating Object assignment. Modular Beta Blocs were created from reclaimed architectural glass block and electroluminescent wire that plug into a purpose-designed control box. They are dimmable and can be programmed to a respond in various ways to a wide range of external stimuli including ambient light, sound, touch, temperature, humidity, proximity, etc.

This animated gif shows how a new version responding to sound.

The video below shows the very first prototype responding initially to the sound of bubble wrap popping, then to the vibration caused by me shaking it vigorously.

From a design perspective, I chose to explore the physical principle of Brownian Motion, or the seemingly random movement of particles suspended in a liquid or gas. The 25' - 40' of EL wire are fed carefully into a painstakingly drilled hole in each block. The path of the EL wire is primarily a function of the block's internal volume and features, enabled by only minor aesthetic input during the assembly process.

Sandblasted aluminum, acrylic, foamcore + LED

For this project, I envisioned a calm public space nestled along a fjord in Iceland. Although I originally planned to create a grotto-like ceiling and stepped walls for this piece, once I placed the main walls, I was taken by the simplicity of it. The floor plan, however unintentionally, resembles a Kalachakra mandala.

Pumpkin + Candle

Halloween pumpkin carving is a long-standing tradition at the Stanford Design Program. First year graduate students carve one (or more) as part of their ART 60 class and everyone takes their creations to professor emeritus Matt Kahn's house for the annual party.

The unique look of this pumpkin was crafted through various techniques. The translucent areas were carved out to an airy thinness to illuminte the texture of the pumpkin's flesh. The scars and sutures were carefully cut through only the rind, while the suture holes were punctured clean through with a cordless drill.

Galvanized + Stainless Steel

An ad hoc assembly of reclaimed heating ventilation components.