Nanotechnology studio coach Dr. Ryan Wartena shares his thoughts on Day 7 of the studio.

“Nanotechnology of Growing Architecture” studio
by Dr. Ryan Wartena
9/29/10

Day 7 of the NuVu NANOGA studio was focused on the first cycle experiments of growth of copper crystal structures on fundamental geometric shapes. The NANOGA carefully took notes on the preparation of their copper electrodes and resulting geometries and on the preparation of the copper sulfate electrolyte solution. We collectively wired the electrochemical cells and prepared the power supplies. The NANOGA learned how to use a digital multimeter to measure Voltage and current and calculate power. Understandings of the relationships between current flows and relative spacings of electrode geometries were discussed and understood. The Voltage space was explored and an upper-limit was discovered and discussed. Read the rest of this entry »

Nanotechnology studio coach Dr. Ryan Wartena shares his thoughts on Days 5 & 6 of the studio.

“Nanotechnology of Growing Architecture” studio
by Dr. Ryan Wartena
9/29/10

By the end of the 5th day of the NuVu NANOGA studio all were successful in generating their own unique version of Metatron’s cube, an exercise that most never attempt and those who do take years to complete. We spent Day 6 of the studio in deep discussion of full cycle processes and the NANOGA circularly critiqued each others ‘cradle to cradle’ interpretation of existing systems. During the critique we collectively developed intentional Seed Technologies to apply nanotechnology, growth processes and integrated locality. The projects include: Read the rest of this entry »

Even as an architect, I never understood the deeper understanding of materials…what exactly are they made of? What structures govern the elemental components? I am beginning to understand. Along with the NuVu students in the Nanotechnology Studio, I am also learning the basic elements and structures that make up most of the compounds and finishes that surround us. I never questioned such things before, but now in this studio, I feel my connection to the world of architecture and urban design, and the questions are even more relevant.

Here are some images from our growing “Seed of Life” wall and student productions of Metatron’s Cube, a geometrical figure composed of multiple evenly-spaced, overlapping circles which are arranged to form a flower-like pattern with a sixfold symmetry, similar to a hexagon, which brings forth the five platonic solids.

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Nanotechnology studio coach Dr. Ryan Wartena shares his thoughts on Day 3 of the studio.

“Nanotechnology of Growing Architecture” studio
by Dr. Ryan Wartena
9/22/10

Day 3: The NuVu of NANOGA: Dimension, Code and Form

Search, Reference and Measure
The fruits of yesterday’s Library Operation Mission was exercised by a lesson aimed at understanding length scales of atoms, self-assembled nanowires and biological cells. Measurements of characteristic length scales of atomic spacings, crystal lattice constants, nanotube & nanowire diameters and animal cells were made and compared in nanometers, micrometers (microns) and millimeters. Students discussed and understood what their images were and how the images were taken when some of the features are Invisible. We discussed the visible wavelength of light and how crystal characteristic lengths play a part in the color we see and don’t see. We discussed Prof. Angela Belcher’s method of crystallizing solids from solution using DNA coated organisms and methods of growing patterned carbon nanotubes. Read the rest of this entry »

Nanotechnology studio coach Dr. Ryan Wartena shares his thoughts on Day 2 of the studio.

“Nanotechnology of Growing Architecture” studio
by Dr. Ryan Wartena
9/21/10

NANOGA, Day 2: Intentional Growth and Operating the Library

Reflection on the process of drawing imagination with Natural Rule Sets.

Natural Rule Sets are the fundamental aspects between pure creativity and the physical world. Even the simplest collaboration has often unspoken rule sets and it is obvious to say that every rule of the rule set for healthy and harmonious existence is in the process of being known and practiced. The Nanotechnology of Growing Architecture studio explored a critical discussion and communication of group developed, free-form, creative growth drawing game from yesterday. The Point-Node game geometrically demonstrates how creativity can be applied to perceived obstacles and methods to always overcome them. Read the rest of this entry »

Nanotechnology studio coach Dr. Ryan Wartena shares his thoughts on Day 1 of the studio.

“Nanotechnology of Growing Architecture” studio
by Dr. Ryan Wartena
9/20/10

September 20, 2010: Day 1 of the NuVu design studio for Nanotechnology of Growing Architecture. We started the course today by watching a video of a man who can draw a perfect circle (link). The concept for the studio was briefly discussed; as a class, we are designing and developing a contemporary Seed Atlas for the growth of intentional thought through the nanotechnology of Seed Design. The relationships between polygon solid space and circle space was described as were their transforms and dualities. Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s a thesis by NuVu student Kristopher Bronner on why he wants to take the Nanotechnology studio, an interesting perspective in which he explores the relation between “creation” and “imagination.” We’ll touch base with Kristopher after the studio finishes in 2 weeks in a follow-up blog that focuses on what he learned in the studio, any new understanding he gained in how creation and imagination connect, and other questions the studio raised for him.

“Nanotechnology”
by Kristopher Bronner
9/17/10

Creation— the one word everyone in the universe consciously or unconsciously searches for and utilizes every moment of his or her life. Imagination— creation of thoughts and possibly palpable manifestations. These two words create infinite possibilities. Throughout my life, my journey to understand the relation of these had led me to explore and research neurology, quantum physics, sacred geometry— way too much to list! Of course, we must go inward to understand the external! I know that the opportunity presented to understand nanotechnology will enhance my search for a clearer understanding to the colossal mystery and abilities of these two words. Read the rest of this entry »