Abstract Forms and Language

This project had a few basic premises and 3 parts. We were tasked with creating 3D forms that were derived from action verbs; an exploration on how language and space interact. We had to use one continuous sheet of 11"x17" Bristol Paper, and no adhesive. We used various connection techniques instead, relying on the style of cut to hold pieces together. These conditions stayed true through the whole project, while the verbs and projected goals did change.

2.1

The premise of 2.1 was to use one sheet of Bristol to explore the transformation of a single continuous paper surface into a three-dimensional volume by applying simple, intuitive action verbs. The focus is on maintaining the material’s continuity while experimenting with language and how it applies to 3D volumes. These are the action verbs that directed the first portion of this project:

And here are the 8 forms that I created, based on some of these verbs:

2.1 Reflection:

For this project, I worked within the constraints to create abstract form with one continuous piece of Bristol. It was very difficult for me to plan many of my abstract forms out, and I enjoyed seeing where I could push and manipulate my media and how it responded to the different paper folding techniques I used. The Bristol material would respond differently to each type of manipulation, whether that be scoring, bending, slotting, or folding. I experimented with how combining action verbs would change the form, and how I could strategically place cuts, folds, or empty space to bring the material into the form I wanted to create. I used the action verbs cutting, bending, and piercing the most, as I enjoyed bending the material more than I did folding it or pleating it.

To create the forms, my first action was always to cut the original Bristol. I saw that some of my classmates preferred to crease, twist, or score instead as first action. I think that our first decision heavily impacted the direction that our forms took. Because I chose to rely on cutting and twisting my shapes, they tend to have a more continuous and smooth appearance than my peers, which look more defined and may interact with space differently. One thing that I did try to focus on throughout the process was where my positive and negative space were and how those spaces interacted with each other. I think that if I had substituted bending and twisting with folding or scoring, my final forms would have had more specific boundaries. However, my final forms are an extension of the abstract portion of my creative inspiration, and I’m very happy with how the 8 forms turned out.

2.2

2.2 involved transforming a continuous sheet of Bristol paper into 2 volumes while maintaining the material’s continuity and keeping in mind the new verbs. The process includes further developing 2 of the forms from 2.1, continuing to relate language to 3D space and forms. The project emphasizes iterative exploration of form and space through hands-on manipulation of paper.

These are the action verbs that directed the second portion of this project:

And here are the 2 forms that I created, based on some of these verbs:

2.2 Reflection:

I chose to develop Fig.1 and Fig.3 from Part 1 of this project. I really liked what I had done with the loose, fanned paper in Fig.1 and wanted to further explore the way that the loops in Fig.3 could develop shadows from different angles. The terms I used for 2.2 Fig.1 were entanglement and loop-crossing, while 2.2 Fig.2 explored the terms serial variation and stress forming. By reflecting on these terms, I was able to assign new words to the ways I interpret my creativity. I definitely used these words in different ways than my peers, since I can see many similarities between forms. However, everybody chose to focus on different aspects, which is fun because it shows our unique thought patterns even while we learn from one another. I think that this project really shows the strengths of having such an interactive studio, since it’s very motivating and interesting to watch everybody’s processes.

For the next part of this project, I’ll continue to think about how language and form influence each other. Having descriptive terms to think about while making the forms was helpful for me, as it helped me clarify my intentions and decisions. Interacting with spatial complexity and more abstract ideas was a lot of fun, and I look forward to seeing how, in the future, different materials like wire or cardboard could interact with these same ideas. Knowing how to assign language to a space, both before and after creation, is an interesting idea and I can see how I’ll continue to use it.

2.3

Affordance is the idea that whatever we make or design should allow us to intuitively interact with it in its intended way. The buildings we design should ‘make sense’, they should invite people to stay and interact with the design in such a way that takes full advantage of every part of the design. We should focus on this when designing, so that our final product can be used many times past its original design intent.

Instead of drawing inspiration from a list of verbs, we connected this idea of affordance to our final iteration. We used scaled figures to explore this idea, and then drew out how we imagine the space could be used.

This is the form I created based off these criteria:

2.3 Reflection:

For this part of the project, I enjoyed paying attention to affordance and practical design as opposed to how language interacts with space. I chose to use 2.2 Fig.1 because it reminded me of a skate park or jungle gym structure. My final design is heavily inspired by the different actions possible within the form. I designed it to be a multi-use, versatile structure that allows passersby to choose how to interact with it. There may be a rope set, a swing, a bench, or any number of small features that invite movement, play, and joyful exploration. I believe that an advantage of the structure is that it allows individuals to decide for themselves where the interior or exterior is, based upon how they move through the form. I capitalized upon the loose, undefined affordance the structure has by creating it in such a way that its purpose will always be defined differently, by each individual who passed through it.

On the whole, this project went far beyond where I thought it could go. I’m very glad that I chose to go in loose, abstract direction that I did with my figures. Having the criteria demand that we explore the ways that language can be related to forms, and vise versa, was very helpful when applying those skills within the concept of affordance. I know that I now think differently about how to functionally design space, and I look forward to further applying these skills within stricter parameters. The combination of abstractness and specificity was a fun line to walk during this project, and I’m happy with how my final iteration addresses both concepts. I'm glad that my final work easily shows how this project progressed from beginning to end, and I look forward to similar projects in the future.

Sept 21, 2025

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