GLEEcerin

Chipboard, foam core, plexiglass, paper, and clay—typical model-building materials found in any architecture studio— are largely additive. One layers, intersects, glues, folds or sculpts designs through a literal bottom-up approach. Seeking to interrogate a subtractive analog means of design produc­tion in our studio pedagogy, we introduced GLEEcerin as both material and method for the creation of notational site models that recorded experiential phenomena. Delightfully translucent and surprisingly hygienic, carving soap blocks was a new experience for students, and therefore lacked precon­ceived notions on how the material was to be employed. This led to playful explorations of a material that is both sturdy, yet pliable to marking, puncturing, scraping, chiseling and even bending. GLEEcerin also accommodated quick and iterative ‘sketch’ modeling. Tools as blunt as those used for pottery could easily cut, while water alone could smooth and polish. The resulting models, 48 in all, were produced in less than a week, and served as a catalyst for critical examinations of site conditions and occupational processes. And ultimately, GLEEcerin allowed for light and transparency to join the dis­cussion as immaterial elements that further invigorated the notational carving exercises.

Volume Editors
Jasmine Benyamin, Kyle Reynolds, Mo Zell, Nikole Bouchard & Whitney Moon

ISBN
978-1-944214-28-9