Project Duration: 13 weeksCollaborators: Hannah Lesser, Helen Zhang
Advisors: Haeyoung Kim, Daphne PetersTools: Spacial Design, Interaction Design, Construction, Prototyping
As the origin point for all Carnegie Mellon campus tours, the David and Susan Coulter Welcome Center is the first impression of the university for many prospective students and their families.
Our team, consisting of a student from each track of the design school, set out to promote more active engagement between the welcome center and prospective students.
We created several installations, improved wayfinding, and optimized the space within its existing footprint.
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Visitors can discover life outside academics by spinning triangles and seeing the names of student clubs and organizations.
I designed and coordinated the fabrication between two carpenters, and a construction company to install this.
The triangular prisms were rough cut by a carpenter, but processed by us. We sanded, laser engraved, taped, painted and finished 391 triangles, then stacked them in order on 23 iron pipes.
Communicating ideas to CMU executives and fabricators were two very different jobs, but working so closely on both ends allowed us to fully realize the vision.
It’s interesting how different the same model can look to cater to each party.
❸ Random Fence Generator
The random fence generator is a tool to exhibit one of the most longstanding traditions at CMU, the painting of our fence.
Prospective students are invited to explore different renditions of the fence, swiping the paintbrush back and forth pulls a random version of the fence from our archive onto the screen.
The most challenging part of the design was integrating electronics into the kiosk in a way that could easily be opened and repaired.
The 8020 frame allowed for quick adjustments for the alignment of electronic parts.
The display cases allow visitors to discover CMU student work and how our maker facilities support them.
We added an acrylic panel and foam gasket for dust prevention to an existing set of box modules.
The activity wall offers engagement through tearaway pads in the form of information, exploration and entertainment.
I worked on designing and fabricating the mounting system for the pads.