Air Materialized
RISD WS24
Instructor: Yechen Zhu
Syllabus: LINK
Class Google Drive: LINK
Inflatable structures (aka “pneumatic structures”) are broadly used in the human-computer interaction research field and realms of art and design. In this course, students will explore fabrication techniques such as a universal bending mechanism that creates programmable shape-changing behaviors with paper, plastics, and fabrics, as well as an origami structure to make inflatables with various materials. Furthermore, academic papers related to inflatable products, educational kits, sculptures, and experiences will be assigned to students to read each week. In general, it will include a mix of lectures, workshops, independent research, and the development of unique, personalized, tangible objects. The class will culminate in a final project catering to students’ individual interests and desired outcomes.
Students
Joshua Abramovich BArch: Architecture Senior
Lizzy Duke-Moe Brown University Sophomore
Emmie Fitz-Gibbon BFA: Industrial Design Brown|RISD Dual Degree Sophomore
Emma Huang BFA: Undeclared First Year
Yutong Li MFA: Textiles Graduate
Ngoc Nguyen BArch: Architecture Sophomore
Ichaya Piyasoontrawong MA: Adaptive Reuse Graduate
Mridvika Shah BFA: Industrial Design Senior
Dora Soong BFA: Textiles Junior
Gery Vargas MFA: Digital + Media Graduate
Jiayi Wu BFA: Industrial Design Sophomore
Huichun Yang MFA: Digital + Media Graduate
Noah Zielinski BArch: Architecture Sophomore
