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White Furcate
Arch 713 | Mediums III:Fabrication | Spring 2020
Instructor : Hart Marlow
Visible light possesses a dual nature, existing both as a wave and a particle. Its wave nature enables it to divide into a broad spectrum of colors, hence the given title. Moreover, the particle nature of light affects the properties of other materials, such as conduction.
The project demonstrates some, if not all, of these properties through physically constructed arrangements. By utilizing the resources available at Material Connexion, a selection of materials that either impact light or are influenced by light have been chosen for further exploration and study out of which Dichroic Glass was finalized for its unique properties.
Dichroic glass reflects one color and refracts another, depending on its orientation to the light source. When positioned perpendicular to the light, it reflects blue and transmits yellow, as shown in the illustration. As the glass rotates away from perpendicular, the colors transition into a gradient blending aspects of both, without fully combining. The colors revert to their default state when the glass is again perpendicular to the light source. For this project, the Blue/Yellow and Red/Blue variations of dichroic glass have been selected for fabrication, offering multiple color options.
Various speculations have emerged regarding the material's diverse properties. Numerous strategies have been explored, leveraging different material versions and fabrication techniques to explore potential combinations.
As a result of these explorations, an L-shaped unit has been created using various versions of the material and combined in different combinations forming a partial cubic arrangement, resulting in captivating visual effects.
Blue/Yellow
Dichroic Glass
Red/Blue
Dichroic Glass
Frosted Glass
Clear Glass
The partial cubic module is not used in isolation but is instead combined with others to form a larger arrangement that resembles a corner of a building. This aggregation results in a captivating web of overlapping shadows and reflections. The interplay between light and shadow, as well as the reflections created, adds depth and visual interest to the arrangement, making it even more visually striking.
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