Weekend prototyping

Well thar she blows!  the first 2 beam prototypes are up.  They are way stronger than I assumed and not too heavy; about 50 lbs. each.  I'm rethinking my organic shaping.  It seems superfluous in the full size prototype. Next I want to add more  holes to open up the structure and give it more air.

I also worked out a possible bench seat arrangement. The box over his head would contain a micro miniature diorama in plaster.  the walls have the perfect recliner slope.

Also tested to see what size of plaster detail would fit in the lower section.  Quite large actually.  this is a 32" d container.  In the center you can see the 3/4" plywood template this was a test to see if the template would hold the beams in alignment.  So far so good.

Modeling the Beams

Here is the latest mock-up.  I've added a plywood base that will stabilize the beams until they are screwed to the panels. I've also made them more organic and worked out the interior framing.  Building the first prototype soon.

Welcome to Zark Industries

Welcome to Zark Industries. We are makers of extreme widgets for surreal environments.

This year we will produce our latest design called "Vast" using technology to contain vast space within finite parameters.

Miniature city comes together

Well all the miniature castings are complete and the structure is screwed together. Just need to do the miniature lighting. and then seal everything up in packing cases. Its a flurry of activity as we close in on my departure which is

Tuesday. Then drive cross country and start up again cutting wood and building enclosures, benches etc.

Casting the details

I've been furiously casting the detailed little city that lives at the heart of Zark
Using a variety of small parts, I carefully sculpt the negative of what I want in clay. Since I am sculpting upside down and inside out it is very improvisational.
Here is a picture of half of the underground city with my hands for scale.