High-density urethane, 3D prints, acrylic, Baltic birch plywood Various sizes
Fabrication, model making
Sasaki
Programs: Rhino 3D, Bambu Studio, Aspire, Epilog Engraver Equipment: 3D printer, 3-axis CNC, laser cutter, table saw, acrylic bender, various
hand tools
In this three-part effort, we combined CNC milling techniques and detailed 3D prints to represent the schematic design on the Ohio Riverfront with a specific focus on over 50 miles of underdeveloped land in Evansville, Indiana and Mt. Vernon, Indiana. This model was extremely complex, prompting new ways of thinking about how to combine fabrication techniques to represent the full scope of the project. I strengthened my project management skills by coordinating project staff, materials, production, and outsourced components. Thank you to Liam Scott, Jay Nothoff, Anthony Rosa, Chaowu Li, Ariel Chen, and Sam Lee for your support and effort during this project.
Evansville, IN north
The first stage of this project examines the northern half of Evansville’s riverfront. This model features crucial design elements that aim to connect downtown with the Ohio River, reimagining the landscape as an integrated destination. The model showcases the design’s engineered flood protection infrastructure, addressing a major issue with the city. A permanently fixed, opaque acrylic piece shows the lowest water level, while a removable acrylic piece on top uses multiple translucencies to represent higher water levels. Removing this piece reveals the intricacies of 3D printed inserts used to represent the complex geometry of riverbank levees.
A combination of CNC pockets and 3D printed inserts represents “The Bend”, a large pathway that winds across the waterfront at multiple levels. It serves as a means of flood control as well as an experiential path for pedestrians, runners, and cyclists. The Bend weaves through infrastructure, creating spaces for everyday activities and special occasions. It passes by Dress Plaza, the relocated Four Freedoms Monument, and new restaurant and recreational boating facilities, all while highlighting iconic downtown and the Ohio River Valley views.
Evansville, IN south
The second model completes the Evansville Riverfront by showcasing development on its southern half. The combination of these halves, comprised of a total of four pieces, illustrates the complete scope of Evansville’s schematic design. The Bend continues past important downtown locations such as the Evansville Museum as well as newly developed sports facilities and amenities. 3D prints were also used to model highly detailed playground equipment as well as a residential block.
Sherburne Park in Mt. Vernon, IN
The third model shows Sasaki’s design for Sherburne Park in Mt Vernon, Indiana. The model exemplifies how the park merges Mt Vernon’s downtown with an activated waterfront. Complex boundaries of design features posed challenges in marrying CNC-milled and 3D printed elements, requiring close attention to detail and post-processing by hand. A key fabricated element includes a CNC etched pattern to represent a riprap zone. Additionally, many of Sasaki’s axon diagrams and renderings slice through the riverbed, so to simulate this effect, I fabricated a bent acrylic piece to couple with the model’s topography.
In anticipation of future development, a full street block north of the park is made of removable 3D printed pieces. This allows the client to test different options in the model as new designs are formulated in the future. Two options, one as an empty, undeveloped lot and one with developed infrastructure, were initially provided to the client.