Nòdinosì
Spirits of the Wind
Manitoga, Garrison, New York, USA
Nòdinosì is a pavilion paying homage to Gitche Manitou, the Algonquin giver of life, situated within the forests of Manitoga. Gitche Manitou, a fundamental spiritual concept and life force in Algonquian cultures, originates from Native American mythology. While great spirits are represented by various life forces, our pavilion, Nòdinosì, is named after the spirits of the winds.
Constructed of 227 kerf wood panels, the pavilion is primarily built with unstained wood, allowing winds to influence the structure's integrity. Through the scoring of these wood panels and overall organic form, the pavilion can adopt different shapes, gently moving, shifting, and swaying with passing winds. Additionally, layers of foam help capture these winds, creating various rippling effects and unique visual moments. Nòdinosì aims to embody and manifest the spirits of winds within the forests of Manitoga, much like flower petals, creating a dynamic and ever-changing spectacle able to connect visitors to the natural forces around them.
Geometry Formation
Sculpting Russel Wright Objects into Nòdinosì
Nòdinosì's design allows wind to flow through it both directly and indirectly. Situated in the woods of Manitoga, the pavilion's form incorporates Russel Wright objects to add specificity. These objects are used in a Boolean Difference operation to carve out a sinuous aesthetic. The approach blends natural elements with digital design techniques, creating a structure both organic and precisely engineered. Voids and negative spaces within the pavilion derive from the Boolean Difference process, enhancing the interaction with Manitoga's surroundings and finally allowing for dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.
Wood Kerf Bending
Construction Process
Nòdinosì's construction utilized 227 kerf wood panels with corner engravings for easy bending. The panels were first soaked in hot water to enhance flexibility. Wood glue was applied to designated ends and clamped until dry. After drying, each carefully numbered panel was assembled using two bolts on each side. Minor curvatures allowed Nòdinosì to sway slightly as intended. Hand-cut foam panels were later installed using double-sided tape, creating diverse visual experiences both inside and outside the pavilion. The entire design and construction process, including 3D modeling, was completed in less than two weeks with a budget of approximately $500.
University of Pennsylvania
Studio: ARCH 502
Professor: Danielle Willems
Team Project: Christian Cueva, Kurt Nelson, Xuezhu, Yuchen
Fall 2016