Timber Tectonics in the Digital Age – 2026
UO and OSU Students – Zac Abadi – Charlie Kirkendall – Ryan Smith
The primary objective of this design is to form a unique threshold that fulfills the needs of both Philomath, Oregon and Lima, Peru. By forming a visually appealing and inviting wooden structure that honors locals and visitors, the Conduit showcases trusses in a captivating formation to create an “illusion of curvature.”
The group initially pulled ideas from precedents, primarily SYNEGIC OFFICE by UENOA and geodesic domes, landing on a tunnel-like shape incorporating trusses. Upon instructor and professional feedback, the proposed design was revised to form an open frame that captures onlookers to pass through, linger, and ponder within.
To reach our proposed design, we used tangrams as a playing tool to create the idea of a module. Connection points of the truss module was also a key aspect that was experimented with during the design process. Ultimately, a system of linear and angled wooden members were utilized in the formation of the trusses. You can watch a video of how it is constructed here: https://youtu.be/immlQZMXNB8?si=F9r803rasolOzFTm
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