Even as an architect, I never understood the deeper understanding of materials…what exactly are they made of? What structures govern the elemental components? I am beginning to understand. Along with the NuVu students in the Nanotechnology Studio, I am also learning the basic elements and structures that make up most of the compounds and finishes that surround us. I never questioned such things before, but now in this studio, I feel my connection to the world of architecture and urban design, and the questions are even more relevant.

Here are some images from our growing “Seed of Life” wall and student productions of Metatron’s Cube, a geometrical figure composed of multiple evenly-spaced, overlapping circles which are arranged to form a flower-like pattern with a sixfold symmetry, similar to a hexagon, which brings forth the five platonic solids.

The students deconstructed the elemental components of the fire alarm on the wall in the studio. Here’s an image showing the collective molecular, micro and macro properties of all the materials making up the fire alarm.

On Monday in the studio, we will start electroplating the copper structures the students made that resemble the five platonic solids derived from Metatron’s Cube.

Here are more images of Metatron’s Cube designed by the students using SketchUp.