P3 Nine-Square Composition Cube

art 122.

Objectives
Explore a traditional 9-square grid

Tools
Pencils, Color pencils, sharpener, eraser
Sketch paper, Tracing paper, Marker paper
Black Micron pens
Sobo Premium Glue or Aleene's Original Tacky Glue, 1 bottle
X-Acto or Excel hobby knife + extra blades
Utility ("boxcutter") knife + extra blades
Cutting Mat, 12 x 18 in., or similar
C-Thru 45/90 Inking Triangle, or similar, 10 in.
C-Thru or Alvin metal ruler with cork back, 18 in.
Foam core or similar material to build presentation box
Bass craft wood 1/8 x 1/8 x 24 or other dimensions (check with instructor)
Miter Saw & Box
Tape or Dots
Optional: graph paper
Description
Nine-square drawing studies
Draft a 9 x 9 grid in a 4 " square (1/2" scale). Rules of nine-square: two
vertical and two horizontal lines drawn from end to end of the square will yield a
composition of 9 squares or rectangles. Experiment with up to 5 choices in
order to create compositions of unequal rectangular shapes. This is the base

plan.
Select one of these sketches. You will then switch to an electronic platform to
model your designs using software such as SketchUp.

Perspective Rendering
Create a virtual 3-d model for presentation with the final physical basswood
model. Turn in this virtual model along with your project so it may assist in your
individual presentation.
The virtual model begins with a box made of dotted guidelines. Within that
box, place the base plan on the base, and begin projecting forms upward
from the base plane. Use a minimum of nine volumes, placed at different
heights within the perspective grid to create a three-dimensional composition.

art 122 Design in Three Dimensions

Andrew Conklin | aconklin@harrington.edu

Experiment with a proportional spacing system

Emphasize additive and subtractive building
Consider how design elements such as balance, scale, rhythm, and
symmetry / asymmetry inform the cubic framework.
Explore working from 2-d plan to 3-d model
Seek a final design yielding aesthetically pleasing arrangement of forms for a
unified composition (gestalt)
Craft and Presentation

P3 Nine-Square Composition Cube

art 122.

Please note: You may begin forms at different heights, separating them
from the base plane, but each rectangle or square shape in the base must be
represented somewhere within in the cube. As with the problems already
completed in this course, consider design elements as repetition, rhythm,
symmetry / asymmetry, balance, juxtaposition and focal point. Consider
also the physics involved, and interest by including cantilevers.
Concept Statement
Write a brief (200 or so word) statement explaining your subject, form, content
and process, to be posted to the forum by the project due date.

Build the frame of a 9 x 9 x 9 cube with basswood strips. Note that the
thickness of the wood from the initial 9 x 9" square base will be built from
two 9" pieces and two 8 " pieces of wood. Once you have made the base,
frame the rest of the cube. (See related worksheet.) To add stability, place long
pieces along the sides and the interior where possible, following your virtual
model. Work steadily and allow your glue to set up before attempting to
move the model.
You may install the interior pieces in any order, but it is best to build forms in
groups to increase efficiency. Allow any excess glue to dry before cutting
coagulated liquid away with your knife. The model must be clean and free of
glue when finished.
When your model is complete, review your virtual model, adding color to
surfaces if necessary to draw attention to salient aspects of the design.

Unboxing and Presentation

Make a box of materials, and at a scale, you think are appropriate. You will
unbox your model at the crit, and display the actual cube along with your
virtual one, and a concept statement.
The Design Process
1. INSPIRATION
2. IDENTIFICATION
3. CONCEPTUALIZATION
4. EXPLORATION
5. MODELING
6. COMMUNICATION
7. PRODUCTION

source of ideas
what are the constraints? Why is this interesting?
describe in metaphor, using words, your design ideas
sketches many sketches!
prototype consider final scale and materials
describe your solution to others
making it a reality

art 122 Design in Three Dimensions

Andrew Conklin | aconklin@harrington.edu

Building the Model

First, Sand off the barcodes from your basswood!!!!

P3 Nine-Square Composition Cube

art 122.

Your Process
1. Research appropriate reference forms.
2. Consider the strengths and weakness of the form you are selecting.
3. Describe the reason for your choice in a concept statement on the forum.
4. Sketchbook: Sketch designs.
5. Render final design with virtual rendering software
6. Defend your methods at crit; Employ vocabulary when discussing your design.

Vocabulary
asymmetry
cantilever
convex
edge
form
light
model
Use grid below to begin the base plan.

plane
positive / negative
rhythm
shadow
sculpture
symmetry
void

art 122 Design in Three Dimensions

Andrew Conklin | aconklin@harrington.edu

7. Build your model. Place it in a box for presentation