Physical Project

February 1, 2006

This is a team project, with a team being from one to three people maximum. The due date and time is in the news group calendar.

1. Choose one of the following source structures to represent using physical materials:
   • A mathematical formula (or set of equations)
   • A data structure
   • A program structure
   • A "model" (ie. from Systems Simulation or Databases)
2. Take this source structure and represent the structure as a physical piece. Any materials are possible.
   • Create a physical piece out of any material that you like, but attempt to keep the size down to one meter cubed. Larger designs are acceptable if the requests are made to the instructor, and if there are not too many of them. Kinetic sculptures and sculptures involving microcontrollers are optional. Bring the piece to the location and date specified on the class calendar. Make sure that your piece is STURDY. Do not, for example, use paper or weak cardboard as a structural element.
   • Create a comprehensive set of photographs that, chronologically, show the development of your model from day 1 to the final construction. Overlay labels and arrows on each, to illustrate what was built, or how it was constructed.
   • Create 2-Page Word or PDF flyer (back to back-on a single piece of paper) and bring 20 copies to the on exhibition day. Place the copies next to your piece as they are meant to be taken by passersby. The 2-page document should be composed of the following sections:
     • Project title
     • Team members
     • Abstract - a brief 300 word description of the piece
     • Description of the mapping from the source to the target
     • The source structure
     • The mapping of components from source to target
     • Two sample photo images from placed side by side

Additional Information

• Deliverable: one CD containing
  • Sketches of any artwork used during development
  • An 4-6 page single-spaced document (PDF or Word) describing a detailed source to target mapping via tree transformation. Include the source presentation in text along with photo snapshots. On the first page, specify your team members and responsibilities (i.e., who did what).
• There are no minimums on number of components. Choose a structure of "reasonable size". The grading will depend more on the quality and innovation of what is submitted.
• Grading: An average project that is complete and comprehensible will get a B. Only excellent projects will get an A. In-between projects will receive a B+. The instructor will assign the final grade based on feedback from the 2 Teaching Assistants. "A" grades go to impressive and innovative projects, and grades depend somewhat upon what your peers produce in terms of relative performance. Graduate students and teams have higher expectations.
  • Comprehensibility (can we understand what you are doing, with all documentation?)
  • Completeness (whether the design is complete and accurate, and whether you handed in all required items).
  • Quality (perceived time to complete, with subjective look and feel of the project)
  • Documentation

Recommended Locations for Materials

• Arts and crafts stores
• Hardware stores
• Modeling kits from a toy store
• Bookstores selling materials used for art and architecture projects