While doing my research, I focused on outdoor amphitheaters and drew a lot of inspiration from Red Rocks amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. I didn’t necessarily want to base the structure off of Red Rocks, but I wanted to stem from the concept of having the entire space engulfed in nature. My structure specifically helps create a community by not only offering a space to hold events or concerts, but while there is nothing going on, it is open to the public as a communal gathering space. Rain water collection is the focal point of this space, as seen by the giant funnel formation implanted in the canter of the stage. Rain will flow into the funnel, and into the filtration system, located underground, and back up into the moat that surrounds the stage. Because this is an amphitheater, it will obviously hold concerts, but other events can be held such as, “yoga in the forest” or weddings. I chose to include a grass texture on top of the model to show how the entire thing will be covered in sod, and surrounded by nature. I also decided to lay over a water texture to show the moat in a better light. In addition to my collaged textures, I painted the outside structure green to further push the idea that this amphitheater is surrounded by a lush, grassy landscape.
During my construction, I encountered a few problems such as a stripped screw, or uneven laser cuts but found resolutions to both. Since the screws stripped mid-way into the structure, I decided to leave it as it was, and add on a new mechanical connection. In doing so, I attached the funnel piece onto the structure via a braided wire that hooks onto the screws that stick out of the base. As far as the uneven cuts go, I splayed out the layers so they formed a star-like shape and the uneven cuts disappeared.
This project not only expanded my horizons to a use of new materials and connections, but I am now registered to use the Laser Lab which will also help with upcoming projects. I really enjoyed being able to create a structure myself from the ground up, and can’t wait to see where I go from here.
