Harvard GSD Projects

Intro to Computational Design

Professor: Panagiotis Michalatos

Realtime 3D Face Sketch
This project explores interactive manipulation of realtime mesh data with the goal of producing artistic graphical representations of the face. The Microsoft Kinect is used for depth mesh capture which becomes the input geometry, and skeletal tracking, which allows for gesture control of the output geometry.

Project Description
and inspiration

Core Algorithm

Generated Outputs

Variety Control with Smile Tracking

Persistent Lists

Hand Gesture Control

Computational Design Process

Ceramic Material Research

Professor: Leire Asensio-Villoria

Team: Jacob Hamman, Aziz Barbar, Tiffany Cheng, Adelene Tan
This research explored traditional ceramic techniques combined with contemporary digital fabrication methods, examining material properties, forming processes, and structural applications. Our team was inspired by traditional Muqarnas, also known as honeycomb or stalactite vaulting which are unique decorative architectural elements in Islamic art and architecture. We developed a hexagonal building block that was slip-cast with porcelain then arranged into a stacked semi-dome struture.

Plaster Mold Formwork

Plaster Mold

Plaster Mold

Bone dry ceramic
robotic alterations

Assembly Process

Final Assembly

Final Assembly

Final Assembly

Final Assembly

Structural Surfaces

Professor: Andrew Witt

Team: Jacob Hamman, Quratulain Malick
Research into structural surface systems that combine architectural form with structural performance. This project explored the potential to use raw timber elements as building components for a flowing geometric pavillion. Using gathered sticks that were computationally analyzed for curvature and strength, we developed an algorithm that would assign a given stick to its proper position on the surface of a generated medial surface. The sticks were automatically positioned into a reciprocal frame pattern along this surface and assigned with assembly identifiers. A scale model was then created to illustrate proof of concept for this architectural system.

Design Inspiration

3d Pavillion Design

Medial Surface

Medial Surface Simplified

Reciprocal Frame Generation

Frame projection to surface

Model Assembly

Model Assembly

Final Assembly

Final Assembly

Final Assembly

Final Assembly

Informal Robotics

Professor: Chuck Hoberman

Team: Jacob Hamman, Spyridon Ampanavos, Chrisoula Kapelonis
This project involved the design, simulation, wiring, programming, and creation of a robot built from flat laminated materials. We investigated oragami patterns and bio-inspired movement to create kinematics that would allow for forward, reverse, and turning. Using digital fabrication methods, we developed a flexible laminated material that was powered by micro linear actuators and controlled with a nano arduino microcontroller. Our "F.A.S.T" robot was able to autonomously identify boundaries and navigate a course.