Olivia Zheng, Architectural Design and Fibers, 2025
Olivia Zheng is a student at the Maryland Institute College of Art, majoring in both Architectural Design and Fiber. Olivia’s work centers on the exploration of self-identity and the embrace of differences through Natural Dyeing, Weaving, and Sewing. She brings a unique blend of cultural influences and academic background to her artistic practices. As a designer, Olivia has contributed to many renovation projects for vacant lots and buildings in Baltimore City. In her designs, she combines the form of textiles with the structure of architecture to develop substantial designs centered on user experience.
Skill Building
A series of technical exercises build and demonstrate skills in Rhino, laser cutting, 3D printing, and CNC routing.
Project I: Light Box
Materials: paper, yarn, and laser cutter.
Process
Based on the sketch create a digital drawing in Rhino for laser cutting, then use yarn and a tapestry needle to sew and join all pieces together.
Project II: Copying and Altering
Copy the box that is originally made from paper in rhino and alter the shape and scale of the original objects. Turning the 1″ x 2″ x 3″ box into a small size stand by attaching dowels to the bottom of the box.
Process
Enlarger the 3D printing exercise in Rhino, and redesign the drawer feature to make itself move more smoothly. Also, add the 4 dowels to the box itself and make it into a small stand for a cup of coffee or a projector.
Project III: Garden Path – #10
Working collaboratively to create a path for the garden outside of Dfab. The entire path is made up of multiple step stones that are cast using concrete. The motif of the ladybug is integrated into the design of this particular step stone.
Process
Draw out the outline of a ladybug, create a positive model of the model, and generate a negative mold for concrete casting. Using CNC to mill the mold out of the concrete and sanding it as preparation before casting.
Research
Here is link to my slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1r_7Pz8ciVp2hZi0toamv7GB-xmkXRH5nAYoCiD_5HEw/edit?usp=sharing
More Information
additional information and links