The Making of Things : Modeling Processes and Effects in Architecture

The Making of Things is about effect and intention in the schematic architectural model, a deep dive into the nature of architectonic form as the underlying syntax for all architectural work. By focusing on primitive geometries alongside fundamental principles of architectural thinking and making, this book enhances the reader’s capacity to intellectually and physically craft models that effectively communicate intention.

With over 650 diagrams, this book acts as an expansive visual glossary that reveals the underlying structure of architectonics and acts as an encyclopedia of formal possibilities. Supporting essays in the book explore the nature of perception, abstraction, and metaphor to provide a theoretical basis of formal effects in architecture. This structure enables readers to make clear and direct connections between the things you construct and the reasons you construct them. This book is a bridge from the what to the why of form-making. It is a pedagogical notebook, a design primer that prompts discourse about the nature of objects.

This is a must-have desk reference for beginning architecture and interior design students to stimulate their creative approaches and gain foundational knowledge of the underlying effects of formal typologies and how they manifest themselves in built forms around the world.

Frank Jacobus is an associate professor at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design [FJSoA+D], and principal architect of the award-winning architecture firm SILO AR+D. Frank is currently the Associate Department Head and served as the 21st Century Endowed Chair of Construction and Technology for the FJSoA+D for three years. Frank is an award-winning educator, having most recently won the prestigious Imhoff Award and Tau Sigma Delta Silver Medallion. He has coordinated and taught all levels of design studio, Furniture Design and Construction, Architectural Programming, as well as graduate and undergraduate seminars related to his research, and has led numerous design-build projects for the school.

As co-Principal of SILO AR+D, Frank has completed residential and institutional projects across the United States for a variety of clients and communities. Renowned for its resourceful design and execution, SILO AR+D’s work has been featured by the Wall Street Journal, CNN, Architect, the Architect's Newspaper, Azure, Slate, Dwell, Salon and Fast Company. SILO’s architecture is recognized nationally and internationally with design awards and was selected recently as an Emerging Voice (2016) by the Architectural League of New York, and as a Next Progressive (2018) by Architecture Magazine.

Frank’s other books include The Visual Biography of Color (2017), and Archi-Graphic: An Infographic Look at Architecture (2015).

Angela Carpenter is the Fabrication Labs Manager at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. Angela oversees the school’s fabrication facilities and integration of building focused courses. She provides expertise and instructional support in digital fabrication techniques and procuring specialized equipment. Angela has taught as a Visiting Assistant Professor and Instructor in advanced Design-Build and Additive Manufacturing studios. Her experience has allowed for developing multi-scale investigations in material manipulation and construction advancements.

Angela was awarded the Merit Scholarship for a Single-Family Housing Prototype while studying at Cranbrook Academy of Art, where she received her Master of Architecture. Combining the use of digital technology, with methods of traditional architectural building highly influences Angela’s work and strategies for future material experimentation.

Rachel Smith Loerts is a Visiting Instructor at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design [FJSoA+D]. After working for four years as a project designer at two architecture firms, Rachel began managing the Digital Fabrication Laboratories at the FJSoA+D for six years. As manager she was able to consult and facilitate student and faculty digital fabrication processes for design studios, seminars, fabrication research, and community outreach programs. During this time, she was awarded the Tau Sigma Delta Silver Medal by the local chapter for her commitment to developing student fabrication knowledge. Rachel also co-developed PLAYnes, an educational toy used by FJSoA+D for K-12 design education programs.

In 2019, Rachel completed a Master of Science degree in Geography at the University of Arkansas with a Master’s Thesis entitled "The Image from the Road: Towards Mapping the Phenomenological". Continuing her commitment to developing student knowledge of technology, Rachel’s wide range of experience in architecture, cartography, fabrication, and design education have enabled her to introduce technologies into the foundation architecture design studios as a Lecturer and Visiting Instructor.

Justin M. Tucker is a mentor, maker, designer, and optimistic problem solver favoring the human scale and experience. Recent constructions include a custom cabin in Norway (2017), a floating sauna in Estonia (2017), an exhibit at the 2018 Venice Biennale, and an award-winning cloister garden at Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire in France (2019). Projects closer to home include tables for the commons in Adohi Hall on campus, a Little Free Library space for children, and creating and teaching a "Design-Build-Think" course for a local high school.

Justin is the Wood Fabrication Specialist at the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design, University of Arkansas, as well as an Exhibitions' Coordinator. Justin draws knowledge from a B.Arch degree from the Fay Jones School as well as over twenty years cumulative experiences in construction management, landscape construction, fine woodworking, architectural design, and prototyping, not to mention a childhood of making (and breaking) things.

Randal Dickinson is the digital fabrication specialist at the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design [FJSoA+D]. Randal has taken part in the fabrication and design of several nationally recognized design-build projects. He educates design students in current and developing methods of digital fabrication. During the summer 2020, he was recognized for making impactful contributions during the COVID19 pandemic by 3D printing Personal Protective Equipment for local first responders. Randal has developed fabrication techniques using composite materials, origami, 3D printing, as well as investigations in traditional wood working.

Prior to working at FJSoA+D Randal has taught Engineering and Robotics at Fayetteville High School and English as a Second Language overseas in South Korea. Randal holds two degrees from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art (Graphic Design) and a Master of Education degree in Technology Education. Upon completion of his graduate studies Randal was recognized as the Outstanding Master’s Student in the field of Career and Technical Education by the College of Education and Health Professions.