Matt Kenney
My Experience at Hufft Projects:
Having some previous familiarity with Hufft Projects, I was excited to see where they make all of their work happen. I especially liked upon entry that they had a recent part of a project that I recognized from their website, a facade mockup from a current project.
Part of being a well operating firm is to have a large material library. I enjoyed how not only did they have books, but actual material samples as well. I also took note that all of the shelving, they fabricated themselves.
A new trend that I am seeing a lot in firms these days is the idea of an open collaborative space for designers. I enjoyed their long rows of desks (which they also fabricated) that kept everyone in the same space so that they could work together.
In addition to the desks, they also fabricated their own mobile pin up boards. I found these to be a great idea as they had casters and could move easily from desk to desk, keeping all the work ona project together.
Their wood shop was quite impressive. I found it to be a great space with many current technologies including a CNC router as well as an edge laminater.
I also enjoyed that Hufft has their own metals shop. I found it really interesting some of the things they could make, especially having their own foundry that they could use to cast brass door pulls.
One of the things I was interested in was how they were using digital fabrication day to day. I found it really cool how not only were they designing a custom door pull for the Artery residence, but also could rapidly prototype using their on site 3-D printers. It made for a quick study and I found that to be successful.
In addition to having a 3-D printer, they make good use of their CNC router. I found it interesting that they make all of their own casework and a lot of furniture in house for projects that they have. They had the current cabinets for the Artery House still in their shop. Using laminated MDF, they made some professional cabinets that saved having to outsource that component of the project.
It was interesting to hear how mdf boards with a veneer were being used for most all of their cabinetry instead of other hardwoods. But after the tour guide explained why, which was because there are fewer imperfections in mdf than other types of hardwood, it made sense.
ReplyDeleteThe open collaborative space for designers played a huge role in the design of their current building. It was mentioned that the large glass curtain wall between their desks and the workshop was crucial to their company. It is a physical demonstration of their philosophy to bridge the gap between trades and technology through design.
ReplyDelete