technology, and geometry, and opens up a range of new possibilities. The sheet material used in the structures to date is hardwood plywood (FSC & PEFC certified sustainable Finland Birch Plywood) which can also be, with some research, a bamboo or recycled composite product. The high strength (3600 psi) and omni directionality of the birch allows the sheet, regardless of shape or orientation, to provide both structure and connectivity. The entire production process is completed with a router and nothing else. Two key elements of the connection methodology are: 1. Three or four way panel joints utilizing sequential insertion of dimensionally hierarchal slotted panels, and 2. Locking parts which utilize bending within the plane of the panels to allow for a snap type fit. The standardization of parts is a result of the repetitive nature of space filling polyhedra, starting with the cube. In the field of “prefab” in which this strategy fits, most solutions involve complete factory built boxes, kits of pre-cut wood parts for conventional house assemblies, kits of pre-cut metal parts for modernist house assemblies, or dome kits, either strut and hub or panel (certainly the closest fit to this solution) shipped to a site. What sets this apart is the structural nature of the solution from relatively small parts of the same material, its low tech (rubber mallet) assembly, its inclusion of indigenous materials for insulating and waterproofing, reliance on actually, though that can include conventional materials certainly in developed economies. Similar to other systems but in different ways is its possible use in a variety of climates, its variety of potential shapes, and its potential for reuse.

Describe the critical need your solution addresses.

At present, there are five different geometries modeled at 2” scale, three of which have also been represented in 1:1 prototype structures. The three prototype structures have each been presented in exhibitions, and one has been reassembled outdoors for a more long term installation. It is a single cube of the most recent CUBE System. Code exempt because of its size, assembly was hassle free and relatively instantaneous. It is a test structure without insulation or another covering membrane. The basic structure has no bolts, screws or other fasteners. It is chained to four 2’-0” square pads. The Birch Plywood has phenolic resin coated surfaces, teak oil sealed edges, and polyurethane caulked joints.

Future plans (certainly within the next three years), in addition to more of the above, has to include another 1:1 exterior installation, this time with mechanical systems, insulation, etc. Additionally, work will proceed on a second avenue of attack not described here yet which involves a thinner sheet material, at full size likely corrugated fiber or recycled plastic sheet, folded or molded into interconnecting boxes. At present this system is being modeled at 1” scale in polypropylene. This use of the method appears to have the potential for lower costs though it sacrifices strength. The connections are distributed around all four edges on both sides of the panel and interlock with other like boxes either in plane or at corners.

The design, model building, and structure prototyping described above has all occurred since 2006 and has all been speculative and primarily self financed. All of the design is done in AutoCad on a laptop computer, the model assembly and display is at the Gregg Fleishman Studio in Culver City and at www.greggfleishman.com . The fabrication at both scales in both materials is on CNC routers and occurs elsewhere. Prize money will help continuation of the same.

Explain your initiative in more depth and its stage of development.

This strategy is:
1. A framework for a more responsive building methodology able to deal with rapidly changing environmental conditions of today.
a. Cut with minimal start up costs (one machine, no assembly line).
b. Assembles into large structures rapidly with no skilled labor.
c. Applicable to any climate, finish is local and indigenous.
d. A new application for an underutilized sustainable existing material whose properties are known and reliable.
2. Natural and harmonious variations of the Archimedean solids.
3. Already applied in other fields (see furniture and vehicle images).
4. Applicable to new materials (plastics, corrugated, or composites) and even more different forms (see the folded box image)
5. This methodology has been taken already to a point where most people who see its current embodiments already come away inspired. If taken to another level of visibility, perhaps this inspirational reaction could be the trimtab you are looking for.

How does your strategy and approach respond creatively and comprehensively to key issues?

I am a registered architect in California, which speaks only to the qualifications which I entered the field of architecture, as since 1988, I stopped working in commercial concrete construction and have focused on building system research.

This research actually started in 1972 with multi-module, 4' sq. plywood cubes as play structures. The next 23 years was spent on connection methodology in single module structures, domes mostly. In 1995, these modules magically morphed into multi-module networks of "rhombic dodecahedrons" (what I now call "rhombicubes") connected in 3D arrays. Since then, the systems have evolved mostly in models and play structures to where they are today.

The furniture project, which began in 1975, was the early primary studio product, achieving its highest level of validation by inclusion in the collections at MOMA, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Yale, by the early 90’s. My emphasis on structures in the mid 90’s led to placement in the LA Times “Passions of 2004, Art” with MOMA, and the L.A. art museums. In 2007, “Art and the City” on Ovation TV included the studio as a stop along with Disney Hall and the Getty. The chairs are also now at the Museum of Jurassic Technology.