Architecture and LACE

Every spring, AIAS throws the Beaux Arts Ball; a celebration that began in Paris (of course), and migrated to the U.S. in 1931, when famous architects dressed up as their buildings. The tradition stuck, and architecture schools all across the country now hold Beaux Arts Balls of their own.

I'm currently taking a class that is focused on making a wearable item for the ball; and while looking for inspiration for a hairpiece, I stumbled across LACE; a jewelry collection made by architect Jenny Wu. According to the LACE website "The intricately detailed design pieces extend from Jenny’s avant-garde architectural work, merging her modern design sensibilities with the latest in 3-D printing technology and material. The design of the pieces, ranging from necklaces to rings, uses complex, interlocking elements to create a bold statement around the body, whether it is the neck or the finger."

All of Wu's jewelry is 3-D printed, or C&C fabricated from precious metals, with pieces retailing from around $250 for rings and bracelets to $1,500+ for a beautiful diamond ring.

This served as amazing inspiration for my own piece, and goes to show that architects are good for more than just architecture. As Wired said in the latest article I read "Nothing in Architecture happens quickly. Designing a building takes ages, and actually building it longer still. That can frustrate architects, who have an almost compulsive need to design and create." Perhaps this means that in the future, I can still be an urban farmer as well as an architect