Architecture 507: Theories of Computer Technology is a class whose main goal is to design and build a mezzanine and “virtual immersion dome” in the Clipper Lab of USC. The mezzanine will provide a space for computers, projectors, and seating. The suspended dome will provide a surface for stereo imaging. The design of the component pieces is meant to integrate the use of computer modeling into the design process, from concept to production.

The mezzanine itself was conceptualized as an all-aluminum space frame truss that would be supported on top of carbon-fiber struts. The decking will be fabricated from glass, and its shape will form the floor and the railing. Previous work on the truss components determined the dimensions of the bays, nodes, and struts. The main design problem lies in the fact that the workable dimensions are quite small: 19” O.C., 1.5” diameter struts, and 4” diameter nodes. Because of this, the connections would have to be unique and able to resist loads with a small amount of material.

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