V.E.L.M.A.
Fall 2021 // Fourth Year Iarc
PROF. DAVID MATTHEWS
DESIGN-BUILD STUDIO
V.E.L.M.A. stands for Vehicle for Engineering, Light, Mechanics and Acoustics. V.E.L.M.A. was the result of the Fall 2021 Interior Architecture Design-Build studio made up of 18 students and Professor David Matthews. The STEAM trailer was designed for Lenoir City STEM Middle School. V.E.L.M.A. serves as a prototype of multi-disciplinary innovation and experiential learning.
The Design-Build team to create V.E.L.M.A. was highly collaborative among students and collaborators from other fields.
Outside collaborators included the 6th grade students of Lenoir City STEM Middle School, UTK STEM professors, Physics professors, Industrial designers, Music and instrument designers, and Engineers.
The process in creating V.E.L.M.A. began by creating visionary journey maps. Once an experience had been imagined, the design team began making models and experimentations with light, material and sound. The project was transferred into the digital realm to begin prototyping before beginning construction. Creating the STEAM trailer allowed the students to adapt to real-world challenges of material availability, scheduling, supply chain complexities, and budgeting. Key learning outcomes include but are not limited to: adaptability to strategically use resources, relationship building with other experts, teamwork, and empathy towards the 6th graders.
