“Minimal Maximal” is a WIP discovery project to find out a simple action that naturally happens and has a maximal output. Such as the tremendous landscape Ice Cave which is the result(maximum output) of Thousands of years of continuous heat(minimal input). If we are thinking Ice with a different perspective it defiantly can be a simple but powerful tool. In this project it documents the learning curve of utilizing this simple reaction and transform it into phenomenal possibilities

Test 1
This test is focused on use ice as a media to cast shapes. (Drill tunnels in the Ice block. Inject Plaster/Resin/Wax to cast the shape of the tunnel structure.)
Test 2.
Making “instant ice” so we can “draw” a shape with water and instantly turn into solid ice.(500g sodium acetate put into nearly boiled water. Cool it down and touch the liquid the water instantly turn into ice within 10 seconds.

Test 3.
Natural shaped Ice cave is a good example of how random and imperfect shape convey the raw beauty to people. (shape Ice with continue water drop / Ice ball array / Hot wire) We found water drop is the best solution to shaping the form gradually within control.

Test 4.
From the previous test we found various of way to shape with ice. So in test 4 the goal is targeted to refine the excursion and capture those shape permanently and precisely. We found wax is a amazing material to capture our final result and can be cast into resin or metal later on.

Installation
The final installation is a organized workstation to present the collective Idea of utilizing ice to make shapes. We use a valve to control the speed of water drop and hand held a universal joint plate to rotate the ice block apply the water drop gradually. This installaion is still in the initial stage however, Further installation could be made rely on CNC technology to control the water drop speed.