VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS Alexandre Law Min Student number: 544028 Semester 1/2012 Group 9
MODIFICATION OF DESIGN Issues: - The design did not reflect good structural strength. - It did not represent hair motion. - Since the surfaces were curved, the unrolling it was not successful as some parts overlapped with each other.
MODIFICATION OF DESIGN
The model reflects the transition from chaos to order / dense to less dense. The parts at both ends are spiky, and this represents the loose ends of the hairs.
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION
I decided that the easiest way to unrol my model would be to separate it into several vertical strips. In order to unrol my model, I decided to colour one strip red (as a marker), and then unrol each strip one by one.
TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION Part 03 Part 02 Part 01
To prepare my file for the FabLab, I had to create 4 layers represented by different colours: Magnenta – the material borders (which is 900X600mm) Black - the cut lines Red – the score lines (which will create the folds in my model) Blue – pen lines that inks the component’s number
PROTOTYPING
Prototyping I created a partial full-scale prototype in order to test the structure and general form. At first, I was thinking of creating the whole model, but decided not to do so because it would have been time consuming. After making the prototype, I found that: Contrary to what I thought, the model has enough structural strength since the tabs along the length reinforces the structure considerably. Lateral forces does not seem to deform the model significantly and it can support its own weight. Therefore, it does not need any reinforcements.
PROTOTYPING In order to test the lighting on my model, I used a single LED bulb attached to a battery.
The lighting effect does not convey the sense of hair motion. Considering the fact that my model is opened at both ends, the light will come out only through the top and bottom. This was not sufficient for my model, therefore I decided to look further into lighting effects by searching for precedents‌
The small gaps between each joint creates a very thin line that could convey a sense of flow. I intended to use this as my initial idea for the lighting, but it would pose a structural problem as the gaps would have to be enlarged.
PRECEDENTS The design on the left shows a wall lamp that I could not find the name. The pattern that covers the object surface reminds me of hair motion. The middle part is dark, as the lines converges to create a dense matter. As the lines move outwards, they become less dense and let more light through. The curves and the lighting creates a very soothing effect to the viewer. I intend to integrate the same effect for my model. However, due to the angular nature of my model, it would be difficult to reproduce a similar effect.
This lamp design seems to overcome the problem as the slits are simpler and thicker. However, the light source can be seen through the slits. Looking at the size of the slits, I would assume that there is an inner structure that holds the parts together.
DESIRED EFFECT
I decided to cut slits into the model in a diagonal way. It conveys more flowing motion, that shows my natural process.
DESIGN ELABORATION
On the prototype, I carefully cut slits using a cutter and a pen to trace the lines. I realised that the model loses some structural strength with the presence of slits, but can still support its own weight.
I decided to place a piece of tracing paper at the back of each component in order to diffuse the lighting uniformly over the surface.
DESIGN ELABORATION
Testing the design with lighting. Although it is fairly simple, it adds motion to the design. I love the lighting effect !
FABRICATION
Firstly, cut out the components from the sheets of paper received by FabLab, by being careful with the cutter. Same goes for the slits.
Then, I assembled the pieces together using glue. The freshly glued components were clipped in order to let it dry. The process was repeated for all the 16 components.
FABRICATION
What works: The pieces stick together perfectly. The panels are exactly similar to the rhino model. What does not work: Some pieces are not exactly similar to the model in rhino. For example, a few components that are suppose to curve outwards, curve inwards instead. The model structural strength has decreased slightly due to the cut out slits.
REFLECTION Reflecting on the chronology of my design process, I realise that I had to modify my design several times. Although one could argue that this is how a design process should be like, I believe that this is because I did not have a strong foundation for my natural process right at the start of the project. If I did not get feedback from my tutor, I would have gone in the wrong direction. The advantages of manual fabrication are diverse. However, the most important aspect is prototyping. Prototyping is key to achieving a good design. It enabled me to test my proposals in real life and learn from my mistakes. I was able to make key decisions without having to make considerable changes to my digital model on Rhino. For example, I could test the structural strength of the model, and therefore, this saved me the effort and time of creating an additional structure, as well as manufacturing it. Moreover, the slits I carved into the surface made a big difference to the overall lighting effect, and this was all achieved through manual prototyping. Overall, I believe that I made a lot of progress since the last module. My design reflects more of my natural process than the previous models. Although the fabrication process was time consuming and, at times, frustrating, I learnt a lot from the module. A few things I could improve, or add to my model: - I could use black cardboard instead of white, since it is thicker, and therefore stronger. - I could make the tabs bigger, thus, increasing the structural strength that it provides. - I could add more slits onto the surface of the model to emphasize the flowing motion. - I could scale it to a bigger model, so that it can be worn on the head. - A circuitry to light up the model.