Andrew MacKinnon M3 Journal Pattern vs Surface

Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE Andrew MacKinnon (836149) Anneke Prins + Studio 10

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WEEK 6 READING: SURFACES THAT CAN BE BUILT FROM PAPER IN ARCHITECTURAL GEOMETRY Question 1: What are the three elementary types of developable surfaces? Provide a brief description.

(Maximum 100 words) The three elementary types of developable surfaces are the cone, cylinder, and tangent surface of a space curve. These are all special ruled surfaces because along an entire ruling the tangent plane is constantly tangent to the surface. Their Gaussian image on the sphere is just a curve meaning they have vanishing Gaussian curvature. This means that they can be mapped isometrically onto the plane as a planar unfolding of the surface.

Put simply, when a cone, cylinder and tangent surface of a space curve can be unrolled or flattened into flat surfaces that fan then be printed, and build back into those shapes with brittle or non-stretching materials.

Question 2: Why is the understanding of developable surface critical in the understanding of architectural geometry? Choose one precedent from Research/Precedents tab on LMS as an example for your discussion. (Maximum 100 words) Buildings are more often than not made from rigid materials, These materials do not change shape and so an understanding of developable surfaces is incredibly important in the process of creating architectural geometry that are amazing but still physically constructible and understandable.

The Huyghe + Le Corbusier Puppet Theatre by MOS has an organic form with soft smooth curves. The shape of this building would be hard to achieve if it hadn’t been broken down into lots of diamonds.

By understanding developable surfaces, MOS has been able to simplify a complex shape into easy to manufacture and construct geometries.

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PANELLING 2D PATTERN

2d Panelling, Pattern: Triangular

2d Panelling, Pattern: Alhambra Geometry

2d Panelling, Pattern: Hexagon/ Diamond

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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN

Point attractor above centre point.

Curve attractor as edge.

Curve attractor line above ridge of topography.

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3D PANEL TEST PROTOTYPE & TEMPLATE

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Nets for test prototype.

First few pieces as a test prototype before continuing to complete the whole model.

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WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION Complete your reading before attempting these questions:

Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation? (Maximum 100 words) Digital Fabrication is the process of using digital data to control computer driven machine tools to cut or build parts in the fabrication process. It turns the normally separate design and production steps into a streamlined process of production, allowing architects to be part of the whole process of the build from design to construction and management, like in the time of the master builders.

The way two dimensional images are understood has changed because the flat image on our computer screen can be visualised as a 3D objects with rotating, rendering, unrolling and the 3D plane. Digital Fabrication allows a quick transfer from the digital 2D to the physical 3D. Testing, experimenting and visualising designs has become much easier and encourages innovative ideas and patterns.

Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design? (Maximum 100 words) Folding is used extensively in building design because is turns basic 2D surfaces into 3D ones and because it is materially economical. Folding creates deformations, inflections, stiffness and rigidity that turns a basic 2D shape into a complex structure. Rather than making enclosed shapes with lots of material, folding allows quick easy fabrication and assembly. Tools such as Rhinoceros allow a streamlined flow from 3D to unrolled 2D, that can then be digitally fabricated for construction. The Yokohama International Port Terminal, Nubik installation and the Digital Origami are great example of folding.

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EXPLORING 3D PANELLING

Three 3D shapes used for model. A curve attractor placed above ridge of the terrain. Aiming to make a mountain like centre with valleys and trees.

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UNROLL TEMPLATE OF YOUR FINAL MODEL 3

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Templates/Nets of final model. There are 41 in total. I had lots of trouble unrolling, so I had to make more to break down the shapes that wouldn’t work.

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PANELISED LANDSCAPE

Plan view highlighting shadows from tall “mountain” pieces and flat “river”pieces.

Elevation showing height, topography and shadows.

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APPENDIX

Terrain with 2D variable pattern.

Beginnings of physical model.

Finished model. A problem occured where a few nets were mirrored, so they folded incorrectly. They had to be folded inside out, leaving black markings.

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