DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2017 Rainbow Hoop Bowen Liu
783990 Siavish Malek+ Group C
CONTENTS 0.0 Introduction 1.0 Ideation 1.1 Object 1.2 Object + System Analysis 1.3 Volume 1.4 Sketch design proposal 2.0 Design 2.1 Design development intro 2.2 Digitization + Design proposal v.1 2.3 Precedent research 2.4 Design proposal v.2 2.5 Prototype v.1+ Testing Effects 3.0 Fabrication 3.1 Fabrication intro: 3.2 Design development & Fabrication of prototype v2 3.3 Design development & Fabrication of prototype v3 3.4 Final Prototype development + optimisation 3.5 Final Digital model 3.6 Fabrication sequence: 3.7 Assembly Drawing 3.8 Completed 2nd Skin 4.0 Reflection. 5.0 Appendix 5.1 Credit 5.2 Bibliography
0.0 Introduction The project "Rainbow Hoop" is designed for reducing the visual sense and increasing the other sense such as hearing and tactile sense and it was constructed in the skin and bone system. People who are wearing the rainbow hoop could experience the restriction of low vision, but higher auditory sense and tactile sense. This journal will bring you through the process of the design of Rainbow hoop through the steps of ideation, design, and fabrication.
1.0 IDEATION Umbrella Skin And Bone Structure
1.1 Object -- Measured Drawing
To explore the idea behind the skin and bone structure, I start with analyzing the structure of umbrella through the measured drawing of plan, elevation section and detail
Detail Scale: 1:2 50 mm
100 mm
50 mm
The Umbrella was mainly measured by tape measure. However, many elements can not be measured by the tape measure accurately. For those elements, we use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the length of the bone structure of the umbrella or calculate by angles
1.1 Object -- Digital Model
For a clearer and deeper understanding of the structure of umbrella, I also build a digital model of the umbrella which allowed me to have a better and comprehensive understanding of the skin and bone structure in a 3D version.
ELEVATION
SKELETON
TOP
In order to create the umbrella in Rhino, firstly should tracing the plan drawing of the umbrella to make sure the accuracy of the length. Moreover, the bone structure was created by the command of 'Polar Array". The surface of the umbrella was created by the command of "Swipe along the curves."
PERSPECTIVE
1.2 Object + System Analysis Pin Joints
Pin Joints
Pin Joints 200
Pin Joints
175
90
165
The umbrella is a typical example of the skin and bone structure. The aluminum frame acts as the bone structure, and the waterproof fabric is act as the skin. According to the picture and detail diagram at the right, the bone structure gives the advantage of small volumes when the structure is closed. When the bone structure is fully opened, the skin will fully expand to achieving the function of the umbrella. When I separate the skin from the aluminum bone, I found that the bone structure lost its strength and became unstable while, the skin lost its tension. Moreover, with the change of the bone structure, the form of the skin could also change. In other words, the bone structure could control the form of the skin. Or it could reverse that the skin could control the form of the bone structure. Therefore, we can draw the conclusion that the basic idea of the skin and bone structure is that the skin and bone work together as a whole. Without any of them, the whole structure will collapse and meaningless.
Detail Scale: 1:2
50 mm
100 mm
50 mm
PIN JOINTS The detail drawing above shows that how the bone structure of the umbrella worked. Pin joints have repeatedly been used on the bone structure. Pin joints allow the skin area minimized when the bone structure is fully closed. Maximized area when the bone structure is fully opened. Therefore, with the repeated use of the pin joints on the bone structure will give it the function of expanding and folding.
1.3 Volume After study and analyzing the skin and bone system of the umbrella, an idea of skin and bone structure is formed. Repeated use the pin joints could give the structure ability to expand and fold. Moreover, if use pin joints in regular patterns, will create the structure could expand and fold in multiple interesting ways thus create multiple surfaces on the bone structure.
Therefore, I repeated used the pin joints in regular patterns. At the first stage of making this sketch model, I used 1-3-3-1 patterns which are the number of pin joints I used in each part of the sketch model. And I found that this structure has the ability to expand from two dimensions into three dimensions. Therefore, I decided to expand the structure by increasing the number of pin joints in the patterns of 2-3-2-3-2 and use timber battens to close at the edge of the model. After that, I found that this structure is very flexible to form many different forms. It could express into a two-dimensional surface, and also could stand up and transfer into a multiple frame structure. I found that this structure really interesting and have a huge potential once apply the surface on this structure. As I mentioned before, the key idea of the skin and bone structure is that the skin and bone structure work as a whole, and skin gives the strength to the bone and the bone give the strength to the skin. Therefore, I want to apply the skin in different material and different size to control the shape of the bone structure.
1.4 Sketch design proposal
IDEATION OF CREATING THE SKETCH MODEL 1 THE SKIN AND BONE STRUCTURE OF UMBRELLA IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE WING'S STRUCTURE. THE BONE STRUCTURE OF UMBRELLA ALLOWS THE UMBRELLA MAXIMISE THE AREA TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM RAINING OR SUNSHINE WHILE MINIMISE THE AREA WHEN WE KEEP IT IN BAGS. THEREFORE, THIS DESIGN TRANSFER THE IDEA INTO THE WING AS THE 2ND SKIN.
IDEATION OF CREATING THE SKETCH MODEL 2 THE IDEA OF THIS DESIGN IS COMES FROM THE CHINESE FAN. A PIN JOINTS IN THE MIDDLE AND THE COMPONENT COULD EXPAND AND FOLD THROUGH THE PIN JOINTS. THE SKIN USES WIRES TO ACHIEVE THE EFFECT OF PERSPECTIVE.
IDEATION OF CREATING THE SKETCH MODEL 3 THIS DESIGN TRANSFER THE STRUCTURE OF UMBRELLA DIRECTLY INTO A HAT FORM. THE SKIN OF THIS DESIGN WILL USE THE TRANSPARENT MATERIAL TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO SEE THE OUTSIDE WHEN PEOPLE WEARING IT. THE SKIN HANG TO THE EDGE OF THE UMBRELLA WILL MADE BY A VERY THIN COTTON CLOTH LIKE MUSLIN TO COVER THE UPPER BODY AS THE SECOND SKIN
Reflection From Module 1 In Module 1, the emphasis is on the measure and analysis the umbrella. At the begging, I found that it is quite interesting to look into a common object in our daily life and analyzing the structural system and the way it works. And most importantly, apply this idea of the structural system into our design. As the Henth (2000) mentioned in the reading, it introduced numbers of distinctive method of how to measure an irregular object accurately. I was inspired by the Enric and Carme (1998), the method of measuring a croissant by calculation of the angles and length. Therefore, we apply this method into the umbrella. From the Module 1 journal, the analysis of the umbrella's structure is good and have a clear understanding of the skin and bone structure. And I successfully apply and transfer the understanding into the physical sketch model. The sketch model is the most successful part of my Module 1. It has a lot of potentials which I could develop furthermore. However, the Sketch design is the worst part of my M1. I didn't apply the analyzing result of the skin and bone system into the sketch design. Which lost the continuity of the skin and bone's idea development. Furthermore, my sketch design idea is all seems cut from an object and paste into the design without coming up the new design. And also less considering the personal space and how does my design related to the personal space.
2.0 DESIGN
Bowen Liu, Baolin Qiu, Yixuan Huang, Yakun Li 783990, 813267, 798105, 798554 Siavish Malek + Group C
2.1 Design development intro At the beginning of this section, we are focusing more on the theory side. For instance, we have to understand what is the second skin, what does it for, what is the personal space.And how these concepts related to our design. Second skin covers human’s body and protects people from unexpected disturbance from the outside, also hide private secrets. The second skin not only used to cover, protect or hide but also can be welcome and receive the message from the outside world or share to other people.
Personal Space Analysis
Personal space is the room that we think people need to act and breath and people will think it belongs to them, and they feel disturbed when others go into their private space. Personal space could be different for different people, such as they may willing to share part of their space with friends and family but feel unhappy when touched by strangers in public areas. Thus, when we recognized that we should design for a target group after we finished module 1, we narrow down the people range, which is aim to feel the world by hearing and touching more instead of looking.
Differences of personal space for most of people and low vision people.
We spent lots of time to make decisions because we wanted to explain all good ideas in models, which obviously hard and nearly fail, but after we picked the key points, the structure of model become much clear. Finally, we focus on reducing visual ability but developing the auditory sense. Hearing the wonderful sounds to feel the world in a different way.
For most of the people, the personal space in front of the face is relatively big, because people are used to seeing and understanding the world by eyes. Therefore, the eyes are the part which is open to the outside world and information most. To the contrast, the blackness of eyesight will narrow the demand of personal space around the face area will be smaller than others. Because of they cannot see much things from his eyes which affect the ability to receive the information from the environment surrounding him. They might be afraid to be disturbed suddenly in his personal space. Oppositely, the reduce of eyesight can cause the other senses become stronger than the normal person. Especially for the auditory sense. The hearing is tending to become more sensitive because the most information they get is from the ears.
2.2 Digitization + Design proposal v.1
Through processing our idea, we have been trapped with the term “personal space.” We have always think about how to define the word “personal space” and decided whether it should be protecting ourselves or welcome other people. We trapped ourselves in a very board concept and did not know how to move on. After review the week four lecture recording which inspired us a lot. The lecture mentioned that we could play with sense. For instance, auditory sense, tactile sense, Smelling or visual sense. We could both increase or reduce a kind of sense. Moreover, from the lecture, it said that we should narrow down to one special c person with one special c condition to make our design more valuable and meaningful. Therefore, we were coming up an idea that what we were thinking about a low vision people. Think about his feeling of this world. He could barely see the world, what he can see is only dim and unclear point of light. Although we are not blind, we could feel the feeling when we close our eyes and stay on the outside. Your feeling is totally different to the feeling when you open your eyes. You will be afraid to walk because you may fall or knock to the wall or something. However, when you lost your visual sense, your other sense of the body will become far more sensitive. Through my feeling, the strongest sense is the auditory sense, and then is your tactile sense and the smell sense.
The first deign idea is formed by a structure that covers people’s head and leaves big hole in the area of the ear. The skin will use the material is not transparent but mist just like tracing paper. People could barely see the light go through. And the opening structure for the ear would enhance the auditory sense. Free arm for expressing the tactile sense. And large back area to cooperate with our idea of personal space However, through processing this idea. Our group found this idea is great, but this design is hard to achieve. Because when we design this digital model, we haven't considered its heaviness and how it support itself, how each bone structure connects to each other.
2.3 Precedent research
In the precedent research from a fashion design from the website, we firstly noticed that we could use the strings as the skin of our design. This fashion design uses the timber frames to shape the string and build a beautiful curly surface which looks like flat but is a three-dimensional shape. It is attractive and exciting to audiences. Wind explored human energy to the actual garments to show the tension between people and the wearing. The material of these designs is mainly timber frames and white, thin string. They have a good comparison between color, texture, weight, density. Although string can build great density for surface by arrangement, it just creates a net, not a solid item. However, they work together well.
If the frame is not as hard as timber, the tension provided by string translate into the compression of bones, which make the bone deformation, could be both good and bad effects.
The surface created by string is relatively soft so that it can be worn on comfortably, string reduces the weight and breathes free for people who make the design more practical.
The string can offer a tension to shape the structure and also create surface while people are arranging it carefully. The visible crosses of the string may not really cross on the same layer.
2.4 Design proposal v.2 In this development design, we used the core idea from precedent research which is use the strings as the skin of our project. And combine the idea of design proposal V.1, that is, narrows down the vision. However, In this design, we emphasize the tactile sensation rather than vision. We envisage the whole bone part is made of different pipe such as PVC pipe, poly pipe, plumbing hose. Pipes are very flexible and easy to create forms we want. Additionally, I want to put the hole ring on the pipe, and then the woolen yarn can easily connect to pipes.
According to the lecture, we are trying to using the technique of both skin and bone to explain a feeling. After reaching, human mind constantly depends on the object which is taken from 83% of visual, 11% of auditory, 3.5% of olfactory, 1% of gustatory and 1.5% of tactile means (Source: Harvard University). Low-vision-people have a keen touch; they can better and obstacle rather than those people who have the better vision. However, when they in a room with the high density of objects, accuracy reduced (Source: www. youtube.com/watch?v=mGgtRG2-da1c). Therefore, even though those group people have the keen sense and the can often recognize objects by feeling/ touching them, they still will easily get hurt in daily life. Based on that, we try to do the second skin which can help those people limit the damage. They can work, shopping, or study like people who have better vision.
2.5 Prototype We followed tutor’s instruction to test materials for the bone structure except only considering the water pipe as the only option. Therefore, we tested the straw as the other option of our bone material. The example under is one of the lightest ones we made; it made of transparent straws and thin black string which usually used to sew. The strings connect each side of the straw and formed a surface.
Therefore, we still regard the pipe as the best option of our bone structure due to its flexibility and strength. The other example at the left is geometric bone can fold to close and open when force applies. String used to tie and connect straws, provide a tension to hold the shape. Also, the crossing string contributes to building a curly surface. However, the straw is too weak which means the strength of this model is poor and it is not long-lasting. The same problem found when we made the left-bottom model.
This prototype model made by white water pipe create the most flexible frame that we made, but the material of string still need to adjust. Though the wire has good texture, it hard to be shaped to straight by hand, black cotton string works better at this stage. We cut the water pipe into different length and using the 45-degree angle joints to form the water pipe into the shape we desire. Moreover, we use the screw eyes as the connection points of the strings. We screwed the screw eyes into the water pipe in some regular patters, and the strings connected to the bone structure through the screw eyes.
2.5 Prototype
Continuing to develop the idea from the last prototype. We tried different kinds of pipes, and according to its performance and quality, we apply those pipes into the different part of our model. Those materials are 13mm White PVC Washing Machine And Dishwasher Plumbing Hose, 15mm Press Class PVC Pipe and 16mm Reinforced Pressure Hose. The White PVC Washing Machine And Dishwasher Plumbing Hose is very flexible which is easy to create many kinds of shapes we want. It is relatively easy to pin the screw eyes on the pipes which would let cotton string tie up neatly. Moreover, to support the structure above the head, we need to utilize hard holding. Press Class PVC Pipe has high quality to act as load bearing of the small structure. Although it is extremely rigid to cut into the size and form requisite. Furthermore, Reinforced Pressure Hose is one kind of transparent pipe which is a little bit harder than White PVC Washing Machine And Dishwasher Plumbing Hose which could help the above structure be more stable to hold itself. And we used two different types of joints which are Press 50mm 45 deg PVC Elbow and 15mm Press PVC Plain Tee. Press 45 deg PVC Elbows provide more variable shapes of the structure, and Press PVC Plain Tees create T shapes that could connect separate parts as a whole structure.
The whole structure was painted into the black which shows the sense of heavy. Dark is rational to express the feeling of this person who is living in the dark and suffering from it. The lower structure sits on the shoulder, the surface in between the bone touch with the shoulder which is a more comfortable way to sit. The above structure was constructed with the high density of cotton string to reduce the visual sense and stimulate the feeling of unclear sight. Moreover, this structure could express the fears of feeling and touch the outside world by shadows we created to hide. However, there is no cover near the left ears, and the colorful cotton string is held at the right ear side. It represents the strong sense of hearing and the vivid information from the beautiful world.
Reflection From Module 2 At the beginning of Module 2, our group was trapped into the theory side of how to define the personal space. After defining our main aim of our project which is reducing the visual capabilities of the user and force them to use other senses such as hearing and touch, the cover on the face with a relatively large back area and free arm was proposed as the overall form of our project. Therefore, based on this idea, we possessed much design on the Rhino 3D software. The reading of “Introduction - Paneling Tools Manual, Rhino McNeel (Walsh 2013)� laying out how paneling tool can be used and other technique of building a 3d model in Rhino which is essential for our design during this stage. This gives us an opportunity to exercise and build the skill of basic 3d modeling. After the design on the Rhino, we found that the 3D modeling can not completely replace the physical model making. Because, we could easily build the surface and form we want in the Rhino without considering the detail such as the material, the connection and the load bearing issue such how does this form support itself. Therefore, it is essential to processing a lot of material test while focusing on the detail things such as the connection of each element. The overall design idea of our Module 2 is good. However, we should do more research to support our idea in related to the feeling of low version people and personal space to make our design more convincible. Moreover, there is not enough study of case studies, and the analysis was not used well in the design process. Secondly, our final prototype does not cooperate with our idea of skin and bone structure. Skin and bone structure is supposed to be work as a whole. However, our bone structure could hold itself without the skin which means that our model is not a real skin and bone structure. And the patterns of the string is very simple and have not created the variation of it. We should explore more patterns of the connection of the strings.
3.0 FABRICATION
3.1 Fabrication Intro DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
Our M2 Model was aiming to create the skin and bone structure to reduce the visual sense through the way of connecting strings to create the dense surface in front the face.
M2 model recap and analysis.
However, M2 model came up several great issues that are helping and pushing us to achieve better outcome of M3 Model
Two parts are consisting the M2 model. The one part is supporting part, which located at the both shoulder and one pipe standing at the back. This part doesn't present the value of the skin and bone structure. Because of the pipes was cut into different length and the joints and glue completely fix its shape. The strings within it don't provide any function. One continuous pipe makes the above part, and the strings hold its form. However, once the above part sitting on the supporting part on the shoulder, the supporting part fixed the form of the above part and replaced the role of strings, which result in the whole model lost its skin and bone structure.
Through this journal, we will introduce the whole process of fabrication of M3 Model. And the idea, improvement, testing and tears behind this.
Issues we have from the M2 Model 1. Skin and Bone Structure is not working very well. The bone structure could hold itself by joints and the glue The strings do not actually tie the structure up and play its function as the skin In the result that as we can see from the model, the strings do not look very tie and holding the structure. Some of the string even looks loose. 2. Connecting technique need to be more rich and complex. Strings are too thick to accomplish the complex patterns. The way of connecting strings is not abundant. Only one connecting pattern has been used in this model. Surface looks simple need more patterns. Need to avoid the screw ring as the way of connection which restricts the distance between each connecting points.
Initial Response Therefore, to avoid the supporting structure ruined the sense of skin and bone structure, we decided to transfer the load bearing point from the shoulder to head. The model will sit on the head and use its self-weight to stretch out the whole structure, which means we will transfer our enemy "weight" as the energy of our skin and bone structure. Secondly, testing more material of tubes relate to its weight and flexibility to figure out the best material to fit the different part of the model. Furthermore, testing more different way of strings connection in relates to its different function and its different expression.
3.1 Fabrication Of Prototype V.2 String Patterns Testing And Analysis Rhombus Pattern 1. Strong tension 2. Fixed at 4 points result in the transform of the plastic circle.
According to the initial response from the Module 2 recap, therefore, before we build the prototype, we start with testing of strings patterns and analysis its different function. And decided which patters should apply in which part of our model.
Tension Patterns is performing good in tension. However, the material of 6mm clear vinyl tubing is too light to achieve tension by using its self-weight.
Squire Pattern 1. Strong tension 2. Repetition and rotation of the squire pattern resulting in the great ability to form the circular for of the bone structure.
Cross Pattern have ability to create t h e m o st d e n s i t y p atte r n a n d moreover provide the best even force distribution
Testing string patterns effect on the prototype V.2
Using straw as the bone structure and cut it into different size, put the strings in to the staw and through the way of connecting to form the ruled surface. 1. Beautiful Patterns with hign desnsity. 2. Good in tenstion
Tension Pattern 1. Great in tension 2. Especially for two component which having a heavier weight.
In the design of prototype V.2, we decided to use the new bone material which is the 6mm clear vinyl tubing. Based on the issue we have on the M2, therefore, we decided to abandon the real joints and use the strings to play the role of the joints After making the model, we found that the string pattern will not perform well at 6mm clear vinyl tubing because it is too light and not enough self-weight to keep the string fully in
Ruled Surface Pattern have a really good perform to form a beautiful and complex surface on the tube. Moreover, ruled surface is also a great way of connecting in the position where having the cross of pipes.
Tension Patterns is performing good in tension, however, with the restriction of the self-weight of the tube, the tension patterns only work well in the space of one bent tube. And have good ability to hold its curve.
3.2 Fabrication Of Prototype V.3 In the design of the prototype V.3, in order to resolve the issue of the prototype V.2, we came up the form of many regular circles, and the bottom circle use the 10 mm transparent pipe to act as the load elements to increase the prototype's self-weight to help the strings expand well and fully in tension. And Same as the prototype V.2, there is no joints between each circle and the strings act as the joints. And we will use different strings patterns in different part to show its different function. The whole structure sits on the head and uses its self-weight to expand. However, as the images show that some of the strings were still very loose.We have to use hand to stretch to keep the tension of the strings. After analysis of our prototype V.3, we found that, although we add a 10mm transparent pipe at the bottom, still not enough self-weight to let the whole structure expand fully in tention. And the other reason that makes the tension of the strings not enough is that the some of the areas is not evenly stressed.
10 mm transparent pipes 10 mm transparent pipe at the bottom to increase theself weight
10 mm transparent pipe at the bottom to increase theself weight
3.2 Final Prototype Development Bone Material Testing
We tested the acrylic board as the bone structure, and laser cuts it into form and cutting holes on the acrylic board. Then put the strings on it. Through the processing, we found that the acrylic board is too easy to broke. As the picture shown below. Because of our project is using the self-weight as the energy to keep the string fully intension. Therefore, the weight may break the bone structure and also the material of acrylic is relatively light weight.
Therefore, we focus back on the pipes. We have been tested many kinds of pipes since the beginning of the M2. First of all, through the experience of using the 10 mm white water pipes, we found that the weight of the pipe is satisfying. However, the strength of the pipe is relatively strong. Therefore, it is hard to drill the hole on it by using the hole punch. Furthermore, because of its strength, it is also hard to form the shape we desired. From the images at the left, The way of shaping the pipe is that we cut it into different length and using the glue and joints to fixed.
We also tested the 10 mm black water pipe. Same as the 10 mm white water pipe, the strength of the pipe is strong and hard to drill the hole over it. And it is hard to form the shape we desired. Moreover, the weight of 10 mm black water pipe too heavy as well as to take the advantages of the lightness of skin and bone structure. As well as the black color shows the sense of heaviness that we do not put it into our design.
We have tested the 6mm clear vinyl tubing in both prototype v.2 and v.3; the result shows that this material is too soft and light. Therefore, the weight is not enough to expand its structure.
Finally, we decided to choose the reinforced transparent water pipe as the material of bone structure in our design. Because the reinforced transparent water pipe's weight is satisfying our design's need. Moreover, its strength is perfect to form the shape of our design and also not too strong to drill the hole over it by using the hole punch.Furthermore, the transparent color of the water pipes gives the sense of lightness which conforms to our design
3.2 Final Prototype Optimisation Through the test of strings patterns, we chose 4 of these ways of connection which are tension patterns, cross patterns, ruled surface patterns and square patterns. Based on different functions of different connect patterns, we allocate different patterns into the different position in our design to give it best chance to show its advantage. We used the cross patterns on the surface over the head. For a reason is that the cross patterns could provide the most evenly force distribution. Which is the most comfortable way for people to wear?
We used different colors of strings to demonstrate its different functions.
The square pattern can hold the circular form of the pipe while remaining in good tension. Therefore, the reason we use the square pattern in this area is that we what to keep this semi-circle remain its curve to satisfy the shape we design in the 3d model.
Because of the tension pattern's super ability to hold two components which have heavier weight. Therefore, we used tension patterns to act as the load-bearing elements to hold and carry the structure up to the position we want. All these load-bearing elements in tension patterns are in the color of purpose
This pattern is the another version of square patterns. This shape is a triangle pattern; we transfer the square patterns to triangular to allow this patterns to hold the semi-circle shape rather than a circle shape. All this triangle pattern are in the color of green
Moreover, we also used this pattern as the eye cover surface. Because that this is the best way to create the most density surface in a single surface.
Moreover, we also used this pattern as the eye cover surface. Because that this is the best way to create the most density surface in a single surface. The ruled surface pattern have the advantages to create a beautiful and intricate surface. Meanwhile, it is also a great way of connecting two pipes cross to each other. Therefore, we decided to use this pattern to some the place where the pipe cross. We used yellow strings to express this. Moreover, we also used red strings in the ruled surface. However, the red string is not used to connecting two pipes cross to each but is for holding the curve form of the pipe while creating beautiful patterns.
3.5 Final Digital model
After the decision of allocating each strings pattern in the diiferent position we desired. The most important thing is that how to create the form that related to our idea of personal space. Through the digital design, we came up the shape with the free space for the arm to achieve the idea of stronger tactile sense. No strings cover the ear area to show the stronger sense of hearing. And the large back area with colorful strings to cooperate with our idea of personal space.
3.6 Fabrication Sequences
Using tape and timber batten to fix each component in the position we desired.
A c co rd i n g to t h e 3 D model and measuring the distance between each connection points. And drill the pipe by using the hole punch.
Measure and drill the pipe
1
Fixation
3
2
Cut The Pipe
Form the pipe into the circle and Lable it
According to the 3D model, measure the length of each component and cut the pipe into different length.
Using the 6mm Clear Vinyl Tubing as the joints to connect the 8mm reinforced transparent pipe. And label each circle.
4
Tention
Eye Cover
5 Start to put on the strings.
6 Line Arts
Final Adjust
3.7 Assembly Drawing
C4: 1470mm
C1: 1130mm
C2: 1380mm
C5: 1380mm
C3: 1580mm
Reflection From Module 3 Before we start the Module 3, we analyzed the issues we have during the Module 2. 1. Skin and Bone Structure is not working very well. 2. Connecting technique need to be more rich and complex. Based on this issue, we came up an idea of transferring the load bearing point from the shoulder to head. The model will sit on the head and use its self-weight to stretch out the whole structure, which means we will transfer our enemy "weight" as the energy of our skin and bone structure. Moreover, we also decided to not use the actual joints but completely using the surface (strings) to act the role of the joints to ensure the skin and bone structure is working. Secondly, we processed a lot of research of Strings Art and picked up several patterns which might apply in our design. We tested and analyzed their different function and performance to resolve the issue of lacking the richness of connection technique. Refer to the reading of Architecture in the Digital Age Design and Manufacturing (Branko Kolarevic, 2003), and Digital fabrications: architectural and material techniques (Lisa Iwamoto 2009), which introduced the development of digital technology such as 3d printing, 3d modeling and laser cutting, which improves the effeienccy of the design process of fabrication dramatically. However, our design is the perfect example to reflect its disadvantage and restriction.
As I mentioned at the M2 Reflection, In the process of digital design, indeed, it could easily provide us the threedimensional model and effect of our design before we start building the physical model. However, there are many aspects in 3d modeling software can not achieve such as the weight and the quality of different materials. Especially in our design which used its self-weight as the main energy to expand itself and make the strings fully in tension. Rhino can not show the weight effect. Therefore, we can not know the whether the string's pattern will work on the particular position of our model or not. And how the material of the bone will affect the strings and whether it will provide enough weight for expanding the whole structure. Thus we have to test on the actual model and to see what is going to happen. Our project did not use any fabrication method such as laser cut and 3d printing. The whole fabrication process was made by hand. For reason is that the fabrication technology restricted by the quality of material. In our design, we used the reinforced transparent water pipe which can not use for laser cut. And we can not use the 3d printing to print the bone structure because of the material of 3d print product are rigid and fragile which makes it hard to print into the circular form in a relatively large size. Therefore, once again, Although, the digital technology hugely improved the efficiency of design process and fabrication, it can not completely bridge the gap between the digital design and physical fabrication.
Overall, we could push our project further. We still have many unresolved issues such as the some of the strings are still lose. We could have tested more string material such as elastic one which probably will perfectly solve this issue. Moreover, we could apply more strings on our project and use more density in the place where it is needed, which will us create the stronger sense of volume around the head and block the face better.
3.8 Rainbow Hoop
Throughout the journey of digital design and fabrication, the basic idea of the process from the design step to the actual construction was formed. I finally noticed and felt that process between the design emotion and actual construction is uneasy. In the design process, every step of your design needs to have a clear aim and meaning. While a lot of detail need to be taken into consideration. The aim of your design --- What are you trying to create? What feeling would you like to give to the users? How to transfer the idea of personal space into your design? And how are you going to express it through your design? Material -- Which material can best show the design effect. Structure -- Whether structure system is work or not? Is your structural system is meet the requirement? Workability -- Whether the design can be transfer from the digital to physical Moreover, it is essential to process a huge amount of testing of your design in the aspects of the structural system, material system. Sia always mentioned in the class that you have to have a reason that when you make every step for your deign. The designer can not say that because I think it looks better. You need to do the test and
contrast each other and figure out which is good or bad and why. Michael argues that “Making becomes knowledge or intelligence creation, In this way thinking and doing, design and fabrication, and prototype and final design become blurred, interactive and part of a nonlinear means of innovation (Iwamoto, 1969).” A good designer will constantly work on something, pulling it apart, pulling it together, transforming and rearranging it. Simple try every thing and any possibilities, even some thing bound to fail. During these process, you will gain a lot of nutrition and might come up a new idea which will lead more failures or improves you design or fix your issue of your design. And after the ultimate test and experience of the hell, you will get the best design.
One problem of our design is the lack of sufficient research to support our idea of design. Especially for our idea of personal space of low vision people with higher hearing sense and tactile sense. We rely too much on our self-understanding and speculate what the personal space will be, rather than to research for academic resources to make our design more convinceable. Another aspect that challenges our design is that our final model is completely hand made rather than laser cut and 3d printing and install different part together. It makes the situation difficult that we have to spend more time on fabricating every prototype and the final model and we were unable to keep creating prototypes and test more material constantly. However, we have no excuse because our groups have four members and it is reasonable to provide more. We could push our design more forward. Moreover, it is critical for this subject to use the fabrication method such as laser cut or 3d printing to show the result of transferring from the digital to physical. However, we did not use any fabrication method in our design doesn’t represent that we missed it. It gives us a better understanding and to think the digital design and fabrication method in a critical way. From the reading, Through the development of the digital
technology, the digital fabrication became the main technique to produce a digital and physical model. It is inconceivable that design a building without using digital technology in today’s society. The digital technology integrates every step of the architectural process from conceptual design to the construction. The digital technology has far more improved the efficiency of the design process and fabrication. And the digital technology hugely improved the efficiency of design process and fabrication. For now, the digital technology can not completely bridge the gap between the digital design and physical fabrication. Because there are many restrictions in this tecnology regarding material quality, reality effect. The digital technology should cohesively work with the handcraft to form a comprehensive workflow.
4.0 Reflection
5.0 Appendix
5.1 Credits
5.2 Bibliography Enric, M, Carme, P 1988/1991, How to lay out a croissant, El Croquis 49/50 Enric Miralles, Carme Pinos, En Construction, pp.240-241 Iwamoto, L 2009, Digital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques, Princeton Architectural Press, New York Introduction - Paneling Tools Manual, Rhino Mcneel Heath, A., Heath, D., & Jensen, A.L. (2000). 300 years of industrial design : function, form, technique, 1700-2000, New York : Watson-Guptill, 2000. Kolarevic, B 2003, Architecture in Digital Age – Design and Manufacturing, Spon Press, London Sommer, R. (1969). Personal space : the behavioral basis of design / Robert Sommer. Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice-Hall, c1969.