(trans)LAB Project Document
(trans)LAB Project Document
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Transformable Cube_01
12-19
Kinetic Tessellation_02
20-25
3D Printing Exploration_03
26-37
Transformable Spatial Exploration_04
38-43
Robotic Exploration_05
44-65
Architectural Mediator_06
01_Transformable Cube
The study models explore different methods of opening and closing a cube using a planar sheet material. The largest challenge with the study models was getting the cube to close as complete as possible. This problem was resolved through getting each side to lock into the one next to it as it closed.
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The cube transforms from being completely open to almost entirely closed. Each side of the cube locks into the one next to it resulting in a system which is entirely self-dependent. The cube is constructed out of plywood which created the greatest challenge of the project: material thickness. The cube will not close completely because of the material thickness of the plywood. In addition, the frame holding the sides had to be cut at a slight angle in order for each side to fold on top of the one next to it. The hinges were made by creating canvas joints which allowed the plywood to fold in only one direction.
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02_Kinetic Tessellations
The kinetic polygon tessellation was created through bisecting each edge of an irregular polygon. This method can be used on any type of polygon, however, the smallest angle will restrict the extent of movement which is allowed to take place.
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This study model for the kinetic tessellation project shows how a material (paper) can be attached to the pre-existing geometry in order to open and close the system.
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The kinetic tessellation opens and closes through the transformation of the base geometry. The geometry was the greatest challenge in the project because geometry is infinitely precise and material is only precise to certain tolerances which allow for structural capacities as well as the capacity of allowing two materials to attach to each other. 17
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03_3D Printing Explorations
This 3-d printed cube was created by generating random points within a 4" cube and then running a voronoi algorithm with the points to create solids around each point. The cube was divided into eight pieces with each piece containing one corner of the cube. Each piece is completely unique, however, they all look similar because they are all the result of a very particular process.
The texture on the surface of the pieces is the mark left by the process in which they were created. The blocks engage the additive process of the 3-d printer's capabilities because each is unique, no two volumes are the same. To construct these same pieces with a subtractive process would have made inefficient use of time and material. 24
04_Transformable Spatial Exploration
The two images to the right show the context and scale of the shelter during the day as well as during the night. The shelter is suspended from the columns and could be pulled down from above to surround the person occupying the space. The section drawing below is at a scale of 1/4"=1', and shows the overhead structure from which the shelter would hang.
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The following images are of a detail model constructed at half scale with 3-d printed joints which could be fabricated out of metal. The joints were created so that the fins which attached the arms were offset so no washers would be needed and the number of fastener pieces would be minimized. Also, a tension spring could be attached between the two joints in order to hold the shelter in an open position.
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05_Robotic Exploration
The project was made by using a robot with a hot wire cutter attachment to cut a rectangular piece of foam. The curve was generated by adding a sine curve with a wavelength of five to a sine curve with a wavelength of three.
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The robot cut the curve on one side of the foam block which was then rotated ninety degrees and the same curve was cut again to create four different pieces which were reassembled to create the column. Because of the way the column was generated, the section of the column remains constant in the vertical direction.
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06_Architectural Mediator
The final prototype is based on a one foot module and has a system of panels which are clamped into a frame system using a system of fasteners at every four inches. The back frame would be attached directly onto the window mullions while the front frame would be free to be manipulated into position by the user through the use of a linear actuator. The images below show the assembly of the prototype.
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This series of renderings looks at how the screen system controls view in a scenic landscape as well as having the ability to control light. The transformable system is almost completely transparent when open and then has the ability to close off all view to the outside.
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The matrix of images represents the amount of illuminance (in lux) found in a 25'x25'x11' room throughout the year. The dates represented in the images are December 21st, March 21st, and June 21st at 8 a.m, 12 p.m., and 4 p.m. The charts also analyze the openness of the screen and the effect of that on the illuminance levels of the space. The data found that for most of the time, the screen would only have to move slightly to filter the correct amount of light, but that at key times such as noon on December 21st, the screen was able to close to the point where the large amount of direct light entering the space would be mediated. The amount of lux needed in a studio space is about 1000, while the amount of lux needed in a library is about 500.
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This is a series of images of four study models which were made at half-scale. The first study model is white bristol, the second one is vellum, the third one the inside of the panels is colored yellow, and the fourth one the inside of the panels is colored blue. 50
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These images show the final prototype for the light mediator. The frame is constructed out of wood and the inside panels are bristol. Each individual module is 1'x1'. The whole system expands to a depth of 1'. 58
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