METABOLIC WEAVE
Contents
Portfolio for Christopher Bamborough Student Number - 11091889 Tel - 0422564330
THEORETICAL CONTEXT DESIGN AMBITION PROTOTYPE PAVILION EYELET MODULE PRECEDENT ANALYSIS INITIAL PROTOTYPE EXPLORATION PROTOTYPE ASSEMBLAGE A PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT SECTIONAL PROTOTYPE FABRICATION STRATEGY SECTIONAL PROTOTYPE MODEL SECTIONAL PROTOTYPE RESPONSE
METABOLIC Theoretical Context WEAVE
The Materiality Lab studio sought to frame the cross scalar prototype project in a theoretical/ conceptual context in order to critique towards a design solution. In particular was an interest in 19th century / modernist theory with an ambition to readdress and reinterpret earlier generational intelligence.
“(Gotfried) Semper recognised and exploited architecture’s material limitation, the origin of its formal language in the arts and crafts, textiles,ceramics, metal works, carpentry and the oldest stone construction” Wilhelm Dilthey, 1924 Semper’s theory of metabolism identified that architecture could be rationally reducible to materials and the processes associated with their uses.
From these Semper identified 4 abstract categories of material production techniques, each having a particular associated aesthetic style.
From it he identified 4 basic elements of architecture.
s_e2
s_e1
s_e4
s_e3 s_e1_Pliable s_e2_Clay (Mouldable) s_e3_Stick like elements s_e4_Dense
s_pt1
s_pt2
s_pt3
s_pt4 s_pt1_Weaving s_pt1_Forming s_pt1_Tectonic s_pt1_Stereotomy
METABOLIC Design Ambition WEAVE
A project question was set in which to target investigation and use as a reference for analysis
Can the morphology of thin ply wood strips be manipulated with reference to Semper’s production techniques to achieve multiple material conditions and aesthetic effects? Metabolic Weave is an investigation into the form finding capacity of woven doubly curving 3mm plywood strips, their assemblage capability, and the expressive potential of their interaction. The project’s intention is to study the capacity for a considered assemblage to create multiple conditions of experience and effect the perception of material and light. The project is based on a process of invention, understood as a continuous process without a single predetermined outcome, always suspended between discovery and obsolescence.
http://vimeo.com/metabolicweave
METABOLIC Prototype Pavilion WEAVE
Prototype development led to the creation and deployment of the EyeLet unit within a pavilion. The parametric nature of the unit allowed a series of positions and connections to create an enclosure providing the inhabitant the contrasting experience of the tectonic (screen), textiles, and stereotomy (solid).
Opening
25mm
50mm
Stereotomy
75mm
100mm
Tectonic
Scissoring
25o
45o
60o
75o
75mm
100mm
Expansion
25mm
50mm
Weaving Transition
Tectonic Weave
METABOLIC EyeLet Module WEAVE
Two units exist, distinguished by their weave combination, EL_A / EL_B, provide the opportunity for an accurate lap joint connection between them, as well as visually allowing the woven strip to transfer from one unit to the other. A unit can be simply constructed from two shaped and drilled strips, 4 bracing acrylic bars, 2 x 1/8” 25mm nut and bolts, and 4 x 1/8” 12mm nuts and bolts. The EyeLet system was born from a process of prototype exploration each concerned with a particular aspect of the system, be it weaving, connection, adjustment or transition.
EL_A A_C4
A_C3 2 x 1/8” 25mm nut + bolt
2 x 1/8” 12mm
2 x 1/8” 25mm
2 x 1/8” 12mm EL_A1
EL_A
EL_A2 EL_A1 A_C1
A_C2
EL_A2
Sequence of adjustment bar attachment
EL_B
B_C4
B_C3
2 x 1/8” 12mm nut + bolt
2 x 1/8” 25mm nut + bolt
2 x 1/8” 12mm
2 x 1/8” 25mm
2 x 1/8” 12mm
EL_B1
EL_B
EL_B2
B_C1
B_C2
EL_B1
EL_B2
Solid Stereotomy
METABOLIC Precedent Analysis: 1:1 case models WEAVE Timber Fabric
Meta-Patch
Yves Weinand (IBOIS | EPFL | Lausanne)
Joseph Kellner, David Newton
LENGTH - 1200mm
HEIGHTDEFLECTION WIDTHTORSION FORCE 170mm STRIP WIDTH
As a point of trajectory the project looked towards precedents of timber use within innovative construction projects. An initial focus was placed on each system’s logic regarding the utilisation of a repeatable detail and structure.
METABOLIC Precedent Analysis: 1:1 case models WEAVE
The building 1:1 detail models of the precedent study was used as a means to understand the interaction of the parts to the whole within each system, analyse their material effects, to critique their success, and to start to develop efficiency in manipulating materials.
Serpentine 2005 Alvaro Siza and Souto Moura
METABOLIC Initial Prototype Exploration WEAVE
Multiple prototypes were developed from the three case studies with a focus on variation within their existing material systems. The prototypes offered opportunity to optimise, adapt or radically deviate from the 1:1 case study models.
METABOLIC Initial Prototype Exploration WEAVE
Development was achieved through smaller scale detail models to access the small scale relationships, and through digital modelling to review effects of assemblage.
METABOLIC Prototype Assemblage A WEAVE
A move towards a prototype assemblage was made early in order to assess the chosen prototypes success in creating multiple material and lighting effects when assembled. The ambition for this first large scale intervention was to transfer from a smooth screen element through to a jagged stacked configuration. Whilst the assemblage offered some successful elements it did highlight the need for focus regarding the connection, its ability to scissor (adjustment), the twist transition and the stacking ability of the unit.
Stereotomy Jagged Appearance
Connection Testing
Turning Moment Shear Capabilities
Connection Prototyping
Double Pivot Link Joint.
Tectonic Serpentine Precedent Double Weave exploration
Timber Weave Precedent
METABOLIC Prototype Development WEAVE
To move towards a successful unit prototypes were developed to explore the separate areas of 01_Connection, 02_ Stereotomy, 03_Transition and 04_Adjustment. Ideas were tested using laser cut ply wood and acrylic, with hand cut 3mm plywood strips to assess their success in the four areas of interest.
Prototype 01_Connection
Prototype 02_Stereotomy EL_A
EL_B
01_1
02_1
01_2
EL_A EL_A 02_2
01_3
02_1 = Cardboard Explorations 02_2 = Plywood Interlocking Wedges 02_3 = Acrylic Clips 02_4 = Acrylic Interlocking Wedges 02
01_4
01_5
= Interlocking Acrylic Strips
02_3
5/32� 38mm Copper Nut / Bolt
02_4
50mm diameter laser cut Acrylic disk
01_6
01
02
METABOLIC Prototype Development WEAVE
The successful prototypes were those used to develop the final pavilion, their success was based on their ability to create functional structural aims, as well as provide means for the intended material effects of the tectonic / stereotomy contrast.
Prototype 03_Transition
Prototype 04_Adjustment EL_A
A1 A2
Hardware 5/32” 38mm 1/8” 25mm
EL_A A1 A2
03_1
04_1
A1 A2
04_2
04_3
04_4
A1 A2
03_2
A1
A1
Connection Rules:
04_6
04_5
04_7
A1-A2 : 1/8” 25mm A1-A2-A1-A2 : 5/32” 38mm
03_3
04_1 = Cardboard Explorations 04_2 = Plywood strips 04_3 = Laser Cut strips 04_4 = Acrylic Strips 04_5 = Thinned out acrylic Strips 04_6 = Perforated laser cut strips 04_7 = Heat moulded acrylic strips 04 = Hidden acrylic strips
03
04
METABOLIC Sectional Prototype Design WEAVE Prototype_04
Adjustment
Prototype_02
Stereotomy
Prototype_01
Connection
Prototype_03
Transition Woven Floor
As proof of concept a sectional prototype was devised in order to deploy and showcase the EyeLet unit. As the pavilion deign employed a doubly curved tectonic aspect requiring the whole to support itself it was decided to create a simple enclosure that allowed transfer from floor, transition, tectonic to stereotomy and back to floor
METABOLIC Fabrication Strategy WEAVE
Production for the sectional model was carried out over a number of days and sought to use efficient hand making methods to avoid the expensive nature of laser cutting. Strips were mass produced using industrial cutting and drilling, while customisation of each eyelet was achieved through the production of laser cut adjustment bars which were then heat set into a curved form.
Timber Strip Components
Laser Cut Acrylic + heat forming 1:2 @ A3
810 mm
1220 mm
25mm 50mm
1/8” x 12mm
1/8” x 25mm
5/32” x 38mm
x 84
x 54 450mm
x 32 x 192
x 376
x 40
x6
25 x 3mm Premium Plywood Sheet @ $7.50 One side stained: Cabots Interior - Walnut 400 Strips Cut on Circular Saw
450mm
(16 x) 50mm x 1000mm Strips - cut against wood grain Approximate wastage = 18% ($1.35 per sheet)
25mm
x 84
METABOLIC Sectional Prototype Model WEAVE
The section prototype successfully showcased the contrasting nature of the tectonic and stereotomy and with it accentuated the woven nature of the plywood structure. In creating the model however a number of structural issues were identified which provided a trajectory for further prototype exploration.
METABOLIC Sectional Prototype: Response WEAVE
In stacking the eyelet unit it became apparent that after approximately 7 layers the strength of the plywood could not hold the structure. As a solution the configuration was moved onto its side in order to utilise its cross sectional compressive strength. As a result the tectonic aspect could no longer connect into the stereotomy. A proposed response would be to utilise the double curving capacity of the EyeLet for both structural and connection needs, this would use the woven strips of the unit in compression and tension creating a balance in structural forces. A transition at floor level could be achieved through the twisting of bracing strips that plug the stacked arrangement down into the lateral woven floor configuration.
Fixed position
Wall Connection
Triangulation of structure to secure tectonic into position.
TENSION COMPRESSION
Flo
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Co
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ect
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