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PROJECT 1: NOVA Deysy Cruz Escobar Dai Le
This façade consists of a stacking module system inspired by Shuriken The shuriken has a dynamic function for range combat that is intended to hook into the target. We wanted to explore the hook like qualities of the form to become an interconnected modular design. The Mid-Century modern geometric pattern inspired an architectural arch element into our overall modular facade, that works in compression for the structural quality of our module. Inspired by these two precedents we came to our final design the NOVA. During the process we initially created a mold that consisted of two pieces that would interlock by sliding up and down in Z axis. This first mold iteration was not successful due to the excess tension created on the thinnest part of our mold. The thinnest point was too weak to withstand the tension of sliding the mold up and down to deconstruct. In addition to this weak point in our modular design, the curvilinear form was so compressed in the mold that we were not able to take it out of the mold without breaking it apart. To overcome this issue, we designed a second mold that also consisted of only two pieces but created a different notch system that we believed would slide off with ease. In this case the mold was still not successful, and the pieces broke. We then realized that the way the notches connected was 2 | Introduction to Digital Fabrication
not the issue. The second mold failed because the main principle of the mold was very similar to the first mold thus yielded the similar outcome. In response to the issues, we had during the previous molds we created a third iteration that consisted of six pieces total. This mold would perform in a sandwich style, where there is a void in the interior of the enclosed mold with only a single opening at the top to allow the concrete to be poured. During this iteration we realized that we needed to pour the concrete in layers while tapping the overall mold on the table after each layer. This process was necessary in order to allow the concrete to go into the small crevices and curves of our organic shape. This final iteration was very successful, and we were able to cast four modules. The schematic design to construction process enabled us to think critically about the assembly of our physical designs. The concrete expanded and tightened inside the mold, thus made it difficult to be removed. The failures allowed us to experience firsthand how the concrete would react in response to the molds. As well as study the forces applied to remove the mold once the concrete has cured. We were able to overcome these scenarios by responding with logical tactics.
Research Question How do you create a dynamic modular facade, that can be multifunctional? Details 120 minutes for printing 7.16 ml/s Extrusion speed 16/ml/s Print speed
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SHURIKEN Matsubayashi Henyasai O’sullivan, Vincent. Shuriken. Victoria University Press, 1985. The Shuriken is the simplest and most fundamental Japanese ranged weapon. This ninja star has an intended dynamic function. We wanted to explore the hook like qualities of the form to become an interconnected modular design.
MID CENTURY MODERN “MID CENTURY MODERN Geometric Dynamic and Fun Pattern Black and White by BONB Creative.” Fine Art America, fineartamerica.com. This Mid Century modern geometric pattern inspired an architectural arch element into our overall modular facade, that works in compression for the structural quality of our module.
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GRASSHOPPER SCRIPT The pattern is generatedusing the Parakeet plugin in grasshopper. A random curve is drawn and then the script will translate it with the parakeet pattern into loops that repeat themselves in the boundary. Then we take the pattern and generate 3D shapes with the extrusion command. Then we filletted some spot on the shape so that it is not too sharp when we get out of the mold.
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ITERAT
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TION 1
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ITERATION 1.1
ITERATION 1.2
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ITERATION 1.3
NOTES: The mold is really hard to get out, there are are pieces got stucked inside the mold. Therefore, we eliminated the small components and try to make the mold thinner. We switched the strategy from an interlock mold to a sandwich mold that have a hole on top that we can pour the concrete mix insied. 10 | Introduction to Digital Fabrication
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ITERAT
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TION 2
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MOLD DIAGRAM
NOTES: In this strategy, we increased the thickness of the mold. Moreover, we increased the cuts on the surface of the mold so that we can demold it easier later. However, we noticed that the edge were very pointy, so it did not look smooth enough. Moreover, we increased the hole to make it bigger to easier to pour the concrete in 14 | Introduction to Digital Fabrication
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ITERAT
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TION 3
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MOLD DIAGRAM
ELEVATION
NOTES: 5/2"
The final mold is another iteration from strategy 2. We added more cuts to the mold so that we can easily take out where the piece get stuck the most. In iteration 2 we still had problems with the little piece. However, in iteration 3, we are able to get the little piece out easily which completes our innitial design intention. 3"
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3/4"
Iteration 3 is the most successful out of the strategy we developed.
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