Digital Design - Module 02 Semester 1, 2019 Emma Kelly
950391 Shiqi Tang : Studio 30
Critical Reading: Kolerevic B. 2003. Architecture in the Digital Age
Kolerevic described three fundamental types of fabrication techniques in the reading. Outline the three techniques and discuss the potential of Computer Numeric Controlled fabrication with parametric modelling. (150 words max)
The three techniques mentioned by Kolerevic are subtractive, additive and formative fabrication. Subtractive fabrication is the process of removing material from a volume, this can be done electrically, chemically or mechanically. The axis of Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) machines determines and limits the flexibility of the process. Additive fabrication is the process of adding material in layers to produce an object. In order to achieve the wanted outcome, the digital model is sliced into 2- dimensional objects and is rebuilt in the printing process. Formative fabrication utilises mechanical force, restrictive form and/ or heat to shape objects and materials. A limitation however of parametric modelling is the fact that all surfaces have to be developable, which most of the time can be done through triangulation. Furthermore all NURB curves have to be translated into polylines in order to be legible for a Computer Numeric Controlled machine. Possibilities lay within the accuracy and speed of the process. Human labour is in some cases not capable to produce such defined, complex forms in such a short period of time.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Surface Creation
Surface Generation
Final Surface Iteration
Waffle Script
The process of surface iteration was governed by the notion of movement, tension and attraction. Initially a box was created and deconstructed in order to find a surface lofted in between two lines. Points individually being manipulated, allows the surfaces to being altered. A 5 by 5 grid by utilising Surface Domain Number was applied and later offset. A point attractor or a curve attractor enables the points to be manipulated in order to create movement within the later surface. Feeding the panels into a list item allows for the manual selection of panels. The interweaving of 2-D and 3-D panels again plays on the notion of movement and tension within the design.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Surface Creation
In iteration Nr 01 the intention was to explore the surface orientation. From one contact point the dynamics of the surface are explored and what it is that creates movement and tension. In the iteration Nr 02 it was found that a further separation of the surfaces creates a tension in between the two furthest points away from each other. The beginning of 2 D patterning through openings was explored. In iteration Nr 03 the emphasis was on finding the directionality of the cut outs. With finding a parallel surface base, the dynamics and movement was enhanced, as the structure moves upwards.
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Isometric View
The paneling is intended to emphasise movement and directionality. The 2 dimensional panels play into this intend, as they face towards the same direction. The location of the 3 dimensional and two dimensional faces are pushing and pulling through the surface and again are emphasising movement.
The waffle is closely aligned to the panels. This is to support the structure thoroughly. The waffle structure furthermore is kept as simple as possible in order not to distract the eye from the paneling which is the main design of the structure.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE
Laser Cutting
When setting up the file for laser cutting it is crucial to delete any doubled edges. SelDup is a helpful command to eliminate the risk of cutting through etched lines. Make2d also helps to eliminate that risk. Nesting the panels closely together saves time on the actual process. Furthermore, leaving one outer tab line on the edge layer rather than cutting it through gives a better result and saves the process of having to tape the panels down. Labeling the rows of panels and the individual waffles will later help the assembly.
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Lofts
1.1
1.2 {0, 150, 150}
1.3 {0, 120, 150}
{120, 150, 150}
{105, 0, 150}
1.4 {0, 105, 150}
{150, 0, 150} {150, 150, 150}
{90, 0, 150}
Key
1.5 {0, 150, 150}
{90, 0, 150}
{0,0,0} {0, 150, 150}
{135, 150, 150} {150, 0, 150}
{150, 150, 120.0}
Control Points (X,Y,Z) Attractor / Control Curves Grid Points
{150, 150, 105}
{150, 150, 75} {150, 0, 60}
{150, 0, 15} {0, 0, 15}
{150, 0, 45}
{150, 0, 45}
{150, 150, 0}
{150, 150, 0}
{0, 0, 30}
{0, 0, 30}
{0, 0, 0} {150, 150, 0}
Paneling Grid & Attractor Point
2.1
2.2
{150, 15, 0}
{150, 0, 45}
{0, 0, 0}
{135, 0, 0}
{75, 150, 0}
{0, 15, 0}
{30, 0, 0}
{105, 150, 0}
{105, 150, 0}
{0, 15, 0} {30, 0, 0}
2.3
{-116,46,233}
2.4
2.5 {-136,-55,164}
{150, 150, 0}
{-208,-55,189}
{-160,-106,94}
{-205,149,96}
{-128,-60,76}
{47,53,32}
{47,53,32}
{-26,-134,23}
{-32,-106,26}
{-202,-118,-3}
{84,46,5}
{-202,15,-10} {-96,-116,-83}
{-20,149,-35}
Paneling
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
{-96,-116,-83}
3.5 Y1
Y2
The matrix for Task A is exploring the relationship of the two surfaces to begin with. The first intuitive surface iteration was followed by chosen designs. By investigating a base and two surfaces dynamically moving from these the notion of movement was a crucial point in the design finding. The relationship between the base lines was explored from 1 touching point to a parallel base as this seemed the most dynamic. Later a grid was applied and through the manipulation of the offset grid the concentration of the panels was defined. This was later reflected in the positioning of the 2D and 3D panels. The form of the panels was as well governed by directionality and movement.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE
Matrix and Possibilities
The location of 2D and 3D panels is supposed to represent a pushing and pulling of spaces. This creates a tension within the design. It corresponds to the grid manipulation as seen in the matrix.
The 2D panels are emphasizing the notion of movement. The cutouts allow for a relationship to the interior of the waffle structure.
Scale 1:2 0
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40
60
The alignment of the panel connections with the waffle fins cater for a clean construction, also allowing for the surface to exist as its own floating entity.
The waffle structure is cleanly aligned with the panels . The waffle again highlights the directionality of the surfaces with its dynamics and twist.
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The 3D double pyramid allows for a further emphasis on movement. Here, the separately attracted points lead the eye throughout the design.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE
Photography of Model
The directionality of the surfaces is interesting as it creates the notion of movement and captures the eye. Furthermore, the pushing and pulling of 2 dimensional and the 3 dimensional panels creates tension and interest once again. The cutouts may create an interplay of shadow and light when projected onto the ground plane.
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Visual Scripting of Parametric Model
The 150x150x150mm box was divided into a point grid, which was later manipulated through attractor points and curves. The centroids are a second entity that can be manipulated in order to achieve a directionality in the design. The inserted geometry was altered in size through construct domain. In a later stage as seen in the second row, the geometry was altered through creating two sets of geometry that can be individually positioned through the move command and the feeding in of a Y-factor. Rotate3d allows for the rotation of the geometry along an axis, which in this case was the positioning of the centroids.
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SOLID AND VOID
Surface Creation
The two iterations show the two different approaches explored in the matrix. The first iteration shows the approach of addressing the interior volumes overlapping. The spaces engage little with the exterior and produce a secluded, private space. The second iteration explores the edge condition and the layering of interior spaces. Overlaying and repeating voids in different scales produces the effect of texturing the void and giving it the potential of different light qualities. The increased relationship with the exterior caters for the possibility of the two spaces interacting with each other.
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Edge conditions may be skylights, an introduction to the interior or a design feature to catch the eye.
Different scaled openings can be windows, doorways, thresholds and an introduction to different spatial qualities.
Intersecting spaces can create a squeezing of spaces, a sense of relieve when entering the new volume, hence creating a threshold.
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SOLID AND VOID
Isometric view
The overlapping of spaces create different scales of opening. The spaces relate to each other through the physical openings.
The edge conditions create different scales of openings. These cater for an interrelationship of exterior and interior. Light can penetrate the volume, or they can serve as entry points.
Intersecting smaller spaces make a larger volume, creating an interesting sequence of spaces. As the original voids are larger on the exterior decreasing in scale towards the inner volume, they create a larger volume when interacting.
The layering of voids in different scales make for a textured surface of the interior. This may cater for an interplay of light and shadow, open and secluded areas. Scale 1:2 0
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40
60
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1.1
1.2
1.3
Key
1.4
{0,0,0}
Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z) Attractor / Control Curves
{240,126,148}
{62,-34,74}
{240,126,107}
{240,126,148}
{62,-34,74}
{-8,25,85}
Centroid Manipulation
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Solids
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Voids
4.1
4.2
Study Area
be rotated through rotate 3d with the feeding in of an axis and the location of the centroids, allowed for this intention to be translated
Grid Manipulation
The 150x150x150mm box was initially divided into boxes and then manipulated. The intention throughout the design was to give direction to the orientation of the boxes. This was done through the use of attractor points and curves. The centroids to every iteration was further manipulated to increase the notion of directionality. Again the pushing and pulling of spaces was intended to be created with drawing centroids towards or away from another. The final creation of two separate sets of voids that can
5.1
5.2
into the visible geometry. The move command to better control the individual location aided in finding the positioning. 4.3
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5.3
4.4
5.4
Centroids
Solids
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
SOLID AND VOID Matrix and Possibilities
Voids
4.1
4.2
Study Area
5.1
5.2
4.3
4.4
5.3
5.4
The initial start to the development of the matrix was intuitive. From the workshop a script was created which was later altered to focus the voids towards one point of the cube. This started in referral to Task A. The overlapping spaces created an interesting interior volume which were later explored in the other iterations. The second row explores the dynamics of the triangular, interior voids and the angular spaces they create. Through manipulating the boxes the third iteration is further exploring interior, overlapping spaces and taking into account to address the edge conditions. Light, shadow and the relationship of the exterior to the interior is interesting here. In the final iteration the rotation of two separate sets of voids is aimed at both exploring interior voids and the addressing of the edge.
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The first 3-D print was intuitive but somewhat guided by overlapping geometries and intersecting voids. Interesting here was the cut outs and flowing spaces created.
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In the second iteration the dynamics of triangular voids was explored. Worth noting in this process was again the overlapping of spaces and the different qualities of space that it created. The interplay of light and shadow, varying scales and articulation of voids become more apparent. The edge conditions this produces are interesting as they create different thresholds and may inform circulation.
SOLID AND VOID
Photography of Model
The third iteration explores the edge conditions thoroughly. The voids articulate not so much the interior spaces but rather the edges. Here it is interesting how the varying opening may inform the interaction with the exterior and the “facade�.
In the last iteration the explorations of edge condition and the overlapping of spaces was further examined. The varying overlaps and cutouts cater for an intensified interaction of spaces with varying opening produced. Overhangs and different spatial interior experiences cater for an eclectic and dynamic design.
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APPENDIX The making of Task A
Lofted surfaces within a 150x150x150mm box can be manipulated due to a deconstructed brep with points being individually selected.
Offset grid allows for the manipulation of the offset grid with a curve or point attractor.
Initial tests for the surface panelling can be manually done or experimented with in weaverbird.
When fed into the script, list item allows for individual distribution. The result can be baked out.
The individual panels can be joined and the resulting surfaces can be unrolled. For laser cutting the files, the
When laser cutting the panels shall we labelled and nested closely together to save cut time.
line works were cleaned up to create a clean model. Tabs added for construction
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APPENDIX Scale possibilities of Model
To create the waffle structure, the surfaces had to be contoured. Through playing with the distances between the lines, and aligning them with the panels the optimal division was found.
The intersecting surfaces had to be cut out in order to create a slotted connection. Here for, extruded
The lines were offset and through cull index excess lines were deleted. Joining the curves allows for the later lofting to create surfaces.
The waffles can be spread out and oriented.
rectangles were inserted and with trim surface the slits created.
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Lofted result responds to the panels and has no excess surfaces.
The whole script for Task A.
APPENDIX The making of Task A
The panels had to be glued together carefully in order to create a smooth and clean finish to the paper modules.
After having finished the individual panels, the rows were joined together. Here it was important to line up the edges.
The waffle structure had to be glued with care in order to be stable enough to support the panelled surfaces later on.
Once both panelled surface and waffle were individually glued, the challenge was to glue them together.
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Before gluing together the waffle structure, the mount board the burn marks were cleaned off.
Helpful here was the fact that in the initial Grasshopper script, the waffles were aligned with the joints of the panels.
APPENDIX Scale possibilities of Model
The panelled surface may be interpreted as a shelter, roof or tarp. Physical interaction with the structure might be possible.
The overhanging surface may again serve as a shelter. The patterning of the cutouts may allow for an interesting play of shadow and light on the ground plane. The 3dimensionality of the surface may also activate the facade and create interest for the structure.
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APPENDIX
The making of Task B
The initial step was to create a box of 150x150x150mm and impose a point grid.
This point grid was extended throughout the box with the move command.
The grid was then manipulated with the help of either point attractors or curve attractors.
As well as manipulating the grid, the centroids can be altered as well.
After having set up the grid and centroid, different geometry can be applied and manipulated. With
After baking the geometries, the outcomes can be examined in the ghosted view in rhino.
adding move command and separating 2 geometries, they can be individually manipulated regarding size and location. With rotate 3D the geometry can be rotated towards or away from one another.
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APPENDIX Makerbot exports
The 3d printing of the tests requires the layout of the pieces as efficiently as possible to save print time.
The print setting for Digital Design are available on the knowledge base and after importing them into makerbot, the time frame shall remain less than 2.5
Again, rotating and sharing one print bed with other students, helps to reduce print time and effort for the
The exporting of the three files for 3d printing requires special naming conventions and a .stl, .print and a
next lab team.
.makerbot file.
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APPENDIX Scale possibilities of model The cutouts may be interpreted as a thoroughfare. A space for circulation.
When applying different scales, the users and usages may vary. The possibilities of children interacting with the voids shifts when doing so.
The solids and voids may be interpreted as an object to interact with. The edge conditions create points of interest.
In the final iteration the spaces may be used as thoroughfare, relaxation or leisure. The shadow and light may play within the structure as the punctured solid may act as a skylight.
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