DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2016 M1 JOURNAL - Fractales Alex Shen
835270 Matt Greenwood
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Measured Drawings
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Analysis
Much like a fan, the folder expands by stretching the top of the sheet while the base remains relatively unchanged. This results in a polar array that is fully flattened at its edge while maintaining folds at its centre. A flat sheet of material can be scored at even intervals to form this kind of expanding screen. As the screen is stretched, the segments separate horizontally. As the internal angles increase, so does the volume offered by the folder.
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Although this method of expansion creates sizable volumes and wide openings for the folder, the shape of stored objects is restricted by the converging sides of the folder. Ultimately, this design does not allow for storage of bulky items.
When measuring the folder, I resorted to breaking its dimensions down into individual pieces. By drawing a simple analogue labelled with all the segments, overall dimensions were able to be calculated. This method 5
Digital Model
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Isometric View
Elevation View
Plan View
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Sketch Model
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After gutting the folder, I explored methods for manipulating the flexible material. As expected, the material only permits bending in 1 plane at a time. Upon wrapping the material around itself, I glued it at the edges to form a complete structure. Due to its curvature, the once-straight separators formed a series of spirals not unlike those found naturally in shellfish. Furthermore, due to the depth of each space, light will only be transmitted through the model at certain angles. This is an effect I would like to explore further when constructing the second skin. 9
Sketch Design #1 What is your idea? [Maximum 5 key words]
Building upon perforated triangular panels, Crystallisation forms a network of holo volumes. Access to personal space is denied yet viewing is permitted from some angles.
How does this respond to your personal space? It would be fair to say the inspiration of “Crystallisation� originated in chemistry. Envisioning a volumetric yet cavenous skin reminded me of matter itself. Though matter is often opaque and offers resistance to forces, the very building block of matter, the atom, consists almost entirely of empty space. The same can be said of our personal space. Though we have defined boundaries for our comfort zone, in the end it is mostly just space. Like crystals, this skin seeks to allow transmittance of light while preventing any intrusions to its volume. 10
Sketch Design #2 What is your idea? [Maximum 5 key words]
Whilst thinking about the expanding folder, I realised I could produce a simple pull-up screen with some folded sheet material and a frame.
Expanding upon that inspiration, I envisioned a more elaborate version built upon sliding scales. If the mechanism can be perfected, the user could quickly deploy the screen of scales.
How does this respond to your personal space? The “Absolute Defence” focuses on protection for the user. Like how a turtle isn’t always retreated to its shell, “Absolute Defence” is only deployed as the user feels threatened. Our personal space is fluid, affected by many external factors. This skin acts as a screen to insolate the wearer from his surrounds. My view is that the ultimate panel/fold skins must exhibit a mechanism to expand and contract, maximising the appeal of the system. 11
Sketch Design #3 What is your idea? [Maximum 5 key words]
Honeycomb structure. Regular. Strong. Simple. “Opacity” explores the relationship between personal space and intimacy.
The original diagram depicting my breakdown of personal space.
How does this respond to your personal space?
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“Opacity” is a concept which explores radiating personal spacial perception. Obvious as it seems, personal space becomes more intimate as it approaches the body. As an intruder comes closer, we become increasingly uncomfortable until physical contact is made. By utilising 3 different lengths of honeycombs I seek to explore the different implications of each distance. The longest honeycombs will feature a transparent end, while the medium length features a translucent cap. Finally, the shortest ones will be finished with a fully opaque cap, indicating that any further advances will not be tolerated.
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Appendix
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