Ddf landscape m4 journal yiwen zhu 743447

DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2016 THE HONEYCOMB Yiwen Zhu

Student No. 743447 Tutor: Michelle Emma James Group No. 5

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CONTENT 1.0 Ideation 1.1 Object Measurement 1.2 Digital Model 1.3 System Analysis 1.4 Volume: Sketch Model 1.5 Sketch Design Proposal 1.6 Reflection 2.0 Design 2.1 Design development intro: Drawings & Sketch Model 2.2 Digital Model 2.3 Precedent research 2.4 Prototype & Testing Effects 2.5 Reflection 3.0 Fabrication 3.1 Fabrication intro 3.2 Personal space mapping 3.3 Design development & Fabrication of prototype v2: Drawing Set & Digital Model 3.4 Design development & Fabrication of prototype v3: Drawing Set & Digital Model 3.5 Final prototype development & optimisation 3.6 Final Digital model 3.7 Fabrication sequence 3.8 Assembly Drawing 3.9 Final model 3.10 Reflection 4.0 Reflection.

5.0 Appendix: 5.1 Credit 5.2 Bibliography

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0.0 INTRIDUCTION Sleeping pod is somewhere people can sleep.

Sleeping pod need a volume which can create a personal space(privacy) and a sense of comfort for the user. Sleeping pod in university need to fit with the facilities in university. Thus, we designed our “honeycomb�.

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MODULE 1-IDEATION

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By Yiwen Zhu

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1.1 OBJECT MEASUREMENT

1.2 DIGITAL MODEL

MEASURING METHODOLOGY The expanding file, with an elastic closure, it was easy to scan the front and back of it and projected it to the trace drawing. Since it is hard to scan the side of the expanding file, the file was photographed in a flat surface and measured with a tape measure, a protractor and a ruler.

In Rhino, the detailed dimensions which I got in the measured drawings of the expanding file helped a lot in making the digital model. I used line tools, circle tools, surface tools and the mirror tool to draw the digital model. The digital model is shown on the next page.

Front

Front View

Left

Back

Top

Bottom Isometric Back View

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Opened View

Perspective

Side View

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1.3 SYSTEM ANASLYSIS

1.4 VOLUME: SKETCH MODEL

In order to reconfigure the expanding file. I taped it apart. Then I got 3 main elements of the file: the hard outer skin, the inner pocket panels and the side stretchable foldings. I rearranged them in different forms to get some new different structures.

In the process of trying different combinations of these 3 elements, I used the stretchable folded panels to form something like a awning supported by two columns which made from the hard outer skin. The inner pocket panels became the base of this structure.

The expanding file has 13 pockets inside (14 panels). There is also an elastic closure to help open and close the file. The main material for the expanding file is plastic. The elastic closure is made up of rubber and fabric.

Force can be applied in both side of the expanding file. The in total 14 panels can be extended to maximal 140 degree. Each pocket is extended about 10 degree.

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1.5 SKETCH DESIGN PROPOSAL

Sketch Design 1

SKETCH DESIGN 1:

Lie down might the most comfortable way to sleep. As a result, I created a sleeping pod which allow people to lie in. I made the half top part to look like an egg shell because I want to form a feeling of being proctive. I left the other part open to let people get in the sleeping pod. This structure is on the ground, I hope this open part can draw a connection between human and the surrounding natural environment (grassland). Because people will sleep better when they get the cnnection with nature.

SKETCH DESIGN 2:

Although lie down might the best way to sleep, sometimes there is not suitable place for us to lie down. But we can sleep when we are on a seat as well especially while working. This structure can serve as a normal chair when the folded panels are closed. It will not take much place and very useful in working place. Moreover, When people pivot the folding panels, they actually start to form a individual space for themselves. Those stretchable folded panels will cover people who sleep in.

Sketch Design 2

Sketch Design 3

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SKETCH DESIGN 3:

It formed from a series of foled panel. The front is a panel that can cover people’s face and block the sight of other people. The back a bigger folded panel that allow the backrest to be inserted in.

Eye contact is very important in creating personal space. Peple will avoid eye contact when they are too close to others (Sommer, 1969).

This structure can help avoid eye contact with other people. This structure is portable. It does not take much space, which means it is easy for people who use it to get their personal space.

1.6 REFLECTION In module 1, we went back to the nature of designing. The job of designing is not about design policy, not designer or design as a sales factor (Heath, Heath & Jensen, 2000). The job of designing is “about to observe the good things around us and to do it with a purpose” (Heath, Heath & Jensen, 2000). AS a result, we started to observe an object. Through drawing and analysing the material system of the object with a purpose, we started to develop our own design ideas.

The object I need to observe is the expanding file. It has 13 equally divided pockets which made up from 14 panels. These panels are very flexible to be expanded and pulled back. I learnt that measuring an object is not only the dimensions of it, but also how it angled (Heath, Heath & Jensen, 2000) and the action how you measure it (Enric & Carme, 1991). In this way of measuring objects, we can understand the logic of the objects. Once we understood their logics, these logics can help us develop new ideas.

Apart from the measuring techniques that I learnt, module 1 also guides me to think about the relationship between design and human. Specific in this project, it is the personal space. I started to consder how my design connects to their user especially how it responds to personal space.

Measured drawing of a folding garden chair (Heath, Heath & Jensen, 2000)

“How to lay out a croissant” (Enric & Carme, 1991)

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MODULE 2-DESIGN

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By Catherine Chan & Yiwen Zhu

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2.1 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT INTRO - DRAWINGS

2.1 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT INTRO - SKETCH MODEL

Set View of Single Panel

AIR STUDIO, Semester 1 2012

Front Front View

Section

Profile

Elevation

Perspective View

From module 1, we got many useful feedbacks. In module 1, my sketch model was limiting. It was too literal from the expanding file. As a result, in module 2, we decided to try more different forms of panel systems and folding systems instead of the equally divided expanding system. Then we decided to make our sleeping pod panels to various in density.

In the lecture, the air studio work impressed us by the amazing light and shadow effect it created (Paul, 2016). They achieved these effects by using curvey lines. This inspired us to make our sleeping pod panels ro be wavy.

Perspective Side View

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2.3 PRECEDENT RESEARCH

2.2 DIGITAL MODEL

The structure of VEASYBLE is very interesting. The designers use a folding system to create a volume which can isolate the user from the outside environment. We want the same imapct as well. In terms of the sense of isolation, we decided to make the panels at eye level to become denser. Because eye contact will lead to the dimission of privacy. Moreover, VEASYBLE is light weight. We want make our “honeycomb� to become light weight as well. This precedent study gives us an idea about what kind of material we want to use. We decided to try foamboard, cardboard, paper and fabric.

Elevation Design: a series of curved panels, varying in density and cut-out shapes in order to create both personal space for the user and a striking outer appearance.

Points of view to consider: that of the user, as well as people outside the sleeping pod, i.e. both user experience and experience of the sleeping pod by others in the area. Comfort should be taken into account for both parties.

(GAIA, 2009)

PROJECT NAME: VEASYBLE DESIGNER: GAIA (Gloria, Arianna, Ilaria and Adele) CONCEOT IDEAS: Keywords - isolation, ornament, evelation, intimacy.

DESCRIPTION: MATERIAL: paper bonded to polyethylene and fabric MATERIAL SYSTEM: panel & fold EFFECTS: origami, folded paper effect

Plan (GAIA, 2009)

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Perspective

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2.3 PRECEDENT RESEARCH APPLIED TO DESIGN

2.3 PRECEDENT RESEARCH APPLIED TO DESIGN

KEYWORDS FROM THE PRECEDENT: Isolation: creating a private space through panel & fold.

Refers to personal space:

Ornament: focus on the appearance of the object and visual effects created by the system i.e. panel & fold.

Mteriality: The chosen material in the precedent works well in a lightweight panel and fold design potential use in the panels. sketch of precedent in use - creating a private space through panel & fold

sketch of part of precedent - origami folds create sharp edges and deep shadows

We need to map out possible sleeping positions for people: arms next to head; arms by side; bent legs; slight sprawl.

Then we decide the shape of our personal space bubble inside our “sleeping file.

The outer look of our “honeycomb” is a abstraction of an egg shape.

Because we believe that the egg shape can make people feel being protected.

Design Decisons:

The density of top part of our design (eye level) is increased to create a sense of privacy. The curved panels we used can increase obscurity as well as increasing visual impact. At the bottom, the distance between each panel become wider and wider for better light effect and ventilation.

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Shape: it was brought up that the original rectangular form might suggest the shape of a coffin, so the exterior was modified for a more comfortable egg-shaped design.

Panels: varying the density of panels across the body addresses both the issue of varying personal space and the need to keep the whole pod lightweight.

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2.4 PROTOTYPE & TESTING EFFECTS

2.5 REFLECTION As the design is to be a full-body sleeping pod, reducing the weight with lightweight materials is the main thing we consider about. Hence foamboard was used (3mm foamboard). The joining panels needed to be strong enough to take the stresses of bending as the different panels shift while being foldable, so card(240gsm heavy card) was used instead of the stiff foamboard.

The panels were cut by hand, sanded down and then glued to the joining panels. Since it is just part of our design, there is only 8 panels. These panels are at the eye level of the model.

In module 2, we started to develop our design ideas through precedent study. We also started to make prototypes to test out our ideas for preparing our final model.

In this module, the reading introduced me to the developable surface. Developable surfaces are special ruled surfaces (Pottmann, Asperl, Hofer & Kilian). They carry a family of straight lines and can be covered with sheet metals, which made them easily to construct (Pottmann, Asperl, Hofer & Kilian).

Although our design is using wavy lines, the developable surfaces also give us some help in the construction of suface. The other reading talks about abstraction and reduction. A perfect abstract model is a model contains as little as necessary to describe the properties of an object unambiguously (Scheurer & Stehling, 2011). Reduction is to find the optimal way to transport the design ideas (Scheurer & Stehling, 2011). In module 2, we were still wondering which will be the best reduction for our final model.

In the process of testing prototype, we came across the problem that we did not know how we gonna make the wavy shape of our panel. We should have made more prototype to test out our ideas.

The panels create an interesting effect by casting shifting shadows across the pod, but the visual mpact could be improved, possibly by creating cutouts or shifting the joining panels.

In the Rhino part, the panelling tool I learnt in module 2 helped a lot in making the digital model for both module 2 and module 3.

The spacing of the panels around the head were the most difficult to manage, as well as the shaping and arrangement of the panels so that they lined up neatly.

The final version will likely be produced using laser cutting to improve the degree of precision and reduce errors.

However, we failed to make the wavy shape of the panel.

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MODULE 3-FABRICATION

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By Catherine Chan & Yiwen Zhu

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3.2 PERSONAL SPACE MAPPING

3.1 FABRICATION INTRO

When it comes to sleep on campus, we have to thibk about where and how do people sleep. On campus, people mainly sleep in 3 position: sitting on charis and bending over a desk, lying down on benches as well as sleeping under table. Then in mapping out personal space, we need to test both indoor and outdoor area.

From module 2, we gain many useful feedbacks. They are in 3 main aspects: 1. Our prototype is too distant from the panel and fold system, bordering on section and profile.

2. Our design does not respond enough to the brief or personal space.

3. Our prototype failed out of Rhino

Baillieu Library 3rd floor

Previous Sketch Design As a result, we decided to change our design base on these 3 mainways: 1. Redevelopong design: relation to the space and ground.

2. Do the personal space mapping in: Chemistry Building (study area) Baillieu Library South Lawn MSD Building 3. Redo material testing to consider materials that suit our flexible design and test joint connections for materials.

•table is too high; no sense of privacy •width is comfortable •uncomfortable sleeping in a quiet area where everyone else is very focussed

Chemistry building study area •table is too low, but provides definite sense of comfort zone •comfort zone need extend only until the waist

New Sketch Design

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3.2 PERSONAL SPACE MAPPING

3.3 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT V2: DRAWING SET

Front MSD building: fairly comfortable area; highest level of builing means that no one is looking down at sleeping person from above

Plan CHANGES IN DESIGN • Density of panels and number of connections changed • Overall shape shorter • Relation to personal space • Relation to brief - sleeping pod is not necessarily full-size, simply needs to provide sense of comfort and personal space

South Lawn bench: tree provides shelter personal space. However fear of falling things e.g. leaves, spiny fruits, bird droppings.

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Perspective

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3.3 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT V2: DIGITAL MODEL

3.4 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT V3: DRAWING SET

Elevation - Front View

Perspective View

Elevation - Back View

Two Points Perspective View

Elevation Perspective

DESIGN CHANGS: MAIN DESIGN IDEA -SLEEPING POD UNDER A TABLE • Tables are a fairly common item throughout the campus • Tables already provide a modicum of personal space • Mapping out the personal space, sense of comfort staying out of people’s way Elevation - Left View

Plan

Isometric View Section

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So we decided to put our “Sleeping File” under a table and made the shape of it to fit the personal space volume.

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3.4 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT V3: DIGITAL MODEL

3.5 FINAL PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT & OPTIMISATION TESTING JOINT CONNECTIONS 1. researching and testing different ways of connection - glue, sewing, rivets 2. testing on off-cut material 3. testing on sketch models Testing tension and strength of jute - how many lengths are necessary

Perspective View

Plan

Isometric View

TESTING MATERIALS 1. Thread - too timeconsuming 2. Nylon string - good, but fairly expensive and slippery 3. Jute: snaps if under too much tension, but can be doubled up on and is

Testing the effect of various sizes of rivets on polyethylene

Elevation - Left View

Elevation - Front View

Two Points Perspective View Optimisation of model 1. Decreased the number of connections - looks less like a net 2. Allows in more light and air 3. Make the top flat to fit the table surface

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3.6 FINAL DIGITAL MODEL

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3.7 FABRICATION SEQUENCE

1. Laser-cut panels

2. Cleaning panels

4. Joining the rigid panels

5. Placing holes along seams

7. Riveting panels together

8. Tying panels

3. Tying pieces of panels

6. Laying of panel seams

9. Completed

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3.9 FINAL MODEL

3.8 ASSEMBLY DRAWING Jute strings are used to join the pieces of rigid panel together through lasercut holes.

Jute strings are used to join the rigid panel and the inner panels together.

Jutes are used to join each pair of the inner panels together.

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Rivevts are used to join the panels together along the seams.

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3.10 REFLECTION In module 3, we used laser cutting to fabricate our final model.

In this final process, we actually changed our ideas a lot. First because we did the personal space mapping, which helped us adjust the volume of our “honeycomb”. Then the idea that sleeping under a table also changed our whole project. At first, we just took the table top as a surface to block the eye contacts. We did not make full use of it. Later with the help of Michelle, we realized that we can use the flat surface of table to fit our design.

In the reading of module 3, the architecture in the digital design age details how digitally controlled production processes help to realize complex forms difficult and/or time-consuming to produce through traditional processes, especially curvilinear form. While not on the scale of a large building, our design requires a lot of precision cutting in order to allow the number of curved panels to fit together properly. A previous prototype was produced through cutting by hand, which was extremely time-consuming, due to both the actual panel cutting and the need to sand the edges down for a finer finish. As the panels in the design can be produced using relatively simple two-dimensional cuts out of a thin piece of material, laser-cutting is a good option (Kolarevic, 2003).

The other reading talks about the use of digital design in directing production of the project means that lines are blurred between the design and fabrication steps; fabrication processes must be taken into account during design, e.g. machine limitations, how the disparate piece are joined post-fabrication. This means that designers - architects, in this case - must also have relatively extensive knowledge of the production process, instead of a clear separation between the tasks of design and fabrication (Iwamoto, 2009).

However, we still have some problems in our design. The joints of the panel are too rigid and one side of the plywood is too small.

We changed it in module 4.

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4.0 REFLECTION During the whole semester, I did learn a lot. I improved my Rhino skill. More importantly, I learnt the nature of designing which is obsevering the good things around us with a purpose (Heath, Heath & Jensen, 2000). I also learnt the process of thinking when we do design jobs. I used to start my design without an idea or a purpose. Now I know that I need to do the obsevation, create the volume, consider the users’ need and include a degree of risk in my design process (Marble, 2003). Through the whole semester, I started to use digital technology to help my design. Digital design improve the accuracy of my design and involve me into the fabrication process.

I came across many challenges in this subject. In module 1 first I did not know how to do the measured drawings. But with the help of readings, I finally finished my measured drawings. In module 2, we failed to make the wavy panels we wanted. This made me realized the distance between digital model and the reality. We had to change our design. In module 3, we got many useful feedbacks from the presentation as well as the final feedbacks from Michelle. Our model is made up of polyethylene and plywood. The polyethylene is heavier and more rigid than we thought. As a result, the expansion of the model was not as good as we expected. The plywood we used is too thin to hold the heavy polyethylene. The joints of the polyethylene were too rigid which also limited the expansion of the panels. In module 4, we change some parts of our model based the feedbacks we got from module 3. First, we redid some the joints of our model to make them allow the expansion we want. We also changed the rigid plywood panel to ave enough space for people sleep in. We also changed the color of the rigid plywood panels for aesthetic reason. We gave up on the rubber band because our model can stable under the table just by itself.

When my design goes wrong, now I know how I can improve it. I will back to my design ideas to see anything I can improve. I will also use Rhino to help me improve my design since machine intelligence is much more accurate than my own estimation.

In terms of the reading of module 4, it talks about architecture in the future. Architects are away from “skills” of making. However, the development of digital technology reconnect architects with the process of making. It is a symbolic relationship between human intelligence and machine intelligence. This does not mean craft is dead. Craft actually expands its meaning of not only making process but also design process (Marble, 2003). In this way, we will have the design risk. But the accuracy of digital technology will help architects to limits the risk.

In my design process, I underestimate the design risk, which lead to many model making issues. If I made enough prototypes, I might not go through that much of model making issues.

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5.1 APPENDIX - CREDIT

5.2 APPENDIX - BIBLIOGRAPHY

Asperl et al, 2007, Surfaces that can be built from paper / In H. Pottmann, A. Asperl,M.Hofer, A. Kilian (eds) Architectural Geometry, Bentley Institute Press.

Enric Miralles, Carme Pinos, 1988/1991, “How to lay out a croissant� El Croquis 49-50 Enric Miralles, Carme Pinos, En Construccion.

GAIA, 2009, VEASYBLE, photograph, viewed 29 May 2016, <http://www.veasyble.com/who.html>.

Heath, A., Heath, D., & Jensen, A. 2000, 300 years of industrial design : function, form, technique, 17002000 / Adrian Heath, Ditte Heath, Aage Lund Jensen. New York: Watson-Guptill.

Kolarevic, B 2003, Architecture in the Digital Age - Design and Manufacturing/Branko Kolarevic. Spon Press, London.

Loh, P. 2016, Lectures in semester1, Melbourne University.

Marble, S, 2008, Building the Future: Recasting Labor in Architecture/ Philip Bernstein, Peggy Deamer. Princeton Architectural Press.

Scheurer, F. and Stehling, H. 2011, Lost in Parameter Space? IAD: Architectural Design, Wiley, 814, July.

Sommer, R. 1969, Personal space: the behavioral basis of design / Robert Sommer. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: PrenticeHall.

All other images are drew, photographed by Catherine Chan & Yiwen Zhu.

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