PORTFOLIO BY TEAM CAUSTICS
Francois Mangion, Shuchi Agarwal, Ran Yan, Ali Zolfaghari (Bartlett School of Architecture RC2)
why?
[Analysing light as architecture] These images are the refraction patterns formed when light asses through various shaped and formed plastics, glass or liquid. By careful control and manipulation of the forming process, semi-regular patterns and delicate tracery can be achieved. The effects we studied are determined mostly by basic geometric shapes and small undulations of surface topography which when illuminated under specific lighting produce amazing caustic effects. Although artists have projected such patterns in the past onto screens and walls, there has been little experimentation using photography and digital simulation. All our research work has been on practical experimentation with digital simualtion backing and the evaluation of hundreds of objects either found or created. The most important part of the system to show these patterns is light which was feeding us all sorts of caustic patterns for us to explore, develop and expand in the field of architecture.
RC2_Choreography of light
CONTENTS
1. Why? 2. The Caustic Analysis 2.1. Analogue Analysis 2.2. Digital Analysis 3. Evolution of Caustics 4. Physical Analysis 4.1. Layered Models 4.2. Surface Deformation 5. Caustic Networks 5.1. Composition of 3D shapes 5.2. Surface Deformation 6. Archiglace
RC2_Choreography of light
AN ALO GUE
Analogue analysis of refraction patterns formed when light passes through various shapes and everyday objects made of plastic or glass. By controlling and manipulation of the direction of light, orientation of objects and different types of light sources we started forming semi-regular patterns and delicate tracery. Also the integration of liquid and coloured plastics into the tested objects, modifies the way the plastic refracts light and hence the associated varies. Here we are using digital cameras to capture the light projected by the object itself onto a screen surface.
Below_ Caustic pattern projection from a patterned glass cup using a white directional light source.
SURFACE ANALYSIS CAUSTICS ANALYSIS THROUGH CUP (CIRCLES)
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1. Close-up of initial surface analysis of patterned glass caustics 2. Detailed close-up of light caustics 3. The integral caustic pattern projected from the tested patterned glass.
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1. The integral caustic pattern projected from the tested patterned glass. 2. Close-up of initial surface analysis of patterned glass caustics 3. Detailed close-up of light caustics
Below_ Caustic pattern projection from a patterned glass cup through liquid & coloured plastic.
SURFACE ANALYSIS CAUSTICS ANALYSIS THROUGH COLOURED PLASTIC
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1. Caustic interaction of analysed glass surface & coloured plastic. 2. Close-up of the projected caustic pattern projected by the 2 surfaces. 3. Photographic analysis of multiple mayers of materials. Glass-Liquid-Coloured Plastic
Most modern rendering systems support caustics. Some of them even support volumetric caustics. This is accomplished by raytracing the possible paths of the light beam through the analysed material, accounting for the refraction and reflection. Photon mapping is one implementation of this. The focus of most computer graphics systems is aesthetics rather than physical accuracy and hence we are using a computer generated tool, usually appreciated for its aesthetic characteristics, to obtain a more accurate and analytical study. Some computer graphic systems work by “forward ray tracing� wherein photons are modeled as coming from light source and bouncing around the environment according to rules. Caustics are analysed through basic geometric shapes of curvature and recording the shift in the projected caustic curves, position of object, light source and angle of incidence. In the region of study sufficient information is recorded to further understand what shapes give which type of caustic curves, determining if there is a direct path to the light source and how this changes.
DIG ITAL SIMULATION
DIGITAL SIMULATION BASIC SHAPE BASED RESEARCH
Position A
Position B
Position B
Side
1. CYLINDER
Position A
Position B
Side
2. SPHERE Position A
Position A
Position B
Position B
de
Side
3. CRESCENT
Position A
Position 2
Position A
Position A
Position A Position B Position B
Position C
Elevation
Light Position 1
Side
Side
Position 3
Position 3
Position 2
Plan
5. ELIPTIC
Position 1
Plan
6. RHOMBIC
Plan
Plan
Light Position 1
Position 1
Plan
Light Position 1
Side
Plan
Position 2
Position 1
Light Position 1
Plan
4. CONE
Position 2
Position C C Position
Elevation Elevation Elevation
Side
Position C
Plan
Position 1
Position B
Position B
Position 1
Plan
Position 1
Position 4
Position 2 Position 2
Side Position 3
7. LANCEOLATE
Plan
Rotate X
Change Position
Rotate Z
Side
8. OVATE
Position A
Position A
Position B Position B
Position C Position C
9. CUNATE
A Position B A C
Position B C
Front
Plan
Rotate Y
Plan Change Position Rotate Y
Rotate Y
Object Position 1
Position A
10. SPATUALTE Change Position
Plan
Plan
Change Position
Elevation
Light Position 1
11. TORUS
Plan
Light Position 2
SHAPE ANALYSIS CAUSTIC SIMULATION OF LINEAR SHAPE
5. LINEAR
Position 1
Plan
Position 1
Position 2 Position 2
Position 3
Side
Plan
Side
SHAPE ANALYSIS CAUSTIC ANALYSIS OF RENIFORM SHAPE
12. RENIFORM Position E
Position D
Position A
Position C
Position B Position E Position A
Side
Plan
Position D
Position E
Position A
Position C
Position B
Position A
Side
Plan
SHAPE ANALYSIS CAUSTIC ANALYSIS OF STAR SHAPE
13. STAR Object Position 1 Object Position 1
Position A Position A
Position B Position B
Position C Position C
Elevation Elevation
Light Position 1 Light Position 1
Light Position 2
Plan Plan
Light Position 3 Light Position 3
Light Position 2
SHAPE ANALYSIS CAUSTIC ANALYSIS OF HASTATE SHAPE
Object Position 2
15. HASTATE
Light Position 1
Object Position 2
Light Position 2 Light Position 3
Elevation
Light Position 1
Light Position 2 Light Position 3
Plan
Plan
EVO LUT ON of CAUSTIC CURVES
Using computer simulation, caustic curves are mapped and analysed through a consistant shifting of both the x and y-planes. The basic geometric curves are recorded, the shift in the projected caustic curves, position of object, light source and angle of incidence are recorded. In the region of study sufficient information is recorded to further understand the evolution of caustic surves, determining if there is a direct path to the light source and how this changes with distance.
SHIFT ANALYSIS CAUSTIC CURVE EVOLUTION FOR STAR SHAPE TILES LAYOUT 1
SHIFT ANALYSIS CAUSTIC CURVE EVOLUTION FOR RENIFORM SHAPE TILES LAYOUT 1
SHIFT ANALYSIS CAUSTIC CURVE EVOLUTION FOR HASTATE SHAPE
PHY SIC AL ANALYSIS
layered models
Each individual layer of plexi glass is cut into a geometric shape representing the caustic pattern recorded. When put together they create a gradation in shape with each level of the composition. The construction motivates the viewer to walk around it to see how it is built and how the additive elements on one side create the depth on the other. The model together becomes a study of light as a volume in space. The geometric shapes become a changing illusion three dimensionally.
PHYSICAL ANALYSIS LAYERED MODELS
CAUSTIC CURVE EVOLUTION
Caustic curve evolution
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1. Layering model used to analysing the evolution of the caustic curve. 2. Close-up detail of the caustic curve development.
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1. Side view of the layered model showing clearly the caustic curve transition. 2. Front view of the layered model showing clearly the caustic curve transition.
PHYSICAL ANALYSIS HOLOGRAM MODEL
Caustic curve chosen to generate the hologram
Graphical representation of hologram
Graphical representation of hologram
1. The hologram model showing the volumetric qualities of a caustic curve. 2
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2. Side view of the hologram model 3. Front view of the hologram model
PHY SIC AL
With the aid of grasshopper, the analytical caustic curves were used as deformers hence obtaining a 3 dimensional representation of the light curve itself which, in turn, gives us the ability of further analysis.
ANALYSIS
surface deformation
PHYSICAL ANALYSIS SURFACE DEFORMATION
SURFACE DEFORMATION_1
SURFACE DEFORMATION_2
SURFACE DEFORMATION_3
SURFACE DEFORMATION_4
Plaster Mould for Glass Casting
Plaster Mould for Glass Casting
Plaster Mould for Glass Casting
Plaster Mould for Glass Casting
Milled Surfaces generated from the caustic curves, used to produce plaster moulds for the glass surfaces.
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1. Initial assembly of the milled surface mould for the plaster. 2. Moulds ready to be filled using a mixture of plaster & quartz. 3. One typical plaster mould to be used for the glass surfaces.
1. Plaster moulds with glass powder & granules, placed in the kiln ready to bake for 60hrs
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2. Internal view of the kiln and moulds using 2 types of recycled glass; powder & granules.
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3. Breaking of the plaster moulds to remove the glass surface after 60hrs of baking.
The resultant glass surfaces to be tested , showing clearly the fundamental resulting difference between the powder and the granulated glass.
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1. Glass surface 1 2. Glass surface 1 tested over light (showing an inverted representation of the caustic curve they were generated from)
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1. Glass surface 2 2. Glass surface 2 tested over light (showing an inverted representation of the caustic curve they were generated from)
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1. Glass surface 3 2. Glass surface 3 tested over light (showing an inverted representation of the caustic curve they were generated from)
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1. Glass surface 4 2. Glass surface 4 tested over light (showing an inverted representation of the caustic curve they were generated from)
Using digital simulation and analogue analysis, custic networks are created and analysed through 2 basic methods of analysis. 1. Combination of 3D shapes 2. Direct Surface Deformation The basic geometric caustic curves are recorded depending on the surface generated from. In the region of study sufficient information is recorded to further understand the transition of caustic curves, determining if the end result was direct combination and repetition of caustic curves or if a proper caustic network was generated.
NETWORKS CAUSTIC
ANALYSIS
CAUSTIC NETWORKS COMBINATION OF 3D SHAPES
resultant caustic patterns [not caustic networks]
Network combination of crescent shape
3D shape combination network testing
1. resultant caustic patterns generated from a combination surface [not caustic networks] 2
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2. resultant caustic patterns generated from the rotated combination surface [not caustic networks]
CAUSTIC NETWORKS SURFACE DEFORMATION_ CIRCULAR BUMPS
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Network of surface with circular bumps
CAUSTIC NETWORKS SURFACE DEFORMATION_ MULTI-DIRECTION BUMPS
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Network of surface with bump in 2 directions
Caustic networks projected from alternating bumps surface
CAUSTIC NETWORKS
SURFACE DEFORMATION_ ALTERNATING BUMPS
Caustic networks projected from alternating bumps surface
CAUSTIC NETWORKS SURFACE DEFORMATION_ SPIKES
MATERIAL RESEARCH
MATERIAL ANALYSIS ICE CAUSTIC ANALYSIS
Rectangular Ice Surface (120mm x 300mm x 25mm)
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1. Initial testing of light caustics in ice 2. The thin tile of ice tested for light caustics generated. 3. Close-up view of ice caustics.
ARCHIGLACE BY TEAM CAUSTICS
Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec
Francois Mangion, Shuchi Agarwal, Ran Yan, Ali Zolfaghari (Bartlett School of Architecture RC2) Connor O’Grady, May Wu, Emad Ghattas (Waterloo Architecture)
2013
Modulated ICE_SURFACE was created by students from RC2 (UCL Bartlett School of Architecture) and Waterloo University collaboration in Canada by Francois Mangion, Shuchi Agarwal, Ran Yan, Ali Zolfaghari (Bartlett School of Architecture RC2) and Connor O’Grady, May Wu, Emad Ghattas (Waterloo Architecture) The project’s scope was a full-scale ice installation that transformed the traditional approach towards the application of ice in architecture. Part of Archiglace (a.k.a. Inclusions) at the (MNBAQ), in association with the Quebec Winter Carnival, Caustic ICE_SURFACE explores ice as a primary construction material. The installation seeks to enhance and transform the visitor’s expectation of ice application through visual conditions of figuration, lighting, materiality, texture, possible coloration, and corporeality. Revealed only through a single opening in the museum corridor, the installation accompanies the visitor’s visual background along a walk through all the other installations, gently lifting vertically from the yard’s ground, and undulating as the ornamented foreground of the old Museum’s internal Façades. The project sensitively engages occupants through its formal description of proximal and cuspate peaks while elegantly dissipating into the surrounding snow at its edges.
ICE_SURFACE
CA US TICS
Photography_ Francois Mangion
Finding a way to build incredible structures using just ice. In an attempt to find light caustics with ice structures this practice led to specific technique of working exclusively with “tiles” of frozen water. The enchantingly frosty structure start off with only 4 different types of frozen “tiles”.
Above_ Initial visual proposal
The design investigated both, the abstract mathematical constructions of undulating surfaces, and the rich tectonic and ornamental potential of the fascinating yet contradicting versatility and “uncontrollable� nature of ice, hence fully embracing its seductive and surrealist attributes.
Right_ Analysis of light caustic patterns projected using ice
In doing so, the design aimed at generating a new definition of superficial interiority in architecture by articulating a loose and modulated network that challenge the conventional divisions of wall and ceiling, surface and space, monolithic and discrete, opaque or clear, monochrome or coloured, figure and figuration. As a Digital Fabrication Studio, Team Caustics as part of RC2 was concerned with developing this ice project throughout all phases of design, fabrication and installation including the development of a coherent tectonic and assembly system, intricate detailing and affluent materiality.
DESIGN PROCESS & DEVELOPMENT
Above_ Initial proposal included a waffle sub-structure to help support the ‘tiled’ overall surface
Above_ First Modulated Surface proposal without a sub-structure; linear directional undulations.
The first proposal for Modulated Surface was a result of an investigation into surface development through the use of only four modulated ice tiles with varying curve degrees which when fit together would create uni directional waves of varying heights. This digital to analogue feedback was aimed in creating a platform to advance segmented fabrication processes ensuring the completion of the installation while preserving all of the desired design ideas.
PRO CESS
CON STRU CTION
Photography_ Dali Xu
MODULE FABRICATION, ICE CASTING & ASSEMBLY
The Modulated ICE_SURFACE final installation is comprised of four unique tiles types; totalling 90 tiles fabricated using custom designed moulds. All of these four modules are square in shape with inter dependency through their flexible rotational and mirroring logic. Once aggregated, these four tiles form a larger meta-tile [40cm X 40cm], which is then duplicated and rotated to systematically grow into a larger field condition based on the concept of self supporting dome structures.
FABRICATION LOGIC COMPRESSIVE ICE TILE CONSTRUCTION
Traditional ICE cube
Thickness: 20mm
Experimental ICE tile
FABRICATION LOGIC ONDULATED SURFACE LAYOUT TILES LAYOUT 1
TILES LAYOUT 2
TILES LAYOUT 3
FINAL TILES LAYOUT
Layout Plan
Layout Plan
Layout Plan
Layout Plan
TILES ORGANISATION MODULES SCHEDULE MODULE A
Size: 220 x 220mm Thickness: 20mm Curvature: 130mm
MODULE B
Size: 220 x 220mm Thickness: 20mm Curvature: 93mm
Above_ Process of Fabrication of the Moulds used to make the ice tiles.
MODULE C
Size: 220 x 220mm Thickness: 20mm Curvature: 77mm
MODULE D
Size: 220 x 220mm Thickness: 20mm Curvature: 129mm
TILES ORGANISATION MODULES LAYOUT
A
B
C
D
The tessellation of the surface modules is further enhanced by achieving the thinnest thickness of the ice possible for the eventual surface to be self-supporting. This coherence approach in size and thickness creates a sense of continuity in the finished surface. ICE_SURFACE consist of a finite number of tiles each of them with a distinct curvature yet interdependent,the tiled surfaces are not textured yet the subtle natural crystallization pattern within the ice itself affects the overall finished surface. This aspect of inner crystallisation of ice was made possible by the rapid freezing process of the tiles inside a freezer. Customized techniques and methods of coloration were analysed but not implemented to further define the abundant material effect of these thin ice tiles.
Above_ Tiles Aggregation: Individual Tiles Layout
ASSEMBLY LOGISTICS
Step A
Step B
Step C
Step D
LAYERED CONSTRUCTION
ICE_SURFACE structure consists of a centralized cross-arc spine suspended from the ground on four sides; with transverse perpendicular appendages further supporting the load distribution in the tiling. This structural logic, paired with the minimal thickness of the modules allows the construction to calibrate temporary supports designed as boxes that were used for the initial moments of assembly and removed once the joints were adequately frozen.
Left_Laying the tiles illustrated in Step A to form the foundation of the cross-arc spine. Right_ Continuation of assembly using temporary framework as boxes for support.
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These pictures illustrate the steps taken to make one ice tile.
Photography_ Shuchi Agarwal
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Initial testing of different methods of assembly for the moulds was done to determine the most viable and time efficient method.
Photography_ Emad Ghattas 1. Assemblage of the top and bottom parts of the vaccuum formed plastic moulds was done by adding screws at equal intervals on all four corners to hold the two pieces together. 2. Silicone was applied only onto the top pieces of the moulds to allow for the moulds to be disassembled easily and be reused. 3. Clay was used on the edges of the assembled moulds to make it water tight. The moulds where then put into the freezer for around 6 hrs to make the ice tiles.
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Photography_ May Wu
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1. The process of making the cardboard boxes with unique curvatures on the top; The curvature illustrated comes from the study of interconnections between four tiles at the point of placement of the box. 2. The placement of the four cardboard boxes was pre-determined at equal distances according to the design of the surface. To make them reusable, duct tape was applied as a waterproofing method. 3. The moulds of each ice tile consisted of two halves. The top and bottom half which fit together to create one module. The picture displays the method used to make the moulds water tight by using silicone.
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Since each tile’s relation with the next was based on edge conditions, it became exceedingly important to get perfect edges for each tile. The four edges of each tile of ice was cleaned using a method of melting. Using a heated piece of metal, the ice was melted until clean edges of ninty degrees were acquired.
Photography_ May Wu & Francois Mangion
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1.Individual ice tiles were connected by ‘gluing’ them together using snow and water. The gaps were filled with snow and hot water was poured over it to melt the two edges into one unit.
Photography_ May Wu & Emad Ghattas
4.For additional temporary support, snow walls was constructed along the cantilevered edges of the tiles. All the snow was removed once the assembly of the surface was complete
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The success in the construction of the ICE_SURFACE exemplifs the premise that the usage of only ice as a material for construction is feasible with the extensive study and experimentation between the design and properties of ice.
Photography_ Francois Mangion & Emad Ghattas
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ARCHI GLACE Francois Mangion, Shuchi Agarwal, Ran Yan, Ali Zolfaghari (Bartlett School of Architecture RC2) Connor O’Grady, May Wu, Emad Ghattas (Waterloo Architecture)
Photography_ May Wu
Musée National des Beaux-Arts du Québec
Photography_ Francois Mangion
Photography_ Francois Mangion
Photography_ Francois Mangion
Photography_ Francois Mangion
Photography_ Francois Mangion & Emad Ghattas
Photography_ Francois Mangion