Portfolio of experiments and work Gerry Straathof EVDS & CMD 2013
1. Component and COnnection
1.1 Reverse Engineering
part A
A simple square was elongated in the diagonal direction by advancing a corner by half an inch in four iterations.
1.1 Reverse Engineering [13-01-28]
Each was folded along the longest diagonal and connection methods explored
Gerry Straathof EVDS & CMD
1.1 Reverse Engineering
part b
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
The corner between the shortest sides was extended upwards as a surface, generating a more graceful curve for the virtual component.
Gerry Straathof EVDS & CMD
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
1. Component and COnnection
1.2 Seven Syllables [13-02-13]
Stone for those locations where stone is prevalent, such as the Rocky Mountains or Detroit.
Designed as part of the Detroit “We Built This City� exposition they were used to showcase the remains of industrialization and abandonment in the city. - EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
Since then they have been used in numerous locations for a variety of purposes. Most recently by Banksy to showcase pubs in Liverpool.
Coreten steel to enhance the rusting power, for old mine sites, industrial wastelands or Pittsburg.
One could even build temporary viewpoints for places without industry such as Minnesota or Edmonton.
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
The Viewing Platforms are designed to frame a viewpoint or viewpoints for a person standing in a very specific position.
2.a Model & Diagram [13-03-04]
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
Grasshopper Experimentation and Materials Testing.
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
2.b Assembly in Site [13-03-11]
(Umbrella Colony Beetle) The Colony Beetle survived in the northern partof the Nambia Desert for centuries, changing little and finding it’s niche in the dunes, collecting water and storing it in ever growing reserves underground. Until the direction of the winds changed. Then everything became more difficult.
With the change in winds it became more difficult to decde where new beetles would begin their collecting for water. They began to need better ways to funnel water from one location to another. They began to change. They grew into three types of beetles, each devoted to a part of the collection, transferring and storage system.
Colonies migrate, becomeing active in a new area as dunes move, while the less mobile members are slowly left to degrade, their shells covered in sands and slowly uncovered over time. Their shells and carapaces are very durable and can last centuries.
The Collector Beetle Devoted to collecting water from the fog which rolls in sporadically through the dry wasteland, the major change is the ability to alter the direction of the spines to maximise the collection of dew. The wing covers have evolved into spines which open like an umbrella, with specialized membranes that spread out to collect dew and fog droplets. They pump the water out into the modified vine beetle spines so it can be collected in cistern beetles.
The Resevoir Beetle A more mature form of the Collector, the Resevoir Beetle only holds liquid. As dunes move and cover previous collectors, they become resevoirs, modifying their structure to hold massive amounts of liduid in underground resevoirs. The wing covers of the original beetle have completely encased the creature and it’s wings, originally modified into membranes to collect dew and fog have become pouches for holding water. They never, ever move.
The Vine Beetle Using the same structure that the Collector Beetle uses to hold up it’s water collecting vanes which give it the umbrella moniker, simple pipes which can be ‘inflated’ to move and alter it’s shape, the vine beetls exists as the only mobile member of the Colony Beetle family. It can pump vast amounts of liquid through it’s hard vines, dig hrough sand to get to resevoirs, and link mulitple resevoirs and collectors together, laying out complex networks over and through the dunes.
2.c Three Performers [13-03-20]
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
Subteraneous Colligere Scarabeous
Final Project [13-04-03]
Subteraneous Colligere Scarabeous (Umbrella Colony Beetle) The Colony Beetle survived in the northern part of the Nambia Desert for centuries, changing little and finding it’s niche in the dunes, collecting water and storing it in ever growing reserves underground. Until the direction of the winds changed.
With the change in winds it became more difficult to decde where new beetles would begin their collecting for water. They began to need better ways to funnel water from one location to another. They began to change. They grew into three types of beetles, each devoted to a part of the collection, transferring and storage system.
Experiments in gaussian curvature and multiple panels
Then everything became more difficult.
Namibia Colony Carpet
WINDHOEK
Walvis Bay
NAMIB ERT DES
Joiner Beetle
Amphora Beetle
Colony Canopy
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
Collector Beetle
Canopy Engineering System
Final Studio Project [13-04-23]
From genetically engineered Colony Beetles
Start with balloons in the shape of the structure. Here outlining the entrances.
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
The outer covering of the Collector Beetle has been removed from these models for clarity.
When desired structural thickness is reached, one can remove support material and continue spraying for added strength.
When desired structural thickness is reached, one can remove support material and continue spraying for added strength.
Removing balloons reveals free standing structure. A final spray of retardent solution will prevent further growth of internal structure
Final glazing can be applied or solid material for shade or the original Collector Beetles can be maintained in the right climate.
- EVDA 543 Graphics II - Winter 2013 - Gerry Straathof -
Drape with material.