Jacob Alsop by Jake Alsop

Portfolio wewanttolearn.net jacobalsop.com

jacob alsop

ds10

Contents 01_S warms 02_ Understanding the Swarm 03_ Representing the Swarms 04_ Individual and collective power of a Swarm 05_ System 2: Exploring the fragile structure of a Diatom Frustule 06_ System 2: Understanding the expansion potential of a Diatom Frustule 07_ Hot wax in water time lapse 08_ Products of the hot wax in water experiments 09_ Adding obstacles to the process 10_ Adding further control to the flow of wax 11_ 3D scaning and sectioning the wax structure 12_ Hot wax and ice experiments 13_ Hot wax water surface solidification process 14_ Experiments in the digital replication of water rippled wax 15_ Wax making experiments to explore strength and melting points 16_ Casting a plaster negative & resin replica 17_ Developing a concept wax-component prototype 18_ Wax formed concrete panel: The fabrication process 19_ Concrete panel realised fabrication process images 20_ Concrete panel realised fabrication process images 21_ Scaled up physical models demonstrating their experiential qualities 22_ WikiWax processess & products 23_ WikiWax environmental composite walls 24_ Wiki or beyond...Questioning the open source potential of this system 25_WaxForms_ A business alternative selling beautiful wax formed products

01_

Swarms RULES: 1. Remain in contact with 7 neighbours 2. Avoid collisions 3. Move in the same direction as neighbour 4. Remain close to neigbour 5. Rotate time spent on the edge

seek

ELEVATION

avoid

AXO

Flocking starlings - the emergence of stunning and unique patterns

1. ^

PLAN

Digital simulation of the swarm, understanding the parameters which control their movement

jacob alsop _ ds10

02_

Understanding the Swarm

5.Regrouping & sharp turn to remain within bounding box

4.Secondary group

2.Take off as a tight group

Physically representing the flock. Thread was used to signify the 7 closest birds

3.Swoop and divide to avoid â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;obstacleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

1.Take off as a tight group from initial grid of birds

The model begins to show a flowing form, however lacks the natural emergence of the swarm system

Proximity distance 1

Proximity distance 2

Proximity distance 3

Proximity distance 4

Proximity distance 5

jacob alsop _ ds10

03_

Representing the Swarm

Digital model of a swarm with planar surfaces arrayed along an agents flight path, simulating a fluid appearance through planar elements ^

Extruded flight path

Cone between to positions along the flight path

Planar array along flight path

Extruded flight path with the extrusion distance increasing from take off point

Alternative flight parameters extruded

jacob alsop _ ds10

04_

Individual and collective power of a Swarm

I manually drilled the holes, calculating the angles from the drawing. Ideally this would be achieved using a CNC milling for higher accuracy. ^

This drawing showing the drilling angles for the model. >

By rotating the finished panel you are able to see the change in light allowed through and the resultant patterns formed

jacob alsop _ ds10

05_

System 2: Exploring the fragile structure of a Diatom Frustule

Paralia Sulcata Diatom Frustule 1

Close up of the structural girdle joints

The top of a Paralia Sulcata Diatom Frustule

Qualities of interest: 1.Perforation- varied and seemingly chaotic 2.Component- repeated element 3.Girdle joints- allowing for expansion 4.Structural LayeringMore efficient way to disperse loading?

Structural layering

3D model of the Diatom Frustule using Rhino and Grasshopper ^

16.14m/s

0.00m/s

Using fluid analysis to understand the vertical variance in structural penetrability

jacob alsop _ ds10

06_

System 2: Understanding the expansion potential of a Diatom Frustule

Frustule from above. Through further analysis I hope to demonstrate its compressional strength

1. Newly released cell

2. Uniaxial growth of the cell by sliding apart

^ 3.

Panel perforations softened using Weaver Bird plug in

Completion of the Thecae

Daughter cell begins to separate

Varied size of perforations could allow greater access to light/views in certain areas whilst then protecting and providing additional structure in others ^

Frustules forming a colony

jacob alsop _ ds10

07_

Hot wax in water time lapse

This process came about through experimenting with hot wax in water as a method for simulating some of the patterns found in swarms. Rather than pouring wax into the water, this process instead works by dropping a jar full of hot wax into a container filled with cold water.

jacob alsop _ ds10

08_

Products of the hot wax in water experiments

As the hot wax rises to the waters surface it solidifies forming amazing structures as it does so

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09_

Adding obstacles to the process

Here I added obstacles when dropping the ‘wax bombs’ to see how the hot wax flows reacted on their route to the waters surface. See ‘learn’ booklet for further experiments ^

jacob alsop _ ds10

10_

Adding further control to the flow of wax

In this experiment the aim was to try and confine the wax flow to a desired path and therefore show some degree of control in an otherwise natural process. ^

jacob alsop _ ds10

11_

3D scanning and sectioning the wax structure

3D scan made into a mesh and sectioned to explore the sectional variation

This section through the base of a physical model reveals the introcate details of the wax which form when engulfed with water

jacob alsop _ ds10

12_

Hot wax and ice experiments

1. With this experiment I poured hot wax into a tray filled with ice cubes. First I used similar size cubes. Result: Varied structure thickness with linking cavities, lighter overall feel ^

Process photos showing the container filled with ice cubes before hot wax is poured over. ^

2. Varied size composite of ice allowed to settle naturally. Result: Varied cavity size and structure thickness. Some areas incredibly fragile. Note uneven settle of varying size aggregates. ^

jacob alsop _ ds10

13_

Hot wax water surface solidification process

Hot wax is poured out onto the surface of cold water. The wax is then solidified by pushing waves of water over the wax and in doing so it forms amazing patterns ^

The process was repeated several times using different techniques for forcing the waves from varying directions. Each produced unique patterns reminiscent of the earlier study of swarms. ^

jacob alsop _ ds10

14_

Experiments in the digital replication of water rippled wax

Exploring different parameters. The results however are still very different to the formations created by the water and wax.

These were produced by setting base wave lines and then using grasshopper to form the ripples using the Sine curve. By adjusting the parameters, an array of different results were created. This digital process could be used to then CNC mill timber panels which are inspired by the wax formations ^

jacob alsop _ ds10

15_

Wax making experiments to explore strength & melting points

Composition Observations

100% Glass wax • fails to rise once drop in water • too viscous • strong once solid

Pariffin Candle wax • Thin liquid once melted • very fragile structure

50% Pariffin Candle wax + 50% Glass wax • White appearance, less like conventional wax • Seems stronger than #1 • flows stick together resulting in simpler structure

Pariffin Candle wax + Amber Rosin • Higher viscosity • flows solidified before reaching the water surface

40% Pariffin Candle wax + 40% Glass wax + 20% Amber Rosin • Similar form to #1 • appears slighly stronger

jacob alsop _ ds10

16_

Casting a plaster negative & resin replica from the wax

0 ^

Original wax model

Cut model in half to expose wax ^

0 ^

Cover wax model in plaster

The plaster was easily sectioned using the bandsaw, revealing the wax embedded within ^

Heat to melt out wax

The plaster actually absorbed some of the melted wax making it weaker ^

Fill plaster negative with resin

Removing the resin from the plaster was a difficult and time consuming process ^

Sacrifice plaster model to remove resin

5 ^

Resultant resin replica. The resin was too brittle for the rest of the model

jacob alsop _ ds10

17_

Developing a concept wax-component prototype 1

Pour melted wax into the timber form work to build wax constraint panel

Drop wax filled box with wax constraining backing board into the water container

Let the wax rise up and solidify within the water

Proposed Wax panel

Take one of the component drops and combine with others, probably needing timber support

jacob alsop _ ds10

18_

Wax formed Concrete panel: The fabrication process

Info(approx): Quantity of wax= 3kg Wax mixture= 30% glass wax, 60% Parrifn & 10% Amber Rosin Wax cost= ÂŁ12 Totol cost= ÂŁ35 Feasibility issues = Potential need for reinforcements for larger panels

Unscrew boxing

Pat the concrete down to remove bubbles. Allow to solidify for 24 hours.

Potentially add sand beneath parts of the water as support, before pouring concrete onto the wax formation.

Drain the water once the wax has been fully covered and solidified

Pour the Wax onto the surface of the water, simultaneously setting the ripples going

Original rippled wax panel

Resultant negative concrete cast

jacob alsop _ ds10

19_

Concrete panel fabrication process images

Build a plywood box and half fill with water

I then placed sand in the base of the box to help support the wax when placed back in for the casting process ^

From the side you can see the sectional build up- supporting sand, the wax form and then the concrete cast.

The hot wax is poured onto the waters surface. Waves of water are then carefully forced over the wax to solidify it, creating amazing patterns ^

The wax is now secured in the box, with the edge redefined to fit the size of the wax ^

Melt the various waxes down ready for pouring

In turning this over you can see where the concrete broke through the wax in places

I next mixed up a three parts sand and one part cement mixture of concrete and poured it onto the wax ^

Initially I tried pouring boiling water over the wax to melt it off but the process was slow and highly inefficient. So instead I made a fire ^

Carefully remove the now solid wax and drain the water

Once the concrete had cured for a week the plywood sides were removed

The melting wax helped to fuel the fire which quickly melted the wax. However this process did destroy any hope of reusing the wax ^

jacob alsop _ ds10

20_

Concrete panel fabrication process images

jacob alsop _ ds10

21_

Scaled up physical models demonstrating their experiential qualities

Negative plaster cast from the rippled wax

Plaster cast over wax model forming a composite

Suggesting light qualities of the rippled wax panel

jacob alsop _ ds10

22_

WikiWax processes & products

W Wik i axi Wax Wik Wax Form Sculpture

1. Composite Component

Concrete Component

Light

Candle

Brick

Panel

Chair

Brick

Panel

Chair

Table

Concrete & resin table

Build box for desired table size out of cheap plywood

Make wax cubes by pouring melted wax into ice cube trays

1200mm

1 800mm

1200mm

800mm

* Dimensions of table * Density, size and shape of wax cubes within the concrete * Colour of resin

Mix the concrete- 3 parts sand to 1 concrete. Add varying aggregates depending on desired appearance. Pour the concrete over the cubes, filling the box to the top

Put the cubes in hot water to add variation in size, then use to fill the box, shaking around to get a random pattern but even distribution x mm

600mm

+ Timber + Screws + Wax + Ice cube trays (or alternative) + Cement + Sand + Water + Resin

Product variables: 800mm

Ingredients:

1200mm

5. 1200mm

1200mm

xx mm

800mm

xx mm

600mm

800mm

600mm

x mm

400mm

600mm

xx mm

400mm

Put the now void ridden concrete panel back into the box and pour in the resin. This will set within 5 minutes. Make the legs through the same process

jacob alsop _ ds10

xx mm

600mm

1200mm

x mm

Let the concrete cure for a week to ensure a stable strength before melting out the wax- this can be done over a fire, or using hot x mm water

xx mm

600mm

xx mm

600mm

x mm

WikiWax environmental composite walls Wax capsule wall:

Wax tube wall:

Hot pipes

23_

Concept description:

Concrete bricks with thin wax capsules within. When exposed to direct sunlight the wax will begin to melt and in doing so becomes more transparent, letting in more light. Depending on the fall of the light, the wall could potentially form a swarm of variation across it, helping to retain some of the suns energy whilst also being architecturally interesting.

Glass/ plastic tubes are filled with wax, some of which then have hot water pipes running through. The idea here is that when the hot water is running the wax begins to soften, in doing so becoming more transparent. This adds variation across the tube wall/ facade as varying light is let through.

Wax embedded glass:

Wax brick wall:

Concept description:

Two sheets of glass have a layer of wax embedded within. Within this layer there are either pipes of metal wires that become hot melting the wax around them. This then has the effect of an increased transparency along where these pipes are. The system therefore allows a pattern to emerge once heat is applied.

This brick would be embedded with a sculptural wax form, which when light shines through would make amazing patterns. The fluid nature of wax would mean that their form would constantly be in flux.

jacob alsop _ ds10

24_

Wiki or beyond...Questioning the open source potential of this system WIKI- A Web site developed collaboratively by a community of users, allowing any user to add and edit content. WIKI-HOUSE is an open source construction set which allows anyone to design, download, and print CNC milled houses and components which can be easily assembled.

WIKI-WAX is they proposed construction set which allows people to as with wikihouse download manuals and information on how to make their own products. Although the final product is not constructed form CNC timber, this could be used as part of the form-work structure. 1. DOWNLOAD REQUIRED COMPONENTS 2. CREATE MILLING DRAWINGS 3. PURCHASE MATERIALS AND SEND TO CNC MACHINE 4. SET OUT PARTS TO BE ASSEMBLED 5. BEGIN FIXING PRIMARY FRAME 6. RAISE THE STRUCTURE WITH AID OF FRIENDS 7. INSERT CONNECTORS TO STABILISE STRUCTURE 8. INSERT SECONDARY CONNECTORS 9. FIX INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL CLADDING 10. THE STRUCTURE IS NOW READY FOR INSULATION AND SERVICES

This innovation can then feed back into the inital research process

The options:

Open Source

This innovation can then feed back into the inital research process

W Wik ik i i Wax Wax

RESEARCH Wax & Composite material research

If someone wants to make an item then they have the information available to do so. This could be particularly relevant for the environmental products which could act as a cheap DIY alternative for those that can afford to buy specialist systems.

RESEARCH Wax & Composite material research

KNOWLEDGE WikiWax Open Source

SKILL & INDIVIDUAL INTERPRETATION SKILL & INDIVIDUAL INTERPRETATION

PROCESS

Users changes results in different products Users changes results in different products

PROCESS

INNOVATION

Different products and new ideas beyond the inital concept

INNOVATION

Different products and new ideas beyond the inital concept

Private copyrighted business The nature of the WikiWax processes is one that is not easy to assemble, they are not items of necessity and wouldn’t be built as a collective. These are just some of the reasons why the systems developed not naturally lend them to be a Wiki. As beautiful items they should instead be made into unique designer products and sold.

WaxForms

RESEARCH Wax & Composite material research

PRIVATE BUSINESS PRIVATE Protected knowledge BUSINESS

Protected knowledge

PROCESS

Standardised process

PROCESS

Standardised process

PRODUCT Purchasable item

CUSTOMER CUSTOMER

Open Source but protected form big companies This approach allows for both systems to operate. Individuals can make their own table for example or develop and modify the processes, allowing for innovation and growth. But also products can be patented and sold. Through this strategy architecture is open to 100% of the population rather than 1%.

jacob alsop _ ds10

25_

WaxForms_ A business alternative selling wax formed products

“Beautifully unique wax formed products”

• Dynamic environmenal systems marrying sustainability with beauty • Lightweight composite materials from furniture to architecture

WaxForms

jacob alsop _ ds10