M3 Journal // Jeremy Bonwick

Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE Jeremy Bonwick 697718 Gumji Kang, Studio 20

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WEEK 6 READING: SURFACES THAT CAN BE BUILT FROM PAPER IN ARCHITECTURAL GEOMETRY Question 1: What are the three elementary types of developable surfaces? Provide a brief description.

(Maximum 100 words) The three types of developable surfaces discussed in the reading are cylinders, cones and and tangent surfaces of space curves. These surfaces, being termed developable, “can be mapped (unfolded) into the plane without distortions” (Pottmann et al. 2007, p.545). In practice, this means a flat surface can be used to model the given shape without any stretching or other distortions being needed. By unrolling the shape, a net is created like that of simple three-dimensional shapes like a cube or pyramid. In fact, the reading likens a cone to a Pyramid of smaller and smaller faces, heading towards a flat exterior surface (by process of “planarization” [sic.]).

Question 2: Why is the understanding of developable surface critical in the understanding of architectural geometry? Choose one precedent from Research/Precedents tab on LMS as an example for your discussion. (Maximum 100 words) Many common materials used in construction of architectural geometries are, like simple paper, unable to be stretched — they are in effect planar surfaces. The implication is that developable surfaces are the most achievable in a physical realm in terms of structure shapes and designs. In the case of the Huyghe + Le Corbusier Puppet Theatre the final form is a composition of triangulated sections. This design demonstrates the theory that “any developable surface is a composition of such developable ruled surfaces” (Pottmann et al. 2007, p.546). The design is constructible because it can be unfolded onto a single plane of undistorted simple geometries.

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PANELLING 2D PATTERN

2d Panelling, Pattern: Triangular

2d Panelling, Pattern: Wave

2d Panelling, Pattern: Tri-Basic

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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN

Using a triangular shaped pattern to remain developable.

An attractor curve added diagonally.

Shift_u changed to 3 and attractor curve on vertical.

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Unrolled sections of trial 3D panelling.

Having joined so many panels together in the unrolling phase, the template was difficult to put together.

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WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION

Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation? (Maximum 100 words) Digital fabrication (also known as CAM, computer-aided manufacture) encompasses the processes of constructing, through digitally driven machinery and tooling, objects and parts based off a preceding process of design in computer-aided design (CAD) software. Introducing digital 3-D design effectively was “restructuring the very process of construction” (Iwamoto 2009, p.5), one where a streamlined process of design and construction — ensuring contractibility whilst also allowing for new forms only visualisable in a digital, three-dimensional space and only produceable by the precision of digitally driven milling, moulding and cutting. Non longer were unique surface geometries economically and logistically unfeasible.

Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design? (Maximum 100 words) Firstly, in using a folding approach materials can take on stronger and more rigid forms. In creating angled joins in not-necessarily strong materials and potentially building up a lattice of adjoining shapes, the structural integrity of a material can be enhanced, allowing for greater span and load. Secondly, folding is such a versatile technique in terms of its possible results and manifestations. In using abutting planes, results such as “creased surfaces, folded plates and wrapped volumes” are possible, all of which have different connotations when used in a space — some transform what would otherwise be flat, other create continuity between elements of a space such as blurring a wall and ceiling (Iwamoto 2009, p.62).

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EXPLORING 3D PANELLING

First version of the 3D panelled landscape which was altered for the finished model. The shapes used remained largely similar in the final model, except a second set of smaller three-side pyramids was added for greater variation and the four-sided Pyramid removed.

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UNROLL TEMPLATE OF THE FINAL MODEL

One A1 Page of unrolled template. In total there were 4 pages of separate template strips. The labels refer to the position of the strip, for example TR5 denotes the strip is from the Top Right 5 rows in from the edge. Tab numbers were left off the printed template for a cleaner look.

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PANELISED LANDSCAPE

The Final model shown in plan view to easily see the path of water running down from the looming mountains in the top right.

Detail showing a selection of the different 3D panels used which are distributed by attractor curves on the left and bottom edges to create a dipping landscape.

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APPENDIX

The Rhino work environment during the 3D panelling.

Model in progress with bulldog clips holding the drying tabs together.

Diagram exploring how water might flow from the high point along the red line downwards in streams and gullies.

Deleting panels in Rhino to create the effect of rivers and gullies flowing through the landscape. Top view changed to rendered to allow for better viewing of the paths created with the 2D panels remaining.

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