Digital Design - Module 02 Semester 1, 2019 Je Tan
915959 Junhan Fung - Studio 6
Critical Reading: Kolerevic B. 2003. Architecture in the Digital Age
Kolerevic described three fundamental types of fabrication techniques in the reading. Outline the three techniques and discuss the potential of Computer Numeric Controlled fabrication with parametric modelling. (150 words max)
The three fundamental types of of fabrication are subtractive, additive and formative. Subtrative fabrication makes use of electro-, chemically-, or mechanically-reductive processes to remove material from a specificed volume. Additive fabrication uses a process which adds sheets of material on top of each other, with information being processed in 2-dimensional layers. Formative fabrication reshapes or deforms material through the use of mechanical force, restrictive forms, heat or steam. CNC fabrication has immense potential for modelling parametric designs. As software controls precise machinery in order to produce models, the need for technical drawing is eliminated and production becomes ‘file-to-factory’. The effeciency of production in CNC fabrication allows for many design iterations to be produced with high accuracy and lower costs.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Surface Creation
Iteration A
Iteration B
Iteration C
Iteration D
Grasshopper script for surface creation
To create the surfaces for panelling, a 150 x 150 cube was first constructed. Points were mapped onto the edges of the cube, which could be individually adjusted. Four points on the edges are then lofted together to produce a surface. Four iterations are presented here. Iterations A and B employ a curving design, where the surfaces bend together at certain points. Iterations C and D instead twist, creating a surface which will allow complex panelling while enabling a waffle to sit inbetween.
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Panelling In order to panel the surfaces, a point grid was mapped and then offset from the original surface. This grid was then morphed using a panel design created in Rhino. Attractor points were also used to vary the panels. Iteration A makes use of a three pointed panel, with tips interacting with one another to form larger points. This concept was further explored in the final surface design. Iteration B uses an attractor to bring panels to a single point. Overlapping panels were an issue with this design and so further development was needed to realise this concept in the final suface.
Grasshopper script for panelling surfaces
Iteration A
Iteration B
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Waffle Creation
Grasshopper script for waffle
Waffle concept
To create the waffle design, contours were made along the existing surfaces. These were then offset and lofted together to produce individual fins. Slots were then added for the waffle to hold together when fabircated. The number of fins could be adjusted to produce a tighter or looser waffle. Seen here is a waffle with a large number of fins. This number would be trimmed down in the final iteration.
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Laser Cutting
Laser cut file for waffle
Laser cut file for panels
To create a laser cut file for this task, the waffle and panels needed to be seperately modified. Firstly, the waffle was seperated into its indiviual X fins and Y contours. These were then placed on the provided laser cut template and cut on 1mm white mountboard. To create the laser cut file for the surface, each panel was split into small groups, unrolled and tabbed. The panels were then adjusted on the laser cut template and cut on 290gsm ivory card.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Isometric View
Side A
Side B
Waffle
Side A of the final design makes use of a single panel type. This panel is split into a 2D and 3D component. Through the use of an attractor point, the panels are pulled towards the corner of the surface. The 2D component of the panel permits an exaggerated overlapping, which highlights the intensity of the design. Side B uses multiple panel designs for form a congruent surface. Individual panels interact to form points, creating the illusion of larger panels. A set of 2D panels runs through the centre of the surface, while attractor points pull the panels in various directions.
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The waffle structure of the final design employs a twisting form, developed from various iterations. One side of the waffle is closed, while the other opens up to reveal the interior structure.
TASK A - SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE
Exploded Isometric
Large peaks pulled to several attractor points, creating a highly varied design.
Waffle opens on side to permit viewing of interior structure.
2-D valley runs through centre, suggesting variations in a possible scale.
Individual panels designed to interact with one another, creating a conguent form.
Use of single panel style creates continuity across surface, in contrast to opposite side.
Waffle twists to create sense of organic dynamism in rigid structure.
Je Tan - 915959
Panels varied according to single attractor point - accentuated with exaggerated attractor pull.
2-D panel element permits large overlaps.
Low level grid offset suggests surface acts as a ‘skin’ for the waffle structure.
Exploded Isometric 1:1 at A2 0
20
60mm
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Matrix and Possibilities
Lofts
1.1
1.2
{35,101,150}
1.3
{0, 150, 150}
Key
1.4 {45, 150, 150}
{0,0,0}
{35,101,150}
{0, 0, 150}
{150, 150, 150}
{35,101,150}
{35,101,150}
{150, 105, 150} {90, 0, 150}
{0, 150, 30}
{150, 30, 150} {0, 120, 0} {150, -15, 105}
{35,101,150} {150, 150, 150} {0, 0, 0}
{35,101,150}
Grid Points {90, 0, 150}
{0, -15, 105} {0, -15, 90}
{150, 150, 0}
{0, 0, 0}
{0, 0, 0}
{150, 150, 0}
{150, -15, 75} {150, 60, 0}
{35,101,150}
{150, 0, 0}
{35,101,150}
Paneling Grid & Attractor Point
2.1
Paneling
3.1
2.2
{150, 30, 0}
2.3
2.4 {166, 187, 181}
{76, -36, 181}
{44, 61, 62}
{-9, -50, 0}
3.2
Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z) Attractor / Control Curves
{60, 135, 150}
3.3
3.4
+
{302, 178, 308}
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This matrix shows the development of a panelled surface. First, control points are chosen to build a surface, then a point attractor is introduced to vary the grid points. Finally, panels are mapped to the surface.
This image depicts side B of the fabricated structure. In this orientation, the surface flows from a 2D point on the ground into the larger panels. The variation in attractor points pulls these panels in different directions, creating interesting shadows throughout the surface. The twisting waffle allows the structure to lift itself of the ground, revealing the interior of the design.
Model Photograph: Side B
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Photography of Model
In contrast to Side B, Side A creates a compelling design through the exaggerated pull of a single attractor point. This causes the panels to extend far beyond their original location. In this orientation, the panels appear to be cascading downwards in a smooth, uniform motion.
Model Photograph: Side A
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Additional model photographs
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Photography of Model
Additional model photographs
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Visual Scripting of Parametric Model
Additional model photographs
To create the boolean geometry, a 3 x 3 x 3 point grid was first created. Attractor points were then added to the grid in order to vary the location of the original points.
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SOLID AND VOID Surface Creation
Grasshopper script for geometry manipulation
Study area iterations
A selection of geometries was chosen as a shape to subtract from the original cube. The size of these shapes as then adjusted according to an attractor point and preset bounds in Grasshopper.
The study area consisted of a 50 x 50 x 50 portion of the original volume. Depicted here are various iterations of the study areas, each showing the unique characteristics of the subtracted shape.
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These iterations were chosen to be developed as they all showcased the qualities of the original subtracted shape. The first design uses spheres to create a curving interior space, permeated by circular windows and entrances. The second uses rings which create a flowing design, where curved columns and bridges comprise the interior. Thei final desgin uses six tetrahedrons to create an anglular structure, where the original cube compliments the multifaceted nature of the interior space.
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TASK B - SOLID AND VOID
SOLID AND VOID Isometric view
Planar exterior contrasts with sharp, multifaceted interior space - creates clear threshold from outside to inside.
Openings created from subtracted volumes permit different levels of circulation at various scales.
Je Tan - 915959
Boolean solid consists of six tetrahedrons subtracted from cube.
Jagged interior created from intersecting geometries.
Study area chosen to maximise planar faces - allows shape to stand on various sides.
Isometric 3:1 at A2 0
60
180mm
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Matrix and Possibilities {-96, 185, 163}
Grid Manipulation
1.1
{-24, 253, 133}
1.2
1.3
{-40, 258, 81}
1.4 {68, -228, 183}
Key {0,0,0}
Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z) Intersected Study Area
{-140, -20, 33}
{-136, -91, 136} {87, 35, 113} {-131, 34, 129}
Geometry Manipulation
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Boolean Difference
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Study Area
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
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While iterating task B, an emphasis was put on the shape subtracted from the original volume. This matrix shows the process of constructing the models to the fabricated, from the selection of attractor points, manipulation of the subtracted shape and finally the chosen study area.
SOLID AND VOID
Photography of Model
Model photograph
Potential scale of model
This final iteration uses six combines tetrahedrons as the subtracted shape. This creates a multifaceted interior to the volume, with sharp angles which allow for dynamic shadowing. The strong contrast between the angular interior and planar exterior of the design created a threshold, which was taken into account when considering the scale of the model.
Model photograph
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Model photograph
Potential scale of model
This iteration uses a sphere as the subtracted geometry. Adjusting the size and location of these spheres yeilded a design which is defined by circular holes, creating a porous structure. The scale of this design has the potential to fuction as a small shelter in different orientations.
Model photograph
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SOLID AND VOID
Photography of Model
Model photograph
Potential scale of model
The design presented here uses a ring to subtract from the original volume. While adjusting the location and size of these rings, consideration was given to their interaction with the cubic volume. As the rings intersect the cube, curving columns appear on the interior, still readable as the original shape. The scale of this model allows it to function as furniture, due to its two square faces which provide a solid base and top. Model photograph
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Appendix
Creating the surface
Use control points to loft surfaces.
Offset grid.
Create surface contours.
Panel surface.
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Offset contours and loft together.
Appendix
Grasshopper Script
Creating surface contours
Lofting surfaces
Panelling surfaces
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Lofting surface contours
Aligning contours for laser cut
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Appendix
Model Construction
Progress of panel construction
Completed waffle structure
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Appendix
Creating the Volume
Create 3D point grid.
Manipulate grid with attractor
Manipulate geometry for bool-
points.
ean difference
Perform thickness analysis to ensure model is within printable
Export .stl file to MakerBot.
Calculate print times and export
bounds.
model for 3D print.
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