DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2016 M4 JOURNAL – SLEEPING POD
By: Marian fahim, (756745) Michelle James, Group One 1
sleeping shell
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0.0 Introduction
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This project’s aim was to design a sleeping pod that can be used at work, university or anywhere that we spend long hours. It should meet the criteria of sleeping comfort and personal space as they were the main aspects that drive our design. We had to come up with idea based on assigned theme such as panel and fold, profile and section or skin and bone. These were our base concept in the start to create a design that meets one of the concepts. It is a challanging project that bring our minds and skills together to come up with the best ideas possible as a team.
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1.0 IDEATION EXPANDING FILE
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Panel The design process started from Module 1 as we developed a basic understanding of the design thinking. We needed to prepare ourselves to think critically and we did that by looking an ordinary object in an analytical way. We looked at it in more details and analysed its structure, components and techniques used within the object system such as panel and fold which we then took them as the design foundation of our sleeping pod in terms of inspiration and kinetics. The exploration of others’ completed design was the base for the design idea as we got to learn and understanding various concepts.
Fold
Kinetic
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Measured Drawings
First step taken towards understanding the existing chosen object (expanding file) is measuring and drawing it. Firstly, the expanding file is photographed on an angle then traced by hand to show all the components as clear as possible and how they function as one object. The next step is drawing tecnhincal drawings showing all the dimensions. Then, the object is scaled to the right scale which is (1:2) to meet the actual measurements.
TOP VIEW
30 mm
260 mm FRONT ELEVATION
SECTION
132 mm
260 mm
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135 mm
30 mm
system Analysis FOLDS FULLY CLOSED
The object is broken apart in order to understand and analyse the kinetics and the system behind its dynamic movements so that we can decide what concepts to choose towards our design ideas later on. Through out the analysis, we found the important parts of the object are: The Folding part:
FOLDS HALF CLOSED/STRETCHED
This part of the expanding file is the centre of mechanism. Its folds create the volume of the
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FOLDS HALF CLOSED/STRETCHED (ELEVATION) The direction of the force applied controls the direction of the folds as well. as seen above, the red arrows mean the force is applied onwards while the
design as it turns the object into three-dimensional. These folds becomes straight line (flat) if they are fully stretched ,as shown in the elevation. This explains the three dimensional shape by simply folding a flat surface using the zig zag method to enhance dimensional theme to the object. Nevertheless, to create this expansion at the top, they must narrow/ meet at the bottom. However, they need an applied force (elastic band) to stay in the shape required as it has the tendency to open up and expand. The cover:
green arrows force is outwards.
FOLDS FULLY STRETCHED (ELEVATION)
FOLDS FULLY STRETCHED
The other part that contribute to the movement/ mechanism is the front when the elastic closure is used to close the expanding file. without the elastic band, the folds would not be fully closed .
FORCE APPLIED TO THE COVER
15 mm
390 mm
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Digital Model FRONT ELEVATION
SECTION
TOP ELEVATION
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PERSPECTIVES 11
SKETCH MODEL: RECONFIGURED OBJECT: From the studies done on the expanding file before, we were asked to come up with an object that has similar characteristics as the file.
(1)
(5)
(2)
(3)
(5)
STRUCTURE OF THE MODEL
MOVEMENTS OF THE MODEL
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(4)
I decided to use the dynamic concept of the folds as they were the main part of the file. The flower shape origami is designed to change the shape everytime a force is applied. The differences in shapes are shown below. from the drawings, we can observed that the main pattern is the zig-zag shape just like in the expanding file.
SKETCH DESIGN PROPOSAL 1: FLEXIBILITY / ADJUSTABILITY front -when collar is closed
back-when collar is closed
front-when collar is opened
The collar is flexible to expand or compress. It is similar to blossoming process
SKETCH DESIGN PROPOSAL 2: PORTABILITY/ SIMPLICITY front-when the tiara is up/ raised
This design idea is mainly focused on the flexibility and the adjustability theme. It is supposed to be adjusted to suit different personal spaces and various situations using the movement of the collar. the collar is supposed to expand and block off the disturbance. Also, the design covers the top part of the body which lead to a secure feeling and comfort.
SKETCH DESIGN PROPOSAL 3: ISOLATION/CLOSURE
back-when the tiara is down
This part can be folded down to rest The design can flipped
on the neck incase it is needed to see
over the face using the
what is happening around.
top part. it would look like the image on the right if it is flipped. This part is the centre of movement. this sets on the head like a band/ crown.
The second idea is built on simplicity and elegance by using folds to create a tiara like shape. It isolates the person from the surroundings as it blocks the vision and cover almost the whole face. It is easy to wear as it can be worn in different ways which provide choices of comfort. Also, it can be folded and carried in hand.
The last idea is like sleeping mask. It is about isolation as it is meant to block off any invasion of privacy as it covers the eyes but still having the nose and mouth area exposed as it provide more comfort and avoid any suffocation. Also, it is portable as it can be moved and carried around.
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2.0 DESIGN
by Fahim Marian, Kwan Chin Ching
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Adjustable
The design stage was very important in the progress as we got to set goals and characteristics that we aimed to achieve in our final design. We also got to discuss and compare our ideas in analytical ways. By getting to be involved in teamwork and how we can incorporate different ideas to make one reliable idea that all team agrees about We learnt to not only design complex idea but to try to make the idea usable in real life by thinking through logically, rationally, and benefiting from the available sources such as research and studies. We also learnt about different techniques in terms of digital modeling and methods and how our thinking can be abstracted and become more unlimited through technology.
Portable
Dynamic
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personal space: As we moved to the second part of the project, my team member and I decided to look and study our personal spaces before trying to join our ideas and come up with more developed ones because we learnt from the lectures that personal space plays an important role in providing comfort and security and it might differ from one to another. We learnt more about our cultural backgrounds, the type of people around us and how they influenced us in that aspect,and we discussed the parts of the body that we prefer to have more distance around.
sleeping positions:
The second part of our personal spaces study focused on the sleeping positions. We tried to include as many sleeping positions (mainly using a chair and a table) as we can in order to have a clearer idea of the privacy level needed to provide comfortable design for sleeping.
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We have similarities and differences but we both agreed that we prefer to have more distance around the front part of the body and especially the face.
Then, we tried to pick the most common 3 positions that we then can base our design ideas on. So, we chose these ones as they concluded the main possible ways to sleep on chair. Either the back support or the table is used to sleep. Then, we draw roughly the distance we want to provide to them on the sides and front.
design proposal 1: Initial idea drawings
Digital model
From the personal sleeping studies,we tried to come up with few ideas that match the results.
Top view
The first idea is influenced by the rough drawings of the personal space on the 3 sleeping positions mentioned before. Front view
Side view
Front view
Side view we came up with the idea so the users can sleep with different poses. When they lay down on the back of the chair the design covers the user’s face and provide support for the neck. The bands on both side can surround and tie to the chair. When the user tries to sleep on their arms this device can cover the back to provide a sense of security.
The design can be folded like a stick. When the user opens it the shorter part will move inwards and the longer part will push outward to form the curve. The side view explains the directions of different parts and the front view explain how the curve is created.
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design proposal 2: Initial idea drawings
Digital model For the second idea, we aimed to design a different concept so that we can have the chance to compare the positives and negatives about each and make a decision.
Top view
Front view
Design fully compressed
Side view
The Pattern of this design showning on the left was taken from the 3D flower origami. We took a fragment of the shape (one member) and modified it then repeated it to create a different form.
The idea of the design is made so it can be compressed to sit on the neck and it can be expanded when needed. It respects personal space as it creates its closed space within its shape and it can be used in different sleeping positions as it doesn’t limit the body movements.
pattern and movement of the design
It is also portable and lightweight which makes it more convenient to carry around. Design fully expanded
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precedents research: Veasyble by GAIA Then, we looked at other designers’ works which have almost same characteristics as ours so that we can learn from them.
Veasyble came up and it has what we were looking for. It is a wearable design that has been designed out of paper bonded to polyethylene and fabric. The design is made so that it can be converted from 2D to a 3D form to create an isolated space that can be used in different ways.
This is the grids for this folding pattern. When you fold the dotted lines inwards and the solid line outwards the 3D
The Veasyble design is made out of folds and the folding pattern is called reverse fold. In this way the design can be folded and compress into a bag shape when not used and it opens to form a sphere shape.
pattern is created. This precedent research influences our design as it has similar concept. Changing 2D to 3D form and the opposite which is exactly what we want to achieve with our ideas and it is quite the same as the precedent. One thing that saw in this precedent is how intelligently the shape is used to make the design portable and easy to carry around. This is what we are aiming to achieve while developing our idea Transformations of the Veasyble
Transformations of the our design
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design development: (ideas development)
The modified pattern of our design
Front 3D view of the squares added to the pattern
The final drawings of the design
The movements of the joint
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Back 3D view of the squares added to the pattern
After we discussed all aspects of our design ideas, we found that the first idea was stronger and we started to developed it fruther. we first started it with just a simple pattern without any openings or squares but as we started to make prototypes, we add it more details as we went. that can be seen throught the development of prototypes.
prototyping (V1: small scale)
Initial idea
we first have this small prototype to make sure that we can achieve the form we wanted and combine the two patterns (front and back ones) into one design that can function as one.
Compressed – Expanded Sleeping Pod
Then, we started to devlope a bigger scale prototype to get a sense of scale and details in the design. we introduced new pattern and openings to our prototype to reduce the sharpness of the edges and make the pattern less pointy.
Design Idea Details
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Material testing
After we have decided on the final form of our design through v1, we moved on the material testing as we needed to know what material would suit our design the best. We looked at different materials to decide the most suitable and effective material for the design. We tried thick white paper, light brown art paper, and polyethylene plastic.
we found out some facts about our pattern through the prototypying and material testing. We found that the paper started to roll and create a closed circle depend of the scale of each square of the pattern. The larger the square, the larger the inner space / distance gets which really helped us deciding on the 1:1 scale model.
We tried the lighting on the polythene model and it gave such a nice shade. It was not fully transparent yet not very dark. We also looked at the reflections of the material on shiny surfaces.
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prototyping (V2: (1:1)actual scale) WORKING PROCESS
From the M2 feedback we decided to make a 1:1 scale phototype to understand the actual size of the sleeping pod and test the space inside. We drew the pattern by hand. We tried it on our body and realise the space inside is enough.
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prototyping (V2: (1:1) scale)
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connection parts (bolt design)
As we looked at the details of our design, we needed to find a screwing bolt that can be used for the joint part at the top. We were looking for something lighweighted. We did not want to use a metal screw bolt as it would be heavy so we decided to look for other alternatives.
First, we tried to 3D print the screwing bolt but the dimensions could not be changed much as it was proportionally designed. If we did changed, the bolt would not function as a screwed bolt. We did not want to make it any thicker. Also, it was costly so try to find another solution. We found this plastic bolt in the middle which looks like a metal bolt. It was long and light but we found it a bit too thin to use to control all the polypropylene sheets. Then, we kept searching until we found this wooden bolt which is quite strong. The dimensions of it suited our design the most. We also liked the natural and eco-friendly texture it has. However,
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connection parts (Clamp design)
Then, we started to think about ways that we can use for the clamp as the feedback we got about using the belt to tie around the chair was not that positive as it would be hard for the person to twist their hand to reach. we looked at differ types of clamps and clips that can be used in our design. We look at c clamp and how it would function. However, the shape of chair was a struggle for us as it was too thick so it does not fit. We also tried the clothing clip but it was still not big enough so we had to do our own clip. We made this white painted clip. We inserted a spring within the nail to make it compress and expand depends on the thickness of the chair. Then, we added this adjustable string which can extend or kept close.
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connection parts ( sheets connection) As we decided on using the plastic as our main material, we needed to figure out how can we combine the sheets as the largest we can get is A1 size.
We first tried riveting so that we connect the A1 sheets to create one big piece. This method did not work that well with our material as it was movable and also we can only rivet the side of the sheets and not the middle part.
Then, we tried to use UHU glue but it did not also give the desired result. It did stick but seemed too weak and it would break by compressing and expanding our design and it would not stand the movement. Also, it looked a bit unappealing with this effect from the glue.
We also tried sewing by trying to connect two little pieces by the thread and it actually worked. It made the structure very strong and firm. Also, it would allow a bit of movement but not to the point that it would break.
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3.0 FABRICATION
by Fahim Marian, Kwan Chin Ching
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Digital The fabrication stage was the messier stage out of all as we faced some problems trying to transform drawings and ideas into real design that can be used. We were uncertain at some points if we would succeed in producing a final model but we thought of these difficulties and struggles positively as it was part of our design development. This is the power of making. We got to think of the design in different aspects to come up with solutions to the problems which led us to better ideas than the one we anticipated. We developed several skills both hand crafting and digital fabrication. We also learnt about the connections between digital technology and human. We learnt about various methods that can help improve our design quality such as laser cut and 3D printing through the reading ‘Architecture in the digital age’ and applying it through our process toward a refined model.
Technics
Functional
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comparison of laser cut methods prototyping v3 cut line (laser cuting)
prototyping v4 etched line (laser cuting)
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We then moved to the fabrication stage of our design. we benefited from the information we learnt from both lectures and readings about digital fabrication techniques and how it facilitates the process. we started to experience with the laser cutter methods and check which one suited our design the best
final laser cut template Based on the study we did, we decided to combine both etched and dotted line to create this final template that would work for all the sheets (front part).
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precedents research Nubik, AEDs/ ammar eloueini,2005
The Nubik project is from week 7 reading as it explained about digital fabrication and process and how digital technology make the process more accurate and refined. It saves more time and it produces better quality of work pieces that are consistent and smiliar in shape and details. The similarity in the pieces make it easier to combine as assemble as shown in the precedent. we also used digital fabrication which shows how accurate it came out which made it very easy to connect each part together with another.
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final prototype development and optimisation
While producing the design, we experienced with the effects such as lighting, vo;ume, transparency and so on.
For our material choice, the plastic creates a blurry view which keeps the personal space protected but not making the person feels completely isolated so they can have a little of awarness of what is happening around.
Also, using the dotted lines cut left an aesthetic effect and gave the design more form. not only that but it provided little openings for air circulation and made us not to make any openings as we planned.
We again looked at the personal space of our design to see if we achieved what we aimed for from the start. The volume/ shape of the sleeping pod creates a suitable space around the person as we wished.
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final Sleeping digital model Final Pod design
Top View
Front View
Side View
Perspective View
This is our final Rhino model after we modified the shape and also applied the patterns using panelling tool (3D custom).
Patterns used for 3D custom 34
the very exact pattern so flatten it would not be that effective as we would be able to use it I the laser cut templates.
final digital model
so we tried to draw the pattern as 3D flat patterns. We tried to get the angles as close to the actual pattern as much as possible.
sleeping pod 3d flat pattern
Final Sleeping Pod 3D Flat Patterns
Top View of flattened patterns We struggled while trying to apply this pattern on the body mesh as it was complex and there was always a gap in between the rows. We tried different options but it did not us a better version compared to what we has before. For our design, the folds are complex and the Rhino model did not the have the very exact pattern so flatten it would not be that effective as we would be able to use it I the laser cut templates.
Final Sleeping Pod 2D Flat Patterns Top View of flattened patterns
Final pattern
so we tried to draw the pattern as 3D flat patterns. We tried to get the angles as close to the actual pattern as much as possible.
Perspective View of flattened patterns
We struggled while trying to apply this pattern on the body mesh as it was complex and there was always a gap in between the rows. We tried different options but it did not us a better version compared to what we has before.
This is a simplified version of our patterns used in the design. For our design, the folds are complex and the Rhino model did not the have the exact pattern so flatten it would not be that effective as we would be able to use it for the laser cut templates.
so we made a decision to draw the pattern as 3D flat patterns. We tried to get the angles as close to the actual pattern as much as possible. The results were not what we expected.
Perspective View of flattened patterns
We struggled while trying to apply this pattern on the body mesh as it was complex. So We came up with another option which is to draw a 2D flat pattern that looks exactly like our actual model so it provides a better understanding.
Back Pattern
Front Pattern
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fabrication sequence
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assembly drawing
Front and back connection
The assembly drawings shows the number of components that our design has and how they are attached together. components of the whole design
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completed sleeping pod
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side view
front view
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compressed sleeping pod
sleeping pod usage sequence
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different sleeping positions
modification Based on the feedback we got at the end of M3, we decided to try another time to come up with more refined idea for the connection between the chair and our design as it is was mentioned that the old clamp doesn’t suit our design as its way of functioning make the whole performance lacks and it does not look that refined.
The first thing we looked at it is the shape of the chair. We tried to trace out the shape of it so that we can create something that can hold itself on the back of it using the same material as our model.
We then made a paper template so that we can cut the final pieces more accurately. We also used double of the plastic and sewed them together so it is stronger abd it would not break. Then, we moved on with connecting them using elastic band so that it can rexpands and fit the size of the chair.
We made two holes on each side so that the small clamp can be attached to them.
This idea is better than what we had before and it is more consistent with the whole design in terms of used materials and effects. It is also easier for a person to use as they can attach it to the chair before sitting then connect it to it using a small clamp.
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4.0 REFLECTION
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The design of the sleeping pod started from M1 by having the object chosen as our base or inspiration to move forward and build the next steps on. Moving on to M2 where design thinking and discussion took place to come up with an abstract idea then trying to turn it into a real design that we make in M3 which influenced my manner towards design. I have learnt a lot through this semester’s design process from all lectures, readings and self-experience while designing the sleeping pod project. I absolutely got to improve several skills and develop a deeper understanding of the connections and relationships within the design progress. I got to familiarize myself using new software and programs such as Rhino, InDesign and Photoshop which helped me a lot in refining and organizing the information. Personally, I preferred working with physical models rather than digital but having the ability to work with both physical and digital technology is incredibly important as sometimes it saves time and produces a better result. I learnt that through the semester especially after reading ‘Architecture in the digital age’ as it explained different digital methods and how we can transform design “from physical to digital” and “from digital to physical” that I did not fully know about. We applied some of what we learnt in the fabrication stage such as 3D printing and laser cut which worked perfectly for our design concept and geometry. As mentioned in ‘Architectural and material techniques’ by Lisa Lwamoto that digitial methods create a strong “connection between design and making”. For our design that had a complex geometries and the choice of material also made it hard for us not to incorporate digital fabrication in the production stage as it would have been incredibly impossible to produce the same pattern with same quality consistently. One digital aspect that did not work with our design that well was the digital 3D model as we could not make it as the real one which might be due to the lack of our digital skills but it is still provided us with a general picture of how might our design look on a human body.
Nevertheless, our choice of material was influenced by the lecture on effects as it played an important role in terms of
visiability and lighting. for our concept, we needed something blurry which does not fully expose the person yet isolate them. I believe we made the right decision by choosing polyethylene sheets. Overall, I believe that we were able to produce a satisfying model that almost meets the outlines that we sat at the start. However, the process did not go as neat as we expected. We knew that we would face some problems as we were crafting due to the limitations that we had such as material size and time management. Also, sometimes our plans did not work and at some point we suspected if we can produce a final design but we never gave up and tried to come up with more solutions during the making stage as it was mentioned in the lecture that making is part of developing and not just following steps robotically. Honestly, it is all came to us makers as in the design field the “craft with “workmanship of risk”-where the result of working with a material is “not predetermined, but depends on the judgment, dexterity and care” of the maker.” (Marble, 2008)
“the quality of the result is continually at risk during the process of making “ but “risk has a resiliency that is essential to cultural and technological progress- it is where 45 innovation occurs. “ (marble,2008)
5.0 APPENDIX
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Marian Fahim
credit table: Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
Drawings
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computation x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Model Fabrication
Model Assembly
Photography
Writing
x x x
x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x
Kwan Chin Ching
xx x x x x xx
x xx xx x x xx x x
x x x x x xx xx x x x x xx xx x xx xx x x x
Graphic Design x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
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Page Drawings 1 2 3 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
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xx x
x
computation Model Fabrication x x x x x x x xx xx x x x x
Model Assembly
Photography
Writing
x x x xx
x x x x x x xx xx xx
xx xx xx xx xx x x x xx x xx x
xx
x x
x x x x x x x x
Graphic Design x x x x x x x xx xx x x x xx xx xx x x x
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bibliography:
Veasyble by GAIA http://www.veasyble.com/whoeng.html Riveting punch http://faqhow.com/other/hobbies-games/how-to-use-a-rivet-gun UHU glue http://www.dollshouseparade.net/DIY/Adhesives/Uhu-Glue/prod_2041.html Thread http://www.freestockphotosclub.com/objects/black-thread-spool-image/ Marble, s, 2008. Building the Future: Recasting Labor in Architecture/Philip Bernstein, Peggy Deamer. Princeton Architectural Press. pp38-42. Kolarevic, B, 2003. Architecture in the Digital Age- Design and Manufacturing/ Branko Kolarevic. Spon Press, London. Iwamoto, L, 2009. Digital fabrications: architectural and material techniques / Lisa Iwamoto. New York : Princeton Architectural Press, c2009. Sommer, R. 1969. Personal space: the behavioural basis of design/ Robert Sommer. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, c1969.A
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