Breathing Wall - Catia Portfolio

P A R A M E T R I C B R E AT H I N G W A L L MINHTAM BANH . ARCH 417 . FALL 2009

INSTRUCTORS: DAVID GERBER . ROLAND RITTER WAHLROOS

CONTENT 1

Problem Description

2

Builidng Envelope Description

3

Parameter of Design

4

Re-parameterization

5

Prototype

6

Conclusion

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION

Site: Flower and 9th Street, Los Angeles Program: Store Front for a Perfume Shop We area sked to design a breathing wall and then subsequently develop a parametric design and fabrication logic.

B UILIDNG ENVELOPE DESCRIPTION

PARAMETER OF DESIGN CONTEXT

LENGTH = 7M

HEIGHT = 2.5M

OPENING = 1.8M

INSTANCE A

TOP TOP * TOP FOLD RATIO TOP

BOTTOM * BOTTOM FOLD RATIO

BOTTOM BOTTOM

X * LEFT RIGHT RATIO

X * LEFT RIGHT RATIO

Y * TOP BOTTOM RATIO

X

Y

Y * TOP BOTTOM RATIO

INSTANCE B CONNECTION DETAIL

ISOMETRIC VIEW 1:10

TOP VIEW 1:5

LEFT VIEW 1:10

R E - PA R A M E T E R I Z AT I O N

PROTOTYPE

TOP VIEW 1:20

Fabrication methodologies: Laser Cut Material: 0.10 polystyrene Joints: (Parametric) Spider Form shaping: heating up polystyrene by dipping laser cutted pieces in hot water, form shape, then dip in cold water to hold shape.

Problem: lack of precision Erection Problem: Wall isn’t able to stand on its own.

RIGHT VIEW 1:20

LEFT VIEW 1:20

C ONCLUSION The parametric wall is ruled by 9 driving parameters. These parameters controlled the degree of openess, amount of light, air, and view. Consequently they affect the appearance and experience of the wall. In this aspect, I think my design achieve what I set out to do.

However, the innitial idea to create a wall for a perfume store wasn’t realized. This is because my research was insufficient in assisting me in this matter. Moreover, to control air molecule requires a complex system. My design is still too rudimentary for the task.

Fabrication process was not without problems. My prototyped model didn’t turn out as expected due to laser cutting difficulties, and material tolerance.