Digital Design Portfolio

DIGITAL DESIGN : PORTFOLIO SEMESTER 1, 2019 MEHBOOB MADATALI CHATUR 903803 TUTOR : SHIQI TANG

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MEHBOOB CHATUR

REFLECTION

mehboob.chatur@gmail.com I am motivated by designing in a way that affects or changes a person’s experience of a space psychologically. Design, especially in the built environment, is a very powerful tool in doing so. During my time doing this subject, Digital Design, I have learn invaluable skills that will enhance my designs in the future and allow them me to use the process of designing as a brainstorming tool to help me iterate my designs digitally.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 03

Module 1

Precedent Study

Radix Pavilion

EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF DESIGN - ARCHITECTURE

2017 Present

at The University of Melbourne

I am currently studying design with a major in Architecture and minor in Urban Planning at the Melbourne School of Design.

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Module 2.1

Generating Ideas Through Digital Processes

Surface & Waffle

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Module 2.2

Generating Ideas Through Digital Processes

Solid & Void

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Module 3

Rhinoceros 3D

Queen Victoria Garden Pavilion

Adobe Illustrator

StarDome

Melbourne

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

2013 2015

at The Aga Khan Academy

Nairobi

My higher level subjects were Mathematics, Physics and Business & Management. My standard level subjects were Chemistry, English Literature and French. Additionally, I completed 150 hours of community service and an extensive 4,000 research paper in Psychology.

SKILLS

The applications that I have learnt, such as Grasshopper, helped me understand parametric design more and understand digital tools used in design more - it allows for a much more modern and convenient method of designing, with endless possibilities. Unreal Engine has given me an introduction to real time rendering application, which will definitely come in handy in the future.

For now, my aspiration as a designer is to create design spaces that are more of an experience rather than just as space. I aspire to create these spaces through the play of light/dark, materiality and colours, which I have attempted to explore with my designs. My aspiration may change in the future as I learn and experience more as a designer.

I could improve in a lot of aspects, such as how to use the applications to their full potentials. I also believe that I have a lot to improve on in terms of my fabrication skills. I will enhance on these skills in future studios, as well in my personal life. Despite facing multiple difficulties, I must say that I am proud of myself for completing the deliverables in this subject.

I look forward to further exploring the applications and skills learnt, as well as discovering myself as a designer.

Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop Revit Grasshopper Fabrication Unreal Engine

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The Radix Pavilion was used as part of the Venice Beinalle in 2012. The architect, Aries Mateus, wanted to borrow the classic arches from the neighbouring galleries and have a modern approach to it. To do this, he took a steel cuboid and cut off elliptical voids within it to mirror the arches and create lightness to the structure.

The structure has various sized openings to control the circulation through it. It also acts as a threshold figure between the river bank and the river itself.

MODULE 1

PRECEDENT STUDY RADIX PAVILION

Isometric of the Radix Pavilion

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CIRCULATION AND THRESHOLD DIAGRAMS

Open Spaces:

Base Shape:

The open spaces that are created by

The base shape of the pavilion is a

the elliptical spheres in the cuboid.

cuboid, which creates disruption in

They create two spaces of intimacy

the general landscape due to its rig-

within the structure.

idness. This is a threshold.

Restriction in Circulation:

Open Voids:

Where the spheres meet each other,

Open spherical voids with the cuboid,

there are areas of restriction within

which adds smoothness and light-

the cuboid. This splits the pavilion

ness to the pavilion.

into two main areas.

Main Areas of Threshold:

Circulation paths: are

The main areas of threshold between

shown, with three points of entry/

the outside of the pavilion and the in-

exit. The potential points of gather-

side are shown. These are: between

ings are also shown - which are inside

the river bank and the ground, and

the voids and the stairs near the river

between light and dark.

The

main

circulation

paths

bank.

Circulation

Threshold

The diagram shows how the pavilion dictates the circulation around it and how it can create possible spaces of gathering within it. The voids within the cube create an open space that is inviting.

The solid and heavy structure feels light once you enter, due to the smoothness of the internal voids. It also creates a nice transition from the land to the river canal.

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MODULE 2.1

GENERATING IDEAS THROUGH PROCESS SURFACE & WAFFLE

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DESIGN MATRIX & SURFACE COMPUTATION SCRIPTING Lofts

1.1

1.2

{60,0,150}

{0,0,150} {150,0,150}

{150,90,150}

1.3

{150,90,150} {135,150,150}

Key

1.4 {60,0,150}

{0,0,0}

{0,0,150}

{135,150,150}

{135,135,150}

{0,150,150}

{150,30,150} {150,150,135}

{0,0,60}

{150,0,0} {0,135,0}

{150,0,0}

{150,0,0}

{0,120,0}

{0,0,0} {150,105,0}

{0,0,0} {0,30,0} {150,105,0} {150,135,0}

{0,150,0}

{45,0,0}{0,0,0} {150,90,0} {150,150,0}

{Index Selection}

{Index Selection}

{Index Selection}

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

Paneling Grid & Attractor Point

I was interested in the relationship of 2D and 3D panels without the use of opening, as I did not want this to distract from the patterns of the panels on the surface.

{150,150,0} {150,135,0}

{Index Selection}

{101,-21,148}

{-565,-339,0}

Grid A Grid A Grid A

Grid B

Grid A

Grid B

Grid B

Dispatch A Dispatch B

Grid B

{Grid locations with no point attractors}

{Attractor point for Grid B only}

{Point Attraction for Grid A, Dispach for Grid B}

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

Paneling

Grid A twisting on itself

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{0,0,0} {0,150,150}

The last iteration was chosen as the final as it proved to have an interesting connection between the waffle structure, the surface and the 3D panels.

Key

}

Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z)

Points I wasGridinteresting in the idea of twisting and therefore explored this with the surfaces that I had created - some of them therefore had undevelopable waffle surfaces, which meant they were undevelopable.

Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z) Grid Points

{150,150,135}

{150,150,0}

Creating the bounding box cube Grid B

Dispatch A Dispatch B

Projecting and dispatching the panels onto the surfaces

Dispach for Grid B}

Generating the surfaces

6 +

From the bounding box (150 x 150 x 150 mm), my surfaces were created by dividing each edge into 12 segments and joining the point created parametrically - this led to thousands of different possibilities, which were narrowed down depending on my design intents and the brief restrictions. The resulting lines created between the points were lofted to create the full surface.

Pyramid shaped panels were projected onto the surfaces. 2D panels were dispatched into places that the surface twisted too much so as to create a smoother transition.

OVERALL EXPLODED ISOMETRIC & WAFFLE COMPUTATION SCRIPT

The waffle is made to look like its twisting so that it can correspond to the twisted nature of the surfaces.

The variable parameter allowed to change points on the edges of the 150 x 150 x 150 mm cube in order to create various possibilities that the four corners would meet to create the surface. Point attractors and different kind of panels were used to explore the grid and create the desired design outcome

The panels combine a triangular-based pyramid with a flat surface triangle, to create a sense uniformity throughout the surface. A point attractor was sued to choose where the pointy parts face.

An angled squared-based pyramid and a flat square surface were used, The flat surface was used where there was a dramatic turn in the surface, whilst the pyramids were used to juxtapose the smoother areas on the surface.

From the surfaces created, lines were created within them to be able to make the waffle structure as equal distances.

Extruding the countours to create thickness to the waffle stucture

Final waffle structure created Hulling the elements that are not needed

Creating voids in the waffle so they can interlock seamlessly for easier construction

Creating the bounding box cube and creating contours on the surfaces

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FABRICATION METHOD

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Orientation and labelling was an important part of laser cutting, so as to ensure that the model making processing was coherent with the digital model.

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I separated my files into two different cutting files - one for the waffle structure and

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Panels from laser cutter as unrolled surfaces.

Panels glued together to create the 3D panels.

one for the surface panels. As they both required different material types. The first with mount board 1mm due to its stiffness for structural ability, and the later with ivory card, as it is easier to fold.

Waffle structure glues together.

Complete waffle structure after it has all been glued together.

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MODEL IMAGES

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4 1: The structure used as a hollow-way and seating area that allows for priavxy within it and shading externally. It also shows the difference in the sharpness of the 3D panels on both surfaces.

2: Flat panels and sharp pyramid panels which allow for the movement of the surface to be exaggerated or lessened depending on where they are placed.

3: The half triangulated and half pyramid panels that create a smooth flow that emphasises on the surface.

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4: The structure used as a climbing place that can provide privacy and intimacy inside through the darkness that is created

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MODULE 2.2

GENERATING IDEAS THROUGH PROCESS SOLID & VOID

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Grid Distortion

1.2

1.3

{265,-75,71}

1.4

{265,-75,71}

Key {0,0,0}

{97,32,0}

Geometry/Geometries Boolean Intersection

}

DESIGN MATRIX & CONCEPT DIAGRAM 1.1

{169,260,0}

{69,68,81}

{169,260,0}

{169,260,0}

{Point attractor points}

{Point attractor points}

{Point attractor points}

2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

{Sphere used only}

{Tetrahedrons used only}

{Octahedron and sphere used without control}

{Using a tetrahedron and placing a sphere between them}

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

{-144,249,-116}

{Point attractor points}

{-144,249,-116}

Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z)

Points IGridstarted off with experimenting with different shapes that might be interesting internally and also be able to create openings externally. I

later on wanted to explore the relationship between the two different shape qualities - smoothness and edginess. I explored with two different edgy shapes, however one of them (3.3) was too edgy, and I therefore settled for the other (3.4). I found the relationship between the openings and the internal spatial experience to be quite interesting - as they had created an interesting contrast and allowed for an element of ‘surprise’.

From the visual script, the grid can be distorted to create a much more interesting way in where the shapes are inserted. There shape centroids can fur{265,-75,71}

ther be controlled by adding attractors, such as a point attarctor. The radii of

Key {0,0,0}

the shapes can be chosen to be within a certain so as to control the sizes of

Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z) Grid Points

them. I also created a new centroid point for which to input spheres, which was moved X units away from the dodecahedrons.

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{-144,249,-116}

and placing a sphere between them}

Whole isometric

Partial isometric

Final cube isometric

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=

COMPUTATION SCRIPTING (GRASSHOPPER FOR RHINOCEROS 3D)

Final shapes that will be boolean differenced

Creating the bounding box

Creating the grid within the box

Distorting the grid within the box

Putting the dodecahedrons with a uniform radius

Putting the spheres with various radii depending on how close they are to a point

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SECTIONAL ISOMETRIC

Thick external ‘wall’ to create a stringer threshold from the exterior space and the interior space.

Exploring the relationship between how the dodecahedron and the sphere intersect to create an interesting threshold.

Circular openings created externally by the sphere.

Internal spaces are contrasted by the rigidity of the dodecahedron and the smoothness of the sphere.

‘Edgy’ openings internally created by dodecahedron.

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FINAL SECTIONAL ISOMETRIC CUBE & FABRICATION

Circular openings created externally by the sphere, which creates an element of surprise due to the contrast it has internally.

Framed views created by the openings on the exterior thick walls.

Sloping planes internally which invite the space to be used for play - making it a child-friendly area.

Enclosed pace to create ambient light within, and give a sense of privacy in the structure.

Various iterations were printed to test out how they would be used.

Using MakerBot Print to print the file using custom settings generated specifically for this subject.

The orientation was changed as well, so as to save material, cost and time. The printer bed was shared amongst me and some other people so as to save on cost.

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MODEL IMAGES

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2 1: Structure as a building that affords for various public and private places by the various levels of darkness and lightness.

2: Structure as a pavilion with different opening sizes for different uses. The structure creates a dark area within which creates intimacy.

3: Structure used as a 1:1 model as a phone stand.

4: Structure used as a chair with a could beneath that can be used to place items or for smaller living things to rest.

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MODULE 3

QUEEN VICTORIA GARDEN PAVILION STARDOME

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DESIGN ITERATIONS, CONCEPTS & PRECEDENT

Iteration 1: The general shape of a dome is used with an inner dent to make the space more intimate. There is holes on the surface to allow for the illusion of stars. The design was not used as it did not communicate the concept well and was not too smooth.

Skye Walker Hostel (Isle of Skye)

Iteration 2: Project Description and Inspiration: Similar to the previous design, but adding some more edginess to the shape to counter the smoothness. The design was not chosen as it did not convey the concept well and was not aesthetically pleasing.

The concept of the pavilion was to create an intimacy through the use of darkness. A dome is a perfect shape for this as it creates a space that feels like it is hugging you thus creating a deeper level of intimacy. Stargazing is usually an activity that is done in very dark areas, which would be impossible to do on the given site, due to light pollution from the urban lights. Thus creating a dark space with small perforations in it would give users the illusion that stars are above them, as the light would seep into these spaces.

StarDome focuses on creating intimacy through darkness. The dome shape allows for the pavilion to feel like an enclosed space that hugs you.

Small perforations on the steel structure will give users of the pavilion an experience as of they are looking at stars in the night sky. These perforations limit the amount of light that enter the pavilion, which allows it to become a very intimate space created by the darkness that surrounds the area.

Iteration 3: The general shape of a dome is still used but the inner dent is removed. The dent is made into geometric shapes so as to give the dome some rigidity. The openings are also created in different sized and density to create various experiences throughput the space.

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EXPLODED ISOMETRIC

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RENDERS (UNREAL ENGINE)

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5 1, 5: Pavilion during the day 2, 3: Details of light penetration and shadows

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4: Pavilion at night blending into environment

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MODEL IMAGES

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COMPUTATION SCRIPT

Controlling the radius of the prisms

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2

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Cutting the sphere in half

Using WeaverBird Mesh Prism to create the prisms for where the openings will be

Populating the surfaces with points

Creating the bounding sphere and cutting plane.

1

Using a point attractor to distort the point

box,

Using the command Brep Split Multiple to create the overall shape

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Using the Facet Dome command to make a geometric dome.

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Using dispatch to have further control on the openings

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Converting the objects from meshes to breps so that they can that the next function can be used

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LANDSCAPE & FABRICATION

The concept of the landscape was to have the natural landscape outside the pavilion, but to sunken the landscape on the interior to create steps. These steps could be used as seating space, whilst the middle space would be used as a podium space to host small performances and seminars.

This was inspired by the design that is usually used for auditorium seating in theatres and halls.

Further Top & Top: The pavilion itself was 3D printed.

The support material used is shown in orange, which was minimised to the maximum possible so as to decrease waste in material and be time efficient.

Left: The four different shapes were sent to the laser cutter, 9 of each (except the base rectangle), so that they can be layered to create the landscape model.

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360° IMAGE OUTPUT

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