Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE Melissa Tan
912630 Anneke Prins, Studio 10
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WEEK 6 READING: SURFACES THAT CAN BE BUILT FROM PAPER IN ARCHITECTURAL GEOMETRY Pottmann, H, Asperl, A, Hofer, M, Kilian, A.: Architectural Geometry, Bentley Institute Press
Question 1: What are the three elementary types of developable surfaces? Provide a brief description. (Maximum 100 words) The three utmost rudimental types of developable surfaces are listed as cylinders, cones and tangent surfaces of space curves. Cylindrical developable spaces comprise of a troop of parallel lines, in which the base curve is unrolled and lateral lines are drawn along It’s normal plane. Akin to the cylinder, the cone utilises a surface, in this case a pyramid surface, as a profile with lines bridging the base curve to the vertex. Finally, tangent surfaces of space curves feature singular polygons intersecting a general plane, resulting in a sharp turning point at said convergence point.
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) Through the acute knowledge gained from understanding developable surfaces, we are able to utilise the benefits of architectural geometry. For instance, the Huyghe + Le Corbusier Puppet Theatre designed by MOS Architects, 2004, appropriates five hundred unique white polycarbonate panels to aid in the convenience of assembling and structural stability. Although seemingly flimsy, these diamondshaped, three-inch deep panels interlock and are bolted together creating a rigid structure. In addition to the construction benefits that it boasts, the panels provide an ornamental element to the structure with the undulating white plastic panels granting light to refract of one another.
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PANELLING 2D PATTERN
2D Panelling, Pattern: Triangular
2D Panelling, Pattern: Square
2D Panelling, Pattern: Pentagon
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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN
Octogonal: Scale to curve, Min;0.3, Max;0.9
Hexagon: Rotate to line, Min;0, Max;100
Pentagon: Scale to curve, Min;0.2, Max; 0.8
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3D PANEL TEST PROTOTYPE & TEMPLATE
From prototyping the model I learned that many of the tabs were actually quite useless, and in fact, detracted from the visual experience. The lines drawn were definitey far too thick and bold, and thus before printing the final model nets, I will need to change them to a smaller point and a lighter grey. Some tabs also overlapped, but this issue can be rectified by simply deleting one of the conflicting ones. I may also alter the side of one, deleting the triangle that juts out and adding it to the side that it should connect with. Hopefully this will result in a more inconspicuous design. Prototype of the first open hexagon. The overall net looked very messy, however, when working through the points I was able to identify key folds.
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WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION Iwamoto, L 2009. : Digital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques, Princeton Architectural Press
Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation? (Maximum 100 words) The emergence of digital fabrication revolutionized the process from conceptual design to construction. With the assistance of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) as well as 3Dmodeling software, designers are able to construct accurate physical models from computerized data through prototyping machines. Albeit the drastic change in method, buildings conventionally remain visually similar as digital fabrication merely annexes traditional methods in presenting two-dimensional data. Instead, it is the capabilities of three-dimensional modelling that burgeons boundless architectural forms.
Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design? (Maximum 100 words) By definition, folding is a technique used to transform a two-dimensional surface into a three-dimensional structure or to introduce variances within a plane. Firstly, the materials often used acquiesce to the shape of the fold, holding its position independently without the aid of adhesives. Such technique not only appears unobtrusive and visually appealing, but is effective at multiple scales and relatively inexpensive. Secondly, the dimensionality of a structure can be explored through varying folds of “deformation and inflection� of a surface.
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EXPLORING 3D PANELLING
My design is composed primarily of hexagons. Each hexagon on the base is offset inwards at 15, 25 and 35 with another hexagon, then translated up along the z-axis. Each corner of the floating hexagons is joined not to the corner directly below it, but the corner to the left of it. Triangles were then formed to create a spiral that twists to form another pentagon when viewed from above. I have decided to leave some shapes open, and some close, to display the inside pentagon.
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UNROLL TEMPLATE OF YOUR FINAL MODEL
Nets of both open and closed shapes. There are three of each showing the varying heights.
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PANELISED LANDSCAPE
Details
Plan view
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APPENDIX
Snap shot of all Rhino work until details of 3D paneling.
Choosing which 3D panels to delete. The selected are the ones that were deleted as they follow the shallowest areas of the terrain.
All individual panels are cut and scored.
Using a lolly as a marker to show where I need to stick the panel.
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