Virtual Environments: Journal Entry 2

JOURNAL WEEK 2

EMERGING FORM

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS

TASK 1.5

PAPER MODEL 1

Progression of the pattern continued on the tutorial with the construction of paper models using the same processes as in Rhino. This included extrusion, rotation, copying and scaling. The first models created were very simplistic, abstracting basic shapes from the patterns. My original model needed to be stuck to the pattern as it had no way of supporting itself. The result was a model that mimicked the flow and movement of my chosen pattern.

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS

TASK 1.5

PAPER MODEL 2

The second model followed a more regimented pattern and began to explore the idea of scaling and rotation.

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS

TASK 1.6

RHINO MODEL

I developed another recipe for my Rhino model: 1. Copy Triangle 2. Scale by 5m 3. Rotate 20ยบ 4. Move into place so in plan form the inside edge creates a consistent spiral curve 5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 till desired spiral is achieved.

6. Copy and Mirror to Experiment

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS

TASK 1.7

REFLECTION ON READING - Pattern Formation in Nature

Thompson argues that limitations and physical forces shape natural patterns as a result of mathematical analogies. I theorise that my patterns formation in nature is due to the need of the Nautilus to grow and the chambers needed to keep it buoyant. Obviously a spiral shape is a mathematically logical evolutionary form as we find it in many shell shapes.

My pattern shows emergent behaviors on multiple occasions, such as in the first model and again when I was modeling it on Rhino. It was shaped through experimental process and then reaction to a positive or negative outcome. Through this process I created a number of patterns based on my initial paper model, in a simple way it was trial and error.

My models symmetry is in its smaller triangular sections, as a whole it hasn’t got much symmetrical balance. However later in my experimentation I mirrored the entire object multiple times and created symmetry. My next step in the design process will be to utilise some of the rules mentioned in the reading such as branching, attraction and repulsion.

My model has branched away from its original recipe but still retains many similarities. It has been simplified and become much more geometrical.

Ball, P, 2012, Pattern Formation in Nature, AD, Architectural Design pp. 22-27

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS

TASK 1.8

PRECEDENT RESEARCH

Meeting Center in Rikuzentakata by Kengo Kuma In earthquake devestated Japan, Kengo Kuma has put forward plans for a meeting space in Rikuzentakata for the elderly.

The design takes influence from a lotus leaf and the wood lattice design builds upon a natural looking pattern which most likely has a very precise mathematical makeup as well as a recipe of its own. The spiral shape is very similar to my own pattern for this module, I believe I can take inspiration from this and apply it in my model experimentation.

IMAGES AND INFORMATION: Chan, K. Kengo Kuma Joins Japanese Rebuilding Effort with a Meeting Center in Rikuzentakata Chan, K. (2013). Kengo Kuma Joins Japanese Rebuilding Effort with a Meeting Center in Rikuzentakata.

Architizer, Retrieved from: http://www.architizer.com/en_us/blog/dyn/40303/kengo-kuma-lotus-leaf/#.

UUbwv7RxjG4 [Accessed: 18/03/2013].

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS