FoDR Module 3 Journal

Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE

Mingjie Zhang

910787 Junhan Foong , Studio 18

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WEEK 6 READING: SURFACES THAT CAN BE BUILT FROM PAPER IN ARCHITECTURAL GEOMETRY Question 1: What are the three elementary types of developable surfaces? Provide a brief description.

(Maximum 100 words) The three basic types of developable surfaces include cylinders, cones and tangent surfaces of space curves. The cone is consisted of simple families of parallel lines while cones and tangents sometimes hold more complicated polygons. In general, their tangent plane is always tangent to the surface along an entire ruling as opposed to a single point. Such developable surfaces are always in composition with planar surfaces while retaining a vanishing Gaussian curvature.

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) Understanding developable surface is an important factor of practising architectural geometry, as complicated forms could be created with readily available materials through the use of developable surfaces. Using techniques such as “triangulating� can turn complex curvatures or typographical terrains into joining triangles, making surfaces much easier for fabricating in real life. An example provided is the Greenhouse designed by Plasma Studio, where the exterior is primarily formed by larger triangles consisted of smaller triangles. By incorporating developable surfaces, this design simplifies processes of construction while retaining a sophisticated aesthetics.

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PANELLING 2D PATTERN

2D Panelling. Pattern: Triangular

2D Panelling. Pattern: BoxX

Custom 2D Panelling. Pattern: Hexagon

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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN

Variable 2D panelling. Single attraction point/scaling.

Variable 2D panelling. 2 attraction curves/ scaling.

Variable 2D panelling. 2 attraction curves/ rotation.

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3D PANEL TEST PROTOTYPE & TEMPLATE

Selected samples of unrolled surfaces: some contain more than 1 grid of 3D panelling.

Selected samples of fabricated pieces. Some individual grids are left plain while the others have patterns carved into their surfaces. This is intended for creating a diversified landscape.

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WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION Complete your reading before attempting these questions:

Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation? (Maximum 100 words) Digital fabrication is a modern generative medium that provides a seamless connection between design and making. In the conceptual design stage, the shortcomings of traditional two dimensional representation are mended by digital fabrication methods: whereas constructing complicated forms will often have variations from their 2D representations, 3D modelling programs offer a more sophisticated and closer-to-real representation. Meanwhile, digital fabrication retains all the properties of 2D designs and forms, allowing architects or designers to expand upon or delete compartamentalised modules.

Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design? (Maximum 100 words) The primary reason for the extensive use of folding is that complex forms could be created through this method. Polyhedrons are a fitting example of folded geometry, where basic shapes such as pentagons are folded into dodecahedrons as a means of expressing more versatile design. Advantages of folding also includes its economical values - readily available and cheap materials such as paper could be easily folded into desired forms during the model-making stage, so that modifications could be made accordingly during construction.

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Individual components.

Top view, wireframe.

EXPLORING 3D PANELLING

Individual components.

Perspective view, shaded.

Colour-coded components.

Panellised landscape containing 6 distinct 3D components.

The arrangment of grids is designed to be more organic and natural in order to match the terrian.

4 different attractor points are used during this process, creating varying height and directions for individual components.

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UNROLL TEMPLATE OF YOUR FINAL MODEL

Colour-coded unrolled surfaces to match 3D model. This creates a visualised guide for assembly. Smaller/simpler pieces are printed and hand-cut, larger/complex pieces are sent for laser-cut.

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PANELISED LANDSCAPE

Yellow light is used for illumination here to maximise the effect of light & shadow.

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Natural light is used for illumination here to portray a flatter terrain.

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APPENDIX

1. Some of the smaller, less complicated pieces are printed out on 160gsm A1 sheets, which are clipped onto 290gsm ivory cards for cutting. Dashed lines are preserved for etching.

2. By lowering the amount of pressure applied to pen knife, light etchings are made on foldlines.

3. Step 2 is repeated for all foldlines - creating an unrolled surface that could be readily folded into desired 3D forms.

4. Custom patterns are drawn to surfaces and carved out to create a distinct look for individual modules. The results are presented on page 12.

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APPENDIX

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APPENDIX

The aftermath.

Assembly & finished product.

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APPENDIX

Photos of assembled panel.

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