Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE Monique Hillier
(914836) Emmanuel Cohen - Studio 1
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WEEK 6 READING: Surfaces that can be built from paper in architectural geometry
PANELLING 2D PATTERN
Question 1: What are the three elementary types of developable surfaces? Provide a brief description. Cones, tangent surfaces of space curves and cylinders are the basic forms or a developable surface. The cylindrical surface consists of a group of parallel lines called rulings which lie parallel to the vertical line. The horizontal or profile line lies perpendicular to this line. Cone surfaces also have a profile curve, however the rulings are not parallel to each other but connect the profile curve with the vertex. A tangent developable surface consists of a plane made up of edges formed between many vertices, creating a curve. From this curve, multiple straight tangent lines extend out, creating tangent surfaces.
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. It is important as an architect to understand developable geometry as the materials used to create buildings and other structures are most often unable to be stretched, and developable surfaces are well calculated so that structures with a curved surface can be made without needing stretchable materials. The Cloud Canopy designed by Madison Architects consists of many cylindrical surfaces where the profile curve is in the shape of a hexagon. Knowledge of developable surfaces is important here to create irregular shapes in the structure while still permitting to use strong and durable materials that are not flexible. Developable geometry allows great flexibility for designers to use either hard or stretchable materials to create a srtucture with whatever shape of effect they desire.
2d Panelling, Pattern: Triangular
2d Panelling, Pattern: Wave
Reference: Pottmann, A, Aspel, Hofer, M & Kilian, A (eds), 2007.: Surfaces that can be built from paper in Architectural Geometry, p534-561, Bentley Institute Press.
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2d Panelling, Pattern: Brick
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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN
3D Panel TEST Prototype & TEMPLATE
For my custom 2D panels I attempted an initial trial by playing around with the repetition of the shape of a basic triangle and created a visual effect within the alternativg sizes.
Rhino view of 3D panels before unrolling.
HereI used 3 different shapes in this design as well as breaking up the repeated squares with the circle shapes to create more of an interesting pattern.
To further experiment, I used many different shapes and lines to create the image of a flower to trial a more abstract and unusual panelling pattern compared to the basic shapes.
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To test my 3D panels, I chose to firstly unroll a simple section of three repeated irregular triangluar prisms (right) as I have never created a model before so I wanted to start with the most simple of sequences. I then attempted the other template (left) as it was a combination of a more complex house-like shape with the adjoining flat surfece. The prototypes folded very well on my first attempt. Re-constructing the template turned out to be less confusing that i pre-empted.
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WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION
EXPLORING 3d panelling
Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation? Digital Fabrication is defined as “a way of making that uses digital data to control a fabrication process�, simply meaning the process where technology is used to create structures or objects. This process is used highly frequenly by designers in the modern world, as it allows for more flexible, effective and faster ways of designing and constructing. Digital fabrication changes our conceptions of representing the two dimensional through presenting us with a new way to manipulate 2D surfaces and requiring us to learn the new language of the computer programs in order to communicate our designs to it. It allows us to have a different perception of creating surfaces.
Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design? Folding created 3D spaces out of 2D surfaces. It is so commonly seen in buildings because it adds a great deal more stability, strength and support for a surface than a plain flat surface can achieve. It also appeals to the eye and adds interest and depth to a surface, creating new shapes, spaces and holes where the recesses lie. Folds and bends can very easily be created and tested with the help of digital technologies that bring the designs to life, allowing for easy editing and digital visualisation.
Reference: Iwamoto, L 2009.: DIgital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques, Princeton Architectural Press.
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I aimed for my pattern to be focused around pyramids. I created the slanted pyramid (left) and the pyramid on a squared base (right) to add some variation. The house-like pyramid with the base was the most difficult shape to deal with as i had to create it out of two different shapes, so it was hard to make it unroll correctly as onw object. I kept the rough boundary of the 3D and the 2D on the diagonal to complement the triangle theme of the model which separated the panel into two large triangles. I also did this instead of random variations of 2D and 3D so as to keep some order and neatness.
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UNROLL TEMPLATE OF YOUR FINAL MODEL
Panelised landscape
This shows one third of the total unrolled model with added tabs and edited recesses. The template was mirrored so that the markings would not show up on the outside of the shapes.
Close up of model. Plan view of the model. The trransition from 2D to 3D in an angula way can be clearly seen. THe most difficult part of this process was the connecting of each strip of shapes together, as the undulating terrain base meant that each shape cohered at a slight angle, the pressure making it hard to adhere together.
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APPENDIX
My initial Rhino terrian and the points for my 2D and 3D grid. I chose for my 3D panel to dip lower in the middle to create visual variation and emphasis the dip in the terrain as well as create a smoother transition from 3D to 2D panels at this mid-point.
P1 modular system (ODESD2)
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Palmas - Concrete Origami Vases (Garibi Ilan) These images were my inspiration for the creation of my irregular and slanted pyramid shape eg. the apex is slanted toward one side. Sourced from Pinterest. From this task I learned how to use Rhino, which I haven’t encountered before. I also learned how to take a completely digital design and turn it into a physical structure.
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