Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE
Oliver McNamara (910844) Hannah Nihill
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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. The three elementary types of developable surfaces, or ruled surfaces are cones, cylinders and tangent surfaces of space curves. A cone and a cylinder can be imaged as simple geometries but the space curve is a more distinctive element found in architectural geometry that connects a number of points, forming the degree, to which a tangent line is drawn. Hence these three geometries are commonly known as developable surfaces due to their consistent tangents and parabolic surface points.
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. To really begin to unpack Architectural geometry and grapple with the elements that allow it to enable so many designers to create, it is relevant to use a source material. The “cloud canopy� located in Federation Square in Melbourne’s town center is a prime example of simple geometries patterned over a large surface. In order to achieve this effect though, the designer and firm associated would have needed to comprehend the mathematical possibilities of surface geometry, linking back to what is a developable surface. Working within these guidelines is necessary in order to create structures, or shelters in this case, that are structurally adequate and purposefully constructed. These guidelines allow for patterning effects, 3D extrusions and complex geometries to function within architectural forms in a complicated but regulated way.
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Cloud Canopy (Federation Square)
PANELLING 2D PATTERN
This is an example of the 2D paneling tool in Rhino here is a wavy triangulated pattern. The screen capture is taken from the top view to give a clear view of the pattern.
Another 2D paneling option, this is the preset box tight, which has been mapped over my undulated surface.
Finally the tribasic present setting explores the ease of patterning a rebuilt and contoured surface.
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Exploration of 2d pattern
Here are my custom experimentation with triangular divisions with the custom variable 2D pannel. Shapes get smaller as it follows a circular motion within each module.
This is the final choice of pattern, selected because of its simplicity useful when incorporating 3D panning. It allows for me to delete unused 3D panels above and still retain a 2D element within the surface that will allow me to experiment with transitioning and blending of the panel methods.
Another custom variable where I have used a circular extrusion for the centre, which would be interesting for netting the surface, use of negative and positive space.
Here is a complex array of patterning mainly useful for aesthetic purposes and not particularly practical or viable in production means due to its lack of structural links/connections.
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3D Panel TEST Prototype & TEMPLATE
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Here is a section of my netted pannelised landscape, all labeled by the colour coding which I correlated to the
A section of my model that was used as a prototype to ensure all fold and shapes match up and are consistent with the computer model.
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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) With the mordenisation of modeling and drawing technologies it gave way to an important change in the design landscape, in that one form of two dimensional representation gave way to another. There was a shift from hand ruled drawings to Computer Aided drawing methods. This in essence enabled the designer to really reshape the typical process of design flow and enable the compartmentalisation of design stages and the transition from inception to product to be achieved with greater ease as workflow was no longer a linear process. Digital Fabrication itself was born from the CAD programs and was the instigator for shift in design thinking that enabled architects to push boundaries of form and construction through their newfound workflow capabilities.
Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design? (Maximum 100 words) Folding in design and specifically architectural design has become a necessary part of the ideas process due to is cheap and easy means. To fold paper is a relatively cheap method that enables anyone to create a flat surface into a three dimensional one. It is a powerful technique for creating structures at the mode level and can map complex geometries on a small scale to allow the assessment of viability and usability. While it gives a quick and cheap model paper is also an aesthetic and appealing way to present conceptual information. An example of practical use comes about with the Harbor roof (Figure 1), which effectively translates beyond the model stage to create an architectural monument of great complexity and beauty. Which in turn makes use of folding techniques to allow for ease in construction and usability in terms of airflow within the structure.
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Yokohama International Port (Figure 1)
EXPLORING 3d panelling
These are the four modules I used, they have all been doubled due to once being the triangulated mesh and the other a NURB surface. The mesh would be used for the panneling to ensure no curves hence easier construction. Here I’ve converted my final panelised landscape into a rendered image, done through the change in viewing method in rhino. Through use of shading it creates a depth and realism, which the final model will translate as well as the varied and integrated transitions from 2D to 3D panels.
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UNROLL TEMPLATE OF YOUR FINAL MODEL
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This is an example of a netted panel, detailed in a lightgrey to help with construction and aesthetic finish.
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These are the netted pannels in full colour, done so I can easily relate them to the 3D model and improve my effiency in assembly.
Panelised landscape
The final panelised suface captured here in an isometric view, gives a clear view of the surface contours and variation
A close up of the panels, highlights the variation in module openings and the triangulation of individual modules.
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Progress reflection
These are some stage shows of my work on the modeling software Rhino. From the top left my progress follows my construction of a simple point grid on my surface, the key in fact to all 2D and 3D editing upon this surface. Bottom left is a rendered version of my final with the underside displayed as a lime green, lastly in the right hand side are two iterations of some netted panels one with number that correlate to edge on the 3D model the other is colour coded, red for cut and blue for fold.
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Development
Here is a top view of my completed surface, it is showing the wireframe which is helpful to distinguish edges and shapes. The red area in a selected unrolled surface which would be sent to the orgin plane and unrolled ready to print.
This is another point grid upon my surface, this time the points have been offset to create two grids this will allow my modules below to map to the second point to create shapes of different height
Above the unolded net on my cutting mat, and below that is a close up of my completed model highligting the triangulated forms and precision assembly
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