Ong Yeok Ho
603404
Virtual Environments ENVS 10008 2013 Semester 1 Module 1 – Ideation
Pattern in Nature
Floor Cracks The pattern I chose is pattern of floor cracks. Each crack has irregular shapes and sizes. However, when they are seen together, there is a form of repetitive pattern. It is interesting how there is a form of movement in this pattern which makes it look dynamic. Floor Cracks
Pattern in Nature Analytical Drawings
Stage 1
Recipe
Stage 2 – Movement
Stage 3
Emerging Form Model based on 3D Extrusion of Pattern
This is the model of how the lines of the cracks are being extruded out, forming a 3D shape with depth. For the extrusion, I used strips of papers and fold accordings to the lines and shapes of the cracks. All the strips are then connected and thus, forms the entire pattern.
Emerging Form Model based on a base form
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The basic form of the pattern is a Y shape. I then made use of the 4 commands that was taught in lecture. Copy: Made copies of the "Y" shape Move: After that, they were moved and place at each end Rotate: They were rotated to different directions and angles. Scale: The shapes were scaled into smaller sizes for smaller cracks to achieve different heights.
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Emerging Form Using Rhino 3D model using extrusion
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Emerging Form Using Rhino 3D model using a base from
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Precedents
The Watercube, Beijing, China
The Water Cube
The Water Cube is a famous architectural structure worldwide. Its design is associated with water, that is the aggregation of soap bubbles. The bubbles are repeated throughout the whole facade of the building and despite the random arrangement, they are actually arranged in such a way that they are geometry found in crystals, cells and molecular structure. I find this design interesting as the arrangement of the bubbles may look random, but there are logical explanations behind it. Its repeated pattern is also similar to what we learnt about patterns and I could use it for my inspiration.
Daqing Highway Passenger Transportation Hub, Daqing, Heilongqiang, China
Daqing Hghway Passenger Transportation Hub
The design of the building's facade forms a branch like pattern with steel structure. Each branch will then branch out into more branches. What I find interesting in this building is how the pattern expresses a kind of movement in the entire building. The way the branches are placed gives the whole facade a dynamic energy and movement. The edges of the building which are curved also helps in emphasizing the dynamism of the building and that it does not look to static and rigid.
Development of Sketch Model
Floor cracks happen when there is destruction on the floor
All the cracks have different shapes and sizes
Crumpled paper is a representation of destruction
Floor crack is a form of destruction of the floor. Hence, drawing my concept from destruction, I further develop my model and how I want my lantern to be. I want something that represents destruction. The pattern of floor cracks are random and sizes of each size of the cracks is different too. Together, they form a destructive pattern. The overall form of my pattern would be a form of an individual crack. The irregular sides give the form a sense of destruction. I explored the different shapes of it and its relationship with how the hand will hold the lantern. I want the focus to be on the lantern and its effect, hence, the hand will just hold the lantern normally so as not to disrupt the attention from the lantern. I then made the decision to have a form where both the hands will hold the lantern at the sides. I also explored with the effect of crumpled paper as I thought it gives a perfect example of destruction. It is interesting that how the pattern on the crumpled paper is random with uneven surfaces. Most importantly, the destruction is well represented here. Inspired from it, the surfaces of the lantern will be uneven.
Development of Sketch Model
Process of destruction represented by a line.
Process of destruction starts from something which is not damaged and in a good condition. This is represented by the straight line above. Destruction happens when something is damaged. Damages are usually spontaneous and without any random order.
Initial form of the lantern which looks too organized and well planned.
Drawing inspiration from the process of destruction, I started exploring with the different forms that could represent this process. Initially, I wanted to have a shape of a single crack. However, I feel that it does not look aesthetically pleasing and also looks a little too organised and well-planned. Hence, it is not a strong representation of destruction. I finally decided on a form where its shape start from a geometrical rectangular shape which then becomes random and messy, as if the lantern is damaged, at the bottom. The juxtaposition of form at the top and the bottom of the lantern gives a strong emphasis on the process of destruction. The lantern will also be held by the hand as shown by the picture on the left. I do not intend to explore with other ways of holding as I want the focus to be on the lantern alone and by holding it normally, the hand will not disrupt the lighting effect that falls on the lantern.
Final form of the lantern where the top is a rectangular shape and the bottom has uneven surfaces. How the lantern will be held by the hand
Development of Sketch Model – Exploration of Lighting Effects
Miss Marple's lamo
Lighting effect from cut light
I also draw inspiration from Miss Marple's lamp. The folds and uneven surfaces on the lamp shows the effect that I want from my lantern. The concept of destruction can also be seen clearly here where the lamp looks destructive and yet, the lighting effect is shown beautifully. I explored and tested with the different kind of lighting effects that could possibly happen on the lantern. I then decided on having cut light that passes through the lantern to emphasise on the lines of the cracks. The lines and the gaps of the crack is crucial too. If the lines are too thick, the cracks will look too static and well-planned. Thinner lines will be more spontaneous and there will be more movement on the pattern. Thicker lines will also allow too much light to pass through and they will look less like lines and more like shapes instead.
Cracks of different thickness. Thinner lines will express the the cracks better.
Development of Sketch Model – Sketch Model using Clay
Overall form of the sketch model using plasticine
Overall form with pattern scale of 1:1.