Natural Forms Research

Bonsai Tree

In general, I think trees are one of the most popular aspects of nature as they can be found almost everywhere in the world. Shown on this page are bonsai trees, a smaller type of tree that people would grow inside their houses rather than outside like most. I quite like the form of the tree trunk as it bends more naturally than most trees. This aspect of the bonsai tree has helped me develop inspiration.

Using the outline of the two bonsai tree images, I was able to create multiple organic form shapes showcased below.

Instead of having the tree hold up leaves, It could be holding up platforms / rooms thatpeople could climb to.

On the left is a wire model I based on the bonsai tree image found on this page. The model has helped me understand tree formation much more. We can see how all these tree branches stem off the tree's primary trunk which I believe can be used as inspiration for many more developed ideas. I wrapped up the wired model in tape in order for the form to better represent a tree.

The flower branch shown to the right interests me due to the positioni ng of the flower petals and how the stem connects all the different flower petals with one another. This connecti on helps combine multiple elements with one another which I attempte d to simplify in my sketches shown in the right. The simple drawings can be used as inspiratio for

Flowers

I believe flowers are another integral part of nature and can be considered one of the more beautiful aspects of it. These primary photos taken of a flower branchwere used mainlyfor its form.

I tried using the flowers as different park equipment. On the left is a flower inspired lamp whichI think could be an interesting additionto my park renovation. Below is my attempt small bench that has similar branch. The only issue with this the very thin branch that holds the bench together. This section as shelter for rain and was simplified complex flower form itoriginally

With these sketches, focused more on the flower due to the multiple layers of petals flower. These layers helped me create a seating area design that would have multiple platforms. The centre could potentially be well or just a seat as shown in the sketches above. This would be a very easy design to implement into the park considering how simplistic it is.

Here I tried making a more complex seating area that derives from two flowers instead of just one like the previous idea. I was able to produce multiple designs with the same layering aspect that the flower and previous seating area contained

The ideas created from Topograp hic maps serve mainly as the basic formation of my park. I would develop these ideas later on as they help give a general idea on what an organic space could look like. The amount of contour lines inside one shape is a factor that I can also easil y manipulat e and change which produces varying designs.

TopographicMaps

Topographic maps detail the topography(the forms and features ofland surfaces) of a givenarea. Idecided to take inspiration from the contour lines showninTopographic maps.

Contour lines create very fluid shapes that serves as amazing inspiration for organic forms. The lack of corners in contour lines and topographic maps helps give a sense of nature. This is because the lines don't seem purposefully placed but more random and rhythmic. I decided to use these as basic inspiration for the layout of my park as well as seating spaces. Having the different shapes inside one another creates depthand Iused this to make the organic seating space designs showcased on the left, fitting perfectly with my theme of organic nature.

This SketchUp model helped me better understand how a simplified design based on contour lines would look in 3D. This model could easily be used as a sort of seating area or a place like a garden bed.

Above is a slightly more advanced sketch up model inspired by topographic maps. There is a very organic feel to its shape which gives off an interesting view from a birds eye view which mimics contour lines.

The picture portrayed to the right has a lot of different layers with certain mountains being closer than others. Through this, I have drawn sketches based on the varying layers there is with mountains.

Mountains

Mountains have very complex shapes and silhouettes. I used inspiration from this and simplified their very intricate outline into a more curved and basic shape.

I was able to develop the sketches into some potential playground equipment / decoration. I quite like the idea of having different shaped walls scattered across the park as it would make the space seem more dynamic and less repetitive.

The sketch up model being presented below is just a potential playground equipment design. This one in particular has inspiration from the image shown on the right where different mountains peak up from the flat snowysurface.

With these sketches I focused more on the mountain’s pointy tops which I felt could be simplified to triangular shapes. This produced a broad range of ideas which I feel could potentiallybe used on a wall as a climbing wall or just decoration. On the other hand, it does notwork as well placed onground as it acts as a potential hazard with the pointed tips of the triangular shapes.