F o r m
F i n d i n g
Precedence Studies
Development
Development
Development
Polar Array around X-axis
This method was getting closer to what I was trying to achieve on grasshopper however the longitudinal divisions did not merge to two end points which does not reassemble the structure of the peanut shell and the surface was too curved to produce the straight joist and panel system.
Lofting across arches
By producing an arched profile with straight edges I could polar array the curve by 180 degrees to generate the longitudinal arches which merge to two end points. The points on these arches could then be joined to create the lateral arches. Using the radial waffle command I could match the divisions then
Parametric Mesh
generate 3D arches to laser cut.
Development
Peanut Shell Composite
Producing a Rhino model on Grasshopper I could alter the amount of U and V divisions which in turn generates more or less panels across the surface of the model. Using the waffle command I could create the longitudinal and lateral arches and using the unroll command I could generate the panels to fit the voids on a planar surface ready to laser cut.
Development
Beam Press
Thinking about how I would create 1:1 prototypes of the joists/beams and the panels I put together timber moulds for the composite to be poured into. The idea was to create joists with the top shoulders missing to allow the panel to sit on the groove. The panels would have been produced by pouring the composite material in between two flat surfaces and clamping them together and left to dry. The two components would have been fixed together using the biopolymer as an adhesive. In the end the moulds were not used as after further development much more modular and curved component was designed instead of this segregated system.
Board Press
Development
Starting to incorporate biomimetic research into the designs
Development
Set and divide curve
Mirror curve
Structural Rods
Originally I proposed a series of traditional box joist Generate bi-arc between points
structures with boards separately fixed to the top. This has now developed into rod like structures fused into the boards Rods fused with Membrane
which is much more adhering to the growth and form of the vascular bundles and fibrous tissue found in the peanut shell. I also suggested a thin membrane to be placed over the top, however this has developed into a much more
Polar array around X-axis
complex waxy, lattice structure, informed by the complex interconnected waxy fibril network found on the surface of the peanut shell
Complex Membrane - Weaverbird Mesh Generates mesh which can be Piped
Form & Component 1
Form & Component 2
Static rhino model
Voronoi Structure
My global from has develop from a static rhino model which effectively was two spheres joined together to a much more fluid, dynamic and parametric design. There are two main areas required, manufacturing and an educational space, but they do go hand in hand, so I still wanted to have two connected domes in the design. The pavilion provides shading from the sun throughout the day and the North side of the pavilion is much more open allowing diffused daylight in. There is a smaller opening on the south face to allow for passive ventilation through the space. With this model I have also started to explore voronoi structures.
Wind Direction - pavilion situated between trees providing filtered and cleaner air through the trees, in comparison to the dusty air which would be generated in an exposed location.
Pedestrian Movement - Observing the paths that have occurred naturally over time I can see the movement of people through the site which will help inform my designs.
Parametric grasshopper model
N
Development Education Space
Clinic
Production Line
The global form needed developing as currently it was only the sun path and wind direction that informed the design and is effectively a canopy with no little depth and meaning behind it. A significant concept about my project is the journey ‘from peanut to building’ and I wanted to express this in my pavilion. By designing a more circular route around the pavilion I can direct people through the education space, clinic and then along the manufacturing process where the peanut butter and bi-products are produced. I intend for the clinic space to be more open and for there to be access to the green space encapsulated by the pavilion.
|DIGITAL CRAFT BIO|DIGITAL CRAFT
Global Form Development
Semester 1
Development Global Form Develo
BIO|DIGITAL CRAFT ester 1 2017 - 18
18
Global Form Development
Semester 1 2017 - 18
Development Phase Sense of Journey With this model I was trying to create a sense of journey through the space designing a more circular approach and
Front Elevation
Top Plan
focusing on circulation. However this is very exposed with the high sun path at the site.
To create a more shaded and sheltered space I started to extend the canopy over. This provides more protection but
Side Elevation
Rear Elevation
the canopy would not be able to be supported as the composite material does
To generate more light in spaces that
not work well in tension.
may require it, the use of recycled plastic bottles filled with water and bleach could be used to diffuse sunlight by the refraction
In order to provide strength to the global
of light. This method is cost effective and
form I extended the arches all the way
readily available and is consistent with the
over to the ground. By pulling up specific
project as it continues to re-purpose waste
parts of the arches passive ventilation
materials.
through the space can be achieved and more diffused sunlight can enter the pavilion.
My composite material works well in
Sam Hayes|16034643
compression and can be moulded into most shapes so it was important to push the design and create this more fluid and freeform structure.
Sam Hayes|16034643
DS2
DS2
Form & Component 3
First Global Form
Second Global Form
Third Global Form
Above is an image displaying
Below is an image of the potential structural system
the notion of taking advantage
I could use to form the global shape. This has be
of the flexible composite
informed by the peanut biomimetic research, it
material and incorporating
consists of main structural arches with integrated
internal forms such as seating in
secondary lateral bracing. The membrane is ribbed
the education space. External
to increase its strength but also to direct rainwater,
seating could also be formed
optimising the surface run-off keeping the pavilion as
in the clinic area.
dry as possible.
Application of Biomimetics
Development
By using Anemone on Grasshopper this lines could be generated to replicate how water would run off the surface of the pavilion. This helped inform the positioning of the bifurcated arches. It also indicated where the water would start to run down the other side of the pavilion.
By using this information I could introduce a central spine running along the length of the pavilion. The bifurcated arches and ridge thicken and become deeper in areas where the span and height increases to provide more strength and support. The final step was to generate the corrugated/ribbed membrane to fuse with the support system. This was achieved by finding the edges of the surface and dividing the length by a module of ribbing to determine points on each edge curve. Then finding the isocurve midpoints on the surface from these edge curves. These allows you to define and loft the ribbed profile along the isocurves.
Component
Structural Spines Ribbed Membrane Bifurcated Arches Lateral Voronoi
The component is composed of a ribbed membrane with structural spines and bifurcated arches running along its length fused with a lateral voronoi structure between the arches.
Sketch Development Analysing the development stages of the peanut to inform the layout strategy and building sequence. Using this method, clusters of pods can be developed echoing the existing vernacular dwelling arrangements.
Sketch Development Shell Growth Strategy - Informed by the growth phases of peanut - Allows for 360’ access - Creates a communal point - Mimics the local circular clusters of dwellings built in Tinkele Adaptable spaces for growth and adjustments to be made Pods sunk to use the earth’s thermal benefits. Tanking, drainage and planting would be required to avoid flood and ground water ingress. Earth can be used to form seating.
Rain water collection and storage strategy can be implemented
Veranda
- Acts as wind tunnel for cooling - Provides maximum queuing space - Sheltered and cooler seating - Flows into green space
Focal Green Space
Pods raised to protect spaces from flooding. Earth can be built up to from seating.
- Promotes wellness and health benefits - Calming - Filter pollutants and dust - Improve air quality - Lowers temperature and provides shade - Reduces erosion - Play Space
Water Storage and Collection Strategy
Sketch Development
Design Influence
Locally
grown
peanuts
and
other
crops for the production of the Pinder composite material. Long grass and River Reeds locally sourced for the subframe structure.
Cotton and reeds are sourced locally which line the rivers. Reeds are woven and laid between the voids to bridge the gaps in the frame ready for the Pinder composite.
Mud structures have been used for thousands of years across Mali. I used the vernacular architecture to inform the process of design and technique.
The technique I have adopted and adapted is a earth block and mud plaster method. However to improve the quality and durability of the brick they can be hydrologically pressed and 4% cement added.
Growth The design I have developed can be utilised not only to provide a community hub with health services, education facilities and schooling but can be adapted to create clusters of housing. The strategy can be devised to connect the village to these facilities and improve transportation links. It can facilitate dynamic long-term plans to encourage future growth and development. Improving connections between buildings, social settings, and their surrounding environments.
Community Engagement
I have developed a building system and language that can be implemented by locals using locally sourced and sustainable materials. The strength of this system is that can be adapted to achieve different spacial requirements and can be achieved with limited equipment and on a low budget. The skills required to construct these pods can be easily taught and executed. When the locals have learnt the procedure from the community hub they can implement the same skills to develop their dwellings.
Design Strategy
Design Strategy
Physical For m Finding
Stacking
Prototyping
The purpose of creating this membrane is to provide an outer layer for the pavilion to provide shading and protection from the elements. This experiment dried, crumbled and cracked as a consequence of not heating the bio-polymer all the way through and quantity used could have been increased.
The purpose of these tests were to explore a ribbed structure to increase the strength of the material. I tried creating the ribbed membrane using two methods. The first was corrugated card however the weight of the composite was too great to hold its shape and the material split. I replaced the card with timber slats which was much more successful.
The grass bundling experiment w as the most successful. The purpose of this exercise was to use another means of creating t he structure without a mould and use something that is readily available to the locals in Mali. The composite was able to form around the bundle and cured into a very strong tube that works very well in compression. The grass could be simply pulled out to leave a hollow tube.
Prototyping
CNC Machine Cut - 500 x 600mm
Roof Structure & System
Composite Peanut Material
Cotton Weave Using river reeds as grass bundle replacements, I developed a building system which creates openings in the roof canopy to allow for heat to escape and diffused light enter. As
Lateral Connections
well as providing a passive ventilation system, the peaks and troughs filter rainwater into valleys and prevents it running into the apertures.
Intermediate Connections
Building Technique Grass bundles/reeds are tied and fixed in long arches. Lateral bracing connections are then made, followed by intermediate connections, providing the openings. Cotton weave will then be applied. Wet peanut shell composite ‘Pinder’, will then be applied
Longitudinal Connections
starting from the bottom, working up to the apex. The structure will then be left to dry in the sun.
Fixed into Earth Blocks
Prototype | 1:2
Longitudinal Connections Lateral Connections Intermediate Connections Reeds Composite Peanut Material