Digital Design - Module 02 Semester 1, 2019 Sharon Zhou
996349 Kammy Leung & CL Fok + 24
Critical Reading: Kolerevic B. 2003. Architecture in the Digital Age
Kolerevic described three fundamental types of fabrication techniques in the reading. Outline the three techniques and discuss the potential of Computer Numeric Controlled fabrication with parametric modelling. (150 words max)
The three fundemental types of fabrication techniques consist of subtractive, additive, and formative. Subtractive fabrication “involves the removal of a specified volume of material from solids”. This can be done through a variety of ways, including electrical, chemical and mechanical means. Meanwhile, additive fabrication consists of layering materials incrementally to create 3D geometrics. Both types of fabrication involve the “slicing” technique, while one is to remove, the other is to add. Lastly, formative fabrication can reshape materials through mechanical forces (such as heat) into the desired form/shape. Computer Numeric Controlled Fabrication (CNC) is a mechnically built process where “pre-programmed comp0uter software dictates the movement of factory tools and machinery”. This gives a wider variety of possibilities in producing not just highly complexed geometrics but also faster production rate.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Surface Creation
The initial goal was to expierment the possibilities of different combinations that could form a relationship between the two surfaces. I wanted the two surfaces to complement each other in a way that created a aesthetic flow. Somewhat the same yet slightly different. I was slightly worried that my waffle would not stand if the bottom edges were closer together than the top, so instead, I twisted them in a way that the top and bottom mirrors each other.
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Surface 01: The two surfaces wrap around one another to create a vortex-like affect. Similarly the top and bottom shape are almost mirrored but slightly different.
Surface 02: The surfaces are very wide and rigid. The difference in distances of the spaces between the surfaces do not have a large range. Overall a very simple and straight-foward look.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Surface Creation
Surface 03: This combination has a sense of enclosure, from having a large amount of space that slowly closes towards the top. The two surfaces touch at an angle but opens outwards, not fully closing up to allow natural light and air.
Surface 04: The edges are very dynamic but this is not physically possible to build. The goal that created this pair of surfaces was to explore the boundaries of this exercise.
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Isometric View
The integration between flat and extruding surfaces can be seen by the two panels as each panel is reflected in a sort of way to celebrate the concept of interchange. Pyrimids are extruded diagonally on each side to form dynamic flow.
The waffle shape is overally rectangular, however the way it twists upwards in a vortex-like structure allow the two panels to hug each other, complementing every angle that it is curved in. The constructed swirl mirrors the bottom and top panels, similarly but not completely to show balance and symmetry.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Laser Cutting
This shows the final step of making my model. I laid down the necessary components to create my waffle and panels. Black lines indicated cut while the red lines indicated etching. I flipped my unrolled panels so when I fold them the upside would not have etched lines. Some panels are etched on the outer layers so they did not require taping once the laser cut is done while the others did. I was experimenting with how convenient this would be. It eliminated the chances of the tape ruining the surface material however, it was time consuming to manually cut the mountboard.
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Matrix and Possibilities
Lofts
1.1
1.2
1.3
{-0.5,60,150}
{-0.2,80,150}
{45,20,150}
{-0.5,135,0}
Grid Points
{15,-0.1,150} {105,0,150}
Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z) Attractor / Control Curves
{150,150,150}
{150,95,150}
{149,60,150}
{0,0,0}
{0.2,120,150}
{150,140,150}
{14,0.129,150}
Key
1.4 {0,60,150}
{104,150,150}
{0.2,-0.1,135} {150,15,150}
{-0.2,125,0} {-0.2,80,0}
{149,150,15}
{150,150,15}
{150,150,0}
{0,0,0}
{135,150,0}
{150,95,0}
{149,60,0} {149,0.1,0}
{150,-0.1,30}
{150,0,0}
{150,20,0}
Paneling Grid & Attractor Point Paneling
{Index Selection}
{Index Selection}
{Index Selection}
{Index Selection}
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
{Attractor Point Location}
{Attractor Point Location}
{Attractor Point Location}
{Index Selection}
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
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{150,60,0}
Task A Matrix The matrix lays out the coordinations and technical values taken to create the iterations. However, I had technical trouble with my point grid/attractors, making them ot very reliable. I also realized after looking at some of the coordinates that certain lofts are not physically possible to stand. Hence, for the exploration of the panels, I used my chosen loft to see what it would the panels would look like executed on the final loft.
SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Exploded Isometric
The second surface has the heavier panels at the top. The two sets of panels are similar yet different, creating a natural diagonal flow that reinforces the concept of reflecting spaces and interchange. This can be interpreted as mirroring or having a vortex-like flow.
Panels at the bottom are heavy and extrusive, protruding outwards to hold ground and stability as well as maintaining the diagonal flow of the complementing loft. The top panels are light and airy, with a variety of subtle but not completely flat surfaces.
The waffle is constructed by intersecting slabs of ivory card to create a stable and supporting structure for the panels. Slabs are layered vertically and intersected horizontally to create a skeleton-like form.
Exploded Isometric 0
10
20
50
9
100
Perspective 01
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Photography of Model
I was prodominantly focused on the geometry and its ability to create aesthetic circulation along the forms’ surfaces. Sharp shadows can be created by the more vigorous shapes (which can be seen in perspective 2). The waffle structure acts as a good skeleton for highrised buildings and high-ceiling atriums. This structure would be the most functional if it was a large-scale structure, where individuals are either able to take shade under the extruding geometries or sit on them. There is flexibility in the functions that this design can provide.
Perspective 02
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Visual Scripting of Parametric Model
The goal was to derive a physical series of different combinations within a cube which then, is subtracted from one another using “BooleanSplit” or “BooleanDifference” from Rhino. The visual script on the left shows the technical process taken to create the results on the right image. The number sliders each affect the magnitude of the spheres protruding out of the cube. The Boolean differences can be seen all somewhat similar, however, the final generated cube (30x30) can all look very different, as they are placed anywhere within the space before getting subtracted from the boolean geometric.
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SOLID AND VOID Surface Creation
Solid 01: The spheres were deducted using a 3-grid plane, varying in size that was generated by the numerical slider. The openings are a lot more random, subtracting from different angles and directions.
Solid 02: This shape gives off a decaying effect, where the biggest boolean difference is used at the edge, slowly becoming smaller. This solid is relatively more orderly and less spontaneous.
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SOLID AND VOID Isometric view
The selected Boolean Difference is chosen for its shape and varying openings created by the different sized spheres. This would give me more options to create a wider range of desired spatial qualities.
View 01 (NOT TO SCALE)
View 02 (NOT TO SCALE)
Boolean Difference Isometric 0
10
20
50
100
View 03 (NOT TO SCALE)
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The large amount of openings allow light to flow through as well as more chances of different spaces created.
Matrix & Possibilities Grid Manipulation
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
Key {0,0,0}
Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z) Attractor / Control Curves Grid Points
Sphere Distribution Boolean Difference
{Point Attractor}
{Point Attractor}
{Point Attractor}
{Point Attractor}
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
{Boolean Geometry}
{Boolean Geometry}
{Boolean Geometry}
{Boolean Geometry}
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Task B Matrix For this task, point attractors are explored once again to manipulate the grid points within the cube that facilitates the spheres. Numerical factors also partook to determine the size and placement of the spheres within the grid points. Boolean geometry is explored, I based mine on spheres. The final spaces created had to contain the functionality of a study area, hence this had to be taken into consideration when constructing the geometries.
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SOLID AND VOID Isometric View
Isometrics for the 50x50x50 study area were explored at all angles. This piece divides up multiple spaces for individuals to quietly study among themselves, or converse with each other over the openings. The walls concave to further create an enclosed space.
View 01 0
1
2
5
4
3
10
View 02 0
1
2
3
4
5
10
3
4
5
10
Isometric of Study Space 0
1
2
3
4
5
10
View 03 0
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1
2
Solid 01: A structure created to separate interaction and create multiple spaces that accentuate the concept of privacy. The shape mimics that of a tree-trunk.
Solid 02: Space that uses the “in-between” concept where private and public spaces are integrated together to allow individuals to choose the functionality of the area that they inhabit in.
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Solid 03: The relatively more confined space where individuals are able to interact and converse under shelter. The space has enclosed walls with low openings to allow others to enter from multiple directions. This could almost be a study “room” outdoors.
SOLID AND VOID
Photography of Model
Solid 02: This geometric was chosen as it consisted of both public and private spacial elements. While the structure enabled individuals to keep to themselves it also had thresholds that allowed them to connect with others in a separate space if desired. This structure therefore becomes very flexible in terms of how the user wishes to make the space. As can be seen, the circular openings allow interaction between people but this is not necessary if unneeded. The circular shape provides a sense of security and enforces the concept of privacy, caving inwards towards the top and providing the dweller with some sort of privacy. The circular slots allow light to enter from all directions, this can contribute to a study space outdoors as it provides shade as well as natural light.
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Appendix
Process
This page consists of the digital process that was undertaken to complete Task A. Screenshots are taken from Rhino and Grasshopper to show the exploration of different surfaces and panels.
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Appendix Process
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Appendix
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Appendix
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