DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2016 Sleeping Pod
Shengran Zheng (710821) Lyle + Group Number
1
2
1.0 Ideation
System and Personal Space
2.0 Design
Poetry, Amenity and Technology
3.0 Fabrication
Digital Fabrication
4.0 Reflection
Film and Process
3
4
Digital Design and Fabriction
MODULE1 Ideation Measured Drawings System Analysis Personal Space Sketch Design
5
Measured Drawing Rhino Model By modeling the real object in rhino, the structure and elements of umbrella became more clear and understandable. The 3D model has shown a clear composition of skin and bone structure of umbrella and how the mechanics of umbrella works.
Measuring Methodology The umbrella was photographed on the flat table. Trace the photos with tracing paper. Measured the real object and the drawing. Calculate the scale using the measuring results
6
System Analysis Skin and Bone Discovering the system of umbrella, I was interested by the skin and bone system. The thin and light steel skeleton (bone) support and stretch the flexible fabric (skin) above creating an interesting system of umbrella.
Mechanics Another thing that interests me is the mechanics lies in the system. The compression and tension changes in the process of openig and closing. The force is tranformed through the bone system and stretch the skin out.
7
8
Volume Precedent I was inspired by the “Water Cube“, Beijin Olympic Stadium. It is a typical skin and bone system. It is consists of steel frame and bubbled skin.
Model I used wood sticks to create a structure with simple geometric forms like triangle and quadrangle. For the skin, instead of covering the bones with skin, I put the skin inside and try to push the membrane out of the structure in order to a sense of bubble.
9
Personal Space and Comfort
“Personal space refers to an invisible boundaries surrounding a person’s body into which intruders may not come.� (Sommer,1969)
In the personal space map, the pink zone represent the saft zone for friends and the outter zon represent for strangers. The sketch design is based on the personal space map. People intend to keep distance with the outside world with they are sleeping or relaxing . Personal space is not necessarily spherical, nor does it expand equally in all direction. For example, the saft distance in the front is larger than the back. People are able to tolerant closer presence of a stranger at their side than directly in the front.(Sommer, 1969) Personal space map
10
At the same time , creating a comfortable space for sleeping and resting is also considered in my design. Based on the concept of privacy and comfrort, I have designed three sketch design for sleeping pod.
Sketch Design
The Third design focused on the head and neck part , in order to support the neck and head while sleeping. Also the cover of the eyes can provide a dark environment for people who sleep and rest. Create a environment for person who want to sleep is important.
Imitate the close and open of an umbrella to generate three different shapes of triangles . When people want to sleep, they can get down on the table and sleep comfortablely without being disturbed by people around you because you are isolated by the ‘bubble‘ Also bubble gives people a sense of safe
comfort.
and 11
Reflection:
As the beginning of the whole project, this “Observation is a necessary part of creati tem, composition, material and mechanic familiar with the objects and system. And p
Rhino is a good tool to capture the design Rhino for 3D modeling is understanding the solid and volume. (Cheng, 2008)
Inspired by “personal space� (Sommer, 19 sleeping and resting. I have also observed structure can support people while sleepin It is module of preparation before designin
At Module 1 stage, I realised that my idea generate the best one. The first will never b
12
s module provide an inspiring start. ion.“(Heath, 2000)I start with measuring object for analysis. Break down and unfolded the object to observe its syscs. Then trace the photo and measuring the real object for scale.I found after doning these observation, I am more provides great helps for my sketch deign.
n idea. The basic principle is element of drawing, point, line, surface and solid (volume). The principle of how to use e mathematical expression of how point transform to lines, lines create surface and how lines and surface extrude to
969), I designed sketch designs to protect people’s privacy and provide comfortable environment for people who is d some possible sleeping positions at university, in order to generate the most comfortable position and find out what ng and how they do it. ng the project. How to analyze and observe an object to get inspiration is imperative before designing.
a is constraint to “bubbles“. Is “bubble“ the best idea? Before making the decision, maybe try more sketch design will be the best.
13
14
Digital Design and Fabriction
MODULE2 Design
Group member: Teal Breez Marshall, Althea De Las Alas
Design Proposal Design Development Prototype Test Effect
15
16
Development introduction: In this module, we start to work in groups. In the process, we all have many interesting ideas of the project. After research and discussion, we have generated the concept elements. In this module, we have came up with two proposal design and develop further by studying the precedent.
Concepts recalled from Module 1 designs: - artistic attractive bone structures that are not only structural but aesthetic. - reversal of the skin-and-bone- system - skin that support the neck and head - backpack frame that is wearable and easy to carry with -
17
2nd Skin proposed design V.1 The first proposed design is aimed to created a back pack frame to support head and neck when user is sleeping.
Feature: Back frame easy, wearable Streamlined Curves Bamboo: sustainable, natural Black material: soft, elastic, supportive, comfortable.
18
2nd Skin proposed design V.2 Module 1 has introdued the personal space. The improvement of the sketch design is based on the personal space map. People intend to keep distance with the outside world with they are sleeping or relaxing . The saft distance in the front is larger than the back. When people are sleeping, they intend to open their mouth, which is quite embarrass for people to see. Instead of covering the whole face which will make people isolated from the outside, we choose to cover half of the face. It is the frame work of the design and skin will be developed in further development.
19
20
Precedent Research
Winde Riestra’s 11:11 Collection
Winde Riestra’s 11:11 collection includes garments made out of a wooden frame with thread strung tightly between it. The thread weaves in and out of the wooden frame continuously, creating the appearance of a web. The thread is not parallel to each other in all areas; they sometimes converge toward a point so as to appear denser in those areas.
21
WEAVING / TENSION / CONDENSE / VISIBILITY / INTERSECTING
The string that parallels the “skin� component weaves in and out of the wood to be under tension.
As the string intersect and crossover each other to join to the wood, the area where they overlap become dense.
As more string is added, the lines can appear close enough to form the illusion of a solid plane. Lines become planes.
22
The string intersect between each other, and goes through the bone instead of covering it.
How to apply the string system to our design: Poerty:
On the aethetic aspect, the wave created by the string system designed as the skin to connect the frame. The pattern of the string can create a dramatic look. Also the density of string system could be tested and developed to create fluity and dynamic envelop of the frame.
Amenityďźš
When in tension, the “skin� component of our design can be used as a support for the head when sleeping, and also to hold the structure of the pod itself. The skin can be made to be extremely thin, becoming a discreet and almost invisible barrier between the wearer and other people. The string also could be elastic which can provide a flexible and comfort suppot for the neck and head. In the further development, we will test the limit of the material and system.
23
Rhino Model of the development version 1
24
Sketch development
2nd Skin design development V.1 Further development with precedent study Non continuous skin Different scales Varying patterns Skin moving from inside to outside
25
Rhino model deveopment Application of pannelling tool Using loft to create dynamic surface and add grid onto the surface. Create ribs out of grids and adding string system skin
26
2nd Skin design development V.2 The asymmetrical structure make the design dynamic and intersting. The frame also create personal space when people are sleeping and give people the feeling of safe. The strings as skin provide surface for people to lean on. However we realised that the high density of frame in waffle grid has hided the waves and pattern of strings. We have lost our main idea in this design. When designning, It is important to know when an idea is not working.
27
Twist the plane, we get some different effect.
28
Test Effect We made many small models to test how the string works and how the strings connect together influences what kind of surface they create. It is improtant to do some prototypes before making the final model. Although Rhino is really helpful for design, it is still not the reality. By handcraft, we can know how to manage it in a touchable way and more directly.
29
30
Prototype Using laser cutter cut the frame and using strings to connect the holes to create the skin. Build the structure with materials cut from MDF board. However some connections are really weak and fragile, which we will develop further in the next module. Using different patterns of connecting to create the curveing surface with strings.
31
Relection:
In this module, we have desig a system with rigid frame and effect. By making prototype, sign. At the beginning, it is difficult cate by drawings and graphi Sometimes, having too much choose. How to evaluate idea this module. Through keeping Also through this module, the complex structures like waffle digitally�(Scheurer and Stehlin drawing. They have opportun
32
gned a the sleeping pod using rhino. By studying the precedent, we gnerate d strings as skin. At the end of this module, we made the prototype to test the we explore the string patterns and know where to improve in the final de-
to communicate ideas with peer in words. So it is important to communiic as a designer. h ideas at the same time has trouble. It is hard to decide which one to as and tell which one is feasible and which one is not, is the lesson I learnt in g evaluating and critising, we can generate the best idea from many ideas. importance of digital tool when generating idea is greatly shown. Some e grids are hard to handle manually. “Complex shape can only be handled ng,2011) With the help of digital tools, architects will not be limited be hand nities and possibilities to explore more crazy form.
33
34
Digital Design and Fabriction
MODULE3 Fabrication
Group member: Teal Breez Marshall, Althea De Las Alas
Design Development Fabrication of prototype Final Prototype development Optimisation Final Digital Model Fabrication Sequence Assembly Drawings Completed final model
35
Introduction of Fabrication Our group finished Module 2 with a clear understanding of a skin and bone system and had challenged its conventions using precedent designs and manipulating the idea of volumes and how they are created. Our design was simple, yet in its simplicity it allowed for a delicate beauty to be revealed. The thin twisting bone system merely existed to support a complex ‘weave’ of strings that would create a voluminous space that offered protection, privacy, support and security. Feedback and our ever growing understanding our model and how we progress is illustrated in subsequent pages.
36
37
Design Development and Fabrication Prototype V2.
Previous version of design
In the new design development We have improved following aspect -A greater density of string -All planer bone system -All right angle connection points -The potential of flat packing our model -Being able to lean against a wall
38
Develop version of design
Prototype of connection
In preparation of a full fabrication of our design a connection system had to be devised and tested. The logical notch system was chosen for its simplicity. Mastery of the layers in RHINO was crucial when creating the notches as a view port quickly becomes crowed and confusing.
39
Design Development and Fabrication Prototype V3. (improvement)
In this stage, we have modified the previous frame into a new one. Fitstly, in this new version, the backpack element is remained.as a funcion which allows people to carry with and allows user to sleep wherever they want. Secondly, we want to provide more personal space in the new version by creating a volumnic structure. Thirdly, the curve coming out at the right and back are the supporting structures to provide supporting point that user can lean on the structure supported by the wall. At last, for aesthic purpose, the structure is designed to be asymmetrical. The structure on the top is three extending curve that create a elegant and unique outlook.
40
Perspective
41
Front
The rhino model has shown the front, right and perspective view of the de As the frame structure of the skin-and-bone system, the new vesion of the signed to be volumetric and suppotive. Also the new design remained th elements from the oled version. The skin is still made of strings to creative supportive surface for people to right and the back.
42
esign. e bone structure is dehe curve and dynamic
o lean on both on the Right
43
ORIGINAL DESIGN:
REVISED DESIGN:
Prototype optimisation From the initial concept (the new revised model) many geometries had to be altered so that it could actually be fabricated. Making sure the bones connected properly was the greatest challenge and involved extensive redrawing of the model. All the points of the bones also had to smoothed and the longitudinal bone were altered to make them more structurally sound.
Creation of connection points and fabrication template: Bolt connections were cut using Boolean difference, cutting both elements at once to ensure accuracy. Notches were all cut at once using Boolean difference to ensure a flush tight connection. The bones were too large to be cut as a singular piece and so were segmented to fit onto the 900mmx600mm boards.
44
First Print Prototype optimisation After the completion of the model a detailed diagram was constructed to illustrate and take note of all required alterations.
A large amount of glue was used to stabilise the model. Every effort will be made in the final model to not use any glue.
The connection points were changed so that materiality was consistent throughout and connections would be flush, seamless and thus inconspicuous. These were created using Boolean difference and their dimensions were dictated by the materials thickness.
Further work was done to make the waffle grind as smooth and strong as possible. The weaving hole configuration was changed to add complexity and variation affordances in the weave’s pattern.
45
Final Digital Model The final design is a complete version of the skin-and-bone sytem which includes the rigid structure as bone and strings system as skin to protect user while sleeping and support user’s neck and head. The strings connect the bones and create curve and intersected surfaces and volumes which worked as a skin system. We choose perspex as the material of bones for fabrication. The clear and transparent feature of perspex can provide a dramatic appearance. The black strings system will be highlight and stand out from the transparent structure.
Perspective
46
The process of designing the string system The string sytem is complex and crucial of the whole design. It is followed a certain pattern and form to provide support for user’s head and neck and protection in the front. For modeling of string system, we use some basic curve function in Gasshopper.
Firstly we ceate curves on the structure and divided the curve into points with same distance between each other Secondly, we add lines function to create straight lines between each points In order to text the wave and string pattern, we add number slider bar on the points to test the shape fromed by different amounts of strings. And gerenate the best shape and most comfortable surface to lean on.
47
Half finished model. Frame work compelete 48
Fabrication Sequence The fabrication and construction process of the final design: Frame work The frame was cut in pieces with laser cutters in fabrication lab. Starting with assembly of the frame, we begin to connect the join of the big pieces. In order to make the connection invisble, the connection between each big pieces was two small cuboid elements made of perspex. The two cuboid joints need to be filled into the holes and then conceal the joints and frame with hot glue.
IN the process of filling the holes will joints, some problem had shown unexpectedly. Some of the hole are smaller than joints due to some fault during fabrication of the pieces, so the joints can’t be filled in. We started to sand the holes by hand.
After compeleting the frame, we started to finished the complex string system. We use needles and strings to sew into the each holes. Follow the rhino model, the intersect of two surface should be dealed carefully. Each line should be overlaped accuratly. Also the strings we used is made of elastic material. We should tighten the string while we connect them in orther to provide support for user’s head and neck.
49
Assembly Drawing
A
B
A
+
+
B
1
2
C
+ 3
D
E
+
+
4
5
C
1
2
3
=
=
= B2
=
= A1
D
4
C3
E
5 H F G H
50
x 14
x2
D4
E5
C3 B2
E5 E5
A1 D4 D4
F
G
51
Complete Final Model
The final model was made of perspex and black elastic effect. The crystal frame give audience a sense of ligh strings create the dynamic volume and wave patterns
The photos on the right shows how the strings support u strings in the front will create a protection. Covering by not be seen directly by people around, which provide ing.
52
c strings, which create artistic ht weight and clear look. The s.
user’s neck and head. The y the strings, users’face will e a personal space for sleep-
53
54
Relection: In this module, we have learned how to fabricated our ideas into real physical model. The connection and material is realy imperative I this module. Also the time managment is crucial for fabrication. Keep time in control is the basic skills that a designer should have. At the beginning of this module, we made big changes on the form of frame. It is pretty risky to make big changes at this stage, because the time was limited. However, in order to improve the outlook of design, we decided to take the risk. In final model, we have changed a open space into a enclosed one in order to provide a privacy space for sleeping and create a more structure with more volume and elegant curves. Also the new form can be lean against on the wall, which enriched its functionality. And then we start to print a draft print in order to check the connections before making the final model. There are a lot of problems that exposed making the first full size prototype. The connections are inaccurate, using hot glue gun to glue the connection result in a dirty outlook of the connection, the material is weak and brittle, the size is to small to fit any one... I am glad to see the problem exposed before final print, which gives a time to modify. After solving the problems exposed in the draft protoptype. We move on the final print. In this print, we decide to use perspex instead of MDF broad, because perspex has a more dramatic effect on the model. What we did not expect is the fragile of perpex cause a lot of trouble in the making process. It is too weak to take on the force of the strings, which causes several time of cracking. We use some small pieces of perspex to reinforce the frame. What we learned from that is , it is really important to be familiar with the property of the material and using an unfamiliar material is risky. Also the density of string system did not reached out expectation. As a result, we redo our model in the next module using a stronger material and modify the string system into a denser level. Although there are a lot of 'unexpectations' in the process, the fabrication process is effcient and ready for me to assemble. The digital process afford a seamless connection between design and making. That is excatly the story of this module. The transition from a digital file to a physical model was incrediblely "fluid".(Iwamato, 2009)
55
56
Digital Design and Fabriction
MODULE4 Reflection Shengran Zheng
57
By the end of module 3, due to the weakness of perspex, our model are fragile and easily broken. Also the density of string didn’t reach the expectation. Based on the reflection of Module 3, we decided to redo our physical model. In module 4, we have redone our model with different material. We use a double thickness MDF board to construct the frame in order to make the frame stronger. After constructing it, we painted it black to make a more crazy look. Also we have increased the string density by adding more holes and more strings. The picture on the right is our reflection model.
58
59
60
In module 1, by analysis of the umbrella with measured drawings. I have deeper understanding of the the structure and system of umbrella, which is the foundation of the modules after. In module 2, we started to work in groups. I am glad to have my group mate work with me. During the design process, we have many ideas and design in our mind. We communicated our ideas with drawing and rhino modeling. It is hard to decide one best design because everyone’s idea is unique and interesting. How to make design decision is another lessen I have learned in this module. In order to finalize the design, we comments each others idea and choose the best two and combine them. Also in this module , we are learned to use rhino in a more comprehensive way. Using paneling tools are main concept. We have learned how to break down a complex idea into steps and elements and recompose them in the end. We modeled skin and bone separately. Instead of generating grids from surface, we hand drawing the curves of the frame in order to create a organic and asymmetrical outlook and make sure the accurate and exact shape we want.
61
In module 3, the most challenging task is to fabricate the design into real life. We decide to use laser cut to fabricate our frame and sew the strings in. For fabrication, the connection is really imperative and crucial. We change the every connection to make sure it sit together nicely and rigidly. And render the material in rhino model. Limited by the accuracy of hand drawing, string system is hard to present in the rhino mode and there is no good way to do in rhino. As a result, I decided to use Grasshopper. In grasshopper, a complex question in rhino can be easily solved. I used the basic functions to create the weave pattern of string system. After collecting all the material and element we needed, we start to build the real physical model. Due to the material we have chosen, the frame was cracking easily in the building process, which really failed us. We modified the model with hot glue gun and leftover of laser to reinforce the frame.
62
63
Digital Design and Fabrication has expand the breath of opportunity for me. This suject let me see more possibilities of design using digital tools.In this subject, I have learned a complete process from designing to fabrication, which is really useful for my further career. I have used Rhino, Grasshopper, Indesign as well as technique of measured drawings, assembly drawing and photograph to communicate with peers, generating ideas and realizing the design. Not only thiese tools i have learned , but the opportunity and possibilities behind these tool are more important for me. Even though digital media is helpful for design, we should not be limited by it. Our idea can be realized in many different way. Making a prototype first is always a good idea to test your idea. Because handcraft to more direct and under control. There are still reliance of traditional means of making by hands. I have learned that technology and digital designa and fabrication might open up our mind while producing percise and accurate result, craft is still a vital component (Dreamer,2008) “the practice of Architectue has always been in the parodoxical pposition of being investd in the production of real, concrete matter yet working with tools of abstract represetaion “ (allen, 2003) At last, time management is an other important factor that need to be consider during the design process. Something we underestimate the fabrication time, which cause trouble. Plan a Design schedule first
64
65
Bibliography Cheng, R. (2008). Inside Rhinoceros 4 / Ron K.C. Cheng. Clifton Park, NY : Thomson/Delmar Learning, c2008. Heath, A., Heath, D., & Jensen, A. (2000). 300 years of industrial design : function, form, technique, 1700-2000 / Adrian Heath, Ditte Heath, Aage Lund Jensen. New York : Watson-Guptill, 2000. Enric Miralles,Carme Pinos, “How to lay out a croissant” El Croquis 49/50 Enric Miralles, Carme Pinos 1988/1991, En Construccion pp. 240241 Enric Miralles,Carme Pinos, “How to lay out a croissant” El Croquis 49/50 Enric Miralles, Carme Pinos 1988/1991, En Construccion pp. 240241 Architecture in the Digital Age - Design and Manufacturing /Branko Kolarevic. Spon Press, London, c2003
66