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DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2016 Panel And Fold (Stool) Xianghan Wang

741538 Tutor: Joshua Russo-batterh

DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2016

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Contents:

1.0 Ideation 1.1 Object 1.2 Object + System Analysis 1.2 Volume + Reconfiguration 1.3 Sketch design proposal 2.0 Design 2.2 Digitization + Design proposal 2.3 Precedent research 2.4 Design proposal v.2 2.5 Prototype v.1+ Testing Effects 3.0 Fabrication 3.1 Fabrication intro: 3.2 Design development & Fabrication of prototype v2 3.3 Design development & Fabrication of prototype v3 3.4 Final Prototype development + optimisation 3.5 Final Digital model 3.6 Fabrication sequence 3.7 Assembly Drawing 3.8 Completed 2nd Skin 4.0 Reflection.

5.0 Appendix 5.1 Credit 5.2 Bibliography

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0.0 Introduction Design Objective This design is focus on attracting others and grabbing their attention in a public area. Which could encourage them to engage with the person.

Design Brief The design will base on folding system and introduce colors and amazing shapes to represent the concept of personal space in an attractive way.

Design Concept Foldable Colorful Space Attractive Effects Material Connection Method

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1.0 IDEATION

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1.1 Object

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My chosen object is a folding step ladder. I use two main methods to do the measurement, photocopying the object firstly and then using tracing paper to draw the details.

I use a ruler to measure the width and height of the object. And adjusting the scale of the picture to 1:2

by Photoshop after photocopying the object.Then, tracing the exact details onto an A3 paper.

PLAN

SECTION

ISOMETRIC VIEW

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ELEVATION 1

TOPH VIEW

FRONT VIEW

ELEVATION 2

RIGHT VIEWV

Modeling method: - Scale the bitmap of the object and draw the main outline - Use planer surface and extrude curve - For the edge of the object, use fillet to make it more smooth - The interior grid is a boolean union of an extruded rectangle and grid line.

- The folded seats are symmetrical hence use mirror tools to create the same section.

1.2 Object + System Analysis

There are circular design array on the surface of the seat. They are made by rubber which in order to increase the friction between human and seat.

Moreover, rubber is also used under the leg of the seat, so that it is hard to move instead of other materials. Introducing rubber could be more secure and stable.

Rotated joints are used on the side of the seat, which allow the seat could be folded. Thus, it saves more space to place and easy to carry. The material is plastic so that it is portable.

A hand-held design is placed on the top of the seat. After the seat folded, the handle becomes vertical and easy to carry. The shape of the handle seems like wave which fit in the form of crooking the fingers.

Two raised sections are created to support the surface of the seat, which make the folded seats more stable.

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1.2 Volume + Reconfiguration

From the orignal object, it can be found that the foldable mechainism to which it can be folded in differen directions and the whole structure changed.

Hence, for the new sketch model, I create several holes along the side of the irregular cardboard, and intruducing ropes to connect the adjacent one which allow the model could be stretched to flat and seperate sections can be compressed together, which being foldable and portable. There are fixed point on the ground as the two white triangular cardboard shows, while the above structure could changed to any shapes, either concave or convex.

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1.3 Sketch design proposal

Sketch Design #1

Sketch Design #2

Sketch Design #3

ROUNDING - SUPPORTING BLOOMING - TANGRAM

SENSITIVE - BARRIER - CHANGEABLE GROWABLE - WEARABLE

CROSSED - PHOTOMETRIC AFLUTTER - CONCENTRAD

Extract pieces from the original model and combine them together, which looks like a tangram.

The design could be viewed as a scarf or a neck support. When the people turning around or bow the head, it could adjust accordingly.

The friction coeffcient increase as the attack coeffcient rising. And the shape of it growing with the disturbed body.

This webbed head design is used as a lightproof shield, which emerging on people’s head according to the level of exposure under the light.

It has the shape of tangram, which is a combination of seperate geometrical pieces. Acting automatically according to the interior comfort level or exterior obstructive influences.

The rough surface of the design could becomes sharp when there are external attack, it grows exponentially and spread out like blooming on human body.

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Reflection from Module 1

Throughout the process of doing M1 journals, I have explored the paneling and fold systems based on my chosen object, a folding step ladder. As the first step was to do some measurements as object to analysis its full performance. Both the readings and real practice make me understand the significance of accurate measure. It is helpful to sketch the plans and sections as well as know deeply about its physical characters and inner working systems. (Heath, Heath& Jensen 2000, p.8) For my three design proposals, they are all trying to represent personal space which needs to be protected. That is, using the folding system to do a precaution design forms.

Personally, I am not satisfied with the last one which with insufficient analysis and how this system might be used in this part of the body or even it is not thought provoking. I think I need to do more research about which part of body people are most concerned or wanted to show to others.

Moreover, my reconfiguration model has followed the folding system with sufficient flexibility. However, the entire structure should be improved with the more fixed points. To be more specific, it is better to have several fixed points in touch with the ground, while the above structures could still be folded or change to any other shapes.

Overall, it is a good start help me become familiar with my working system and begin to fit it with personal space. For further development, more material test may be tried.

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2.0 DESIGN

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2.1 Design development intro

Personal Space Analysis

These images represents the personal space when people are encountering each other. We are interested that when close friends or couples meet each other the two separate personal spaces can merge into one. If you trust each other enough you will feel relaxed when you are with your friends.

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The model combines the sketch design and the triangular shape from one of the sketch model from the M1 journal The sketch model is a small part of the sketch design that we wanted to try out and play around with. We found out that the previous sketch model has nearly no control to the folding of the model, we tried to add some more control to the new experiment.

This design was developed from one of the sketch model produced in the M1 journal. We thought about instead of repelling others away from the personal space, we wanted to attract people to come and communicate with the person. We looked at the natural world and found that some animals use colors to attract others; and the shape of this design actually came from the feather of a peacock. We imagine the design to be very noticeable in the front view and less significant in the side view. The design aims to gain attention from others and attract them to engage with the person.

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2.2 Digitization + Design proposal v.1

When developing this design, we thought of people who are not that tall and eye-appealing; especially in a crowded place. People may often do not notice them and accidentally bump into them. We thought that it is a invasion of the personal space. Instead of wearing actual ‘defensive armors’ to prevent others from invading you personal space; we are trying to express the idea that by occupying the space around the person to show the personal safety zone of a person; and also by showing off a significant sculptural design; the person can gain more attention from others when walking through a crowded people flow so that people do not bump into and invade the personal space.

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Development Model

Perspective

Back

Top

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2.2 Digitization + Design proposal v.2

The main theme of this design is ‘connection‘. This design is developed around the idea of represent the connection between people when people engage with each other and how they can form a potential space between each other. This design is designed to be fit on two different people that are close to each other; the design on itself can provide some protection of the person’s head but when meeting with the other part of the design, twoparts come together and can enclose to form a space.

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The shape formed when two people encounter each other with the design.

The design on one person / one part

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2.3 Precedent research

Puppet Theatre by Huyghe + Le Corbusier

Regular Geometries, Organic forms, Clear Carving lines.

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Representative prototype of the precedent

Image 2 The entire Puppet Theatre are built with more than 500 individual polycarbonate panels that are folded into triangular shapes and diamond shapes. These regular shapes allow the structure to be very simple to assemble and move; since each individual shapes can be interlocked together easily and form a complete self-standing structure. Layers of moss covers are installed into the panels; compared to the light-weighted structure, the moss covers appears to be floating slightly above the structure.

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Precedent applied to design

Regular Geometries, Organic forms, Clear Carving lines.

Representative prototype of the precedent

Development #1 Refining the structure and keep the shape

The sketch model also shows a diamond shape on the other perspective and also forming a interior space.

Development #2

The idea of individual small particles forming a complete and unity structure really influenced our designs. We all considered triangular elements in our own sketch designs but we were all trying to insert them randomly without control. This puppet theater showed us a great example of using small systems to form a larger structural system.

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2.4 Design proposal v.2

Front

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Side

This concept of this design is to gain attention in a crowded situation. This design is based on people who are very shy and feel unconformable to express their emotions. People who are shy and unsocial can easily be discriminated by others since they can’t even express they are angry. And for the shape of this model we looked at a image showing the emotions of a person that are exploding and ejecting out of his mind. We tried to present the person’s feeling and emotion by these spikes showing that he or she is a person with emotion and attitude but just too shy to express. Also the design is suspended on the shoulder of a person since shoulder is the widest part of a person and can maximum the effect of attracting attentions.

Emotion exploding Image 4

The interior of the model

Perspective

Front

The model shows a single layer of the design.

The spacing between the spikes can give the design more visual deepness and allow people to see through the design and the different shapes or colors.

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Design development - Version #2

Front

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Back

Side

Influenced by the precedent examples; also developed from our previous designs. This design aims to create a interesting form that can attract others to engage and explore with controlled patterns. During the process of examination and exploring, we found this interesting folding pattern that allows a single sheet of paper to form spaces. And by jointing the folding edges, it makes the structure more stable and with more depth. We also wanted to keep the idea of colorful surface to attract people. The design looks quiet simple in the front view but when walking towards it; the gaps formed by folding are showing more of the different colors in the inner layers. This can attract people to explore more on this design such as how they are connected or the colors inside.

Front

Left

Perspective

Top

Back

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2.5 Prototype v.1+ Testing Effects:

Back

This prototype is a part of the second developing design that is made out of hard color cards. The joints are connected with fabric lines and tapes. In the further development harder material and better connection method need to be improved.

Front

Side

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Prototype on group member when sleeping.

Prototype on human

Prototype on group member when sleeping.

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Reflection from Module 2

My group was trying to transform the design proposal from paper to a real prototype during the M2 projects. We have combined all of our ideas and decide to create an attractive form. From the related readings, Lost Parameter Space presents that a model does not accommodate the informative within it but only uses to illustrate the properties of object unambiguously.

Hence, we tried the 3D model first with the combination of a real model prototype. (Scheurer & Stehling 2011, p.72) After confirming our main theme, it is planned to add more colors on the surface of the model as aim to grab others’ attention.

Hence, we trying to introduce the seven rainbow colors onto our model. However, the feedback reminds me that we need to do more research. Because not everyone would definitely like colorful object, it varies person to person.

For the position and shape of the model, it is putted on the shoulder and arm parts on a human body. Also, it keeps a relatively curved shape instead of a spiculate form, hence looks more relaxed and could attract others come close. Whereas the entire shape is quite simple and did not exactly fit the human body well, the next developing process might focus more on modifying the model shape.

Besides, our prototype chose to use 1mm colorful cardboard as its processed material. The problems emerged is that this one could fold easily, but when there is a force applied above, the whole structure would be flat and space disappeared in between. Therefore, more material test is needed.

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3.0 FABRICATION Group members: Yifei Qiu Zijian Shi Xianghan Wang

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3.1 Fabrication intro:

- Material: Have more material test to find the most compression-resistant one, it should be hard, hence the bottom pieces cannot bended when exterior forces applied on above ones.

- Color Sequence: Find a specific color scheme based on the color theory, and ensure the color rank could be attractive and fascinating.

- Connection pattern: The previous connecting method should be changed because using glue or wire cannot ensure a solid joint.

Our M2 presentation was focus on creating a showy model that indicates a person’ outstanding spaces. It was placed on ones arms and shoulder to show himself off when having a encounter with others. We followed a folding system to create some space between each piece of model so that enhance the concept of personal space and introduce colors to attract others attention.

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- Shape of model panels: There is insufficient persuasion of the former shape could represent a person’s advantaged space, the later development would focus on finding a shape be more obvious and absorbing.

3.2 Design development & Fabrication of prototype v2:

From M2 design to M3 development:

Connection:

Shape: The previous model was composed by several layers which have different curved shapes. hence the hierarchy of colors would be showed when they were overlaid on each other. However, it gives a sense of messy and irregular.

During M2 presentation, we found that when there is a force applied to the entire panels, the pieces in-between would be stretched and some spaces would disappear. We decided to use separate units instead of panels. Each unit could connect with each other and strengthen the whole structure. We tested out different connection methods with the individual modules which can keep the spaceial quality of the structure.

We decided to refined the shaped of each piece in a more uniform way, which have similar forms but in different sizes and superpose them. The panels went bigger from the front to the back, and the spaces were still kept between the contiguous panels, and change the position of the entire models.

The original one was placed on human’s arm and shoulder, while for the improvements, the entire panels change from the side to the front. Thus, it could be viewed directly and the advantaged personal space could be completely displayed in a more intuitive way.

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3.3 Design development & Fabrication of prototype v3

The overall shapes that were developed in M2 was found quite rigid and they turned out to be very bold and regular. The large and curvy surface is not only time consuming but also, very hard to control. Thus we decided to go back to small pieces and trying to form shape with smaller modules. The arrangement of the pieces is in a radial pattern could be more impressive and obvious. Five pieces are placed turndown on the top and overlay with the following one by the side, another five pieces are located on the bottom and arranged in a turn-up form.

Each piece keep a unique shape and specific size.

During the development, many different surfaces were tested out and different arrangement of distributing the small modules were developed. But the result of paneling toll are still quite random and it would be really hard to fabricate, thus we decided to ge back to regular forms.

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3.4 Final Prototype optimisation - Effect

Our analysis on personal space aims to attract people to engage with the person who is wearing the design. We want to make the shape of the design eye appealing and significant to people. Also, contains interesting details that allows people to explore inside your personal space area.

The panels may looks flat on the front view, but when walk around the details are shown more and more to the viewers.

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3.4 Final Prototype optimisation - Fabrication On the digital model, the dotted line has been draw in the middle part of each small folding shape. Then the digital model was send in the laser cutter. The laser beam will cut through the solid line on the object. But for the dash line, the laser cutter will make the connect joint of the folding surface not be the stiff way, but it’s still connect on the surface, compare to the etch strategy. The flexible joints fabricated by the laser cutter through the dash line on the surface is also prvoide the small folding shape to fold in two way to persist our folding strategy in the more simple and efficient way. The volume of the structure has been created base on that.

In the M2 design , The reference line on the small piece of folding shape has been drawn manually for the purpose of making folding shape to create the volume on the structure. But for the expanse of the fabrication method. The drawing of the dash line is very important in our fabrication process.

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D m A w f c

During the fabrication, we found that polypropylenes is not a stable material for laser cutting that they get burn marks and melt sometimes.

And also due to we provided our own material to the cutter, the first try we did was very nasty. After that we provided more material that allows for a material test; by changing the temperature of the cutter the final cut was quite clean.

For the connection of polypropylene, we have tried all of these of kind of glue and finally found that super glue is the best one, also the connection part is better happened on flat surface. Besides, UHU for plastics was also a good choice for the adhesion of Perspex and polypropylene. The support frame also need to stick on clothes, and we choose hook and loop tape to connect thatďźŒthus the entire structure became strong.

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3.4 Final Prototype optimisation - Materials

The original material is colorful papers, but it is easy to bend and hard to remain the space between panels.

Material test: - Boxboard - Wood brown mountboard - Polypropylene Boxboard and wood brown mountboard is hard and solid enough, however, the overall shape of panels are placed around front body, hence the connected units are hard to bend and cannot fit perfectly.

The result is that polypropylene is the best material, it is easy to fold and still remian the space in-between.

Otherwise, it has colorful types which satify a aesthetical view.The colorful polypropylene is the main material that we applied on the folding pieces. Through the initial design, we try to use the color card board to shows the attracting color on the design, but the color on the card board is very bold. Then we found the colorful polypropylene as the transparency material to show its color in the crystal way, instead of hypostatic color from the previous cardboard.

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In the choice of the color on the polypropylenes, we give up the traditional colorful design which match on the rainbow spectrum because the color array in its design way is very bold and tradition to show the brighten color. Then we turn to focus on the gradient color on the design, try to show the color in the simple but elegant way. Purple, pink, white and transparent color are the main color that we focus on the choose of the color, to match on the theme of elegant. We also tested out other color combinations and we thought they would be too bright and bold.

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3.5 Final Digital model

This design is a combination of two major parts the supporting frame and the surface panels. The frames are designed to fit the human body curve and to hold the panels near the body.

The color panels are partly connected to the frames to give them some flexibility. Also, the transparency of the material for the frames ensures that the frame does not overtake the panels but stays behind it and supporting them.

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3.6 Fabrication sequence

The Laser cut material was quite dirty after the cut.

Alcohol cleans the dusts on polypropylene board quite well.

All the pieces were separated from the cutting board.

Assembling the two sections.

Testing out the color pattern and the arrangement effect.

Testing out the color pattern and the arrangement effect.

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Infill blocks in the pieces were removed.

Assembling the support frames.

Infill blocks in the pieces were removed.

Due to variations in shape and size some pieces need to be cut into two sections.

The frames need to be assembled on a

The final pattern.

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3.7 Assembly Drawing

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3.8 Completed 2nd Skin

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Reflection from Module 3

The M3 project is a development of our M2 works. The following are the points which we improved. Firstly, we introduce paneling tools in Rhino to enrich the details of our model. And the whole shape of our model has changed, which uses separated pieces to make it more flexible. However, from the feedback, I found that even this form is not flexible enough. And the connection part should be improved, which means different pieces should follow a tight connecting system. They could be overlaid, or stick with other layers by its concave and convex part.

In addition, I did some research on the color theory. The result showed that warm colors such as red is generally passionate and positive, while some secondary color like light purple, could give others a sense of romantic.

(Chapman 2010) Moreover, through the process of making the final project model. I learned how to use laser cut. The method we applied to achieve foldable system is that using small notches or continuous lines to make it folded, or the folding parts would be broken. Also, as doing the laser cut layers, it should check again to avoid overlay of lines before submitted job. Another thing is that some materials like polypropylene are easy to melt under the high temperature. We should remind the work staff to adjust the parameter in order to protect our models.

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4.0 REFLECTION

In the duration of these three months’ study in Digital Design Fabrication, I have learned a lot among how to develop and transform an architectural design from digital forms into a real object. And I practiced my digital skills in specific software, such as Rhino including paneling tools and use InDesign to create the final layout. It helped me deeply analysis a certain physical object, from grabbing its physical characters and functional mechanism system to reused this features and produce a new design based on initial characters.

The most exciting part is that our group model challenges the definition of personal space given by Robert Sommer (1969, p.28), he said that it refers to one’s security zone so that any invasion into space might cause the person feel uncomfortable or threatened. Our direction was focus on showing one’s advantage and represent a positive personal space.

Another significant thing I have learned from this subject is how to develop a specific project. The first thing was to find out techniques and basic mechanism should be used. And then confirm a concept to follow, all the further modification and change should follow the initial concept and techniques. As stated by Scott Marble (2008, p.39) the three direction of doing a digital fabrication design, the first one was the replacement of geometry with a new formal logic based on mathematics, the second one was “driven toward organizational complexity”, and the last one was modification and development of fabrication, like crafting and assembling. Hence, the practice of the three modules gives us an opportunity to experience making a digital design model. One thing we did not do well was the connection of each piece. In M2 prototype, the connection approach was an overlay of distinctive pieces.

Whereas, we emphasis too much on enriching the overall shape of the project and loss focus on previous connection method. That should be a worth noting for further studies.

On the other hand, I realized the importance of layout which is an important element to attract viewers or not. The clear texts and obvious image could combine together to understand easily. My M1 journal had a poor layout in compare with the M4 journal.

Besides, the digital fabrication process taught me skills on using laser cut, which is a treasure for my later designing projects. Moreover, I have tried some laser cut materials including MDF, Polypropylene and Perspex and understand some physical properties of them.

In conclusion, although the fabrication process is complex and repetitive. The learning result showed that is a worth and enjoyable try.

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CREDIT

5.0 APPENDIX

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Page Cover 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

TS Drawings 

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Computation

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Model Fabrication

Model Assembly

Photography x x x x x x x

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x xx xx x xx x x x x xx x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Writing

Graphic Design x

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x x x x x x x x x x x x

x x

x x x x xx x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Page Cover 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95

Drawings 

Computation x

Model Fabrication

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Model Assembly

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Photography

Writing

Graphic Design

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Yifei Qiu Xianghan Wang Zijian Shi

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5.1 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Chapman, C 2010, Color Theory for Designers, Part 1: The Meaning of Color, viewed 8th June 2017, < https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/01/colortheory-for-designers-part-1-the-meaning-of-color/> Heath, A, Heath, D, & Jensen, A 2000, 300 years of industrial design : function, form, technique, Adrian Heath, Ditte Heath, Aage Lund Jensen, New York : Watson-Guptill.

Marble, S 2008, Building the Future: Recasting Labor in Architecture, Philip Bernstein, Peggy Deamer, Princeton Architectural Press. c2008. pp 38-42.

Scheurer, F & Stehling, H 2011, Lost in Parameter Space? IAD: Architectural Design, Wiley, 81 (4), July, pp. 70-79.

Sommer, R, 1969, Personal space: the behavioral basis of design, Robert Sommer, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice-Hall, c1969.

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