BPro RC6 2013/14_Crystallization

Crystallization Ling Zhu /Na Li

Crystallization UCL - Bartelett School of Architecture

GAD RC6 Project tutor: Daniel Widrig Stefan Bassing Soomeen Hahm Project by:

Ling Zhu /Na Li

Content

6

1. Introduction

1

2. Concept

3

3. Material

13

4. Crystal Growth Analysis

25

5. Crystal Pattern Analysis

31

6. Web and Crystallization

41

7. Frame Analysis

67

8. Components Study

71

9. Components Aggregation

87

10. Final Rending

99

11. Device

113

12. Structure

119

13. Movability Structure

141

14. Chair and Desk

155

15. Final Proposal

177

Introduction Crystals widely exist in the nature. This report describes the formation and development of natural crystals, crystals form analysis, as well description of the aesthetic characteristics of the crystal. This project will clarify the various attempts to tap the potential of the crystal as a building material in modern architecture. Comparing of different crystals, cheap and environmentally friendly salt is chosen as the main material.

The combination of different support materials with salt , developing new effects used in the performance, such as the sense of space, changing the material properties, texture and so on.

Plastic is picked as it can highlight the salt crystal. Device, structure and morphology are specially designed in order to control the effect of crystallization. A specific salt area is chosen for project design and the project try to reflect the area or even the city’s personality, regional and historical context.

How the crystals glow as an element of the structures, giving it a new vitality in the architectural design, making the buildings more diversified, more personalized, and more humane.

1

Brief Crystallization, acts as a growth resistance, and can be seen in nature with significant aesthetic effects. As a potential use of this feature, crystallization can be used as an active growth element of the building.

Our aim is to cling crystal growth to the structure so the crystal changes the appearance of the building throughout the buildings life cycle. The forces of nature, such as wind and other conditions continuously modify the topology of the building, allowing users access to different spatial experiences.

2

CONCEPT - Crystallization - Mesh growth system

3

CONCEPT Mesh growth system is seen in many places in nature. Like thousands of biological growth systems in nature, this shape, in fact, is the development of a shape under the fractal law, restructuring can be extended infinitely.

This structure has the ability to span large spaces, save material and can withstand a lot of force.

Bacteria curtain bell shaped, a significant dictyophora indusiata grid, with polygon mesh. Light, vaulted complete.

leaf vein Regular distribution in leaves ,support leaf to extend in space.

There are specific arrangements and classifications.

spider web Build nests, capturing prey, directional catchment, with a variety of forms

salt crystal Most occur in a particular environment, such as the lake or the sea with high salinity , forming a unique scene.

cocoon Rigorous structure, multi-layer stack, light and tough, hard to tear.

crystal mine Crystal mining sites, forming a unique crystal landscape.

snow cream The most common crystals in daily life, easily affected by temperature.

Crystallization by certain conditions and procedure, the crystal having a predetermined shape from a non-solid material, and to obtain its unique wonderful shape, color, surface.

4

Why combine them together

Crystallization 1. The crystal climbs along the system it is attached to to form a unique morphology and surface 2. As time increases, the crystal thickens and hardens 3. Crystal climbs along to fill the gap grid, forming a dense surface 4. So a thin, linear geometry transforms to thick three-dimensional mesh system

Mesh Growing System 1. Flexible modeling 2. Maintain a certain growth law, there is the possibility of extending the growing 3. Structural stability across a large span, can withstand a lot of force 4.The web can capture falling objects.

5.Can form a complex three-dimensional system

5

CONCEPT

Spider web system Spider web, one of the most common network system in nature, which is woven by the spider silk to nest and catch prey, Features: lightweight, able to cross a larger span, can withstand a certain force, can cling to something attached to the web, with the possibillity of extension and growth, the possibillity of forming a complex three-dimensional structures.

6

set three points

attachment

centre emission

framed circle line

increment

centre emission

7

CONCEPT

As cobwebs are able to cling to dew and catch food, so we think that this priniple can be applied to the crystal support structure. Like the spider webs use of density to control the probability of catching prey, we think that with a sufficiently dense network, there will be a possibility for larger crystals. This lightweight mesh structure can withstand a certain force.

8

Lines

Webs

System

In the cystallization process, crystal will cling to the objects. By controling the size of the gap and grid, we can help shaping the crystal and increase the hardness of the crystal.

9

CONCEPT

WEB REFERENCES

Venice Biennale – Making Worlds Tomas Saraceno 2008

XXXX_ transformable furniture system by yuya ushida

10

CRYSTAL REFERENCES

Mineral crystals chair Tokujin Yoshioka 2013

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12

MATERIAL

13

vwww

MATERIAL

Material Test

In order to study the characteristics of the various crystalline, crystalline regularity, crystallization conditions, we selected in daily life, the production of the more common variety of crystals, such as salt, soda, baking soda, magnesium sulfate, copper sulfate.

In the initial test material, we selected different kinds of pure crystalline salts which were dissolved in water. We put a thin line into the solution to observe the growth and adhesion of the crystallization solution after natural cooling.

14

CH3COONa

CuSO4

FeSO4

COLOUR:

COLOUR:

COLOUR:

COLOUR:

White

White

Light blue

Light green PRICE:

NaCl

MgSO4

COLOUR: White PRICE:

PRICE:

PRICE:

PRICE:

£ 1/kg

£ 5/kg

£ 4.5/kg

£ 14/kg

£ 4/kg

COLOUR: Colourless

COLOUR: Colourless

COLOUR: Colourless

COLOUR:

COLOUR:

SOLUBILITY:

SOLUBILITY:

SOLUBILITY:

Light blue

Light green SOLUBILITY:

30℃ 32g

30℃ 38.9g

30℃ 126g

SOLUBILITY:

100℃ 40g

100℃ 50.4g

100℃ 170g

30℃ 20.7g

30℃ 60g

100℃ 55g

100℃ 71g

table salt

sadium acelate

magnesium sclphate

copper sclphate

iron sclphate

solubility

crystallization speed

hardness

adhesion

price

environmental friendliness

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16

MATERIAL STUDY Mixture

17

MATERIAL STUDY

Main material: Table salt

Mixing material: Cardboard,Wood,Sponge,Plaster Ingredients: Water Tool used: Measuring Cup, Scales, Kettle, Stirring Rod Start temperature: 100°c

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Wood

Sponge

Cardboard

Sponge

Cardboard

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MATERIAL STUDY

How to make the crystal

Main material : table salt

tools used

Scales Exact weight of salt

measuring cup +stirring rod Accelerate salt dissolve

Kettle Hot water can help increase the solubility of the salt water, every 1000ml hot water will melt 400g salt, so when the temperature decreases, the solubility of the salt is reduced,.

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Process of making a saturated brine

Step one

Sodium chloride was selected as a base material, and then combined with different materials suchas cardboard an sponge for the crystallization experiments. Different effects of the crystallizationof sodium chloride in different materials were explored, including the crystallization rate, the size of the crystal, the pattern of crystal, and the effect on the material after crystallization. In fact, usingdifferent materials combined with sodium chloride not only affects the crystallization but also changes the nature of the material itself.

Step two

salt water finished Step three

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MATERIAL STUDY Crystallization effect

Vertical Growth

sponge +table salt

wood + table salt

Vertical Growth- Salt water flow

Horizental Growth

cloth + table salt

cardboard + table salt

plaster tube + table salt

22

Comparison: When combined with salts and organic materials (such as wood, card, cloth, etc.), both salt and materials combine with each other well. Not only they crystalline on the material surface, but also crystalline in the material inside. Therefore, it has also an impact on the internal structure of the material,furthermore, it evaporates more slowly due to the absorbent quality of the material,.

When combined with salt and inorganic materials (such as plastic), salt crystals appear only in the external, salt crystals can perform vein and texture better. At the same time, it is easier to dry, the evaporation will be beneficial. And when required to re-crystallization of dissolved salts, the inorganic material does not affect itself. Easy to separate the two materials then reuse them.

By comparison, inorganic materials (plastics) is more conducive to reflect the characteristics of the salt, and can be reused and will not damage the material itself, so the plastic was chosen as the main structural material in the project.

Cryatl texture

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CRYSTAL GROWTH ANALYSIS

25

CRYSTAL GROWTH ANALYSIS

CARDBOARD + TABLE SALT

4 days

14 days

6 days

15 days

8 days

12 days

17 days

18 days

1000g 2000g 19 days

30 days

start

crystal rate[%]

26

30 days

SPONGE + TABLE SALT

4 days

6 days

14 days

15 days

8 days

17 days

12 days

18 days

1000g 2000g 30 days

start

30 days

crystal rate[%]

27

CRYSTAL GROWTH ANALYSIS

SPONGE CARDBOARD1 CARDBOARD2 CUPMAT

WOOD

COTTON ROPE AIR BOUNDARY

DAY 1

WATER

AIR

DAY 3

BOUNDARY WATER

AIR

DAY 6

BOUNDARY WATER AIR DAY 9

BOUNDARY WATER

AIR DAY 13

BOUNDARY WATER

FEATURE

Early slow crystallization Layer of

Particles have

Strong absorbent, Crystal on Hard to crystallize

,layer of crystals above

clear shape

crystal evenly

the boundary

crystals above the

the top

distributed

boundary

COMMONESS

1.Immersed part slow crystallization with small crystalline particles or not crystallize.

2.As time increases , the crystalline particles combine into a group.

3.From the bottom up, crystalline particles become lager.

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29

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CRYSTAL PATTERN ANALYSIS

31

CRYSTAL PATTERN ANALYSIS [Different kind of crystal process]

Absorb salt water - vertical growth

Salt water flow-vertical growth

32

Absorb salt water - horizental growth

33

CRYSTAL PATTERN ANALYSIS

Vertical growth (absorb salt water) Physical photos

34

Digital photos depends on the absorption capacity of the object, the degree of crystallinity of each object are different, and not every corner has crystal.

a part of crystallize

top part pattern_latter

bottom part pattern_former

35

CRYSTAL PATTERN ANALYSIS

Vertical growth _salt water flow Physical photo

36

Digital photos

Because water is a liquid, each face from top to bottom has crystal .

37

CRYSTAL PATTERN ANALYSIS Horizental growth Digital photos Growth of crystals in the horizontal direction are generally relatively thin, so the crystal will be evenly distributed on the object

perspective view

Physical photo

38

top view

The effects by different flow directions of the crystal formation By controlling the flow direction of oversaturated sodium chloride solution thatwas lowing through the material, the effects of different flow direction generated crystals wereexplored. Saturated sodium chloride solution flowdirection was divided into three types, asfollows: a) Vertical direction - from the bottom up Objects to be placed in oversaturated sodium chloride solution, so that the object absorbs the solution according to siphon principle. Features: The part of the crystal exposed to the air had a cube shape with the crystal gradually increasing in size from bottom to top. But there is a limit in the absorption capacity, avoiding significant crystallization formation.The immersed part in the solution was hardly crystallized. b) Vertical - from the top down Suspending the object in a device, with the oversaturated sodium chloride solution poured from the top.

Features: Evenly crystal, covering the complete object, crystallization patterns can exhibit major solution flow direction. c) Horizontal This is achieved by placing the object horizontally in oversaturated sodium chloride solution. The object had a large contact area with solution.

Features: Objects uniformly crystallized, but only crystallization on the surface exposed to air.

Comparison: By comparison, the water poured down from top to the bottom (vertical) can get better crystallization effects and artistic expression, so this method was chosen as the project major crystallization techniques.

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40

WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION

41

WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION

WEB GENERATION By adjusting different parameters, we tried to obtain different density and morphology of the web, thereby controlling the generation of the crystal at the surface. And by setting the key points to guide the crystallization in different regions of the surface to form the focus of aggregation effect.

EVENLY CENTRIPETAL CENTRIFUGAL ECCENTRICALLY

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WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION EVENLY CUTOFF DISTANCE : 0.4 SPEED : 5 RATE : 300 FRAME : 180

FRAME 20

FRAME 80

FRAME 140

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FRAME 40

FRAME 100

FRAME 160

FRAME 60

FRAME 120

FRAME 180

EVENLY CUTOFF DISTANCE : 0.6 SPEED : 5 RATE : 300 FRAME : 180

FRAME 20

FRAME 40

FRAME 80

FRAME 100

FRAME 140

FRAME 160

FRAME 60

FRAME 120

FRAME 180

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WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION EVENLY CUTOFF DISTANCE : 0.8 SPEED : 5 RATE : 300 FRAME : 180

46

FRAME 20

FRAME 40

FRAME 80

FRAME 100

FRAME 140

FRAME 160

FRAME 60

FRAME 120

FRAME 180

ECCENTRICAL

FORCE : 0.1

CUTOFF DISTANCE : 0.5 SPEED : 5 RATE : 300 FRAME : 180

FRAME 20

FRAME 40

FRAME 80

FRAME 100

FRAME 140

FRAME 160

FRAME 60

FRAME 120

FRAME 180

47

WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION CENTRIPETAL

FORCE : 0.1

CUTOFF DISTANCE : 0.5 SPEED : 5 RATE : 300 FRAME : 180

46

FRAME 20

FRAME 40

FRAME 60

FRAME 80

FRAME 100

FRAME 120

FRAME 140

FRAME 160

FRAME 180

CENTRIFUGAL

FORCE : 0.1

CUTOFF DISTANCE : 0.5 SPEED : 5 RATE : 300 FRAME : 180

FRAME 20

FRAME 40

FRAME 60

FRAME 80

FRAME 100

FRAME 120

FRAME 140

FRAME 160

FRAME 180

49

WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION

COLOURS

CRYSTAL RATE

Web growing system - how to help thecrystal shaping better Spider web is one of the most commonnetwork systems in the nature, woven by spider silk to make nests and catch prey. As the spider webs are able to cling to dew and catch food, this system is capable of carrying the weight and the pressure and maintains equilibrium. This principle also can be applied to the crystal support structure and maintain a certain shape and styling. Like the spider webs use the density to control the probability of catching prey, there will be a possibility to form a crystal with a certain weight on the premise of a sufficiently dense network. In the crystallization process, the crystal is attached to the web structure. By performingexperiments, it has been found that by controlling the gap and the size of the grid, it can help shaping crystals and increase the thickness of the crystal.

Most crystal structure is highly ionically bonded. Crystal adheres to the surface of the object. The crystal seed helps to form crystal. So, after the first step, when the crystal seed occurs, the crystal speed will increse.

50

Crystallization methods Generally, there are two types of crystallization methods, one is cooling crystallization technology, and theother is evaporation crystallization technology.The principle of the cooling crystallization is when temperature decreases , the solubility of the material is reduced, the solution has reached saturation, the excess solute that is not dissolved will be precipitated. The principle of evaporative crystallization or evaporation is the case before and after the temperature constant, the solubility constant, water reduction, i.e., a saturated solution of excess solute will precipitate. The project took a combination of the two methods. First, the use of pre- cooling crystallization by controlling temperature of the solvent, Secondly, the keeping of constant temperature, more crystals formed by evaporation crystallization.

51

WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION [Physics experiments]

Unidirectional

Bidirectional

Unidirectional web

Bidirectional

Unidirectional web Bidirectional

web

web

Interval:

web

Interval:

web

Interval:

Spacing :

10mm

Spacing :

15mm

Spacing :

5mm

5mm*5mm

10mm*10mm

15mm*15mm

1 hour later

CRYSTAL RATE WEB

52

2 hours later

CRYSTAL RATE

WEB

4 hours later

CRYSTAL RATE

WEB

53

WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION [Physics experiments]

before

54

after

CONCLUSION In this experiment, we can see that the more dense lines crystallize more easily. The grid lines will be easier to form a face. And all lines will form crystals.

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WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION

56 54

55 57

WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION

Further research

On the basis of experiments on the web plane, we conducted further research on how crystallization happened on the three-dimensional web. According to our design, we weave two different densities of components. By immersing these two components into solution, we compare the results of crystallization after a period of time.

58

Experiment Description Material:Magnesium Sulphate Solvent:Water Dosage:13kg Starting temperature:100℃ Ending temperature:28℃

The main steps : 1 configure supersaturated solution of magnesium sulfate.

2 Use hot water to improve the solubility, stirrring the solution to accelerate dissolution.

3. Immerse the component in the solution. When the solution temperature decreases, the crystalline precipitates in lines to generate the surface.

4. Every 2 hours remove to make the recording .

Sparse web

Dense web

59

WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION Experimental process

60

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WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION

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WEB AND CRYSTALLIZATION [Comparation]

BEFORE

AFTER

64

Conlusion: Dense grid is more easily crystallized than a sparse grid, also easier to form a crystal surface covering the gap. Both compoments preliminary crystallization is slow. But after a critical point, the crystallization speeds up, for a rapid formation of crytals.

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66

FRAME ANALYSIS

67

FRAME ANALYSIS

Frame research -stick This is our first attempt of the frame, it is used to simulate the spiders selected point. As mentioned earlier, the spider will select a point to the same space within the weaving plane, so that the frame is used to simulate this principle with the sticks simultaing branches.

web system

68

making process

after crystallization,a small wooden stick can not be removed, otherwise it will destroy the crystals.

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FRAME ANALYSIS

Frame research -grid As the small sticks can not be moved, we used a grid to create points, in this way we solved the problem of not being able to move the support. But the fishing line can be moved by the force, so the location of the point is not fixed

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FRAME ANALYSIS Frame research -box This is our basic frame, with this box, we can create a precise connection point, re-use components, stitching and stretching our basic frame to create more possibilities for our components.

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component connected components

frame connected components : for stretch and aggregation

Reusable sticks, together with the frame connected components can be used to stretch or aggregation.

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FRAME ANALYSIS

two framescombine together

74

Frame research -box This is our final frame,each face has nine positions to accurately connect each component. Not only can the inside of the frame be reused, but it can also be stretched and assembled into different shapes.

connection component

composition

basic connect

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76

COMPONENTS STUDY

77

COMPONENTS STUDY

a

b

c

d

f

e

78

basic box

aggregation box

This is the basic box, this box is the basic body. Each face has nine connection points. We can use this box to create the basic body shapes, and the branches' angles with the basic geometry of the frames also being different. Of course, with the use of this basic frame, we can re-transform the component, such as the superposition of the basic body, or change the size of the basic body, in order to achieve diversity in the components on the form, and this combination will also reduce the linking point, thereby increasing the smo-othness of the components. z

79

COMPONENTS STUDY

points in surface selected points central points

components making Like the spider webs, choice of a different point in space, then connection to the midpoint of each point of space. Our basic components also use this principle, the choice of site from all sides, creating a middle point, thus forming a shape of different components.

80

one ring perpendicular component

component

component

component

component

component

component

component

multi-angle components

component

perpendicular + multi-angle component

component

81

COMPONENTS STUDY Multi-ring perpendicular component

perpendicular and multi-angle components

component

component

component

component

82

component

component

component

component

component

component

83

COMPONENTS STUDY

Stretch component

one stretch component

double

two central point

two basic boxes create a different size and shape component

84

conclusion By selecting different control points on the surface, we can obtain different forms of the component.

85

86

COMPONENTS AGGREGATION

87

COMPONENTS AGGREGATION

components aggregation

86

basic components connection

basic component

bigger component

aggregation frame

89

COMPONENTS AGGREGATION cluster perpendicular components aggregation(same size components)

only produce a 90 degree angle aggregation

90

90

perpendicular + multi-angle aggregation(same size components)

each of the component could connection withmulti-angle

only produce a 90 degree angle aggregation

90

91

COMPONENTS AGGREGATION

perpendicular components aggregation

more connection points can be selected only produce a 90 degree angle aggregation

92

conclusion We can change the number and stitching direction of the external frame, then design the combinations of the components to create the cluster with different size and shape .

93

COMPONENTS AGGREGATION

94

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COMPONENTS COMPONENTS AGGREGATION AGGREGATION

97 96

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TERM TWO FINAL RENDING

99

TERM TWO FINAL RENDING

Introduction: Around the world, there are many salt lakes and salt marshes. Their high salinity and unique crystallization phenomenon has attracted thousands of tourists, which has become a unique landscape. Interested in how to use this crystallization phenomenon effectively to develop the potential for its use in an artificial landscape, we conducted a study for this project.

Dead Sea Coordinates:31°30'N 35°30'E

Chott El Jerid Coordinates: 33.7°N 8.43°E

Lake Retba Coordinates: 14°50'N 17°14'W

100

101

TERM TWO FINAL RENDING

Great Salt Lake Coordinates: 41°10'N 112°35'W Location :United States Type: Endorheic, hypersaline Main substance: sodium chloride (common salt), potassium sulfate , magnesium-chloride Salinity: 27% Annual rainfall: 419 mm Average temperature: 12°c (annual)

Caka salt lake Coordinates: 96 °14 'E, 36 °37'N Location : China Main substance :Magnesium, sodium, lithium, boron, iodine and other minerals Salinity: More than 24.7 ‰ Annual precipitation: 25mm

Salar de Uyuni Coordinates: 20°08'S, 67°29'W Location :Bolivia Main substance: Sodium chloride , lithium chloride and magnesium chloride Salinity: 27% Rainfall: 1 to 3 millimeters per month Average temperature: a peak at 21 °C in November to January and a low of 13 °C in June Features: the world's largest salt flat

Dead Sea Coordinates:31°30'N 35°30'E Type: Endorheic, Hypersaline Main substance : sulfur, magnesium, potassium, chlorine, bromine; full bottom and sodium chloride.

Salinity: the upper salinity less than 300 ‰, rich in sulfates and bicarbonates. Bottom salinity 332 ‰ .

Annual precipitation: less than 50 mm Average temperature: 32 and 39°c(summer) Caspian Sea Coordinates: 41°40'N50°40'E type:endorheic ,saline main subtaance:sulfate,calcium and magnesium is higher,chloride is lower salinity:12.8% annual rainfall:200~1700mm average temperature:24~26 °C

102

Conclusion: These areas have a common characteristic: low rainfall, dry climate, the mainway out of the water is evaporation, high salt content, the chemical composition of the complex salt is not simple. These natural conditions are very conducive to precipitation and forming crystals.

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TERM TWO FINAL RENDING Shelter

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TERM TWO FINAL RENDING Landscape

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TERM TFINAL RENDING Landscape

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TERM TWO FINAL RENDING Landscape

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DEVICE - Water circulation system - Shaped frame - Water outlet - Air supply system

113

DEVICE [Fabrication Testing]

Salt water flow

Water distribution

Force frame

Pump

Tank

Shapping Process

Preparation of salt water

114

Water supply

Hanging object

Shapped by frame and keep watering

Dry

Molding

Water Outlet

Through different pattern of the holes, we can change the water flow, then change the pattern of the salt crystal .

TOOLS

Fan Air supply

Thermometer Temperature control

Tank Storage salt water

Force frame Hanging and shapping the object

Pump Provide circulating water

Sprinkler head Pros: The solution is sprayed onto the surface evenly Cons: when is momentum insufficient, can not form a uniform spray; when momentum is too large, the crystal which has been formed will be washed

Micro drip Pros: continuous supply solution, small momentum, the water can be adjusted Cons: limited water area

115

DEVICE [Fabrication Testing]

116

117

118

STRUCTURE - Control pattern - Physical test - Gradient of the form

119

STRUCTURE [Distribution principle]

Controlling Growth Patterns

Rivers branch point

Based on the principles ofriver branch to design the shape of the the object, and thus play a role in guiding the flow of salt water.Because of the gravity and topographical conditions, the water flow will be distributed both horizontally and vertically. So we can use this principle to create and change the water flow on the object, also we can change the crystallization pattern.

Turning point Water flow

Use the object’s shape and gravity to control the crystallization growth pattern

River diversion in general will help distribute the water. The idea of an alluvial fan was applied, using a normal logic that distributed water throughout the whole design, in the shape of branches that are flowing down. Water is automatically adjusted, following the principle of least resistance, when a stream of water across the bifurcation point, resistance is generated automatically creating a bifurcated flow. This form can be applied to the project design, guiding the flow of salt water.

120

Controlling Growth Patterns

Basic structure One

Basic structure two

Three Dimensional soft components use soft tube to make the effect of direct water flow.

Three Dimensional solid structure use acrylic to leaser cut the curve shape and connection point . the shape has the same effect of the basic structure one .

CLUSTER

CLUSTER

121

STRUCTURE [Physical test]

Tubular prototype

Material: Acrylic circular tube Node: Hollow cylindrical, form intertwined effects Advantages: Round vertical pipe shed in favor of saline can create better and more uniform crystals on the surface, while at the intersection to form a denser effect. It can be bent .

Crystal is uniform.

Disadvantages: can only reach the bending effect, difficult to form a broken line. Meanwhile curvature difficult to control so it can't form regular mesh effect.

Process

122

Crystallization Effect

Detail

123 123

124

STRUCTURE [Physical test]

Making Process

Skeleton Structure Crystal

Aggregation

Transformation

Solid Saterial (Acrylic)

Skeleton Structure

Aggregation Strutch Frozen

Soft Saterial (PETG)

Frame Frozen shape

Mesh prototype This prototype was applied to obtain more regular, precise three dimensional mesh effects, combining the basic component to obtain the second prototype.

Material: acrylic board Node: different directions nodes with basic sheet. A more systematic structure and morphology can be get.Advantages: morphological rules, there are certain laws of superposition, the effect of different combinations can be formed. After aggregation, brick monomer can get , more square, easy splicing combinations.

This morphology also complies with the principles of distribution. Only drip from a single point and many bottom points will be covered. Therefore, a good artistic effect can happen, just like the transformation process of the crystals.

Disadvantages: Due to material characteristics, it is difficult to bend, rotate, etc. It is too regular and lack of change.

125

STRUCTURE [Physical test] Regular Curve

Irregular Curve

Hard Mesh prototype

Material : acrylic

Connection Components

CLUSTER

126

Effect of splicing By using different angles connection components and different numbers of basic curve to achive a variety of performance results.

Cluster Show

127

Crystallization Effect

128 128

129 129

Transformation Effect

130 130

131 131

STRUCTURE [Physical test]

Brick Structure By splicing sheets and components, the type of clusters can be formed of the bricks. This brick form is the most basic form which is stable and sturdy. At the same time, due to similarities between the mutually, they can stitching combination very well. Just as the very famous electronic games, Tetris, which can get a variety of combinations of multiple splicing performance results. 3D bricks, by rotating and occlusion, not only the challenge increase, but also the stability enhance.

Because the interconnection of the basic shape forming a plurality of control points, it helps the water flow diversion. By forming the structure to help the flow diversion, the model can be obtained gradient effects of crystallization.

Bricks

132 132

Physical model

133

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Crystallization Effect and Transformation

This part just at the same level of the watering point, but no crystal.

134 134

The water flow just start from one point, because of the distribution effect, the water could reach most part of the object.

This bottom part could achieve more salt water from different direction, so it become thicker.

135 135

Crystallization Effect and Transformation

136 136

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Crystallization Effect and Transformation

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MOVABILITY STRUCTURE - Connection - Physical test - Flexibility and Movability - Frozen

141

MOVABILITY STRUCTURE [Physical test]

Basic components

Three direction(T) :Not flexible

Four direction(X) : easy to control angel,Not flexible

One direction(I) :most flexible

Possibility of Deformation

Process

According the principle of fan, using a fixed point fixed several single sheets to make a basic component. These single sheet can move freely and flexibly. The fan-shaped components not only can be opened flexible, formed various angles, but also can be gathered to save space. The axial open smoothly and durable. The fan-shaped components stitching each other to form a rhombic combinations. As the shape of the rhombic can be easily deformable, the effect of a variety of angles can be formed with little limitation.

Cable Ties

Singe Components

Individual Components making

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Movability Mesh Prototype

In order to combine the advantages of the former two kinds of prototypes, a third prototype was produced.

Material: PETG Node: By reserving holes, flexible combination superposition Advantages: The material has some hardness, but also can be bended, twisted and deformed. After aggregation, a flexible deformation can be formed in combination of cluster. By different forces, the shape of the base model can be changed .

Connection Point

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MOVABILITY STRUCTURE [Cluster Horizental Deformation]

Horizental Deformation

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90°

Parallelogram principle that each single components can freely change the angle (from 0 to 180 degrees), so we use cable ties as a axis center, so that the shape of each of the monomers can be changed.

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MOVABILITY STRUCTURE [Cluster Horizental Deformation]

Horizental Deformation

DEFORMATION ONE

Less than 60 degrees

TOP VIEW

360 Small angle

Axis

Axis

Using cable ties as the axis, so that single components can reach 360 degree rotation. So as to achieve more shapes.

PERSPECTIVE VIEW

DEFORMATION TWO Axis

TOP VIEW

Less than 60 degrees

PERSPECTIVE VIEW

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DEFORMATION THREE

Less than 90 degrees,

Axis

biger than 60 degrees

TOP VIEW

PERSPECTIVE VIEW

DEFORMATION FOUR

TOP VIEW

Axis Less than 90 degrees, biger than 60 degrees PERSPECTIVE VIEW

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MOVABILITY STRUCTURE [Cluster Horizental Deformation]

Horizental Deformation

DEFORMATION FIVE Less than 90 degrees,

Axis

biger than 60 degrees

TOP VIEW

Axis

PERSPECTIVE VIEW

DEFORMATION SIX

TOP VIEW

Biger than 90 degrees

PERSPECTIVE VIEW

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Axis

Transformation

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MOVABILITY STRUCTURE [Cluster Verticle Deformation]

Possibility of Deformation By giving force, make the component cluster change the shape in the vertical direction, resulting in stretching, rotation, distortion and other effects. By different magnitude and the different direction of the force t achieve different result and a variety of forms.

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Verticle Deformation type - Rotation

Force Direction

Verticle Deformation type - Multi- force (Stretch)

Force Direction

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MOVABILITY STRUCTURE [Cluster Verticle Deformation]

Verticle Deformation type - Stretch

Force Direction

Verticle Deformation type - Stretch

Force Direction

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Verticle Deformation type - Stretch

Force Direction

Verticle Deformation type - Stretch

Force Direction

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FURNITURE - Chair - Installation - Table

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FURNITURE [Chair]

Use of flexible plastic material (PETG ) to make basic components, after twist, rotation and stretch and other methods to make the basic form. After crystallization, The shape is be frozen

Before Crystal : Basic Structure Angel A

Angel B

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After Crystal : Frozen Shape Angel A

Angel C

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FURNITURE [Chair]

Structure

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Crystallization

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FURNITURE [Chair]

Chair making process

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FURNITURE [Chair]

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FURNITURE [Chair]

Process After the passage of time, the salt crystals gradually grow. Forming a unique texture and surface on the structure.

The thickness is gradually increased while the hardness also will enhance. It helps to form and freeze the shape of the structure. The following pictures show the process of the crystal growth.

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FURNITURE [Chair]

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FURNITURE [Chair]

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FURNITURE [Installation]

Installation Combine the device and the structure together, not only show the object, but also show the process of salt crystallization. People can see how the salt crystal grow on the structure.

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FURNITURE [Table]

Table Structure To achieve a bigger size of furniture piece, a tea table was made.Shape the cluster of components, and give some force to keep the stanning modelling. Then set up the device, run the recirculate water system,the salt will keep crystal on the structure. After salt crystallization, this tea table will become thicker and stronger. At that time, the frame will be removed, and the tea table could be stand by itself.

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FURNITURE [Table]

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FINAL PROPOSAL - Discussion - Proposal

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FINAL PROPOSAL

Discussion For function area, the previous project mainly from an aesthetic point of view to play a role in crystallization. However, in this project, in addition to aesthetics, the salt has also play a role of generating form and reinforcing structure .

As the furniture piece shown in this project, the crystallization brings hardness to the structure which not only generate the form ,but also reinforce the structure. It is obvious that salt crystallization fabrication is feasible which can be used in design area, such as sofa, stools ,and resting space.

By controlling the density of internal support system or by controlling the water flow, the project can control the crystal effects and create otherworldly aesthetics effects.

Previous research projects are more limited. They did not combine salt crystals and natural environment together, but rather as art works or sculpture. This project chooses the specific area such as Dead Sea, Salt Lake to create some interesting design. In this way, project can get free crystalline material and keep providing a salt water. The project try to combine crystal project and natural together. The unique idea is like 'graft'. The preset structure is placed in these specific area .After crystallization, the structure will be merged into the environment and become a gorgeous landscape. The natural environmental factors just like temperature and wind also can help the crystallization.

Actually, this project has limitation because it can only carry out in area with certain conditions, such as Salt Lake or the Dead Sea. Meanwhile, it reflects the area or even the city's personality.

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SITE ANALYSIS

Dead Sea Coordinates:31°30'N 35°30'E Type: Endorheic, Hypersaline Main substance : sulfur, magnesium, potassium, chlorine, bromine; full bottom and sodium chloride.

Salinity: the upper salinity less than 300 ‰, rich in sulfates and bicarbonates.

Bottom salinity 332 ‰ .

Annual precipitation: less than 50 mm Average temperature: 32 and 39 ℃（summer）

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FINAL PROPOSAL

Beach Road Hotel area Parking

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FINAL PROPOSAL

Site Beach Hotel area Parking area Green zone Mountain areas Main road

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FINAL PROPOSAL

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FINAL PROPOSAL

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Salt crystals Experience Center Currently the crystals in these areas are naturally formed. By designing the initial structure, forming the special space, and then place these structures in these specific environment, through some artificial means (e.g., pre-soaked, flow control) to guide the growth of crystals clinging to the preset architecturally, forming a unique ornamental landscape. Due to the existing landscape, the occurrence of crystallization is spontaneous without certain organization. The major opportunity for these formations of crystals is high tide.

The water rises to the surface of the rock soaking it in brine , bringing the dissolved salt to the surface ,then strong sunshine will rapidly evaporate the moisture , salt will condense and pile up, thereby forming different shapes of crystal. It seems that these crystals have a large area , scalability, but they are mainly on the surface or covered in some rocks and it does not allow people to walk through which means it can’t offer full three -dimensional experience with crystal .Designing the guiding walking path and unique internal structure will provide multidimensional experience of space. The goal was to make it the infrastructure design close to the regional natural style and close to the original natural system, by collecting information on the region, seeking the best position of the insertion, to get the best results in harmony with the environment. There is a possibility to create a unique and interesting pavilion or landscape design for their site, based on people behavior, local growth logic and physical behavior. They are conceived from geometric nonlinearity. They have the structure, space and other necessary qualities. Structures will be previously treated by artificial means, and then slowly crystallization in the evaporation process occurs over a long term.

The crystals keep growing, from less to more, from thin to thick; the observer can enjoy the whole process of crystal growth. Crystal growth process also changes the appearance of the structure and makes the space more interesting as some original walk path may be hindered due to the thickening of the crystals. Actually crystallization is not a unidirectional growth, but reversible. Because of the influence of wind, water and other factors, crystal can be re-dissolved or eroded. This would produce certain changes in the crystals appearance and help to form more diverse and worth watching manifestations while maintaining vitality and change, rather than being static

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Salt crystals Experience Center

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Salt crystals Experience Center

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Salt crystals Experience Center

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Salt crystals Experience Center

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Salt crystals Experience Center

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Pavilion

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Pavilion

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Crystallization Cantilever

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