C NEcrete
Team Members: Haibo Xiao | Liyuan Ma | Qiaochu Wang | Sanchutha Choomsai Tutors: Daniel Widrig | Soomeen Hahm | Igor Pantic | Stefan Bassing Research Cluster 6, MArch Architectural Design, 2015 - 2016 The Bartlett School of Architecture | UCL 2016.07
INTRODUCTION Inspired by some metal aggregation studies, we started our research and design from the simplest geometry---cone, which has the advanteges to rotate at any directions and can break or grow at any branches. For the material reseach, with the aim of finding strong but lightweight haderning method, we use the most common construction material----concrete by mixing it with other plaster materials. Basically, we aggregate our components by making cones into curves first, then combine them according to the digital form-finding outcomes. After that, we applied concrete on it to harden it.
CONTENTS Chapter 1: Initial Approach -Initial Concepts -Initial References -Initial Attempts Chapter 2 : Fabrication Research -Component Study -Material Comparison -Strenghth Test Chapter 3 : Digital Setup -Bundle System -Branching System -Prototype Tests Chapter 4 : Design Development -Branching Bundles Chapter 5 : Prototype Fabrication -Prototype -Chair Fabrication -Stool Fabrication Chapter 6 : Architectural Potential -Surface Study -Column Study -Staircase Study -Space Design
CHAPTER
01
INITIAL APPROACH At the very first beginning, we were inspried by some aggregating art works by various artists or architects, such as Neri Oxman, Iris Van Herpen, Tobias Stenico, Jose Sanchez & Alisa Andrasek.
We were rather interested in the aggregation of simple compnents by arraying and stacking, in order to create some interesting patterns like spiral growth. Starting from the references, we tried to make some small physical sculpture by simply cutting and folding metal sheets. With these easily-made cone shape components, we used stacking and arraying to connect cones.
[ Component Aggregation ] Inspired by the patterns in the artworks of Neri Oxman, Iris Van Herpen and so on, we were interested in the aggregation of simple compnents by arraying and stacking, in order to create some interesting patterns like spiral growth.
Form Reference Image 1: Rapid Craft, Neri Oxman, 2005-2006
Form Reference Image 2: Metal Dress, Iris Van Herpen
Form Reference Image 3: Bloom-the Game, Jose Sanchez & Alisa Andrasek
Initial Approach | References [ Material Reference ] For the hardening material, we tried to use the most common construction material----concrete, for its strehgth, stability and interesting patterns when combined with mesh.
Material Reference Image 1: Untitled Project, Nick van Woert, 2011 Material: Kitty Litter, plaster statue, stainless steel, urethane Size: 180 x 50 x 50 cm
Material Reference Image 2: Untitled Project, Nick van Woert,2014 Material: Coal slag, steel and white bronze
Material Reference Image 3: Christinabali, nadiahshahril, Chrysanthitzovla,2014 Material: jesmonite plaster, paster polymer, trisodium citrate , water
[ Initial Attempts ] Starting from the references, we tried to make some small physical sculpture by simply cutting and folding metal sheets. With these easily-made cone shape components, we used stacking and arraying to connect cones.
[ Tools ]
Side Array
1
Stacking
Interlocking
Image 1: Metal sheet Image 2: Scissor to cut the sheet material Image 3: Pen to roll the sheet into cones Image 4: Plier to strengthen the cone shape
Simple cones
Aggregation
Initial Initial Approach Approach | References | Attempts
First Aggregation Sculpture
[ Initial Attempts ] This initial attempt was completely made by simple tools and hands. By arraying, stacking and interlocking the cones in a spiral pattern, the outcome turnt out to be interesting and has various potentail for aggregation.
Coal Image 1: Coal Image 2: Concrete Image 3: Glue
Concrete
Glue
Initial Approach | References
CHAPTER
02
FABRICATION RESEARCH In this chapter, we focus on the material tests and fabrication method. Starting from comparing different materials property to make a simple cone shape, we found the aluminium mesh is very lightweight, strong, flexible and its surface make it easy to attach to hardening material. Then we researched how to fabricate it manually and machanically. After that, we compared with different kinds of concrete to harden it.
[ Geometry Study ] We study three basic geometry shapes which are triangular base pyramid, rectangular base pyramid, and a simple cone. Both of the pyramid shapes allows more surface of connection, make it more easier to join side by side with another components. However the cone shape make it possible for 360 degree branching as well as create a spiral pattern when stacking linearly while the pyramid shapes with surface cannot.
Basic Shape
Geometries
Triangle
Triangular Base Pyramid
Square
Regtangular Base Pyramid
Circle
Simple Cone
Side Array with Alignment
Side Array with Shift
Linear Stac
cking
Fabrication Research | Geometry Study
Linear Stacking with Shift
Spiral Linear Stacking
Branching
Evaluation
• Surface make it
easy for side array
• Easy for Linear
Stacking
• Cannot create
spiral linear stacking
• With triangular base
shape results in branching to limited direction
• Surface make it
easy for side array
• Easy for Linear
Stacking
• Cannot create
spiral linear stacking
•With rectangular base
shape results in branching to limited direction
•Less surface make it difficult for side array • Easy for Linear Stacking • With circular base shape make it possible for spiral linear stacking • With circular base shape result in braching to 360 degree direction
[ Material Properties ] By comparing a wide range of materials, such as papaer, plastic sheet, felt sheet, aluminium sheet, prepreg carbon fiber and aluminium mesh, by its properties, deformability and price. We found the aluminium mesh is the best material for its flexibility, stability and ability to attach concrete.
Materials
Thickness
Shaping to a single Cone
Deformability
Cones Aggregation
Paper
Plastic Sheet
Felt Sheet
0.3 mm
0.5 mm
1.0 mm
Fabrication Research | Material Study
Aluminium Sheet
Prepreg Carbon Fibre
Aluminium Perforated Sheet
0.1 mm
0.75 mm
0.5 mm
[ Conclusion ] The aluminium mesh is the best material for its flexibility, stability,deformability and ability to attach hardening material
[ Material Property ] 1) Easy to cut into equal size 2) Easy to roll into cone shape 3) Strong and always stay in shape 4) Easy to attach concrete
Easy to cut
Easy to connect
Fabrication Research | Aluminium Mesh
[ Mass Manufacturing Potential] A single chair may need hundreds of cone components. So it is an urgent task for us to find a faster, cheaper and more convenient way to producecones. We tried to use water jet cutting machine for its preciseness.
Water Jet Cutting
Laser Cutting
[ Cone-making Options ] Making a cone is easy, just need some simple tools, like scissors and hands, to cut it along its mesh, and roll it around some moulds, like pencil or cone-shape objects. If more preciseness is required, we can use the water jet machine to cut it.
Option 1: Manual modeling
Step 1: Cut the mesh
Step 2: Basic shape
Step 1: Take out the mesh
Step 2: Basic shape
Option 2: Machine-assisted modeling
Fabrication Research | Aluminium Mesh
Step 3: Roll the mesh
Step 4: Stack into the holes
Step 5: Cone made!
Step 3: Use the mould
Step 4: Roll the mesh
Step 5: Cone made!
[ Standardized Segment ] Design Process: 1.Make standardized cones.(Cone Diametre:3cm, Cone Length: 9cm) 2.Make standardized cone segment.(By connecting at the 11th point and rotate 20 degree, the segments will have four possible growing positions) 3.Design guide curves 4.Apply the 4-cone segments onto the guide curves(By randomly choosing one of the four possible growing positions) 5.Branch out to form surfaces
3.00
9.00
9:
20.00
: 11 Standardised Cone
Rotate 20 Degrees
Standardised
d Segment
Fabrication Research | Component Size
Four Future Growth Positions
[ Component System ] Based on our design language study, we tried to set some rule to aggregate the component together. First is using 4 cones as one component, then we can aggregate with another component by stacking and branching.
1.Single components
2. Stacking
3. Branching
Fabrication Research | Physical Model-making
5.Reinforced sculpture
[ Coating Strategy ] We study diferent materials to apply on the surface of the aluminium mesh component in order to test which material is the most suitable to make each component connect together. As a result Polyurethane rubber is the most stable because it can bond and connect the Aluminium mesh very well.
Expanding Foam
1st Coat
2nd Coat
Adhesive Spray
Plastic Spray
Materials : Expanding Foam
Materials : Adhesive Spray
Materials : Plastic Spray
Curing Time : 1 hours
Curing Time : 2 hours
Curing Time : 1 hours
Weight : 18 g
Weight : 16 g
Weight : 17 g
Fabrication Research | Coating Strategy
Epoxy Resin
Rubber Spray
Polyurethane Rubber
Materials : Epoxy Resin
Materials : Rubber Spray
Materials : Polyurethane Rubber
Curing Time : 8 hours
Curing Time : 2 hours
Curing Time : 3 hours
Weight : 18 g
Weight : 15 g
Weight :29 g
[ Strength Test ] We put each brach of diferent material on a frame, use a weigher to pull the branch down, and record the force when the branch is broken. As a result, Polyurethane rubber are the most strongest material.
Expanding Foam
Adhesive Spray
Plastic Spray
6 kg
8 kg
5 kg
Load Bearing Unit kg
10
5
0
Fabrication Research | Coating Strategy
Epoxy Resin
Rubber Spray
Polyurethane Rubber
4 kg
5 kg
9 kg
[ Reinforcement Strategy ] We study diferent materials to apply on the surface of the aluminium mesh component in order to test which material is the most suitable to make the component stronger and more stable. As a result, Concrete, and Concrete mix with PVA powder are the most stable and the lightest material.
Plaster
White Cement
PVA Powder
Materials : Plaster 80% , Water 20%
Materials : Cement 80% , Water 20%
Materials : PVA Powder 80% , Water 20%
Curing Time : 2 hours
Curing Time : 3 hours
Curing Time : 1 hours
Strength : Not Strong
Strength : Strong
Strength : Strong
Weight : 32g
Weight : 48g
Weight : 40g
Deformability : Breakable
Deformability : Non deformable
Deformability : Non deformable
Finishing : White , be able to see the mesh pattern
Finishing : White , be able to see the mesh pattern
Finishing : White , barely see the mesh pattern
h
Fabrication Research | Coating Strategy
PVA Powder50% : Concrete 50%
Materials : PVA Powder 40% , Concrete 40%, Water 20% Curing Time : 5 hours Strength : Strong Weight : 57g Deformability : Non deformable Finishing : Grey , mesh pattern hardly appearing
Concrete
Materials : Concrete 80% , Water 20% Curing Time : 24 hours Strength : Strong Weight : 73g Deformability : Non deformable Finishing : Dark Grey , mesh pattern hardly appearing
Fibre Concrete
Materials : Polypropylene Fibre 10%, Concrete 70% , Water 20% Curing Time : 24 hours Strength : Strong Weight :53g Deformability : Non deformable Finishing : Dark Grey , Difficult to apply ont he surface, mesh pattern hardly appearing
[ Strength Test ] We put each brach of diferent material on a frame, use a weigher to pull the branch down, and record the force when the branch is broken. As a result, Concrete, and Concrete mix with PVA powder are the most strongest material.
Plaster
White Cement
PVA Powder
2 kg
2 kg
7 kg
Load Bearing Unit kg
10
5
0
Fabrication Research | Coating Strategy
PVA Powder50% : Concrete 50%
Concrete
Fibre Concrete
9 kg
9 kg
7 kg
[ Material Comparison ] From the material teest, we found two possibility material to be apply on the mesh which are Concrete and PU Rubber. Rubber when cover on the mesh, is able to connect the components together as well as giving the flexibilty for the aggregation. Concrete can connect each component but not the flexibility, however it is very stong and stable.
Materials :PU Rubber 1 Coat Strength : Not Strong Finishing : Mesh pattern still appearing
Rubber
Materials : Concrete 1 Coat Strength : Quite Strong Finishing : Mesh pattern still appearing
Concrete
Fabrication Research | Coating Strategy
Rubber
Concrete
[ PVA Poweder ] As we selcted PVA powder as our final coat, we experimented with spraying on our component from 1 to 3 times, and did the strength test.
Step 1: PVA Powder
Step 2: Mix with water
Step 3: Spray
Load B Unit
1
5
0
Fabrication Research | Coating Strategy
1st Coat
2nd Coat
3rd Coat
Bearing t kg
10
5
0 7 kg
8 kg
9 kg
[ Concrete ] We test how many layer of concrete needed to cover the alumunium mesh in order to make the prototype as strong as possilble.
Materials :Aluminium Mesh
Materials :Aluminium
Strength : Not Strong
Strength : Not Strong
Finishing : Mesh pattern hardly appearing
Finishing :Be able to se
Fabrication Research | Coating Strategy
Mesh + Concrete 1 Coat
ee mesh pattern
Materials :Aluminium Mesh + Concrete 5 Coat Strength : Very Strong Finishing : Mesh pattern hardly appearing
CHAPTER
03
DESIGN SETUP In this chapter, we focus on the material tests and fabrication method. Starting from comparing different materials property to make a simple cone shape, we found the aluminium mesh is very lightweight, strong, flexible and its surface make it easy to attach to hardening material. Then we researched how to fabricate it manually and machanically. After that, we compared with different kinds of concrete to harden it.
Main Options | Design Language
CHAPTER
05
PART 1: BUNDLE SYSTEM
[ Design Language ] Based on the our studies, we can make a library of design languages of simple bundle, bottom opening, middile opening, top opening, twisting, bending, branching. With these basic design languages, we can aggregate them into complex forms.
Simple Bundle
0 Degree Rotation
45 Degree Rotation
90 Degree Rotation
Bottom O
Opening
Design Setup | Bundle Syetem
Middle Opening
Top Opening
Bending
[ Physical Prototypes ] We explore a varaity of design language through the aggregation of physical prototypes such as spiral pattern, and twisting pattern.
Aluminium Mesh
Concrete Reinforcement
Aluminium Mesh
Design Setup | Bundle Syetem
Concrete Reinforcement
Spiral Prototype
[ Digital Sketches ] Based on the design language study, we tried to make larger pieces by combining different deformation.
Design Setup | Bundle Syetem
Digital Sketch
[ Digital Sketches ] - The diagram illustrate through positive electrode and negative pole to expain different direction of cone. - A variety of pattern can be created through these graphics system. Pattern Connection
-
+ A
+ + + - + - + + + -
Second rotation area First rotation area
B
C
Simple Bundle
Design Setup | Bundle Syetem
Different areas Rotation
Combination
+
- + - - + + + + + - + - - + -
- + + + - + - + + + -
+
+
+ - - + + + - -
Rotation
- + - - + + + + + - + - - + -
- + + + - + - + + + -
[ Design Process ] Through scaling,branching and combing,the column design become much more complex.
-
+
Design Setup | Bundle Syetem
[ Design Process ] Through scaling,branching and combing,the column design become much more complex.
Side View
Step 1.Prototype
Back View
Step 2.Bend line
Step 3.Bend angle
Step 4.Forming famework of Chair
Design Setup | Bundle Syetem
Opt1.Front View
Opt2.Front View
[ Design Process ] Through scaling,branching and combing,the column design become much more complex.
Step 1.The formation of the support stucture
Step 2.The formation of the column
Step 4.Simplified the line
Step 5.Forming construction of staircase
Step 3.Simplified the line
Design Setup | Bundle Syetem
Perspective View
[ Digital Sketch ] By combining the design languages we have, we design some spaces like this.
Top view
Support part details
Stairstep Details
Support part details
Design Setup | Bundle Syetem
Perspective View
[ Digital Sketch ] By combining the design languages we have, we design some spaces like this.
Perspective View
Design Setup | Bundle Syetem
Top View
Perspective View
Perspective View
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
CHAPTER
05
PART 2: BRANCHING SYSTEM
[ Generation Process ] An L-system or Lindenmayer system is a parallel rewriting system and a type of formal grammar. An L-system consists of an alphabet of symbols that can be used to make strings, a collection of production rules that expand each symbol into some larger string of symbols, an initial “axiom� string from which to begin construction, and a mechanism for translating the generated strings into geometric structures. L-systems were introduced and developed in 1968 by Aristid Lindenmayer, a Hungarian theoretical biologist and botanist at the University of Utrecht. Lindenmayer used L-systems to describe the behaviour of plant cells and to model the growth processes of plant development. L-systems have also been used to model the morphology of a variety of organisms[1] and can be used to generate self-similar fractals such as iterated function systems.
Recursion 1 Angle Parameters Curvature: 0;3;12; Branch: -39;69;45; Spiral: 39;39;-35;
Angle Parameters Curvature: 12;0;-6; Branch: 15;15;15; Spiral: 30;30;-30;
Angle Parameters Curvature: 15;0;-15; Branch: 15;15;15; Spiral: 30;30;-30;
Angle Parameters Curvature: 15;15;15; Branch: -30;60;45; Spiral: 30;30;-30;
Recursion 2
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Recursion 3
Recursion 4
Recursion 5
Recursion 6
[ Generation Process ] - It is generated by L-System and Vector Field in Processing - By adjusting its branches from simple to complex to aggregate.
5 Branches
7 Branches
L-System
Vector Field
Form
Simple Aggregation---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
9 Branches
11 Branches
13 Branches
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Complex Aggregation
[ L-system Optimization ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure,then optimizing line to create curves.By using grasshopper,tansform curves into our cone ,add arm part of chair.
1.Prototype
2.simplified the line
4.Bend angle
5.Optimizing line
3.Bend line
6.Forming famework of Chair
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Details
Side View
Back View
[ Guided Growth ] We study the different curvatures created through 3 different connection points which are 1/4, 1/2 , and 3/4. With different cone diameter and length can create different curvatures.
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 1: Guide curve
Single line
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 2: One-directional gr
rowth
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 3: Multi-direction grwoth
Linear aggregation
[ Guided Growth ] We study the different curvatures created through 3 different connection points which are 1/4, 1/2 , and 3/4. With different cone diameter and length can create different curvatures.
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 1: Bounding Box
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 2: Guide Curves
Guided Grwoth Proced
Step 3: Symmetric
dure
c Curves
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 4: Segmented Growth Along the Curve
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 5: Segmented Growth Along the Curve
[ Digital Prototype ] We study the different curvatures created through 3 different connection points which are 1/4, 1/2 , and 3/4. With different cone diameter and length can create different curvatures.
Digital Model
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
[ Physical Prototypes ] We explore a varaity of design language through the aggregation of physical prototypes such as branching, and side connection.
Multi-directional Prototype
Multi-directional Prototype
Multi-directional Prototype
[ Sitting Object Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure,then optimizing line to create curves.By using grasshopper,tansform curves into our cone ,add arm part of chair.
Step 1: Bounding Box
Step 2: Guide Curves
Step 3: Symmetric Curves
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Step 4: Segmented Growth Along the Curve
Step 5: Segmented Growth Along the Curve
Step 6: Segmented Growth Along the Curve
[ Sitting Object Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure,then optimizing line to create curves.By using grasshopper,tansform curves into our cone ,add arm part of chair.
Perspective View
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Side View
Back View
Perspective View
[ Sitting Object Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure,then optimizing line to create curves.By using grasshopper,tansform curves into our cone ,add arm part of chair.
Sitting Object Design
Sitting Object Design
Sitting Object Design
Sitting Object Design
Iteration 1
Iteration 3
Iteration 2
Iteration 4
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Sitting Object Design
Iteration 5
[ Digital Sketch ] We study the different curvatures created through 3 different connection points which are 1/4, 1/2 , and 3/4. With different cone diameter and length can create different curvatures.
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 1: Two guide curves
Simple Aggregation
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 2: Six guide curves
Complex Aggregation
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Guided Grwoth Procedure
Step 3: Multiple guide curves
[ Recursive growth-system ] -Recursive growth system is based on the method of makingphysical and digtal modeling. It may accelerate the speed of modeling whlie creating some new combinaitons and elements. -Different growth position will lead to different results.
d c b
a
Type 1
Gen= 2 angle=random.uniform(0,360)
d c b
Type 2
Gen= 2 angle=random.uniform(0,360)
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Type1+Type2(Gen=2)
Type1+Type2
[ Recursive growth-system ] -Recursive growth system is based on the method of makingphysical and digtal modeling. It may accelerate the speed of modeling whlie creating some new combinaitons and elements. -Different growth position will lead to different results.
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
[ Recursive growth-system ] -Recursive growth system is based on the method of makingphysical and digtal modeling. It may accelerate the speed of modeling whlie creating some new combinaitons and elements.
d c b
a
Type 1
angle=random.uniform(0,360) Gen= 200
angle=random.uniform(0,1 Gen=200
angle=random.uniform(0,360) Gen= 200
angle=random.uniform(0,1 Gen= 200
d c b
Type 2
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
180)
angle=random.uniform(0,90) Gen=200
180)
angle=random.uniform(0,90) Gen= 200
Type1+Type2
[ Digital Sketch ] -Recursive growth system is based on the method of makingphysical and digtal modeling. It may accelerate the speed of modeling whlie creating some new combinaitons and elements.
Perspective View
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Details
Side View
Back View
[ Design Process ] -Recursive growth system is based on the method of makingphysical and digtal modeling. It may accelerate the speed of modeling whlie creating some new combinaitons and elements.
Step 1.Forming famework of Chair
Step 4.Following guide growth
Step 2.choose the main frame
Step 5.Combine with other branches
Step 3.Transform the regular cone to connect
Design Setup | Branching Syetem
Top View
Side View
Perspective View Back View
CHAPTER
04
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT For this part, we are trying to do a fundamental component reseach of the reasons why we chose the cone shape, the parameters of cones, the different curvature, the design language library.
[ Digital Sketch ] Based on our design language study, we tried to create a sculptural piece by combining different design language as well as different size of cones.
Design Language
Design Language
Option 1: Bundle System
Option 2: Branching System
+
Linear Aggregation
Branchy Aggregation
Design Development | Branching Bundles
Design Language
Feature 1:
Branching system provides infinite growing possibilities to form larger aggregation.
Design Language
=
Feature 2:
Bundle system provides this whole object the structual meaning and gives it recognisable pattern.
[ Digital Sketch ] Based on our design language study, we tried to create a sculptural piece by combining different design language as well as different size of cones.
Design Language
Feature 1:
Branching system provides infinite growing possibilities to form larger aggregation.
Design Langua
Feature 2:
Bundle system whole object meaning and g nisable pattern
age
m provides this the structual gives it recogn.
Design Development | Branching Bundles
[ Table Design ] Based on our design language study, we tried to create a sculptural piece by combining different design language as well as different size of cones.
Design Language
Design Language
Feature 2:
Feature 1:
Bundle system provides this whole object the structual meaning and gives it recognisable pattern.
Branching system provides infinite growing possibilities to form larger aggregation.
Front View
Design Development | Branching Bundles
Side View
Back View
Perspective View
CHAPTER
05
PROTOTYPE FABRICATION For this part, we are trying to do a fundamental component reseach of the reasons why we chose the cone shape, the parameters of cones, the different curvature, the design language library.
[ Branching Prototype ] After aggregation, we applied concrete mixed with PVA powder on the surface of the model in order to strengthen and harden the sculpture. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Fabrication Procedure
Step 1: Single components
Fabrication Procedure
Step 2: First aggregation
Fabrication Procedure
Step 3: Second aggregation
Prototype Fabrication | Branching
Fabrication Procedure
Step 4: Sculpture
Fabrication Procedure
Step 5: Reinforced sculpture
[ Branching Prototype ] After aggregation, we applied concrete mixed with PVA powder on the surface of the model in order to strengthen and harden the sculpture. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Physical Prototype
Feature 1:
Branching system provides infinite growing possibilities to form larger aggregation.
Close-up
Design Language
Feature 2:
Bundle system provides this whole object the structual meaning and gives it recognisable pattern.
Close-up
Prototype Fabrication | Branching
Top View
[ Twisting Prototype ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Close-up
Close-up
Side View
Prototype Fabrication | Bundles
Front View
[ Chair Fabrication ] We used 3 different sizes of cones for the chair fabrication. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.
Twist
Branch
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
[ Chair Fabrication ] The diagram illustrates the design languages used in each part of our chair fabrication.
Side Connection
5 Angle
10 Angle
15 Angle
20 Angle
30 Angle
15 Angle Branching
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
[ Components used in Chair Fabrication ] We used 3 different sizes of cones for the chair fabrication. Also the design languages such as side connection, branching, and stacking are used based on our research study. As a result we used the total of 510 cones to fabricate the whole chair.
Side Connection
5 Angle
10 Angle
Cone Size
S
6.00cm
3.00cm
-
8
4
-
7
10
13
4
4
3.00cm
M
8.00cm
Cone Size
Cone Size
L
8.00cm
4.00cm
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
20 Angle
30 Angle
15 Angle Branching
Stacking
-
5
3
-
95
15
5
7
2
223
8
8
5
2
192
Total: 510 Cones
[ Chair Fabrication ] We used 3 different sizes of cones for the chair fabrication. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.
[ Chair Fabrication Process ]
Step 1
Step 2
Step 6
Step 7
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 8
Step 9
Step 10
[ Concrete-spraying Process ] We used concrete spray technique instead of brushing on the surface. This technique used less time consuming, however the outcome is not as strong as brushing technique due to the fact that concrete spray can stick only onto the surface, while brushing, the concrete goes inside the cone which help strengthen the structure.
Step 1: Concrete Powder
Step 2: Add Water
Step
p 3: Mix Together
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
Step 4: Pour concrete into spray gun
Step 5: Spray it on the chair
[ Concrete-spraying Process ] We used concrete spray technique instead of brushing on the surface. This technique used less time consuming, however the outcome is not as strong as brushing technique due to the fact that concrete spray can stick only onto the surface, while brushing, the concrete goes inside the cone which help strengthen the structure.
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
[ Chair Fabrication ] We used 3 different sizes of cones for the chair fabrication. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
[ Stool Fabrication ] We used only one size of cones for the chair fabrication. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.
Twist
Branch
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
[ Stool Fabrication ] We used only one size of cones for the chair fabrication. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.
Side Connection
Stacking
3
6
Stacking with rotation
Branching
Cone Size
L
8.00cm
4.00cm
10
5
Total: 140 Cones
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
[ Stool Fabrication ] We used only one size of cones for the chair fabrication. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
Close-up
Close-up
Close-up
[ Stool Fabrication ] We used only one size of cones for the chair fabrication. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.
Prototype Fabrication | Chair Fabrication
CHAPTER
06
ARCHITECTURAL POTENTIAL For this part, we are trying to do a fundamental component reseach of the reasons why we chose the cone shape, the parameters of cones, the different curvature, the design language library.
Architectural Potential | Surface Study
CHAPTER
06
PART 1: SURFACE STUDY
[ Surface Pattern ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Step 1
Step 2
+
-
Step 3
+
+
Connection Option 1:
Stacking
+
+
-
Connection Option 2:
Side Interlocking
Surface C
Top View
Connection
w
Architectural Potential | Surface Study
Surface Connection
Top View
[ Surface Pattern ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Regular Surface Pattern
Option 1
Dense
Regular Su
Op
urface Pattern
ption 2
Architectural Potential | Surface Study
Regular Surface Pattern
Option 3
Sparse
[ Surface Pattern ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Surface Pattern Option 1
Step 1
Surface Pattern Option 1
Step 2
Surface Pattern Option 1
Top View
Architectural Potential | Surface Study
Surface Pattern Option 2
Step 1
Surface Pattern Option 2
Step 2
Surface Pattern Option 2
Top View
[ Surface Pattern ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Surface Pattern Design Step 1: Straight lines
Surface Pattern Design Step 2: Curvy lines
Surface Pattern Design Step 3: Blending the curves
Surface Pattern Design Step 4: Form a surface
Architectural Potential | Surface Study
Surface Pattern
Top View
[ Wall & Floor Study ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Linear element
+
Curvy element
=
Supporting spaceframe
Architectural Potential | Surface Study
Surface Study
Axonometric View
Surface Study
Front View
[ Wall Pattern ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Surface Pattern Design Step 1: Straight lines
Surface Pattern Design Step 2: Curvy lines
Surface Pattern Design Step 3: Gradient change
Surface Pattern Design Step 4: Create a surface
Architectural Potential | Surface Study
Surface Study
Axonometric View
Architectural Potential | Column Study
CHAPTER
06
PART 2: COLUMN STUDY
[ Column Study ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Column Study Step 1: Linear curves
Column Study Step 2: Radial range
Two-dimensional Column Study Step 3: Radial pattern
Column Study Step 4: Fluid pattern
3m X 3m Planer Surface
2D Plan
Architectural Potential | Column Study
3m
3m
3m
Three-dimensional 3m X 3m X 1.5m Frame
3m X 3m X 3m Module
3D Volumn
[ Column Study ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
+
Column Design Element 1: Regular bundles
Column Design Element 2: Irregular bundles
Architectural Potential | Column Study
=
Column Study
Axonometric View Column Study
Front View
[ Column Study ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
+
Column Design Element 1: Regular bundles
Column Design Element 2: Irregular Branches
Architectural Potential | Column Study
=
Column Study
Axonometric View Column Study
Front View
Architectural Potential | Staircase Study
CHAPTER
06
PART 3: STAIRCASE STUDY
[ Staircase Design ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Staircase Design Step 1: Staircase basic shape
Staircase Design Step 2: Staircase basic outline
Staircase Design Step 3: Staircase individual step
Staircase Design Step 4: Staircase basic geometry
Architectural Potential | Staircase Study
Staircase Step
Option 1
Staircase Step
Option 2
Staircase Step
Option 3
Staircase Step
Option 4
[ Staircase Design ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Staircase Design
Staircase Design
Staircase Design
Staircase Design
Iteration 1
Iteration 3
Iteration 2
Iteration 4
Architectural Potential | Staircase Study
Staircase Design
Iteration 5
[ Staircase Design ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Staircase Design
Element 1 Bundle Syetem
Staircase Design
Element 2 Branching Syetem
Architectural Potential | Staircase Study
Staircase Design
Front View
[ Staircase Design ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Staircase Design
Step 1 Planer surface
Staircase Design
Step 2 The first step
Staircase Design
Axonometric View
Staircase Design
Step 3 The second step
Staircase Design
Step 4 The thire step
Architectural Potential | Staircase Study
Staircase Design
Perspective View
Architectural Potential | Spcae Design
CHAPTER
06
PART 4: SPACE DESIGN
[ Modularlised Boxes ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
+
-
Connection Option 1:
Stacking
+
Connection Option 2:
Side Interlocking
+
+
+
+
-
+
Surface Connection
Top View
Architectural Potential | Spcae Design
Surface Connection
Axonometric View
[ Space Design ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Module Design
Element 1 Floor
Module Design
Element 4 Column
Module Design
Element 2 Ceiling
Module Design
Element 5 Staircase
Module Design
Element 3 Wall
Module Design
Element 6 Steps
Architectural Potential | Spcae Design
Space Design
Axonometric View
[ Architectural Scenario ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Architectural Potential | Spcae Design
[ Architectural Scenario ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Architectural Potential | Spcae Design
[ Architectural Scenario ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chair’s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.
Architectural Potential | Spcae Design
THE END
THANK YOU
C NEcrete
Team Members: Haibo Xiao | Liyuan Ma | Qiaochu Wang | Sanchutha Choomsai Tutors: Daniel Widrig | Soomeen Hahm | Igor Pantic | Stefan Bassing Research Cluster 6, MArch Architectural Design, 2015 - 2016 The Bartlett School of Architecture | UCL 2016.07