M2 journal

Digital Design - Module 02 Semester 1, 2018 Sophia Miriam Harrison 914382 Junhan + Studio 13

Week Three

Reading: Kolerevic B. 2003. Architecture in the Digital Age

Kolerevic described three fundamental type of fabrication techniques in the reading. Outline the three techniques and discuss the potential of Computer Numeric Controlled fabrication with parametric modelling. (150 words max)

According to Kolerevic, the three fundamental types of fabrication techniques are (1) Subtractive fabrication, (2) Additive Fabrication and (3) Formative fabrication. The first refers to fabrication that removes from the existing volume of the form. This is usually performed using electronic, chemical or mechanically reductive materials (Kolerevic, p.4). The second is the adding to a volume layer by layer, such as the use of 3-Dimensional printers. The third and last is when a form is reshaped by deformation or moulding via the use of heat or steam.

All three of these contribute to Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) fabrication which has multiple benefits. Most importantly, the use of CNC modelling is cost effective and promotes the customisation of design as opposed to the standardised forms dictated by the pre-computer age. Additionally, CNC fabrication allows for greater experimentation and progressivity.

2

Week Three Surface Creation

I had a lot of trouble with my 2D panelling, eventually having to settle with a very simple panel. This was particularly due to the Grasshopper scripting and the Morph2D command. The more sophisticated panels I created refused to be turned into surfaces. Unfortunately this issue occured in the mid semester break and I was unable to ge the help I needed due to being away. As for the 3D panels, I chose a truncated pyramid after iterating over different sorts of shapes such as pyramids. I was happy with this panel as the size varies as they climb the model.

3

Week Four

Panels & Waffle

Final Surface consisting of both the 2D and 3D panels.

Final Waffle, shown in north-west isometric.

The placement of the panels was chosen to highlight the curves of the surfaces. The 2D panels reveal more of these curves while the truncated pyramids represent dominance and structure.

I chose this angle for the waffle as it shows not only the structural elements of both sides, but also as it shows the difference between the two sides. the front side is thinner and more curved whereas the rear side is straighter and more dominant in size.

4

Week Four Laser Cutting

The layout for the laser cutting was straightforward. Initially, I had some trouble with the waffle laser cut layout as I kept getting duplicate lines. Eventually, after carefully following Matt’s instructions, I was able to attach all the horizontal waffle elements using the Make2D command thus saving time and money with the laser cutter.

In hindsight, I should have made some of my panel sides etch’s rather than cut’s because the tape used to hold down the elements did damage a few of my panels.

5

Week Five

The boolean scripting was the most enjoyable part of Module 2 for me. It was great to experiment with attractors. I found the scripting understandable and easy to grasp.

The above four images demonstrate my process. The top left was the section I chose to print from. The top right is my first iteration, however, I decided that it’s cube form was not exciting enough to be printed. The bottom left was my second iteration but some of the edges were to thin for me to print. The bottom right is my final 3D boolean print. I like it because it shows volume, form and size. There are different heights and widths and it is interesting to look at.

6

Week Five Isometric

Final 3D Boolean Isometric My final 3D boolean isometric has a balance between exploring shape and absense of volume while also possessing a strict structure.

This model addresses the void in several ways. There are large absences and small absenses exploring how form can exist despite subtraction. The model allows for movement as each element is accessible through another element, encouraging connectivity.

7

Week Six

Task 01

Task 01 Matrix The iterations in the task were a great way to explore the capabilities of the scripting in Grasshopper. (1.1) was my first surface iteration and it ended up being the one I chose to proceed with and the one that both the 2nd and 3rd rows are based on. I chose it because of the contrast between the surfaces both in form and in size.

8

Week Six Task 02

Task 02 Matrix Again, this process was hugely important for task 2. It was difficult here to chose between the iterations as the all had something to offer. My choices are placed as the 1st in each row for clarity. I was intrigued by making the spheres as small and equal as I could - what could I get away with..?

9

Week Six

Final Isometric Views

10

Appendix Process

Waffle Isometrics After using Make2D on all 4 isometrics in Rhino, I settled on NW as I felt it demonstrated the form and contrast of my waffle the most

11

Appendix Process

Sphere Attraction in top view I chose my attractors by looking in top view so as to ascertain the distribution. These are a few of my iterations.

12

Photograph of waffle structure before panels This photograph shows the waffle structure before the panels were added.

It demonstrates the form and directions of each face, something which the panels highlight and improve.

13