Mod3 Journal

Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE

Stephanie Markerink 914884 Vaughan Cockburn, 24

PHOTO

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WEEK 6 READING: SURFACES THAT CAN BE BUILT FROM PAPER IN ARCHITECTURAL GEOMETRY Question 1: What are the three elementary types of developable surfaces? Provide a brief description.

The three primary types of developable surfaces are cylinders, cones and tangent surfaces of space curves. Cylinders are constructed by a number of parallel lines. The surfaces is formed by a profile curve and is extended into a certain length by a certain direction. Cones are characterised by a profile curve however the lines along the curve converge to one single point. Tangent surfaces of space curves are polygons that forms a tangent lines that evolves into a developable curve

Question 2: Why is the understanding of developable surface critical in the understanding of architectural geometry? Choose one precedent from Research/Precedents tab on LMS as an example for your discussion.

The understanding of developable surfaces and architectural geometry goes hand in hand because their understanding allows designers to materialise complicated forms from concept into developable surfaces in real life. The understanding of this allows for the easy assembly and construction process of the project.

It is evident in MOS’s ‘Huyghe + Le Corbusier Puppet Theatre’ that the organic form envisioned by conceptual artist Pierre Huyghe was materialised by the use of architectural geometry. The forms are converted to developable surfaces that enabled the ease of assembly and disassembly, as well as the structural integrity of the project.

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PANELLING 2D PATTERN

2d Panelling, Pattern: Angle Box

2d Panelling, Pattern: Triangular

2d Panelling, Pattern: Wave

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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN

In my experimentation with 2D variable patterns I wanted to see how simple geometric shapes including rectalinear and triangular forms can combine and amalgamate to create a new and interesting pattern. Pattern was definitely a key factor in my experimentation. I wanted to create a sense of rhythm and motion in my pattern to allow the eye to move with ease over the surface of the terrain.

Figure 1.

This figure shows a reasonably basic experimentation with the combination and juxtaposition of simplistic shapes.

Figure 2.

This figure shows a deepened exploration into triangular shapes.

This placement and combination of triangles is what informed by later 3D shape design.

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3D PANEL TEST PROTOTYPE & TEMPLATE

3D protoypes

Unrolled 2D surfaces

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WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION

Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation?

Digital fabrication is a generative medium that connects representation and building with the opportunity for incorporation of design and making. The technology allows the designer to break free from the paradigm of just 2D representation. The technology merges 2D and 3D as the digital fabrication can showcase 3D forms through 2D lines, creating the the virtual model, allowing the designer to rapidly manifest their ideas and allows the designer to become the maker.

Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design?

Folding is employed in the formal portrayal of a building’s design because it gives structural strength to a material that would be planar without this technique. Structural rigidity arise from folding as architectural geometries are introduced to the material. This allows the material to cover distances and be self-sufficient in its structural abilities. In addition, folding also is a cost-effective method in the production of models and prototypes to represent ideas.

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EXPLORING 3D PANELLING

The final Rhino terrain.

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UNROLL TEMPLATE OF YOUR FINAL MODEL

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PANELISED LANDSCAPE

Detail of under-side of finished model

Aerial evelations of finished model (top and bottom view)

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APPENDIX

FIGURE 1.

In my initial construction of my 3D unit I created an octangonal form that caused numerous issues because of its complexity and detail. I decided to simplifiy the shape, and as I experimented I found myself intrigued by how the interplay and amalgamation of triangles created a new and interesting form. This notion informed by final 3D unit. In this figure, I was finalising the design by creating variations in openings using the trim command.

FIGURE 3.

Using the Stanley knife I cut the tab lines and scored the oulines of every panel to create neat and clear fold lines. This proved to be successful in my finished model. However more practice using the tool may have been beneficial as I did have a few slip ups, resulting in my needing to either restart the panel or have a crooked fold line. This was the most time consuming stage in the design process.

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FIGURE 2.

This figure shows a progress shot of my use of Paneling Tools to create a Custom 3D Variable Grid.

When I was deciding how to divide the terrain between 2D and 3D forms I experimented with how the overall viewing of the landscape would be effected when different areas of the form were stripped bare. I decided to have a blunt contrast to showcase the ability for forms to create a visual sense of strength while also having ‘holes’ of hidden 2D space within the force of the 3D forms. This figure shows this process.

FIGURE 4.

Once the scoring and cutting was finished, I used both PVA and UHU Adhesive glue to construct the shapes.

After experimenting a little with both glues I concluded that the UHU was better fitted as the PVA took longer to dry and dampened the paper. To ensure the gluing process was a quick one I used bull dog clips to holds the joins. This also enabled a more stable hold and an increase in durability of the finished model.

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