Reflective Space

REFLECTIVE SPACE SAM FOX COLLEGE OF DESIGN AND VISUAL ARTS at WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SURFACE OF EFFECT / AFFECT DIGITAL SEMINAR COURSE 2014 PROFESSOR CHANDLER AHRENS

LEXI WHITE JEFFREY LEE CHRISTOPHER TAURASI

REFLECTIVE SPACE

CHRISTOPHER TAURASI JEFFREY LEE LEXI WHITE

PRECEDENT STUDIES

05

SYSTEM DESIGN

13

SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

19

PRECEDENT STUDIES

GRADIENT

Henn Architekten, Urban Planning Museum

Case study: Urban Planning Museum Architect: HENN (Dr. Gunter Henn) Effect: Gradient Materials: Steel

Analysis by: Jeffrey Lee

RAC ACT I O N REFR

Analysis by: Christopher Taurasi Refraction - the change in direction of a wave due to a change in its transmission medium.

Caustic -

Case study: Caustics Artist/ architect: EPFL - Computer Effect: Refraction Materials: CNC Milled Plexiglass

light that is reflected or refracted by a curved surface.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NXNAIqU8KM 2:57

Washington University in St. Louis | Surface of Affect/ Effect | Fall 2014

EPFL - Computer Graphics and Geometry Laboratory , Caustics

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Case study: Czech Modernism Artist/ architect: Josiah McElheny Effect: Infinite Space Materials: Mirror, Lighting, Pattern (painted stripes)

Case study: Environment 111 Artist/ architect: Luc Peire Effect: Infinite Space Materials: Mirror, Lighting, Pattern (painted stripes)

SYSTEM DESIGN

HOT

HOT

WARM

WARM

COLD

COLD

The refractive index of water changes based on its temperature. This digital analysis simulates a light source bouncing off an reflective surface through varying temperatures of water. A point cloud was generated from these refracted rays. The points were averaged to create a surface representing non conceptualized space.

SYSTEM IMPLEMENTATION

View across atrium looking north

B

PLAN 1’:1/8” A

SECTION B 1’:1/8”

The most significant architectural feature in the T-Rex office space is the multi story atrium. It not only allows light to penetrate the interior, but also provides visual connections between inhabitants on different floors. To enhance these dynamic qualities panelized surfaces with varying levels of visual porosity are distributed to reflect and refract the light from above.

SECTION A 1’:1/8�

ATRIUM VIEW LOOKING WEST

GLASS ATRIUM EDGE

SURFACE ASSEMBLY

CAUSTIC PANELS

THIN GAUGE STEEL CABLE ALUMINUM CHANNEL

ATRIUM EDGE COLUMNS

Hyperbolic paraboloids are complex curved surfaces composed of a series of straight lines. These lines provide a framework in which to place an adjustable system of panels.

From the test panels we can see the caustic pattern after light passes through the surface. It is understood that where light passes through visibility also occurs. On the opposite side light is reflected due to the mylar paired with the concave form. Rotation of the panel also reveals the potential for directing light to specific zones of the T-Rex workspace.

CAUSTIC PANEL ASSEMBLY DETAIL BUS BAR ALUMINUM CHANNEL CAP

TYPICAL PANEL ASSEMBLY

THIN GAUGE STEEL CABLE VACUUM FORMED TRANSPARENT STYRENE REFLECTIVE MYLAR VACUUM FORMED TRANSPARENT STYRENE CRIMP

The thin gauge steel cable allows for rotation to occur along multiple axis, while the crimp fixes the panel in its desired position.

ATRIUM SECTION

LIGHT PASSAGE REFLECTION REFRACTION

MYLAR CUT PATTERN

Two dimensional patterns cut into reflective mylar are pushed open when stretched over a three dimensional form creating aperture for light and view. These apertures are important to maintain the existing visual connection of the atrium space.

Light diffusion and dispersal effect of caustic panels on T-rex workplace environment

Resulting caustic pattern from light filtrating panels

Atrium view looking up from 5th floor stair

FABRICATION PROCESS

In preparation for the knife-plotting process, sheets of reflective mylar are taped to a vacuum table. The digital file is sent to the machine incrementally allowing time to reinforce cuts with additional tape – this is necessary due to the delicate nature of the mylar. Finally, hand-cuts were made to lines where the knifeplotter did not penetrate.

Squares of Reflective Mylar Sandwiched Between Clear Styrene with Room for Offcut

Perforated Formwork Secured to Vacuum Table

CNC Formwork

Styrene and Mylar are Heated at 315째 for 1-2 Minutes and are Vacuum Pressed to Formwork.

PROTOTYPE DOCUMENTATION