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
IIINT FIE IT N IET ES S PA CE E I N F N PAC E I N F I N S PAC I N F I N I T E S PAC E
IINNFII T NE I T ESS PAC CE E I N F PA I N F I N I T E S PAC E
I N F I N I T E S PA C E N F I N I T E S PAC E E C AP S E T I N I F N I
E C AP S E T I N I F N I
E C AP S E T I N I F N I
E C AP S E T I N I F N I
NF FI IINN NF III N T IE ET ES SSPA PA C E PAC CE II N T E
II N NF FI IINN NF III N T E S PA C E I T E S PA C E T E S PA C E
I N F I N I T E S PA C E
II N F I N I T E S PAC E I N F I N I T E S PA C E N F I N I T E S PAC E
I N F I N I T E S PA C E
I
I N FI INNFII N T IET ESSPAC E PA C E NF FIIIIN NFFIIIIT T SS PAC E NN N IE IET TE ES S PAC E N PA CE E II N PAC
I N F I N I T E S PAC E
NIFNI
I N FI INNFII N T IET ESSPAC E PA C E
I N F I N I T E S PA C E
S ETINIFNI
I N F I N I T E S PA C E
INFINITE S
I INN F II T N IE T ESS PAC CE E II N F PA N F I N I T E S PA C E
INFIN
I
N F I N I T E S PA C E N F I N I T E S PA C E
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