Digital Design - Module 02 Semester 1, 2019 Thomas Emerson
(995854) Sean Guy + Studio Number
Critical Reading: Kolerevic B. 2003. Architecture in the Digital Age
Kolerevic described three fundamental types 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)
Kolerevic defines formative, additive and subtractive fabrications as the fundamental types of fabrication. Formative involves applying mechanical forces, heat, steam and re-stricting forms to a material which deforms into a unique shape. Additive fabrication involves applying layer after layer to create a three-dimensional object, such as 3D printing layers by plastic. Finally, subtractive is the most common form which can be completed both in 2D and 3D, with CNC milling, chemical subtraction, and laser cutting. Computer Numeric Controlled fabrication allows for precised and complex structures to be fabricated by all areas of design. Further, Parametric modelling creates precise, careful and often random calcuations of many iterations to form. This trial/error approach means that a number of forms can be tried before the final design is finished. The ability to parameterise a model and tweak it freely allows for unique designs to form.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Surface Creation
To begin with, a box is made using a number slider and coordinates with a radius to generate the structure. From there, edge selectors were used to highlight where the lofts were to take place. After experimenting with a range of different loft functions and trying to find two panels not overlapping and containing three points on the ground, the process of placing the panels begins. I found that over extruding the panels made the structure lack a sense of the design, and thus focused more on creating a cohesive build of extraction. After finalising the panels and surfaces, the waffle was then required to be made. With the help of the workshop, I was able to generate the waffle. Ultimately, I didn’t have any problems and worked out accordingly.
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Iteration one is a very simple, yet fundamentally stable structure. It contains a strong open space, ultimately allowing for a touch of light to enter. Iteration two on the other hand is similar to the first one, however is much more curvilinear. This structure is rather unique as although it contains an open space between the two surfaces, the structure bends slightly too much which could potentially result to inflections and intersections of unwanted panels.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Surface Creation
Iteration three is unqiue amongst the four designs as it is the only one to make contact with it’s opposing surface, It contains a strong sense of diagonal lines and creating thick shadows along the ground of the structure. Iteration four consists of a gradual dragient which the two surfaces explore. Although this is interesting, by doing this it forces one of the surfaces to have a over-arching bend which could result to the intersections between panels depending on the extrusion levels.
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Isometric View
Removal of shapes within the panels allow for sunlight to make it’s way inside the structure.
Gradual build of 3D and 2D paneling on a 2D surface brings about a sense of movement to the structure.
Large extractions at the base of the surface allows for public interaction to become valid.
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Laser Cutting
The essentials of the waffle structure were laid out using grasshoper. With grasshoper, the structure was formed and by using various algorithms, the structures were able to be used for laser cutting purposes. Certain elements of the shapes were etched, minimising the need for tape as this could potentially cause damage to the surfaces of the laser cut model. Tabs were also used to connect the panels together, as well as connecting appropriately to the waffle created. Due to the complex shapes, I was forced to laser cut two of the same panels. One flipped and the other not. This ensured that I had all the required surfaces.
CUT ETCH
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Matrix and Possibilities
Lofts
1.1
1.2
1.3 {0,15,150}
{0,30,150}
{0,0,0}
{60,0,150}
{0,15,150}
{75,0,150}
{75,0,150} {105,0,150}
Key
1.4
Attractor / Control Curves
{75,0,150}
{0,30,150}
{30,150,150}
{150,0,150}
{75,150,150} {0,15,150} {30,0,0}
{15,0,0} {75,0,0}
{75,0,0} {105,0,0}
{75,0,0}
{0,150,30}
{60,0,0} {75,0,0}
{75,150,30}
{0,150,0}
{0,150,0}
{0,150,30}
{75,150,0} {150,90,0}
{150,105,0} {150,135,0}
{150,120,0} {75,150,150}
Paneling Grid & Attractor Point
{Index Selection}
{Index Selection}
{Index Selection}
{Index Selection}
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
{90,-28,8} {106,-25,16} {90,-22,8} {130,110,10}
Paneling
{Attractor Point Location}
{Attractor Point Location}
{Attractor Point Location}
{Index Selection}
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
+
+
+
+
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Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z) Grid Points
SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Photography of Model
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SURFACE AND WAFFLE STRUCTURE Photography of Model
In this design, gradual builds of small to large extractions were used to create a sense of rythm and movement into the structure. This was achieved by having less complex panels which progressively became more complex as it moves closer towards the opposing corners of the design. On one side, the panels are not cut out and focuses purely on creating an illusion of 2D to 3D panels which become more complex as it moves down the facade. On the other side, the same panel is used consistently, however cuts have been made to allow light to enter and exit the building. With the cut side, various extractions and gradual builds of panel openings were completed delibrately to componsate for the other surface of the structure.
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Visual Scripting of Parametric Model
The visual script shows the process of producing the boolean difference between two surfaces. The first being the cube and the second being the voids to be removed. With the second surface, a range of shapes were used with point attractors to create unique compositions. In addition, creating boolean intersections allowed for interesting iterations to appear.
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SOLID AND VOID Isometric View
Here are two examples of the 150 x 150 x 150 cubes produced using grasshoper. The first iteration consisted of just using spheres. The second iteration, on the other hand utilised two shapes, being spheres and icohedrons which allowed for a strong contrast between soft and rough edges.
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SOLID AND VOID Isometric Section view
Here is a section cut made from the first iteration. The design is rather unique as although it contains strong curvilinear elements, it also consists of opening holes which would play a strong and reliable role in the service for light and shadow.
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SOLID AND VOID Isometric Section view
This is the second 150 x 150 x 150 iteration section consisting of two shapes; the sphere and icohedron. The contrast between the soft and rough edges makes this design extremely unique. I find being able to have this contrast allows for interesting boolean intersections to take place.
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Task B Matrix Paneling Grid & Attractor Point
1.1
1.2
1.3
Key
1.4 {26,-8,48}
{120,38,28}
{-15,28,18}
{0,0,0}
{13,23,60}
Attractor / Control Points (X,Y,Z) Attractor / Control Curves Grid Points
{90,-28,8}
{-5,-28,11}
{-25,-28,8}
{Index Selection}
{Index Selection}
Paneling Grid & Attractor Point
2.1
{2,-10,5} {Index Selection}
{Index Selection}
2.3
2.4
{Attractor Point Location}
{Attractor Point Location}
{Attractor Point Location}
{Index Selection}
Shapes
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Boolean
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
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SOLID AND VOID Isometric View
Sharp edges to allow for a strong contrast against the more subtle and round surfaces making the design unique. Strong presence of curvilinear surfaces.
Rigid shapes invites the public to interact with the structure.
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SOLID AND VOID
Photography of Model
Study Pavilion One
Study Pavilion Two
Study Pavilion Three
Study pavilion one became the final design. The structure contains a strong range of curvilinear lines interecting with rigid and rough edges. The use of opening rigid lines allows for public interaction to take place, using the structure for other intended puproses. Study pavilion two consists of extractions on the walls of the structure. These extractions enables light to be present within the precedent. Could potentially be used as an entrance way by the overreaching arches. Study pavilon three consists only of rigid edges. The rough edges brings about a strong sense of enclosure,
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Appendix Process
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Appendix
Process
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