FODR M3 Journal - Tony Cheung (913682)

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

(913682) Anneke Prins + Studio 10

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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 elementary types of developable surfaces are cylinders, cones, and tangent surfaces of space curves. Cylinders are formed by ‘rolling’ a set of parallel lines to form a continuous, smooth curve from a two-dimensional piece. Cones are formed by a central extrusion of a curve to a single point, not unlike those of pyramids (except smooth and continuous). Tangent surfaces of space curves are developable ruled surfaces, with each tangent as a tangent to the surfaces along the entire plane, with more curvature than the other two.

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 surface is critical in architectural geometry as it often deals with concepts of shapes and surfaces that are bound by the constraints and properties of materials. In the larger scales of structures, developable surface techniques allow us to alter complex, curved forms and designs into smaller, more manageable components which can be feasibly constructed. For example, the Greenhouse by Plasma Studio, uses geometric faces as the basis for developable surfaces to cover a complex organic landscape. Shaped like a horseshoe, the structure can still use materials like glass to cover most the surfaces that are present.

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PANELLING 2D PATTERN

2d Panelling, Pattern: Triangular

2d Panelling, Pattern: Waves

2d Panelling, Pattern: AngleBox

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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN

Using the ‘List’ modifier with one of the surface’s contours as a curve attractor.

Consistent square pattern, but scaling the sizes alongside the diagonal of the plane.

Note how they detach from each other.

Same curve attractor as the first iteration, but having blank tiles to indicate more flat areas. Simplier designs work better here.

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3D PANEL TEST PROTOTYPE & TEMPLATE

Template prototype of my first row, 7 nets which fold out to create 10 squares.

The prototypes worked well, tab size of 6 and recess of 5 were ideal when gluing components together.

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WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION: ARCHITECTURAL AND MATERIAL TECHNIQUES Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation?

Digital fabrication is the method of using digital means, such as computer-aided design (CAD) or computer-numeric-controlled (CNC) machines that are utilised to bridges the gaps between design and making, eliminating tedious transitions often found from initial design to final production. This allows designs to be tested more extensively from not just a design standpoint, but also in a practical sense, enabling two-dimensional representations to be integrated with three-dimensional representations. Essentially, digital fabrication combines the practicality of construction and aesthetics of design into one whole, as a unified, dynamic and more efficient method.

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

Folding is one of the fundamental techniques that are used within the formal expressions of building design. Folding is both natural, and can integrate unique elements into different, continuous compositions. Folding can manipulate materials to defined surfaces, producing varying degrees of rigidity and stiffness, while retaining its original characteristics. On the other hand, folding can combine different components by joining the seams and transitions together.

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EXPLORING 3D PANELLING

Isometric view of final 3D panelling, created from 5 distinct square patterns.

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UNROLL TEMPLATE OF YOUR FINAL MODEL

Two A0 Pages were needed to fit all 42 unrolled nets. This is because the majority of the components had height and took up a large surface area.

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PANELISED LANDSCAPE

Final 10 x 10 panelised landscape, mimicking the assigned terrain topography.

Closer angle of the middle section tiles.

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APPENDIX

Grid offsets and developed surface terrain, with two curve attractors for the “List� modifier in Rhino. They mimic the contours and changes in terrain height as to differentiate taller spaces from the flatter ones.

Using UHU glue to stick tabs together. Black clips are useful for holding components together when they dry. A total of 42 individual nets were glued together. This prototype was first tested with normal paper glue, but that proved to be too weak for a model of this scale.

Original generation of 3D panelling pattern, without the 2D flat components arranged. The open-topped pattern resembles those of coral reef plants, which I drew some inspiration from.

Stapling the individual square components together in the 10 x 10 grid. Colour coded Rhino file for reference (Row number and order of net component). Staples allow the squares to be strong and flexible, and can be removed and reapplied if production mistakes showed up.

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