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About me In common usage, the word “ human� generally refers to the only extant species of the genus Homo- anatomically and behaviourally modern Homosapiens. Born Marie Desiree Gaelle Domingue. A young human identified as female aged at 20 years. Bachelor of Architectural Studies student at The University of Auckland.
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Semester One Design 5 - Trial and Error
Marie Gaelle Domingue
gaelle.domingue19@gmail.com
The University of Auckland Bachelor of Architectural Studies
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Trial and Error
A design inspired by the Book of Changes The Book of Changes is an ancient cosmology text known to the Chinese classics. Also known as the I-Ching, it is an influential text adding inspiring literature, art, business and so on. “ I am trying to be unfamiliar with I am doing� John Cage - Lecture on Nothing The blend of architecture and the abstract world, allowed the design process to evolve solely based on chance. First, a series of artwork leads to an experimentation of criticism and mistakes, driven by the readings of the Book of Changes. This process, became a challenging aspect that proved to push boundaries and simulate creativity.
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CONTENTS Compositions
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Reading Drawings
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Origin
The Process
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Material
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Technique
Mistakes
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Theory 34
Prototypes
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Conclusion
Exhibition
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COMPOSITIONS
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COMPOSITIONS
Unconscious Frustration, March 2016. Sketching with lead, white pencil smudge, Faber-Castell Pitt- artist pen in sanguine 188**, on china white paper -120 gsm. 420 mm * 594 mm
Absolute Hate, March 2016. Sketching with lead, digital repetition of motif, On china white paper -120 gsm. 420 mm * 594 mm
Immigration, March 2016. Sketching with lead, charcoal and white pencil smudge, White and brown crayon, Faber- Castell Pitt- artist pen in sanguine 188**, on china white paper -120 gsm. 420 mm * 594 mm
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Peuple, 2016. Collage of colour cards, Flex Marker Letraset in Blue Grey 2, White and brown crayon, Faber Castell Pitt- artist pen in sanguine 188** and Black 199**, On china white paper -120 gsm. 420 mm * 594 mm
Corner Smudge, March 2016. Sketching with lead, charcoal and white pencil smudge, White crayon, On china white paper -120 gsm. 210 mm * 297mm
Barrier, 2016. Sketching with lead, Faber Castell Pitt- artist pen in sanguine 188** and Black 199**, On china white paper -120 gsm. 420 mm * 594 mm
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READING DRAWINGS A series of compositions inspired by Abstract Expressionism led to a theoretical analysis of architectural applications. How can we interpret abstract and mindless work in to architecture? After a trial of curation, the drawings became the source inspiration that would transform into three dimensional forms and even contribute to the overall design aesthetic of a project.
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These interpretations came partly from your experiences within the architecture field. It is proven to be an intricate process with multiple outcomes based on eminent architectural and design practitioners’ explorations and descriptions. Building up an individual and collective contribution to our knowledge and process of designing as architects.
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READING DRAWINGS Through the eyes of an architect.........
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“THE SEED OF LIFE BLOOMS� Layers of magazines, newspaper and masking tape pinned together to a black board to compose something abstract reveal an acorn suspended by black thread delicately.
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Prototype One
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foundation
noun 1. the lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level. “ foundations were being dug for a block of flats” synonyms: footing, foot, base, substructure,understructure 2. an underlying basis or principle. “ this idea is the foundation of al modern economics” synonyms: basis, starting point, base, point of departure, beginning, premise
trunk
noun 1. the main woody stem of a tree as distinct from its branches and roots “ the trunk of a cedar tree” synonyms: main stem, bole, stock 2. a person’s or animal’s body apart from the limbs and head. “his powerful trunk” synonyms: torso, body.
wood
noun 1. the hard fibrous material that forms the main substance of the trunk or branches of a tree or shrub, used for fuel or timber. “a block of wood” synonyms: timber, planks, planking 2. an area of land, smaller than a forest, that is covered with growing trees “a thick hedge divided the wood from the field” synonyms: forest, woodland, trees.
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THE PROCESS
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ESSENTIALS METAL BARS Anodizing, is an electrolyctic passivation process used to increase the thickness of the natural oxide layer on the surface of metal parts. It increases resistance to corrosion and wear, provides better adhesion for paint primers and glues than does bare metal. The metal tubes collected for this process were recycled from a broken clothes rack found at the Warehouse. There are three types of metal bars, each of different measurements and coated in silver and black in an anodized aluminium surface that has been dyed. The metal tubes are also of different circumferences with a hallow interior to fit in the branches found.
WOODEN PLANKS A pallet, is a flat transport structure that supports goods in a stable condition while being lifted in a forklift. Wooden pallets typically consists of three or four stringers that support several deck-boards, on top of which goods are placed. The usual dimension can be 1165*1165 mm. These wooden planks are what is left over after the Mount Steelcraft Engineering company, in Mount Maunganui, uses them to lift heavy metal loads. There were then transported to Auckland and used for support elements in the making of the main body of the tree design. There are made of pine and as you can see are damaged damp which allowed them to contribute to the recycling aesthetic of this design.
WATER Water is a transparent fluid which forms the world’s steams, lakes and oceans. As a chemical compound, a water molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms that are connected by covalent bonds. The water used for this project was at a liquid state of standard ambient temperatire and pressure.
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CONCRETE Cemix Super Strength Fastcrete for any posthole concrete project requiring fast setting, high strength with structural requirements up to 30Mpa. Use Fastcrete for interior and exterior purposes, it may be placed into forms or used in horizontal applications. It effectively provides compatible bonding surface, is unaffected by water after cure, low shrinkage, excellent abrasion and impact resistance. It has a setting time of 30 minutes and has a compressive strength of 3500 psi after 3 hours of curing. Fastcrete does not require special curing under normal conditions. When exposed to extreme heat or drying winds, however, ultimate strength and bonding will be improved by applying it to a substrate and keeping the surface of the Fastcrete damp. Health and Safety: Irritating to eyes and skin. Product is alkaline upon contact with water. During mixing and application avoid contact with eyes. Avoid breathing dust. Use of gloves is recommended. Was hands thoroughly after use and before smoking or eating. Do not take internally.
BRANCHES A branch, is a woody structural member connected to but not part of the central trunk of a tree. Large branches are known as boughs and small branches are known as twigs. While branches can be horizontal, vertical, or diagonal, a majority of upwardly diagonal branches. The branches collected for this project came from the trees bordering the Waikato River in Hamilton. These branches were found under specific trees and chosen according to the circumference, length and weight. In process of transporting the branches from their found site to Auckland University many lost smaller branches attached to the main branch body. Which became a contribution to the technical adjustment of the overall installation but also allowed the remaining branches to grow a character of their own.
PAILS Paint, is any liquid or mastic composition, that after application to a substrate in a thin layer, converts to a solid film. Paint can be made or purchased in many colours, ans in many different types. Paint is typically stored , sold, and applied as a liquid but most types dry as a solid. After paint has been used, the container’s used to store it are left empty and can be used as molds. The following pails were collected from Resene, in Hamilton. It is a cylindrical shipping container with a capacity of about 50L, it has straight sides and has a handle. The most important feature is the plastic material it is made of, allowing a smooth finish on the concrete poured but also allows easy removal of the set concrete piece.
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ESSENTIALS THREAD Thread is made from a variety of materials, usually it is a long, thin strand of cotton, nylon, or other fibres used in sewing or weaving. The type of thread used for this project is a typical cotton ( spun traditional thread) for general purposes. Yarns are measured by density which is described by various units of textile measurement relating to a standardized length per weight. The most common weight system specifies the length of the thread in kilometres required to weigh 1 kilogram. The thread used here weighs 40wt which is a regular type.
PINS A pin is a device used for fastening objects or material together. They usually consists of two components: a long body, on one end a sharp tip made of steel and on the other end a flat head for easy and safe handling. The sharpened body penetrates the material, while the larger head provide a driving surface. The pins used for this project are of 28mm in length and made of steel. They were previously used to hold pieces of paper to a cushioned surfaces.
ACORN SEEDS The acorn, .is the nut of the oaks and their close relatives. It usually contains a single seed, enclosed in a tough, leathery shell, and borne in a cup-shape cupule. Acorns are 1o to 60 mm long and about 8 to 4 mm broad. Acorns take between 6 to 24 months to mature. These acorns were collected around the edge of the Waikato River in a park.
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Guidance from I-Ching
The Creative Principle This hexagram signals a time when the fundamental creative power if the universe is available to you. A Your attitude toward the Sage is most important. To receive the powerful assistance of the Creative, remain humble, patient, accepting and responsive.
The Receptive Bear with things as the earth bears with us: by yielding, by accepting, by nourishing.
Difficulty at the beginning If we persevere a great success is at hand. Receiving this hexagrams a sign that beyond the difficulties and pressures that surround you, a success waiting.
Mountain Water Even the foolish can attain wisdom by modesty following the Sage.
Nourishment To wait with a proper attitude invites the assistance of the Higher Power. The Creative will provide the solution to one who waits with a correct attitude. This is a time of patience and careful attention to inner truth.
Conflict The proper response to conflict, whether it lies within or without us, is disengagement.
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TECHNIQUE How to hand mix concrete so it delivers maximum strength and durability.
First of all protect your skin and eyes! Concrete can irritate the skin. Pour 10 cups of concrete into the empty paint buckets, pour the dry concrete slowly to avoid the concrete to spread and contaminate the air around you. Add water gradually to the mix to avoid a watery mixture which would result into the concrete being weak. You will notice the concrete absorbs the water rather quickly use a plank of wood to mix the concrete into the water, making sure the water is completely absorbed by the concrete mix.
Work the concrete to a perfect consistency, if it is too dry after the water has been mixed It will become too crumbly therefore proceed to add more water gradually.
Because this a mixture using fastcrete, it will set quite fast and start curing within 30 minutes of preparation. Which would lead to the next step being done quickly.
Until it gets to the right consistency which will easily set in the paint bucket and mold to its shape.
By that point you should have decided what metal will be inserted into this foundation. Using a hammer, position the metal post as straight as possible following the initial random plan derived from the I-Ching.
After you are satisfied with the mix settling in, tap on the side of the paint bucket to make any air bubbles stuck in the middle of the mix to rise up and get filled. Again to prevent weakening of the concrete as a whole.
And hammer it down about half way through the mixture, while making sure not to disrupt the concrete around the metal bar.
To allow handling of the mold, let the concrete cure for a minimum of 24 hours.
After 24 hours of curing, the concrete should be ready to be removed from paint bucket.
Placing the appropriate branch according to the circumference of the metal pole is the next stage.
When the metal is stable and set in the concrete in about 10- 12 hours. Remove the wooden planks, to allow air circulation to the concrete. This process should allow more ventilation in the bucket and speed up the curing process.
This involves tapping the sides of the pail gently with a hammer to detach the concrete from the plastic surface. Flipping it upside down and tapping the bottom of the pail to provide the same effect to the underside concrete surface.
The orientation of the branch is also crucial for the installation to stand alone. At time some branches become faulty due to careless transportation so that has to be accounted for as well.
Careful handling of the paint bucket during those precesses is advised to prevent any damage to the concrete.
Further pressure needs to be added to the upper side of the pail where the concrete does not touch the plastic. Bending the bucket will cause the concrete to detach from the plastic on the sides and allow easy removal. All without breaking the concrete or bending the metal posts.
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Knots Pins Acorns
For a nice clean finish sand the rough sides on the concrete foundation.
The next step involves precise handling. Using the black thread tie a knot as shown in the image above around the pins.
And concrete adhesive is recommended to make sure the metal post stays stable in the hole.
Each thread should be at various lengths. Insert the pin at the top of the acorn. Some of them might be hallow inside others will not.
Proceed to tie the other end of the thread to the branch in a secure place.
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Handwritten notes following the I- Ching steps.
Branches inserted in metal posts
Collecting branches
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WHAT WENT WRONG?
Initial problems became present when the concrete foundations started cracking due to the ratio of water to concrete being unbalanced. As time was running out the next best solution was to glue the cracked areas with concrete adhesives. Also to keep the metal post into place as they wiggling around causing the concrete to crack further.
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Further problems involved the position of the branches according to the metal poles. Perhaps further measurements could have prevented this a problem. But the wooden branches could easily be carved to fit in the metal. The next issue, was finding the right orientation of the branch according to the metal in relation to its position in the concrete.
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Theory All life on Earth is connected and related to each other The way trees grow naturally in the forest provoke a sense of harmony according to the laws of physics. From the way they spread their roots firmly underground to the way they grow up, towards the sunlight and stretch their branches across. All these elements give them the ability to sustain life and increase the durability of their lifetime. Similarly, the theory behind this forest installation begins at the root of every single tree, extending to the position of the trunk and the orientation of the branches, consecutively.
The technical theory is based on moments in physics. A moment is an expression involving the product of a distance and a physical quantity, and in this way they account for how the physical quantity is located or arranged. Moments are usually defined with respect to a fixed point, they deal with physical quantities as measured by some distance from that reference point. In more detail, the moment a force acting on an object, often called a torque, is the product of the force and the distance from a reference point. The equation for this is :
M =F * d Where:
M= Moment F= Force D = Distance In this situation, the moment occurs at the base of the metal posts where it merges with the concrete foundation, which provides a restoring force to counter the weight of the metal pole placed inside it. Furthermore, when a curved branch is inserted inside the metal post, it becomes unbalanced due to the force of gravity acting upon the branch’s centre of mass against the distance from the restoring point which resembles a pivot. The further away the branch extends from the concrete foundation holding in place the metal post the greater the moment.
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Prototype Two
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Superstrength Fastcrete 30 Mpa set in paint bucket of 230mm in diameter and 80 mm high.
Empty acorn shell(30 g) hanging by 2 30wt black cotton thread.
This branch has a linear shape causing it be twisted and positioned where most of the weight is in balance with the location of the aluminium pole.
Acorn approximately weighing 39g hanging by 30wt black cotton thread.
Plan Scale 1:10
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Plan Scale 1:10
The restoring force present in the foundation acts upwards holding the thin and hollow metal post. The moment therefore is greater in this particular prototype as the distance the branch extends about 700 mm away from the restoration point.
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Prototype Three
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Moment measured in Newton Metre
Plan Scale 1:10
This diagram focuses on the centripedal force acting on the A-corn when it is given momentum. When it is at its maximum point it has a greater centripedal force and acceleration but no velocity. And when it reaches its mid- point there is zero force and acceleration but the velocity is at its maximum
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Superstrength Fastcrete 30 Mpa set in paint bucket of 230mm in diameter and 80 mm in height.
Branch positioned in equilibrium with aluminium pole slightly offset from center to allow randomization according to I-Ching.
Acorn weighing approximately 19g suspended by single 3- wt black cotton thread.
Plan Scale 1:10
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Prototype Four
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Superstrength Fastcrete 30 Mpa set in paint bucket of 230mm in diameter, to serve as main foundation supporting overall structure.
Random branch collected around the Waikato River in Taupo, New Zealand. Branch postioned in 20mm thin aluminium bar set in concrete foundation.
Trajectory of acorn seed weighing an approximate 13g suspended by 30wt black cotton thread attached to one of the branch.
Plan Scale 1:10
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The branch acts as a transition point where everything is connected to the centripedal force translated through the thread to the acorns.
Plan Scale 1:10
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Prototype Five
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Plan Scale 1:10
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Plan Scale 1:10
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Prototype Six Copper
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Prototype Six Gold
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Exhibition
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EXHIBITION An exhibition for Trial and Error as a whole community of students. Held on Wednesday 6th of April Hosted by Kester Rattenbury This exhibition challenged one’s thinking and contribution to architectural theory and knowledge. It also explores creative engagement related to the architectonics of the project. Furthermore we are engaged to identify social, cultural and functional positions while informing the speculative architectural positions.
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Conclusion
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All life on Earth is connected and related to each other This project explores the role of chance in architecture and creative design work, from the highly theoretical to the entirely instinctive. This project’s initial goal focuses on engaging the core architectural skills of improvisation, problem solving and critical thinking. It was based on physical making, drawing and critical thinking. The quality of engagement proved to involve cultural, social and functional issues to inform the pursuit of cutting edge architectural propositions. A range of media has been used throughout the process as well, challenging the level of thinking and visual communication skills. At the end of the project, the design was proven to be polished, inventive and creative.
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