M3 journal by Yanchong Wu

Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE Yanchong WU

Student Number: 910612 Tutor: Nina Tory-Henderson, Studio Number 8

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. (Maximum 100 words) The three elementary types of developable surfaces are the cylinders, cones and tangent surfaces of space curves. Cylinders are modelled from the area formed by a horizontal and a vertical extension; the limitation of parallel rulings that enables its development is exposed during its unfolding. Cones are essentially pyramids with infinite edge that can be interpreted as the infinite tangent lines that is emitted from any offset point chosen. Tangent surfaces of space curves are made available for development due to its edges forming a series of tangent that defines the surface.

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. (Maximum 100 words) The understanding of developable surface is critical in the understanding of architectural geometry due to their crucial association. Without the knowledge of developable surface, it is unreal to truly understand architectural geometry as it is impossible to unroll the geometry in the real world. Huyghe and Le Corbusier Puppet Theatre for example, would appear fantastical to an untrained mind as the complex and precise fittings of the theatre would seem impossible to construct. Only through the understanding of developable surface, it is possible to understand and unroll the complex structure that is behind such geometry.

PANELLING 2D PATTERN

2d Panelling, Pattern: Triangular

2d Panelling, Pattern: TriBasic

2d Panelling, Pattern: Box

VARIABLE 2D PATTERN

3D PANEL TEST PROTOTYPE & TEMPLATE

This the very first attempt on custom 2D variable panelling. It was an attempt to create a semi-complex, repeating pattern.

This is another attempt to create a repeating pattern. This does achieve that effect; however, it is overwhelmed with lines and have a very confusing pattern.

This is the prototype made from normal A4 print paper, template shown on the left.

This pattern is an attempt to create a flower pattern. The pattern, if looked at individually, resembles of a crusade cross. It is interesting how the mass of it creates a illusionary blooming pattern.

WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION Complete your reading before attempting these questions:

Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation? (Maximum 100 words) Digital fabrication is the use of digital technologies to generate, control and/or produce a fabrication. This computerised process allows for fast and precise prototyping and streamlining to enable rapid change of design and decrease the gap between design and construction. This causes a major change in the understanding of two dimensional representation as digital fabrication expanded the boundary that separated the design and fabrication process. By blurring the steps that took place from the beginning of the design phase to the end of the fabrication phase; architects are able to produced more defined drawings that could be brought into existence.

Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design? (Maximum 100 words) Folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design due to its materially economical and visually appealing nature. Cost being a key factor in almost all context, folding is a great economical choice as it generally involves thin materials that are cheap to obtain; thus allowing for more elaborate prototype and presentations. The visually appealing nature is also crucial for formal expression of building design; as it will directly influence the outcome of the design, as no one will fund a visually poor presentation.

This is one of the later attempt on 3D panelling, that utilises attrator curves to explore the terrain given. The complete pyramids on the edge resembles the edge of the panel while the severely cut pyramids in the middle area resembles the rise near the centre.

UNROLL TEMPLATE OF YOUR FINAL MODEL

PANELISED LANDSCAPE

Detail of the paper model to show the This is the templates for the final paper model. The model has been separated into two sides, left and right, and labelled for more a conv enient assembly.

Plan view of the constructed paper model.

curve that is formed that represents the given landscape.

APPENDIX

A glimpse of the laser cut templates for the final model. The initial process of removing 3D objects to make way for the 2D panels to emphasise the landscape form; the empty space in between is where the landscape is lower than the surroundings.

The final model during assembly, the clips are used to hold the tabs in place while waiting for the glue to set.