Module 4 zech loh 728541

M4 REFLECTION PROFILE AND SECTION Zech Loh

728541 Michelle James Tutorial 5

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MATERIAL SYSTEM

PROFILE & SECTION

Material The matter from which a thing is or can be made

Profile An outline of something.

System A set of things working together as parts of a mechanism or an interconnecting network; a complex whole.

Section The cutting of a solid by or alone a plane.

L4ecture 2

Oxford Dictionaries

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IDEATION 4

THE EGG CUTTER SIXTHS

SLICES

Quick Perspective Sketch

The egg cutter is made of plastic and metal, and it enables the cutting of hard boiled eggs into sixths and/or into slices.

The eggs placed in the differing egg holders, are cut using a metal frame with wires that slice through the egg and fit into the grooves between the egg holders.

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MEASURED DRAWINGS

This set of measured drawings, was based on a combination of 3 techniques - tracing the object, photocopying and measuring.

PLAN 70mm

215mm

35mm

ELEVATION

SECTION

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I began by tracing the overall form of the egg cutter. To include the details, I utilized the photocopying and measuring method. Photocopying the egg cutter yielded rather unclear images, save for the metal frames and the top of the egg holders which I traced out. For the rest of the details, they were manually measured using a ruler and measuring tape, and drawn accordingly.

The technique of tracing the object and the photocopied image was more efficient than measuring the object. However, when these tracing techniques could not be used due to the form of the object, the measuring technique proved to be reliable.

DIGITIZATION

PLAN

ELEVATION

Rhino Model The egg cutter was done over 4 layers as seen by the various colors, utilizing the earlier done measured drawings as a guide.

PERSPECTIVE

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SKETCH MODEL

The sketch model was inspired by contour lines and the horizontal egg holder. The sketch model consists of 11 panels with different curves that are arranged parallel to each other.

By having them parallel to each other, a curvature is created.

When creating the curvature, I had in mind the idea of a human head resting against and being supported by the curve.

The sketch model while it requires significant further development, embodies the concept which examines the relationship between movement and sections.

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SKETCH DESIGN 1

Sketch Design1 The shell itself should act as a barrier between the user and the external environment. With an opaque barrier, the user would feel like the internal space within is part of his personal space.

Drawing inspiration from Sommer (1969) who discusses about “auditory assaults�, acoustic insulation is placed within the frame of the shell so as to create a more comfortable internal environment for users to sleep in.

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SKETCH DESIGN 2

Sketch Design 2

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Inspired by Sommer (1969)’s statement that “personal space is not necessarily spherical in shape” a geometric cubic form was conceptualized for Sketch Design 2. The opaque barrier, allows the user to feel like the internal space within is part of his personal space, providing the user with a sense of security as the user rests within.

The issue with this design however, is that it does not successfully utilize the material system of Profile and Section.

SKETCH DESIGN 3

Sketch Design 3 This design is inspired by the precedent of Banq Restaurant shown in lecture 2 where contour slices are placed alongside each other. The contour shell is quite open but the width and height of the form creates volume which users would respond to as part of their personal space.

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DESIGN 12

WITH JIAQI MO

SKETCH DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

This sketch design was created based on a combination of earlier ones done by the both of Jiaqi and I. Both our sketch designs had similar concepts of a shell that was to cover the head of the user, hence this concept was brought forward into our sketch design development.

This also led us to a design that explores the idea of a shell that forms a physical boundary demarcating the personal space of the user resting within.

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SKETCH MODEL FOR DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

This sketch model is an exploration of the shell and its ability to contain a user, while demarcating the boundaries of the user’s personal space.

The evaluation of the model was that there was insufficient space within the shell which some users might find claustrophobic. The structural system was also more inclined toward a ‘Panel and Fold’ system as compared to a ‘Profile and Section’ system.

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RESEARCH (C) Space - DRL10 Pavilion, Alan Dempsey + Alvin Huang The temporary pavilion is formed by interlocking planes that create varying shades of light within the interior spaces of the pavilion. The interlocking system is utilized throughout the pavilion, from the exterior form to the furniture within the interior space. The pavilion was created with various users in mind allowing for various social interactions.

(C) Space - DRL 10 Pavilion Roof Detail

(C) Space - DRL 10 Pavilion, Alan Dempsey + Alvin Huang

(C) Space - DRL 10 Pavilion Drawings

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RESEARCH Developable surfaces are characterized by the property that they can be mapped isometrically into the plane.

Focusing on two popular sleeping positions of sleeping on arms and sleeping on one’s palm, we looked into the personal space requirements and comfort provided by these positions.

Pottmann, et al. (2007)

Sleep Suit, Forest Jesse

Study of two ‘Profile and Section’ systems - joining of two surfaces at a point and the intersection of two materials.

Analysing both systems, the system of joining two surfaces at a point requires a developable surface.

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(C) Space - DRL 10 Pavilion Render, Alan Dempsey + Alvin Huang

PRECEDENT RESEARCH APPLIED TO DESIGN Having seen how the interlocking system is utilized in the (C) space pavilion for lighting and structure, we intend to incorporate this system in the form of the sleeping pod.

Inspired by the lighting within the pavilion, we also intend to utilize the panels to control the amount of light that enters into the interior space wherein the user sleeps.

We also examined and incorporated the concept of curved parallel panels in my previous sketch model.

Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

As Scheurer and Stehling (2011) described, “NURBS allow the precise definition of complex shapes through control points� which allowed us to abstract our desired shape before slicing them into its individual components. Reduction was also used as we developed from the conceptual form to the proposed designs.

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PROPOSED DESIGN V.1

V.1 Front in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

V.1 Back in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

Sketch by Jiaqi, 2016

V.1 Perspective in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

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This proposed design attempts to use interlocking panels of various shapes and sizes to allow users to rest within, whilst defining the personal space of the user with its exterior form. Within the interior space, there is also a stand for users to rest their heads against. Based on our earlier study of this sleeping position we established that the support for the head reduces strain on the neck thus making it a popular sleeping position.

PROPOSED DESIGN V.2

V.2 Back in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

V.2 Front in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

Sketch by Jiaqi, 2016

Inspired by the varying depths and heights created by contour lines on maps, coupled with the interlocking panel system experimented in the V.1 design, V.2 design plays with varying widths between parallel panels. The varying spaces between panels, inspired by our precedent research, controls the amount of light allowed into the interior space of the sleeping pod.

V.2 Perspective in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT FOR V.3

Sketches exploring the head rest detail within the sleeping pod that contributes to the three possible sleeping positions within.

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Sketches developing the overall form and the head supports found within.

PROPOSED DESIGN V.3 V3 employs the same interlocking panel system as V1 while retaining the inspiration of contour lines in V2. However, its overall form is altered and moulded to be more sensitive to the personal space of the user.

V.3 Front in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

V.3 Back in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

V.3 Back in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

V.3 Sleeping Positions in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

V.3 Side in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

Lighting Effect on Perspective in Rhino by Jiaqi, 2016

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V.3 PROTOTYPE

Front View of Right Head Support

Side View of Right Head Support

Front View of Bottom Head Support

Side View of Bottom Head Support

The V.3 Prototype is inspired by contour lines and employs an interlocking system to create the head support used in the sleeping pod.

Side View of Contours

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Perspective View of Contours

FABRICATION 23

FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF DESIGN Based on feedback and evaluation of module 2, the static head rest was not able to cater to the varying heights at which people might choose to rest their head at, and was also unable to effectively accomodate people who chose to sleep on the left side of their face. The dome was also unable to demarcate the personal space boundary that was at the back of the user. In response to these issues, movable parts, inspired by the egg cutter in Ideation, were incorporated into the design and the sleeping pod was separated into two different elements, each catering an aspects of the sleeping pod.

This developed head rest component for Proposed Design V.4 features movable elements, based on the intersection of materials in the Profile and Section system, allowing users to rest their head at different heights. Being separated from the dome it, it also allows users to adjust the head rest’s proximity to the body and caters to users who sleep on either side of their face.

The dome of Proposed Design V.4 acts as a physical demarcation of the personal space of the user. With a collapsable dome, it is able to extend to the back of the user creating a more encompassing, physical boundary for the personal space of the user. It also utilizes the Profile and Section system of joint surfaces for the boundary and contributes to reducing light into the internal space within the dome.

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DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND V.4 PROTOTYPE In the process of fabricating the head rest component of the V.4 prototype, a different movable system was developed from the earlier sketched ideas.

The dome component of the V.4 Prototype revealed that the spacing between the joint surfaces play a huge role in the movability of the dome’s frame, while affecting the amount of shade produced into the internal space. It also had me reconsider the joints that linked the frames together.

Front View of V.4 Head Rest Sketch

V.4 Dome Sketch Model

Profile and Section Detail in V.4 Dome Sketch Model

Shadow Quality of V.4 Dome Sketch Model

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PROPOSED DESIGN V.4 HEAD REST TOP VIEW

SIDE VIEW

PERSPECTIVE

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DOME

DEVELOPMENT TOWARDS FINAL PROPOSED DESIGN The implication of digital fabrication of my design is that it has allowed quick and accurately fabricated components of my design. As discussed by Iwamoto (2009), the CAD program allowed me to visualize my physical model even before it was fabricated, and forsee potential physical problems that may have been overlooked by the design process. As mentioned by Kolarevic (2003), the accurate laser cutting proved to be true as the components were identical and able to fit perfectly.

Laser cutting template on Rhino

Laser cut MDF board produced

Visualized positions of head rest on Rhino Details that allowed the MDF panels to be cut at the proper angle

Two constrains of the the laser cutting process however, was that it restricted my choice of materials and the size of the items I was able to cut out. This laser cutting process is only able to cut certain materials. A component on the dome required precisely cut strips of paper which was not possible with laser cutting as the laser would burn the paper.

The other constrain was the size where I needed a frame for the dome that was larger than the 900x600mm MDF boards that were available at the MSD fab lab.

With regards to the first constrain, all the strips of paper were hand cut.

In response to the second constrain of size issues, I split each frame into two parts and utilized the “Profile and Section� system of intersection to connect these two parts of the frame.

Without size restrictions (left) with laser cut size restrictions (right)

Intersecting panels connect the two components that make the frame, reinforced with glue

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FINAL PROTOTYPE OPTIMIZATION (HEAD REST)

Material of Panels

Base of Head Rest

Based on the V.3 Prototype made in module 2, the zigzag section of corrogated carboard proved to be less comfortable than the smooth edge produced by a laser cut MDF board.

For the base, a threaded bolt with nuts was used. The nuts ensured that the panels were fasten in place and provided accurate spacing between panels. The nuts were also end points for the threaded bolt as two nuts screwed against each other would prevent either from screwing outwards.

Corrogated cardboard is also too flexible and fragile for the dimensions of the head rest as seen in the bending of V.4 prototype.

Duct tape was also considered. However, cutting 3mm strips of duct tape would be time consuming and would not hold the panels in place as well nuts on a threaded bolt.

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FINAL PROTOTYPE OPTIMIZATION (DOME)

For the shell of the dome, cloth was considered but it was too flexible and would not give support to the dome. The shaped form by cloth, unless taut, would also sink inwards into the dome and into the user’s personal space. Cloth also could not be stapled and sewing the pieces of cloth together would be too time consuming.

For the dome, it requires the self-weight of the frame to unfold at the angle desired. Corrogated cardboard was too light to facilitate the unfolding angle.

I attempted to use tape as a hinge for the unfolding of the frames. It was successful but weak with the corrogated cardboard seen in V.4 Prototype. I decided to use metal hinges for the final model as the frame would be significantly heavier.

Paper, as seen in V.4 Prototype proved to retain its shape as compared to the cloth that flopped around. It also gave support to the frame that was held at an angle. I also considered using strips of plastic, but in terms of weight, structure and flexibility, I decided that paper would be the best material to complement the MDF frame of the dome.

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FINAL PROPOSED DESIGN (HEAD REST)

Perspective

Front Elevation

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Various Heights of the Head Rest

Top

Right Elevation

FINAL PROPOSED DESIGN (DOME)

Front Elevation

Perspective

Right Elevation

Back Elevation

Top

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FINAL PROPOSED DESIGN OF SLEEPING POD

Front Elevation

Perspective

Right Elevation

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Back Elevation

FABRICATION SEQUENCE (HEAD REST)

Panels were fitted onto the threaded bolt

Panels locked in place by nuts

Panels spaced apart by nuts

Panels spaced apart by nuts

Perpendicular plane glued onto the grooves

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FABRICATION SEQUENCE (DOME)

Frames joint together

Hinges attached to the frame using liquid nails and further reinforced with duct tape

Shell attached to frame

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Shell made by stapling strips of paper

Twine added to help achieve the angle desired and provide support to the hinges

ASSEMBLY DRAWING

Assembly of Dome

Aseembly of Head Rest

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ASSEMBLY DRAWING

Assembly of Sleeping Pod

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SLEEPING POD (HEAD REST)

Position 1

Position 2

Position 3

Position 4

Position 5

Position 6

Right Elevation

Closed position

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SLEEPING POD

Front Elevation

Side Elevation

Back Elevation

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SLEEPING POD IN USE

Model in Closed Position

Perspective View Showing User Within

Side Elevation

Front View Showing User Within

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REFLECTION 40

REFLECTION

The structure of the Digital Design and Fabrication course that brought me from ideation to design and eventually fabrication greatly developed my understanding of the design process and the various technological softwares involved.

Initially, I was rather frustrated that the brief restricted my design to the specific material system of Profile and Section, and the Egg Cutter as a source of inspiration. However, as the design process continued I began to have a better understanding of the material system and was able to extrapolate ideas from the Egg Cutter that developed my initial conceptual designs.

As designs developed, I faced the new challenge of translating them into 3D models on Rhino software. Having very little experience with Rhino previously, the technical workshops and the videos on LMS greatly helped me as I began digitizing my design proposal. As Iwamoto (2009) mentioned, Rhino aided the visualization of my design and enabled me to explore various forms and at different scales which would not have been physically feasible. Based on the reading by Kolarevic (2003) who described the process of laser cutting I knew that I could expect my digitally created templates that were sent for laser cutting would be produced accurately.

As helpful as Rhino was, I still had a number of concerns about whether a physical model would be successful hence the creations of prototypes alongside the digital model. A part from testing the physics involved in the physical prototype, it also allowed me to explore various material options, greatly contributing to the optimization of the final prototype. Being so involved in the fabrication process of my model I began to understand the connection needed between designers and their designs. I also began to comprehend the risk of using technology as discussed by Deamer and Bernstein (2008), to which I responded by physically fabricated prototypes alongside the digital models.

Overall, I feel that Digital Design and Fabrication has helped me to develop significantly as a design student.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY (C) Space - DRL 10 Pavilion (n.d.), Flickr Hive Mind, viewed 4 April 2016, <https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3373/3250713655_3e7c145cbb_b.jpg> (C) Space - DRL 10 Pavilion Drawings 2007, Dezeen, viewed 4 April 2016, <https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2007/11/detail.jpg> (C) Space - DRL 10 Pavilion Render 2007, Dezeen, viewed 4 April 2016, <https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2007/11/drltencutjointsrender-1.jpg> Forest, J 2006, Sleep Suit, photograph, viewed 3 April 2016, <http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/0/17957/198768/Test_800.jpg> Iwamoto, L 2009, Digital Fabrications: architectural + material techniques, Princeton Architectural Press: New York Kolarevic, B 2003, Architecture in the Digital Age - Design + Manufacturing, Spon Press, London Marble, S 2008, ‘Imagining Risk’, in P Deamer & PG Bernstein (eds), Building the Future: Recasting labor in Architecture, Princeton Architectural Press, New York, pp. 38-42.

Schäfer, S 2008, (C) Space Pavilion Roof Detail, photograph, viewed 4 April 2016, < http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3023/2686728958_e83e654c85.jpg> Scheurer, F & Stehling, H (2011): Lost in Parameter Space? IAD: Architectural Design, Wiley, 81 (4), July, pp. 70-79 Sommer, R 1969 Personal space : the behavioral basis of design, Englewood Cliffs, N.J. : Prentice-Hall ‘Surfaces that can be built from paper’ In H. Pottmann, A. Asperl, M. Hofer, A. Kilian (eds), Architectural Geometry, Bentley Institute Press, 2007, pp. 534-561.

‘Profile’ 2016, Oxford Dictionaries Online, viewed 5 June 2016, <http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/profile> ‘Section’2016, Oxford Dictionaries Online, viewed 5 June 2016, <http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/section?q=Section>

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