DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2017 M2 DESIGN-PANEL & FOLD Deon Cham Dao Xuan(783866) Shiyu Li (692182) Zhuo Zeng (692097
NIC DINGWEN BAO / 11
DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2017 M2 JOURNAL - PANEL &FOLD
Deon Cham Dao Xuan(783866)& Shiyu Li (692182) & Zhuo Zeng (692097)
NIC DINGWEN BAO + 11
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2.1 Sketch Design Development
Deon’s sketch design #2 emphasises on the protection of the shoulder and the heart, which is also an important aspect of our design. The shape, inspired from a paper fan, provides complex movements that fit the shape of the body. Having a strong connection between the heart and shoulder, this design reacts whenever they are invaded by spiking out powerful triangular folds to calm the heart down. His theme of action and reaction progresses through for further development. Fiona’s sketch design #1 presents the idea of facing away, which formed the basis of our conceptual pathway. This design is constructed with multiple hexagonal patterns that forms an envelope covering the head of the wearer. The hexagonal patterns resemble the building up of cells as part of the body’s self-protecting mechanism. The aim is to face away unwanted strangers and allows exposure to the exterior environment depending on different situations.
By combining these two key conceptual ideas from M1, the second skin aims to: - incorporate the basic principle of panel and folding. - protect user’s personal space by sheltering the core part of the body. - give user’s the possession to summon self protection boundary at will. - assist user’s interactions by exhibiting a more defined response to different scenarios.
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2.2 Refined Sketch Model
Vermy’s sketch model explored the hexagonal patterns to develop a planar curve that fits the human body. However, the model failed to be executed due to the angular errors. Therefore, we thought of an idea, that is by creating a rotational mechanism to assist the foldings to avoid the hexagonal pattern from overlapping. During the developing process, we separated the collective pattern into planar strip to allow angular flexibility. Finally, the structure shows great volume and dynamic composition.
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2.3 Personal Space Personal space can be defined as one’s comfort zone, where encroachment can feel uncomfortable or threatening. Based on Sommer’s Personal Space (1969), it is evident that the personal space of an individual is not an absolute figure but varies with relationship between the individuals. Also, a spatial invasion is whether the parties involved perceive one another as persons. A nonperson cannot invade someone’s personal space. By deeply analysing and understanding these two interpretation of personal space, we proceeded to measure personal space through different experimentation. This enabled us to conclude that personal space is more directly related to the face, neck and the heart. The second skin will focus on a personal space that conceals the most vulnerable parts of the human body with reconfigured polygon cells and encourages natural movement to react accordingly to the surrounding environment, mainly during interaction. Unlike other aggressive self-defence mechanism, the second skin is designed to be unassertive and defensive but also friendly at the same time.
Analysis of the Body An analysis of the body demonstrated how the second skin would respond to the main part of the body. Here are a few experimentation carried out to gain a deeper understanding of personal space:
The face Two photos of a full body; one face covered and uncovered. When a person is seen with only the body (faceless), there is no feeling of spiritual existence. However, when the person’s face is shown only then would you provoke feelings on them. We noticed that all five senses of the human body can be found on the face. The sense of sight, taste, smell, hearing, and touch. These senses would assist humans to respond almost instantly when triggered.
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Sight Photos of two people making eye contact and facing away. Sight ignites a lot of emotional feelings and thoughts depending on what is visualised. However, when one faces away, one loses connection. Eye contact produces a sudden realisation that this is a human being and recognises their existence. Thus, closing of eyes or looking down are responses to minimise unwanted social intercourse. This inspired us to question how we should design a second skin that simplifies and enhances the human reaction to give a clearer response with reduced effort.
The body By comparing the two photos as shown, the body has no form of existence without a face but only emptiness. From Sommer’s Personal Space (1969), we learnt that perceiving one another as a person is a condition that allows spatial invasion to happen because a nonperson cannot invade someone’s personal space. From this two observations, we have concluded that the face represents the most important and vulnerable part of the body. Hence, it requires the most protection from the second skin. Secondly, the body can be perceived as a nonperson due to its lack of presence without the face.
In between In between happens when emotions and personal space fluctuates. Based on the photo, a person covers her face while peeking through a hole, showing interest but with no self confidence to initiate an interaction. We intend to provide this moment for the user as this is a possible scenario during interaction.
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2.4 2nd Skin proposed design V.1
This idea is developed from Fiona’s sketch design 1 that is more refined and improved in terms of functionality. The planar hexagon went through repetition and transl tional mechanism that we have proposed in our refined sketch model, it allows the second skin to better assist human’s reaction.
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lation, which then formed into a spherical envelope. The wearer would have control of the environment and hence feel more secure. By integrating the rota-
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2nd Skin proposed design V.2
Due to uncertainly and failure to make decisions at this stage, we went further to develop Deon’s sketch design as a comparison. The concept is constructed with fol robust panel and fold system. The foldings react according to human’s behaviour towards the surrounding environment.
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lded triangular geometries that move along its respective pivot points. The pivots locate themselves in opposing direction in order to create a more dynamic and
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2.5 Precedent Research
Chrysalis by MATSYS Concept: Cell, natural, unassertive This project explores cellular morphologies, the self-organisation of barnacle-like cells across an underlying substrate surface. The cells shift and slide across the surface as they attempt to find a more balanced packed state. Each cell is composed of two parts: a cone-shaped outer space made from cherry veneer and a non-planar inner plate made from poplar veneer that stresses the outer cone into shape. The natural behaviour of the cells display organic features that are less aggressive and would be really interesting to have on second skin.
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Paper Cave by Edhv, Architects of identity Concept: experiment, spatial experiment, enclosed Edhv created an incredible installation, the Paper Cave project, with hundreds of paper cones with different height variations. The use of paper as the raw material for design has challenged and motivated artists and designers all over the world. The difference in height from cone to cone illustrates a sense of movement and the distortion of spatial experience. This experimental idea that resembles the cave exhibits strong emotions when walking through, which draws our attention to apply it into our second skin.
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Cloud Canopy by Maddison Architects Concept: Transparency, weather shelter The cloud canopy is made from repetitive hexagonal paneling that has great inherent structural strength and allows flexibility towards design. In terms of functions, these honeycomb lattice has angled parallel extrusions in a northerly direction to counter the sun’s lower angle in winter. The idea of controlled light exposure shows a creative response on personal space. Factors such as the transparency, repetition, irregular, and flexibility could also be taken forward and would address the concept of the second skin well.
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2.6 Precedent applied to design We started applying the precedence theories into our design models. These are the three concepts that are brought forward to the final design development:
Action and reaction We combined the ideas of translation and extrusion introduced in Maddison Architects’ Cloud Canopy and Edhv’s Paper Cave as a technique to emphasise on action and reaction of the second skin. This concept is achieved by extruding the hexagonal patterns inwards and outwards to demonstrate a more dynamic shape and better representation of the second skin.
Introspection Inspired by the Paper Cave, we plan to integrate different sizes and heights of the hexagonal pyramid into a sequence of movements. With this, the second skin emphasises a sense of introspection, whereby the interior space is confined by the thorny edges that represents torture towards the wearer.
Organic form The Chrysalis by MATSYS asserts a strong self-organising structure that we think might take the form of our second skin. The cells have unaggressive surface that helps the wearer to be more approachable and sociable.
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2.7 Translation
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2.8 Design development - Version #1
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We developed a second skin that asserts self introspection and domination during interaction. It consists of 2 different surfaces, black and white. One of the personal space we looked into is the face. During sketch design, we managed to protect the head and face as to show its vulnerability and importance. We then analysed deeper into the emotions and social behaviour of people and discovered that personal space can be invaded by both parties at the same time.
Black During this development, the skin provides a boundary that blocks off the face of the users whenever their personal space is invaded. However, by acting upon them, users would experience a form of punishment due to the invasion of other’s personal space indirectly. Action and reaction from the precedent study is applied in this context. The black is give a more provocative and strong sense of rejection. It also represents pain and torture. White The skin is surfaced with extrusion of hexagonal pyramid that promotes dominance for the user. When both parties are invading one another’s personal space, there is no holding back. Hence, both needs to be equally capable. The white symbolises brightness and visibility. Ready and free to interact. The wearer feels at ease to show their true self to the person that they are interacting with.
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Design development - Version #2
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After exerting great aggressiveness, the following design takes a step back to attain a more approachable and unassertive skin during interaction. Also, with considerations of in between behaviour of people when analysing personal space, this design aims to counter this situation. Panel and fold The implementation of rotational movement from our refine sketch model into the design development took advantage of the panel and fold system. Similar to a paper fan, panel rotates to many degrees of fold showing open, half-open and closed. Black By blocking off the face of the user, the intruders face a clueless atmosphere and sometimes uncertain of the users emotion because the face defines a person’s existence. Due to its unaggressive pattern, the intruder would not feel their personal space being invaded or if they have invaded someone’s space. Grey Translucent material is used for this surface to allow certain amount of light to pass through. When user wants to have interaction but afraid to make a move, the second skin enables them to peek and slowly reads the other person’s behaviour. The random openings reveal a little about the wearer. White The sharp edges trimmed off to display a friendlier approach to close friends but also inform a certain awareness to stop them from crossing the line. Friendly but teaches others to respect each others personal space.
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Design development - Version #2 Detail & Process & Difficulties
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During our process of using Rhino, we found some difficulties. Firstly, we tried using Flow along surface to flow pyramid hexagon on curve surface around the human body, but form was deformed after using this command. We tried implementing pentagons into our design to make connections with hexagons after researching on the sequence pattern of soccer ball. Nonetheless, they still overlapped. Then we started using Paneling Tool plugin Rhino, used PtPanel 3D custom command, but it could not close the gap of each pyramid hexagon. We tried so many different commands to complete our design, finally we found orient on surface command that could help us flow each hexagon pattern on correct curve surface, used orient3points and rotate command to finish our final. However, this command still could not solve our problem as there were some overlaps between each pattern. Moreover, we found that it was difficult to make connection between each part of our design. Hence, we still have to work on this problem before fabrication. We are thinking of using grasshopper to achieve our final design.
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2.9 Prototype Testing
Folding System Testing 1&2 (Paper)
Connection Testing (Polypropylene & Robber Band)
Shoulder Support Testing ( Balsa & Cardboard)
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2.10 Prototype - Procedure
We have used three materials to build our prototype: 1.5mm white mount board, 1mm translucent polypropylene and 1.5mm black board. Mountboard and blackboard are used because they have firm and rigid properties and they also ensure clean folds. Translucent polypropylene is a very good material for light exposure experimentation and its flexibility and elasticity would help achieve stronger joints. We decided to connect all the elements with cable ties as it is cheap and durable. After laying out the digital model, the file is sent for laser cutting. All the parts are then connected together by cable ties. As we started assembling our prototype, we found a few problems that need to be fixed for the final assignment: Firstly, the blackboard might be a good material but it is too hard when making the fold. Hence, we needed to make a few more cuttings for an easier fold. Secondly, with some miscalculations, we accidentally printed extra opening for the connection, which must be resolved later on. Lastly, the connection with the cable ties were not strong enough at the start as we were still looking for the best solution. Fortunately, we found that by securing the three holes together, it will give a tighter connection during folding.
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2.11 Prototype
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2.12 Testing Effects
We tested the effects of the second skin through different angles of light exposure. The randomised openings gave a mysterious and secretive feelings, therefore acting as a form of awareness to intruders. The shadows represents the distance of personal space that should not be invaded.
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