Covering Conditions by KEVIN NACPIL

covering conditions

ASC734 - Adv. Digital Design Kevin Nacpil 05.15.12

covering conditions

The following presentation is a result of an exploration of various covering conditions in traditional outdoor settings. Mainly focusing on triangles and triangulation, I have learned much about the variability of triangles and its use of application through trial and error. The first half of the presentation shows the form finding approach of a specific triangular geometry and then having it repeat as a covering condition. The second half of the presentation yields the analysis of creating triangulated surfaces in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper 3D in order to create variability of the covering conditions. The result(s) were successful and unsuccessful depending in what condition I was applying the covering conditions in. A continued approach to Grasshopper will be taken beyond this project in order to further investigate its potentials in parametric design.

ceiling conditions

initial form generation

experimental forms regular twist boolean truncated

line analysis regular corner vertical

complete final form boolean fabricated surfaces

The careful study of triangles for the interim submission resulted in the variation of a specific triangular geometry that will base the canopy form. The initial use of triangles resulted in an improper way of organization in which the structure would not allow itself to flow within a surface and provide proper stabilization.

developed surface

ceiling conditions

main canopy component

1st iteration (improper organization of triangles) isosceles triangle with cylindrical void

ceiling conditions

main canopy geometry

2nd iteration (resolved triangles) isosceles triangle with cylindrical void

ceiling conditions

component horizontal stretch

keyhole remains a constant size during transformation

ceiling conditions

geometry component vertical stretch

keyhole remains a constant size during transformation

ceiling conditions

6 surface conditions

generated surfaces tested for irregularities and problems

ceiling conditions

surface investigation 01

assumed difficulties and surface potentials 03

ceiling conditions

application of parameter to surface

observations particularly at tight corners and edges

ceiling conditions

parameter with structural connections

structural spacing added

ceiling conditions

surface to be used as canopy

difficulties exist although can be potentially adjusted in Grasshopper

ceiling conditions

parameter with structural connections

structural spacing added

Problems with triangulation of triangles resulted in improper organization. In orger to formally have a sound system, a diagrid needed to be implemented for progression.

resulting diagrid

resolved diagrid

now that the grid is resolved I was able to create a proper diagrid for the canopy condition

resulting diagrid with strutural members

resolved diagrid

after proper triangulation, I added the structural members of the resulting triangles

Examples of triangulated grids using parametric design

canopy generation

Using Rhino, and the specified geometry, I was able to test the limitations of the program in order to derive a solution for a canopy or covered scenario.

I then took my findings into grasshopper and began to formulate a definition that would allow for the geometry I had in mind while locating the center of each subsurface of the diagrid. I had complications involving the normal vector of each surface, as you can see form the bottom left hand image of the screenshot.

Basic Grasshopper definition of surfaces and subsurfaces.

Other iterations and attempts at creating a triangulated surface from points and finding the center of each subsurface, and then puncturing a hold at a specified radius.

I attempted to place the structural members on another curved form similar to a vase to see how it behaves and how those triangles would be applied to its surface. The result is a diagrid with slightly oblong circular ring that was deformed after the transformation.

Using the definitions in grasshopper, I started to apply it to curved surface to see the results. I then started to design more of a small pavilion and sheltered area rather than a canopy, which then started to switch my focus of a covering condition...

After completing the covering condition, I decided to further investigate the potential forms of my covering sheltered condition in order to realize a more realistic form that would embody the space underneath it. By using the diagrid as the structure made of steel, I can then place my triangular geometry within the space between the intersections.

By removing the bottom half portion of the shelter, I began to see what the canopy may look like from a vertical condition.

By taking those forms and applying them to varying planes I was able to see it move along various surfaces along with add materials to the geometries.

Towards the end I started to offset the structure that would hold the triangular panels to see what results I came out with. The two forms posed to be an intersting relationship.

Final Images

Great, now hire me: )