M3 journal

Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE Alessandro Antoci 829802 Hana Nihil, Studio 19

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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.

Cylinders, cones and tangent surfaces of space curves are the three types of developable surfaces.

This is because they are all ‘special ruled’ surfaces, meaning that the their tangent planes are always contiguous to their surfaces along an entire ruling and not just a single point. For tangent surfaces of space curves, this results in a surface created between the tangent planes of corners of the drawn polygon. In regards to cylinders, their surfaces consist of space created between parallel lines along their two normal sections. In terms of cones, the tangent lines all originate from the veterx point and connect with a profile curve.

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.

Geometry rests at the heart of the architectural deisgn process, from the initial stages of design to the construction itself. It is essential to architecture as it “provides a variety of tools for the efficient design, analysis, and manufacture of complex shapes.” Furthermore, geometry can be viewed as measurable and calculable relationships between geometric forms. The Le Corbusier Puppet Theater is an example of how this aspect of geometry can be succesfully transferred to architecture. The structure comprises of five hundred white polycarbonate panels, reinforced with foam inserts in their interiors. Although each panel is unique in dimensions, they all follow a rule of being diamond shaped and in turn, succesfully interlock with one another. Consequently, a predictable geometric pattern is produced, conforming architectural geometry’s notion of measurable and calculable relationships.

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PANELLING 2D PATTERN

2d Panelling, Pattern: Triangular

2d Panelling, Pattern: choose your own

2d Panelling, Pattern: choose your own

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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN

Custom 2D Panel 1

Custom 2D Panel 2

Custom 2D Panel 3 (Final)

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3D PANEL TEST PROTOTYPE & TEMPLATE

3D Panel Prototype Template

3D Panel Prototype Models

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WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION

Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation?

Digital fabrication is a type of construction, controlled by digital data. The process is reliant on computer driven machines to perform the construction process itself. It is a generative medium and also streamlines production. As a result, it eliminates intermediate gaps between design and production.

Computer Aided Design programs have made 2D drawings easier and a more efficient process with less practice required, however these did not fundamentally change the understanding of 2D representation. Rather, it was the introduction of 3D computer modelling and digital fabrication that revoltionised the constraints of architectural form and construction. In particular, it was the inginuity implemenented to restructure the process of construction required for digital fabrication.

Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design?

Folding transforms a flat surface into a three dimensional one, providing an expansion of form as well as geometric structure. Consequently, these surfaces are given greater structural rigidity, having the potential to span longer distances and eliminate the requirment for additional support. Furthermore, folding provides detail and complexity in building design. In particular, folding creates a more detailed and interesting surface by defining previously flat surfaces, adding other dimensions. This results in a overall more composite design and therefore is very applicable to formal expression in building design.

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FINAL PANELISED SURFACE

Insert your annotation

Final Custom 3D Panelled Surface

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3D PANELS

Panel 1 (not used in final)

Panel 2

Panel 3

Panel 4

Panel 1 was my favourite panel since it my own design inspired by the basic open top pyramid panel used in the workshop. Also, I imagined the side cut in the faces to make my work appear more delicate overall. However, I had many issues unfolding the shape, even when unfolding only 1 it with still overlap with itself.

This was the result of the shape itself being too complex and hence was not included in my final design.

I designed panel 2 in a similar way to panel 1, mainting a pyramid shape and removing a section across 3 faces. Panel 2 is far more simple in its construction compared to panel 1 and as a result was able to be unfolded wihtout too many complications. Furthermore, panel 2 is the only panel which could be unfolded as a strip of 2.

Panel 3 was the most difficult to construct since it is the most intricate panel that was physically constructed. Although created by only one v-cut through the point, it had the mot folds. This is due to the v-cut interacting with each of the faces and the point.

Panel 4 was the final panel I designed, the simplest shape. Due to panel 1 not being able to properly unfold, I decided to use a simpler shape. Despite its simplicty, the panel could not be unfolded into a strip of more than 1. In addition, the tabs on the base of the panel where of different lenghts, therefore this panel proved very challeging to accuretly connecct panels surround it.

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PANELISED LANDSCAPE

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Close up of Panelled Landscape

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APPENDIX

3D Panel Contructing

3D Panel Contructing - Aligning

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