Digital Design m2 - journal（H1）

Digital Design - Module 02 Semester 1, 2020 CHUIN QI

1020385 Joel Collins Studio 10

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Critical Reading: Kolerevic B. 2003. Architecture in the Digital Age | Chapter 3: Digital Production a) What is the significance of Frank Gehry’s project in relation to Digital Fabrication? Use an example to explain your point. (no more than 100 words) The significance of Frank Gehry’s project related to Digital Fabrication is more like an essential way which acts as a medium of translation in a process. Moreover, according to Frank Gehry design experience, he also thinks physical model as a more preferred way in design process than a “flat“ digital manipulation, and the former plays an improtant part in digital technology.For example, the irregularly- shaped glass panels in one of the most famous Frank Gehry’s project- Nationale- Nederlanden Building, were cut by digitally- driven cutting machines. In the process, the machine used geometry information from the digital model and then cut every single shapes. This technology was also utilized in the exterior of the Experience Music Project, which was also another typical Frank Gehry’s project. b) What is the three dominant forms of fabrication technique outline in Kolerevic’s text? Choose one of the technique and expand on how this could be useful in design? (no more than 200 words) In Kolerevic’s text, “ Subtractive Fabrication, Additive Fabrication and Formative Fabrication“ are the three dominant forms of fabrication technique that he mentioned.

In Subtractive Fabrication, contrary to additive fabrication, it mainly uses method of involving remving a certain volume of material from solid. It is one of the most essential technology in constrution. For example, CNC milling is a typical programs in Subtractive Fabrication. Specifically, the post- software could generate the instruction from CNC first, and then the CNC controlled the motion and operated parameters such as the sprindle frive, coolant supply and tool changes to make milling shapes as people may want.

Moreover, the CNC milling was also applied into new ways of building system, which aimed to produce the formwork(molds) for the off-site and on-site casting. For example, the concrete elements with double-curved geometry are fabricated in Gehry’s office building in Dusseldorf.

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Critical Reading: Essential Algorithms and Data Structure, Rajaa Issa, 2020 a) When designing an algorithm, what is the 4-steps process? (no more than 50 words) 1. Clearly identify the desired outcome(output). 2. Identify key steps to reach the outcome(key processes). 3. Examine initial data and parameters(input). 4. Define intermediate steps to generate missing data(intermediate input + processes). b) Why is it necessary to organise your definition using clear labelling, groups and colour coding? (no more than 200 words)

Organization in Grasshopper is very important, including using label, groups and colour code to show.

First, organizing the data could make the process clearer to show how you shape the forms. Second, using label groups and color code could organize your solutons under the claerer sequence of operation. Meanwhile, clearer we can also check the output from each step to make sure the structure and results are as expected before we continue to work under the clearer logics. Next, GH organization not only wants us to know our own process, but also makes teacher or tutor to tell what we form. Otherwise, it will take too much time to understand our organization.

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Module 2 Reflection Questions: a) What is the key concept explored through your lasercut and 3d-print models?

In Module 2, we mainly want to find a definition from our last project- Module 1 which represent the space in our own model through our laser cut and 3d-print. In my lasercut and 3d model, I discovered the vague laws of some products through their changes. After finding out I tried to observe the corners of each product as much as possible, including his scale, the relationship with the surrounding things, and the spatial experience it brings after being cut by the square. Then, through physical view, my model is shown in real life. Moreover, the reality, is the sense of feeling and touching with physical model which it may give model’s different spatial types at different angles and scales. b) What is the quality of the space generated in your design fragment? Consider this as a fragment of space and the scale is not yet determined, i.e. it can be 1:5 scale or 1:50 scale In the process of space generation, I tried several times on how to form the “flexible“ space.

In the design process, I may first think of it as a one- or two-storey space, his relationship with people is not alienated but not close. This could make design more flexible but with more consideration. As for consideration, it is full of changes in how to manipulate the location of box and cut it into satisfied shape.Then, with the initial cut, I begin to think of the modification that the shape could change.

c) Consider this as a fragment of a pavilion design. Can you start to speculate on the threshold condition or possible means of circulating through your structure? Again, what sort of scale will your structure need to be?

During the design, I also considered the kind of space like threshold, interior, and outer area in abstraction. In my point of view and according to some case study, Pavilion is defined a rest area that provides people rest, short stay or just walking by but with primary and secondary circulation area. The kind of space can potentially engage people into different density around the design. Followed by the study and thinking, I began to rebuild the structure.

In my scale, I first consider whether the space could let people in or “grab” people and let the pavilion be the focus around the environment. Then, under the consideration, the design is mainly focus on more flexible space but with clear definition on how to distinguish the space again.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Case Study

DIgital design can be said to be controllable or uncontrollable in specific technology. On the one hand, in my study example, evey line and evey hole is not likely to form the shape in our troditional way, it may seem to be unpredicted. However, on the other hand, it also can be seen as a new revolution in construct technology, to control gradually changing group, or should say, to find smaller and more detailed surface of objects around the world. This is something to do the sense of observation and feeling in space through our eye contact with the developement of construction and architecture.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Solid Generation 1

Adjust the basic geometry which could make surface smooth. I used Cylinder, center box, cone and sphere to create

I choose Shpere to create te growth because of its controllable shape. The Cube and Cone or Cylinder is too sharp to create the cutting surface in the 50*50*50 cube.

Create simple geometry on the curve with one object

Using different object and attracting point and scale to attempt to adjust

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Model 1 Follows Workshop 03 -2which is the curve study in Digital design.

In the workshop, tutorial mainly talks about how curve create and grow the geometry. Meanwhilel ,the group geometry can even change the direction and scale through controllable curve and attracting points. Followed by the point, I start to find some examples first and try some important step in grasshoepper. During the process, I thought about how geometry could follow my curve to change change the direction of in each geometry on the one curve with gradual increced rotation. At the same time ,with the influence of increced scale in each object, the shape can smoothly form to a gradient shape. Final, I adjust the scale of brep and move them into the right location in my Cube to cut.

SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Solid Generation 1

Choose one of the curve as reference to create the object on the curve

First scale in basic geometry. The attempt is to adjust the thickness in X,Y and Z axis.

Rotation in each geometry. Using increced Rotation with series to adjust the gradual rotation degree.

After creating the brep that I want, the brep is set for 7 times to adjust each movement. This means now I have 7 curves with objects to cut the cube.

The Rotation is faced with each curve. The step can be worked with rotation at the same time, so that each curve could be in the right place in 50*50*50 cube

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Second Scale with attracting point, with different location of point, the curve’s thickness changes.

SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix - model 1

In my matrix, all objects are generated based on existing basic graphics. In continuous experimentation, the rotation, scale, attraction points and other methods are used to effectively transform the model.

At the same time, how to master the cuboid is also critical. In different positions, the effect of cutting the cube is also different with the changes of shape.

However, in Model 1, I used a particularly practical circle as the basis for my growth. Through precedent learning, a circle can not only make the surface look smooth in many cases, but also form a gradient rotation

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix- model 1

According to the lecture in the classroom, use different curves to form the shape generated along the curved surface. Among them, I mainly used cubes and circles as my primary test targets. After trying different curves, how does the shape change, I chose the simple curve that is not particularly curved.

The reason why I did this is because the smooth curve is good for my model and does not look particularly sharp.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix- model 1

Under this curve, I adjusted the number of each shape again to achieve the effect of superposition.

The rotation is one of the the key process during my attempt. The idea comes from some increced wavy curve.

With the series of factor of rotation, the object can rotate in each geometry which could make object more flexible and controllable.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix- model 1

The second scale with attracting point is important as it is the decided factor to create the curved-object

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In the last part, I also used multiple created growth objects to cut the cube. This is a subtractive process

SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Solid Generation 2

Import Shpere as reference geometry based on the central point

Create surface domain number

Make point gids

Final adjustment

Rotate 3D

create rectangle

In the second model, I mainly used what we need to learn in the first workshop. The method used is also more basic, the purpose is to explore the direction and volume that the object may be able to cut. And how we want our space to be created.

In this model, I mainly used the circle to cut and make a certain proportion of adjustments, and finally formed a body formed by repeated shapes.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix - model 2

Model 3 came from the first work shop. It uses 27 (perhaps more) points to form an array, and forms a fixed frame at each point, and then uses the fixed frame to form a shape. In this way, each point will have the same shape, thus forming a growth.

Later on the original basis, these models can move with fixed attraction points or change the proportion.

After the basic object, we can use the cube cutting to form some fixed shapes according to the distance and connection between each of its small elements.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix - model 2 Rotation in X-Y-Z axis, the object could change any direction.

Under the left and right direction, you can change the direction of an object, or you can change the direction of the entire object.

There is a certain distance between the objects, and their spacing can retain a part when cutting the cube, forming a pattern combined with the cube

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix - model 2

Rotation in X-Y-Z axis, the object could change any direction.

Under the left and right direction, you can change the direction of an object, or you can change the direction of the entire object.

Divide 27 points into three arrays according to different ratios, each array has a series of scale

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix - model 3

Final model has been selected after the additive and subtractive process

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES

Solid Generation 3

Import rectangle cone (Conical) as reference geometry based on 6 vector plane, mirror the geometry

Creating move point in six direction on box’s surface

Box maker as the direction of vector

In the final part, bake every thing from previous geometry and growth

Dispatch the distance and create vector Doing the same step and put it into cluister, then set box maker from last geometry

In model 3 grasshopper, the work shop mainly told the importance of data shunting in making chunks. We need a directional vector, use the vector to create a plane on the vector, and then import our basic graphics, after which we can reuse the previous method to create a complete group.

This method is also very useful in actual design. Some design elements of the pavilion can also be constructed according to this method.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix - model 3

The second model follows the tree growth from workshop 2. The tree growth means geometry could expand to different scale which is more like a tree with tree data in grasshopper.

Same like model 1, I started with several simple geometry. Then I adjusted the different sizes.

In model 2, I found it that under the drowth, it is more suitable to do Additive process with cube.

This is mainly because that each geometry is faced with outside, which has strong shape on its surface. Therefore, followed the idea, the object could grow several times to find out suitable corner or flexible area.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix - model 3

From the last part, this step mainly explores some rotation among geometries. This step is a test, which aims to find different direction as shown above.This step is also a connection that helps me to discover more potential way rather than traditional method of growing.

In this part, I tried to do the first attempt, with just first step- grow. In this growth, I mainly want to test every geometry that has been chosen, to find the key intersection between each other I chose three geometry as base to grow, for they have flexible operation and shape before forming the next step-grow.For example, I can rotate each geometry or change the scale between each other and etc.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix - model 3

This scale is too similar with each other

04.02.01

04.03.01

3 step scale in grasshopper

This a Additive process, I first create a basic additive solid with cube, which is morel like a furniture. But it looks like the Space utilization is very low, so I think of doing additive process just like my tree growth with several times and every step based on last step.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Iteration Matrix -model 3

04.03.01

Based on last step- additive process, the process could be done by several times. I used another same growth from last additive part, and combine first part and second part together with boolean union. Then I set the object as another new whole. Finally, again, I used the same 50*50*50 cube to do additive process.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES

Key Iterations in Model 1

West Elevation

In the first model, the most interesting is the final formation process. Through several tunnels in different directions, the cube is connected to many parts.Among them, the purpose of this is to give me the previous case study, the square can be extracted from his original shape to form a new shape.

North Elevation

Through two of my favorite facades, you can see that the square first has a continuous curved shape. Curves always bring people a good space experience and visual enjoyment. For example, Zaha Hadid ’s design techniques, we can learn how to model with curved surfaces, how to find curved planes and how people can make effective connections.

These elevations show two different eye view and atmosphere. For the left side, the elevaton show that the eye contact stop on the object itself. While on the right side, the eyeview is more accessible through the model. As for atmosphere, the left direction also gives a thicker experience.On the right side, the object is more flexible and relaxed.

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES

In 3D printing, we need to do some parameter adjustments.

In our parameterized adjustments, we can change the direction of our model and the printer we choose. After we have selected these indices, we can click on the simulated print to observe. After I printed all the models, our model could be fully shown on the computer.

Here you can see that there are some yellow parts in the model, these parts are the additional support structure needed in the model making process, of course, we can not need these extra parts after we really finished

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Isometric Drawing - model 1 Light timeďźš 12pm

This area is the largest surface. It does not block the light, so that the whole thing has a good light receiving surface.

The surface here also forms a hole in the building, allowing people to walk along the hole from the back to the front, or let sunlight pass through the hole and through the object

At the same time, the light and shadow on the light-receiving surface will change with the passage of time, thereby creating different visual experiences and overall spatial feelings for people at different times

Open curve allows sunlight to extend from the outside to the transitional space. Although people in this transitional space do not directly enter the internal space, the reference to the transitional space attracts the density of people to the thing itself, and at the same time, a good shading effect can also allow people to stay for a short time

This is the main space where people gather through different flows to divide people’s circulation path into three parts. The outer transition space, the inner transition space and inner space. People could go through the object in this access which could be gallery

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This is the transition from the main secondary space to the main space.

The groove is used to create a transition space with a small range.

The opening of the transition space and the internal space is used to allow people to transition from the outside to the interior. At the same, good shade also provides people rest area and is close to object itself.

SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Isometric Drawing - model 2 Light timeďźš 12pm

This open space prevents the internal space from being completely blocked, which forms a relaxing inner area for people to stay.

Such a groove is blocked by sunlight, and at the same time, it can block part of the sunlight, and people can be more comfortable on objects.

In the middle of the object, there is a hole where sunlight can enter.

The interesting thing is that sunlight can cause a relatively concentrated light inside the object.

So that people can have a focal point in space.

Then, under the influence of light and shadow, people form different circulation areas and different crowd densities.

Transitional space gives people a tendency to shrink back. Such a shape and trend can enable people to naturally form the direction and flow lines from the external space to the internal space

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES Isometric Drawing - model 3 Light timeďźš 12pm

Compared with the previous two models, this object will look more open, so he may be able to replace things like rest platforms or furniture

The raised ladder-like parts provide people with access to the interior from the outside. The highest wall can divert people’s attention. And the wall can effectively cover the internal space in one direction, so that the internal space is not completely uncovered Different heights create a shadow range for objects under light and shadow

Different heights provide places suitable for people to rest

The raised ladder-like parts provide people with access to the interior from the outside. At the same time, the step-by-step height could make people a special atmosphere and curculation path from outer space to inner space

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SUBTRACTIVE & ADDITIVE PROCESSES 3D Print Photography

Time: 12pm

The model 1 may have the largest scale among three models. This is mainly because of the increcend rotation and constant surface that madel has. The gradual curved surface allows people to pass from the object, which create curculation path and area , and also has a good visual experience.

Time: 4pm

Time: 4pm

In model 2, the object can be two- floor height in scale.

Unlike the first model, which has dense and small curved surfaces, it has holes formed by circles and more transparent spaces.

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This model could have the smallest scale.

Through the construction of the cuboid, the manufactured object has certain edges and corners, and the height difference is not very large, so it is more suitable for making small-sized object.

Thickness analysis plays a transitional role in 3d printing and waffle.It gives us an idea of how our thickness is formed, and it gives us an idea of what kind of object we’re going to form roughly based on our thickness. Although thickness analysis is a technical step in 3d printing, it also helps us analyze some of the waffle problems.For example, we can know which parts are the thinnest, and they may not be displayed in the waffle later

To avoid problems like the one on the left, I also added other objects that I thought were appropriate for different waffle tests. In preparation, I put in some curved objects, and then some rectangular objects.These objects may could find their own waffles in different shapes and shapes.

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The Brep is put into the input as a reference to analyse the potential contour .

Connect brep and brep. Try to use

Use rectangle in each intersection

Create offset surface and join

frame to set rectangle’s location

to cut the surface

each brep together and then bake

Contour is divided into 2 axis- X and Y axis. At the same time, some smaller areas are deleted

Set rectangle in the middle of ev-

Set point and put every surface

ery intersection in X and Y surface

into lasercut

The meaning of waffle is to test whether our ideal model can be displayed in real life.

With waffle, we can continue to test in the computer to find the suitable laser cutting surface to show our model. From a design perspective, this is also a novel way to combine architectural models with other materials to create different spatial experiences under the same shape.

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Consideration of area of waffle. Some area may be too small for laser cut, some of them may abandoned in the process of forming label.

Some offset surface may cross together and can not fit well in the gap. So the movement of offset surface is important

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In radial test, it is important to control the unmber of waffle, since they may cross together if they are too many.

The picture shows the laser cutting. In this page and step, we learned how to use another technology to build our waffle model. I chose Model 2 to set. In this process, we have several notice. The first one is that we should use different layers to identify which we shoud cut and which should only be labelled.Obviously, the text should be labelled and the edge of each shape should cut. Therefore, the text is shown red and cutting edge shows black. However, one of the edges in each shape should be labelled red as it is etch. Besides, I leave the gap between each other so that the laser cutting would be cut accuratly with each object. Also, I divide waffle into X and Y waffle part in oder to identify clearly and know to to make physical model.

As for material, we should also add the name of material - Box Board and select the thickness that we should have.

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Isometric Drawing- Model 2 Radial Waffle(unsolved)

The central join on the top is interlaced with each other and in reality they may be too crowded to distribute under the cutting location of ring

The bottom ring couldn’t reach the bottom of object to grab each lasercut

This corner seems to be too heavey on the second floor,The lasercut may not be capable to carry

One good thing is that under the radial contour, some place could follow the radial trends and may supply some shading space for people to rest

The cutting surface is not enough to connect each other and actually it is dispersed

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Isometric Drawing- Model 2 X-Y Waffle(resolved) Waffle join better than radial waffle, which provides enough ability to connect each other in the model. Meanwhile, the number if x-y waffle could be reasonabily placed. And the x-y structure is more likely to form the curved surface

X-y waffle has more place to have light shadow.

This place with shade may also provide rest area for people. Moreover, it could provide enough sunlight to cross the object

The intersecting space is good for people to sit down and rest well, but also has a good crowd sight.

At the same time, the shade provides transition space which is connected with outer and inner area

Primary circulation area

The bottom has enough laser cut to afford the weight of model

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Time: 4pm

Time: 4pm

The waffle of model 2 focuses on the structure to support itself and the sunlight analyse.The model is used for analyse the sunlight and structure with waffle study. As you can see, the interesting place is the central of the object, which sunlight get in through the hole on the top. Meanwhile, the waffle structure provides more chances of stay for people.

The waffle of model 1 focuses on the experience when people traveling the object. With the change of height, people were guided to inside .

Moreover, the waffle structure is more full of a Visual aesthetics. Because the number of waffle from model 2 is more than model 1’s, this is mainly because the model 2 is suitable for setting more waffles and this could give the object a sense of feeling that it could be a big scale in reality.

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Appendix

Process - Other attempt in Model 1 process

In the study before it was perfected, I also made some other attempts.

For example, for boxes, I also used the curve method to try the effect of cutting under the center boxes.Clearly, it shows that though boxes could make the similar space like the sphere, it may make people feel too shape to create the atmosphere of surface.

In more process, I also use sphere to make subtractive space. I tried to use some different curves rather than same curves to cut the cube. It makes some beautiful interior in the cube, However, the step still needs to improve like adjusting the numbers of sphere, and more controllable methods.

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Appendix

Process - Other attempt in Model 2 process

In more process, I also use sphere to make subtractive space. I tried to use some different curves rather than same curves to cut the cube. It makes some beautiful interior in the cube, However, the step still needs to improve like adjusting the numbers of sphere, and more controllable methods.

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Appendix

Other inspiration

This is a film on the internet, these pictures show if the building keep growing around the world then what they could be. As you can see, every building grow in their own way. Some may grow irregularly, others may grow like a group. Then they may crossed togather to form varied shape like linear, cluistered or straight shape. The pictures gave me the inspiration of what we could construct, what could we add in our world ? Each geometry is a single element, however, when they “grow“, what kind of view and life could change under these kind of rchitecture?

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