Grasshopper examples

GRASSHOPPER EXAMPLES C H R I S T O P H E R V O LT L

OPERABLE PANEL DISTRIBUTION

STRUCTURAL SKIN

This Example I used grasshopper to define the opening of the panel

This is a more complex version of the previous definition using the panels to open on the top and bottom based on the distance between the panel and a point in space

Taking inspiration from elements in nature, there are many ways to approach this situation. For example, above, the sea urchin has many characteristics that can be useful to the implementation into the built environment as a solution to a technical problem. Similar to a building a sea urchin has to adapt to the site conditions but unlike the static nature of a building structure, the sea urchin adapts continuously due to evolutionary processes. The Skeleton has evolved to this complex arrangement of modular plates. The sea urchin is a great study due to the discontinuous geometric shell, allowing for the shear forces to isolate in between each polygon where the connection is interlocking similar to fingers. The geometrical arrangement allows three different panels to align up to each other allowing for a higher bearing load. Since the edges act as hinges and allow for this species to grow and morph over time without folding in on it’s self there has to be a force that acts internally within the panels, this is where the porous structure has its function. This inner configuration provides a lighter overall weight while being able to distribute the internal forces more even that a solid wall.

TRUNCATED RHOMBIC DODECHAHEDRA

PANEL DISASSEMBLY

panel type one

panel slots panel type two

RHOMBIC DODECAHEDRON panel type three

Showcasing the individual panels and the solid they originated from

AESTHETIC VALUE Shell thickness deep

Using a rapid prototype method to find a module that fits the criteria of aesthetic properties to take in for structural approximation with loads applied, the importance of this process is to select a set of modules that will pass a visual test now to streamline the tedious process of structural simulations, reducing time spent to increase work flow.

Shell thickness moderate

WEAIRE PHELAN openings moderate Shell thickness thin

openings large

Wall to be transformed