DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2018 M1 JOURNAL - SECTION AND PROFILE Jade Tan
752875 Rosie Gunzburg + Group 1
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CONTENTS 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
Measured drawings Analysis Digital model Sketch model Conceptual sketches
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Measured Drawings
36 cm
13 cm
33 cm
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50 mm scale 1:5
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The chosen object is the Knappa lamp from IKEA. The object is composed of two circular frames, interlocked and supported by 8 C-shaped frames running vertically between them. Between every pair of Cshaped frames, 5 curved panels are snapped in place. Holes in each panel fit precisely into the studs on each frame.
1. curved panel
For the plan, first the diameters of the circular frames were measured. After drawing the circles, the highest point of each panel/petal was measured off from the centre of the circles and marked out. Two adjacent points were also marked out in the same way. Using three points, I drew the curve of the panels and repeated this process outwards. For the elevation, I first used dotted lines to mark out the width of the lamp. Next, the heights of each layer
2. vertical frame 14 cm
of panels were measured. Their widths align with that shown in plan. I then approximated their curvature as shown below, using a protractor to measure the angle between the ruler and pencil.
3. horizontal frame
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50 mm scale 1:5
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Analysis
The circular frames have regularly spaced grooves along which the C-frames slide in. They snap securely into place due to the shape of the grooves. Following which the holes on each panel are aligned with the studs on the frames and snapped into place as well. This process is repeated vertically, which each new panel overlapping and sharing a stud with the previous panel. This is further repeated horizontally, along the circular frame. Due to the curvature of the frames and how far apart the studs are, the panels curve differently. The overall form has a strict logic governed by the frame. Moreover, the thin material of the panels give flexibilty for them to bend accordingly. Due to repetition of the same elements, the resultant form is starkly symmetrical and uniform.
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Digital Model
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In the same way as the measured drawings were done, the digital model is first composed of circles of varying dimensions. Their thicknesses were then offset and the rings extruded. Next the C-frames were modeled and then placed according to the grooves, which were also cut out of the circular frames with Boolean. The panels were then modelled by drawing and rebuilding curves and lofting them. The resulting panels were then mirrored along the frames.
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Sketch Model
Volume is simply an enclosure of space. The sketch model tries to enclose space through the interweaving of curved wood elements. The arcs intersect at different angles and heights to form a more organic “cage�. By curving in and out the volume expands and contracts. The overall form is lightweight and permeable, letting light and air through so that the idea of personal space is not uncomfortable,while still maintaining a separation from others.
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Sketch Design #1 The idea is inspired by Espacio cultural Las Cigarreras, Alicante by Tomas Amat Studio in Spain. The project uses waffle grids but with thin and slender members that curve organically and overlaid with narrower elements running along the frame. The fabric of the building allows the enclosure to be semiopen. This informs my key idea, which is to enclose a personal space that is lightweight and see-through but still creating a sense of divide and protection.
In Sommer’s “Personal Space: the Behavioural Basis of Design”, he talks about how personal space is invisible and also forbidden. It does not extend equally in all directions and is also dependent on the individual’s own psychology or cultural upbringing. Therefore, the design responds to this notion by wrapping around an individual in a way that allows for some people to be closer and others further away. The form is thin and permeable, to physically manifest the idea of an invisible boundary.
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La Cigarrares en Alicante, Tomas Amat Estudio
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Sketch Design #2 The idea is to have a self-supported structure of repeated curved panels in a similar shape as in the Knappa lamp. Instead of snapping into studs on a frame, the frame is eliminated. The panels are slotted into each other at different angles to curve into a self-supported structure that wraps around the body. The panels can intersect at any angle to vary the degree of visibility. An inspiration for this is the Dragon Skin Pavilion.
Like in many precedents using interlocking units, the resulting form tends to be quite circular, forming a bubble that marks out one’s personal space. However, the bubble is not airtight as light can pass through the interlocking units. The interface that two panels meet can also vary in length, so that the panels can slide in and out and provide flexibility for the user to change the degree of personal space.
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The Dragon Skin Pavilion, Emmi Keskisarja and Pekka Tynkkynen
The interface is marked out in blue. This could potentially become a sliding track where panels can move up and down. As shown here there are a lot of empty spaces between interlocked panels which allow outsiders to see into one’s personal space and depending on the degree of visibility they can respond accordingly. If the individual inside can hardly be seen through the panels, he is indicating that he desires more personal space and not as much interaction with others, and vice versa.
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Sketch Design #3 The third sketch design is based on insects and exoskeletons. First, the original Knappa lamp frame is scaled up, to envelope the body. Next, the direction of the C-frames is reversed, resulting in a new configuration with panels that curve outwards rather than onto the body. The panels are halved, so that they can now open and envelope another person.
Personal space has the strong connotation that it is individual. To a large extent, the territory of personal space belongs to one person only. However, it is impossible to remain in isolation forever. Often as places get more crowded and social inclusivity becomes a need, sharing one’s personal space might be inevitable. This might not be a bad thing if it leads to more fruitful social interactions. The design draws on the internalisation of external, invasive forces, so that personal space can transition into intimate space.
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Some potential ways that the two half-panels can fold and unfold >
Modelling how the two half-panels can meet and open/close ^
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