FOD: Representation - James Cowie - M3

Foundations of Design : Representation, SEM1, 2017 M3 JOURNAL - PATTERN vs SURFACE

James Valentine Cowie 910210 Brooke Elizabeth Gibson + 13

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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.

(Maximum 100 words) Developable surfaces, being surfaces defined by properties mapping them isometrically onto a plane, can be categorised into three types; cylinders, cones and tangent surfaces of space curves. A cylinder is a surface formed by a series of parallel lines; modelled by the extrusion of a profile curve, otherwise a 'parallel extrusion'. A cone consists of lines that are projected from a profile curve converging at one vertex point. Pyramids can also be seen as a discrete variation to the cone, generated instead by a central extrusion. Furthermore, tangent surfaces from space curves are developable ruled surfaces, with one plane osculating from another.

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. (Maximum 100 words) Developable surfaces are a very attractive means of design and construction, thus understanding their operation is essential in understanding architectural thinking. As the surfaces only carry a series of straight lines, it makes it relatively easy to develop complex forms, while simplifying construction methodology. For instance, the Huyghe and Le Corbusier Puppet Theatre by MOS (2004) as Harvard University uses a series of diamond and triangular panels to create the illusionary effect of a curved structure, while maintaining the structural integrity of the theatre.

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PANELLING 2D PATTERN

2d Panelling, Pattern: Triangular

2d Panelling, Pattern: Diamond

2d Panelling, Pattern: Tribasic

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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN

Star based panel -

Circular panel -

Triangulated panel -

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3D PANEL TEST PROTOTYPE & TEMPLATE

Of the forms explored, the curved form seemed the most interesting in my subjective opinion. My rationale behind believing this was because linear facets are seemingly common in comparison to compound curves. I also found a sense of serenity in the curved form in comparison to the austerity and harshness of the triangulated forms.

Furthermore, due to several of these forms folding in on themselves, it would make them difficult to unroll; for instance the model furthest from the right would require assembly in two parts, rather than one flowing template.

An original plan was to create two models and join them together in order to create an interesting composition of contrasting forms. However, this idea was quickly dissolved and put to rest, as time was of the essence.

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WEEK 7 READING: DIGITAL FABRICATION Complete your reading before attempting these questions:

Question 1: What is digital fabrication and how does it change the understanding of two dimensional representation? (Maximum 100 words) Digital fabrication is a generative medium used for perceptual, spatial and formal effect; with the ultimate aim of enhancing design aesthetic. Such advances made in computerised technologies, especially in CAD (Computer-Assisted-Design) software, three dimensional representation has become a reality. Such an evolution of technology and subsequent exploration of the three dimensional realm has unbound architects to the limitations of two dimensional representation; where designs are dictated by x and y, and where designs are limited to a singular plane.

Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design? (Maximum 100 words) The extensive use of folding in building design is largely due to its simultaneous flexibility to inspire forms and its structural strength. Folding is flexible in the sense that it can create abstract forms that aren’t defined by x and y, like a quintessential four sided structure, without compromising form in doing so. In other terms, it expands and enhances the ‘three dimensional vocabulary of surface by naturally producing deformation and inflection’. Furthermore, folding can produce self supporting structures thanks to the linear facets, the folds.

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EXPLORING 3D PANELLING

Finalised CAD model of panelised surface; combining two dimensional and three dimensional panels. The rationale behind choosing a compound curve was to challenge form and explore alternative means of design that are limited by linear planes.

A curve attractor was drawn passing slightly off from the centre diagonal and used along the the top and bottom lines of the surface in order to imitate the topography of the surface in the model.

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UNROLLED TEMPLATE OF FINAL MODEL Due to the curved nature of the forms, the unrolled surface in Rhino was ‘un-developable’, however exploding the object and then creating the template by hand allowed for the model to come together.

In order to create the curved form in the first place it was imperative that the tabs weren’t one swept line. Such a join wouldn’t flex accordingly and consequently result in an un-buildable form. By using smaller separated tabs however, the curves were allowed to join freely and thus the form be made.

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PANELISED LANDSCAPE

Idealistically, the curved form would be better made in un-joined sections, rather than a template; as this would

A consequence of attempting this form out of paper was in some areas it would bevel and become distorted under

eliminate structural tension.

pressure. However, on the smaller objects this wasn’t the case due to the smaller radius to the curve and shallow height.

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Secondary Panels To remove the flatness of the surface and create a more dynamic composition, I elevated various areas through the introduction on triangulated panels, acting as piers to the surface. This also comes in hand with the cuts on the 2D panels, as these are intended as access openings in order to simplify the connection of these forms underneath the main surface.

Furthermore, I was worried that I hadn’t engaged the essence on the module, thus through exploring simultaneously curved and triangulated forms I feel I’ve comprehensively explored folding and panelling.

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APPENDIX

Surfaces and grid offset.

I set up a production line to increase construction efficiency, connecting sections of each object and waiting for the glue to set, rather than making one object at a time and facing the challenge of holding multiple tabs at once. The glue used was a simple craft glue that set after around 30 seconds, proving a great success as a adhesive for the model.

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