Digital Design & Fabrication - Module 4

DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2017 THE COCOON James Robert Gledhill

(836594) Sia + Group K

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0.0 Introduction...................................................................7 1.0 Ideation.........................................................................8 1.1 Object...........................................................................10 1.2 System Analysis............................................................14 1.3 Volume.........................................................................16 1.4 Sketch Design Proposals.............................................17 2.0 Design..........................................................................20 2.1 Design Development..................................................22 2.2 Design Proposal V1.....................................................25 2.3 Design Proposal V2.....................................................32 2.4 Precedent Research...................................................39 2.5 Final Design Proposal..................................................41 2.6 Prototype + Testing Effects.........................................44 3.0 Fabrication..................................................................46 3.1 Building on Module Two.............................................48 3.2 Design Development + Prototype Two....................49 3.3 Design Development + Prototype Three..................51 3.4 Prototype Optimisation...............................................52 3.5 Final Digital Model.......................................................60 3.6 Fabrication Sequence................................................62 3.7 Assembly Drawing.......................................................68 3.8 Completed Second Skin............................................70 4.0 Reflection.....................................................................72 5.0 Appendix.....................................................................74 5.1 Credit............................................................................75 5.2 Bibliography.................................................................76

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0.0 Introduction Our response to the brief of creating a second skin to occupy ones personal space was to creaate a system that could be controlled and manipulated by the user.

Using the section and profiling material system, we designed a seccond skin that was transparent when held in an open position and hid the individual from view when closed.

The design had greter density in some areas to help cover parts of the body we felt were more vulnerable.

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1.0 IDEATION

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The Ideation Module was about formulating design ideas through empirical research. By measuring, modelling and analyzing an existing object, in this case an Ikea mirror, a material system, Panel and Fold, could be unfurled and its inner workings understood.

This presented a unique set of challenges as we had to figure out how to measure our object accurately and then represent graphically and illustrate how the system worked. The object was made up of many complex components so we quickly realised the best way to go about measuring the system was to do so as a team.

Having analysed the mirror I then went on to explore how a panel and fold system could create volume. I was intrigued by the way different volumes could be created using the one simple system.

The feedback given from my tutor allowed me focus in more on the system itself and for M2 to really push the idea further.

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1.1 OBJECT

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Measured Drawings

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Measured Drawings The technique used to measure and produce drawings of this mirror was a combination of photographing and physically measuring the mirror.

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The photographs were used to represent the mirror in elevation and to layout the composition of the mirror. The physical measurements, done with a steel rule, allowed the drawings to be done accurately and to scale.

On the right you can see the mirror laid out as if it were expanded.

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Digital Model

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Right Elevation

Perspective

The details highlight the different joints that allow the components to fold. These are all pin joints. Yet some allow horizontal movement while others allow pivoting.

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1.2 SYSTEM ANALYSIS

From investigating the mirror I have noticed that folding and panelling does two key things: 1. It creates volume 2. It allows driectional changes On the left we can see the mirror when it has been collapsed.

Through the two elevations shown, it is easy to see how folding and panelling can eas14

ily increase and reduce volume or surface area. ing.

In this instance it is achieved through a series of regular panels overlayed in a cross pattern and then joined with small pins to create pin joints.

For this to be successful the components need to be accurately cut and to have a fixing in place at the ends that keep the structure from bend-

Shown to the left is a detail of a pin joint from the mirror. The three sketches illustrate the movement of the joint and show how one element moves while the other is static.

This demonstrates the second key factor of folding that I identified; enabling the change of directing. This flexibility allows the mirror to be used in more contexts.

Shown through the set of details to the right is another example of how pin joints can be used to facilitate a change of direction. The mirror can rotate and move while the base stays fixed in place.

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1.3 VOLUME

To create the sketch model I took the idea of the folding panel system from the mirror and recreated it using card and thumb tacks.

This System has many potential uses but the concept that I like most is to greatly increase the scale and use is as a gate system as illustrated in the images shown.

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1.4 SKETCH DESIGN PROPOSALS

This design uses triangles instead to create volume. The use of triangles creates a sharp angular form to protect the personal space The form is almost symetrical creating an even second skin around the individual.

This design has more emphasis on covering the front of the individual and occupying that area of personal space. Once again the back is protected but not as enclosed as the previous design.

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This design focuses on the idea of folding allowing direction change and thus spanning large areas with little material.

The folds create trianglur forms which in turn creates a ribbon like form that wraps itself around the body in a delibrate way so as to occupy the personal space

How does this respond to your personal space?

This design has a lot of gaps which signify that personal space can easily be intruded upon. With that in mind though this design runs the full length of the body showing that personal space can be warranted over the whole body.

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This design focuses on the idea of folding creating volume. To create interesting curves that fit around the body I’ve used four sided panels.

The panels create a solid looking structure which completely encases the individual’s personal space.

How does this respond to your personal space?

This design identifies personal space as primarily behind the body. I see this as personal space as its somewhere you cant see and therefore vulnerable. The shell system is solid with no gaps so draws allusions to battle armor.

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2.0 DESIGN

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Between Ideation and Design I changed from Panel and Fold to Section and Profile. Whilst it was initially difficult to pick up on a new system, I was able to bring new ideas to my team that could be extrapolated from panel and fold.

The Design Module was about taking the knowledge gained from the Ideation Module and bringing it together with a group to develop a design for the second skin. By combining the teams collective skills and idea, a design could be developed and produced.

This however was not so easy, as bringing a new team together, all with unique ideas and explorations meant that there was a lot of content to work with. The thing we struggled with as a team was trying not to make a system that was too complicated for the sake of incorporating everyone’s ideas.

With the help of the tutors, we were able to cut down our design and create one cohesive system that was not any one person’s concept but something we developed as a team.

Team: Kelvin Ng, Hilary Stephens, David Ong, James 21

2.1 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Continuing from Module One

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Personal Space Analysis

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Refining the Design

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2.2 DESIGN PROPOSAL V1

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Sketch Design for V1

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Precedents for V1

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V1// Development One

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V1// Development One Sketches

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V1// Development Two

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V1// Development Two Sketches

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2.3 DESIGN PROPOSAL V2

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Sketch Design for V2

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Precedents for V2

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V2// Development One

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V2// Development One Sketches

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V2// Development Two

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2.4 PRECEDENT RESEARCH

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2.5 FINAL DESIGN PROPOSAL

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Concept Model One

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Concept Model Two

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2.6 PROTOYPE + TESTING EFFECTS Paper Model

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Polypropeline Model

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3.0 FABRICATION

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The Fabrication Module was about taking the design generated from the Design Module and realizing it, and that meant a lot of time and commitment from the team. It proved difficult to continually co ordinate times that worked for the whole team as well as distribute the work load evenly.

The end point of the fabrication module was to have a fully constructed Second Skin that could be displayed and modelled and we eventually got there, although if I had my time again, it would have been good to start the fabrication as early as possible to ensure any shortcomings of the final product could be remedied.

Ultimately, M3 taught me a lot in the way of teamwork and ensuring everyone works for each other to create the best possible outcome.

Team: Kelvin Ng, Hilary Stephens, David Ong, James Gledhill 47

3.1 BUILDING ON MODULE TWO

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3.2 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT + PROTOTYPE TWO

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Evaluation This prototype gave us a lot of positive results but also highlighted many areas for improvement. The overall effect that we were able to create wa exciting and was close to the way we wanted to express and interact with personal space, The downfalls of this prototype was the systems lack of overall structure and the regularity of the pieces. Through the next prototype we’ll look to resolve these issues.

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3.3 DESIGN DEVELOPMENT + PROTOTYPE THREE

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3.4 PROTOTYPE OPTIMISATION

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2nd Skin final design

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3.5 FINAL DIGITAL MODEL

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3.6 FABRICATION SEQUENCE

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3.7 FABRICATION SEQUENCE

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To assmble the fainal second skin, the vertical bamboo elements need to be slotted through the horixonal polypropeline elements.

This is done by folding back the flaps on the vertical rods and pushing them through the holes in the horizontal planes. The flap can then be released allowing the system to lock together.

It is important to pay attention to the ordering of each piece as every single piece is unique.

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3.8 COMPLETED SECOND SKIN

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4.0 REFLECTION

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The process undergone throughout the entirety of the Digital Design and Fabrication subject was decidedly enjoyable. Moving through the different modules to eventually create a product of such complexity is such an achievement. With that in mind, the process was not without its difficulties and challenges.

The Ideation Module presented challenges in the form of developing new skills such as learning Rhino. Having had limited interaction with Rhino prior to this subject, I found the first few attempts to model my mirror difficult but after attending the tutorials and doing a lot of self teaching I was able to reproduce a really accurate model. Another difficulty to overcome was trying to learn how the material system could be analysed and used for further interpretation. I dealt with this by discussing the system with other Panel and Fold people to identify the different opportunities the system would present.

Between the Ideation Module and the Design module, I changed material systems from Panel and Fold to Section and Profiling.

Whilst this meant that I had to adapt and heavily really on the team to guide me, the Design Module went really well. Our concept developed naturally through thoughtful discussion and experimentation. We moved a long way from our initial idea to our final design concept. Some difficulties faced in this module were trying to nail down the design we wanted as a group and ensuring that we were all on the page with decisions. Through constantly being in touch and meeting multiple times a week, we were able to cover this.

The Fabrication Module turned out to be far and away the most difficult of the modules. As a team we struggled with one member failing to carry their weight. It was disappointing but through discussion and commitment from the other team members we were able to persevere. In hind’s sight, our concept was quite ambitious and had many design concerns that needed to be resolved.

Our final Second Skin did not fully meet our expectations, which was frustrating given the time we poured into it. However, that being said, it meant that there was a lot of room for improvement and leading up to the final presentation and subsequently the photo shoot, we were constantly working to improve the product. The majority of the work we did to improve the system were around its structure and its connection to the body and by the final photo shoot many issues were resolved.

I think if we were to have our time again, one of the biggest improvements to the final outcome would be if we worked less in Rhino and more with physical to find a better balance between the use of digital tools and physical prototypes.

Ultimately, the semester has been rewarding and definitely enabled me to improve my skills in the digital design realm and taught me how then to bring these designs into the physical world.

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5.0 APPENDIX

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5.1 CREDIT James David Kelvin Hillary

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5.2 BIBLIOGRAPHY

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