Fod landscape m3 journal2

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

912103 Brooke Gibson , Studio 2

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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) The three elementary types of devlopable surfaces: the cylinder, cone and tangent surface of space curves. They are all special ruled surfaces whereby for each ruling there is a planar tangent to the ruling of the entire surface ruling and not just tangent to a single point. They all have zero Gaussian curvature.

The cylinder is formed by series of parallel lines. If unfolded, the surface will be consisted of parallel edges of the prism mapped to parallel lines of the flat surface. The denser the ruling planes, the closer it is to create a smooth curve along the edges of the cylinder. The cone is formed by pyramid surface with one vertex of each ruling plane converging at the apex of the pyramid surface. The tangent surface of space curves consist of each face plane being tangent to the single curve that runs along the edge of the surface.

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) Understanding the developable surface meant that architects can formulate their designs using panels in a more organised way. Their architectural 3D form can be analysed in detail with the method of dismembering the panels used to construct the structure. Each panel’s relationship with the other can be assessed and variation of such can be done to produce architectural geometry that are totally different. In the case of Le Corbusier’s puppet theatre, he constructed an structure using interlocking panels that are arranged to form developable surface. Working with developable surface as the base allowed a lot more flexibility and freedom to the overall 3D structure as it does not have to be confined to certain form.

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PANELLING 2D PATTERN

2d Panelling, Pattern: Triangular

2d Panelling, Pattern: Diamond

2d Panelling, Pattern: Wave

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VARIABLE 2D PATTERN

This customised pattern was applied to the topography using the Panel2DGrid custom command. I started off with drawing a cuboid (3D form) and transferred it to the flat 2D surface. The end result created an three dimensional visage when viewed from certain vantage point in perspective view.

This panelled pattern consisted of square of varying size achieved with the command Panel2DGrid Custom Variable whereby a curve attractor was used to direct the way in which the squares are laid out and formulate some sort of pattern.

In this case the attractor curve was set as the edge of the topography hence square that are closer to the edge appear denser and larger.

This panelled patterned consisted of a face of varying size again achieved with the command Panel2DGrid Custom variable and curve attractor. In this one, the curve attractor was selected as the two edges of the topography hen ce the pattern appear larger and denser closer to the left and right side of the plane.

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3D PANEL TEST PROTOTYPE & TEMPLATE

As these were my trials in the earlier stages, there were many foldlines showing how I tried to change to 3D form by folding them differently, which enable further exploration of a variety of panels forms.

A few of my trials. I discovered that different panels joined together can create different levellings or heights across even a small section. This is because as we fit the tabs of one panel to the other, the original shape may be twisted or stretched on one side. As more and more panels are joined, the topography of the panel becomes varied with alternation in heights instead of just a flat surface.

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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 refers to the way of making that uses digital data to control a fabrication process and falls under the umbrella of CAD/CAM (computer-aided design and manufacturing) which relies on computer driven machine tools to build or cut parts. It is applied widely in different domains of architectural work from conceptual design to construction. It changes the understanding of 2D representation with its potential to narrow the gap between traditional medium of design and building. It makes 2D drawing more efficient and editable with simplicity and minimal effort. Hence 2D representation becomes more expansive and elaborate as the design is no longer restricted to 2D planes and spatial context of the design need to be considered. It indicates how 2D design can be translated into pragmatic buildings in the most direct way.

Question 2: Suggest two reasons why folding is used extensively in the formal expression of building design? (Maximum 100 words) Firstly, in terms of building structures/construction, folding applied to planar materials allowed them to gain stiffness and rigidity, they can then spand distance and be self-supporting. It is materially economical, visually appealing and effective at multiple scale.

Secondly, regarding the freedom of creating geometric variation, folding expands the scope of 3D vocabulary of surface through deformation, inflection and manifestation of cohesion and a continuity of competing spatial, cultural, social, programmatic, contextual conditions. Folding creates fluidity and multifunctionality with continuous surface. A wide range of forms such as creased surfaces, wrapped volumes are able to be made with folding.

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EXPLORING 3D PANELLING

This is the final ouctcome of my 3D patterned panel. The 2D and 3D patterns are intertwined with each other creating gradual hierarchy diagonally and hence variation and balance across the model plane.

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UNROLL TEMPLATE OF YOUR FINAL MODEL

My unrolled surfaces are colour coded as it is able to assist me to find the corresponding 3D sectino on my panel. As there are both the 3D and 2D elements in my model and given the comlexity of some of my 3D surfaces, it was less complicate to unroll the 2D separately rather than joining it with the 3D before unrolling

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PANELISED LANDSCAPE

I intended to create a streamline-like pattern whereby the eye moves from one corner of the panel and follows a diagonal line to reach the ‘apex’ in my model (ie. the pyramid section which also appeares to be elevated than the rest). Although each modules are of varying shapes, the general trend is that each of them will have their pointed vertices directed at the ‘apex’ (the higher part of the panel.

A close up of the elevated ‘apex’ of my model. After combining each section of modules, the elevation and height became more consipicuous which coincides with the digital model and the original topography given.

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In order to create the diagonal layout (characterised by rays of modules spreading outward) I used added a curve line which acts as my curve attractor for 3D custom variable setting. This way the modules are not set out in linear roles. This allowed further patternation achieved in the end.

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This shows the partial colour coding system I used to locate each of my modules. It is also evident in this screen capture that I attempted various customised 2D patterns before deciding on a final one. Unfortunately the inital trial of complex customised 2D patterns were not surfaces hence could not be unrolled.

APPENDIX

My 3D model prototype. I varied the top opening of the each model to create the overall effect of gradually decreasing size of opening.

After I started the folding process, one of my trials was integrating tabs as patterns into my panels. Instead of eliminating them from the model I decided to incorporate them in some of my model fragments to add varation to 2D surface. The diamond shape panel appeared with a different pattern with the tabs when viewed from above. However I soon realised that when they are too many of them it can detract from the clarity of the overall pattern of the model

The prototypes modules were selected in this order when inputting using the Panel3DGrid Custom Variable to enhance the overall appearance of the levellings and hierarchy.

The gluing process demonstrates the closely interlocking panels strengthened by folding the adjoining tabs in one direction.

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