TIMESCAPES

SINGAPORE 2019

INTRODUCTION

The SUTD Time Capsule preserves and exhibits the university’s most signifi cant inventions over the past decade, with a design that coordinates form and materials to refl ect the ambitious and adventurous spirit of the young university.

The form of the capsule represents the cyclical nature of time: a periodic surface peels from the ground in an oscillating motion, holding the collection in a secure yet open space.

To create this unique form, digital tools and advanced manufacturing methods were developed and applied. The capsule’s surface consists of 4,000+ unique panels, which were computationally designed and 3D printed with biopolymers producing zero waste. This surface sits over a timber structure, optimized to reduce material consumption and emphases the feeling of lightness.

As SUTD enters its second decade of existence, the SUTD Time Capsule celebrates its past and embraces a bright future ahead.

Project material: PLA + Acrylic Site: SUTD Area: 144 Sq.m Typology: Open Museum

Project Lead: Felix Raspall and Carlos Bañón (Design), Sourabh Maheshwary (Execution)

PLAN

The space was divided into four exhibit as per the four departments but part of one as a whole SUTD. Each department equally could showcase the invention in their respective fi elds. The concept of open museum developed as the site was located indoors with a high footfall. Hence, the visitors can freely walk-in without feeling restrictive. Moreover the lifted curvature forms the backdrop as a stage for small gatherings and performances.

The structure was simple waffl e structure with grid dimension of 50 cm by 50cm. The panels were CNC cut and two 18mm thick panels were sandwiched to give it required strength.

MATHEMATICAL SURFACE WITH STRUCTURAL GRID

4000 + UNIQUE 3D PRINTED TILE WITH FROSTED ACRYLIC ATTACHED LIKE A CHAIN-MAIL

CIRCLE PACKING ALGORITHM WITH POLYGONAL BASE

GRID STRUCTURE WITH 500MM X 500MM AS A CELL SIZE YELLOW FROSTED ACRYLIC (3MM THICK, 138MM DIA.)

3D PRINTED TILE (PLA)

MODULE ATTACHED TOGETHER WITH CABLE TIES

AXONOMETRIC VIEW

EDGE TILE DETAIL

TILE GENERATION SLOT FOR

Timescapes was designed, manufactured and assembled over 5 months. Therefore careful planning of manufacturing was essential. The three main components of the project - structure fl oor and printed tiles were commissioned to diff erent specialized vendors.

The printed surface was the most challenging task because of novelty. With more than 4000 unique pieces, these needed to be correctly designed and printed in the right sequence, to be able to be produced and installed on time.

I managed the site with more than 20 people working at a time and co-worked with diff erent vendors involved in the project to fi nish the project in short period. It was quite challenging to devise the unique assembly process to identify unique tile at its unique location 1 in 4000.

Cite:

Timescapes: Design and Additive Manufacturing Workfl ows for freeform, ornamental architectural surfaces (SIGRADI 2020) Authors: Felix Raspall, Carlos Banon, Sourabh Maheshwary