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03. PRELIMINARY EXPLORATIONS
open actuator semi-open actuator closed actuator (a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Fig. 3.33 9 different component geometries obtained by the combination of 3 stages in the actuators: open, semi-open and closed [Ref. Illustrative:3.33]
closed
Fig. 3.32 The variation in the pattern come as a result of the combination of the local movement in each component. (a) all components are equally activated, (b) gradient in one direction, (c) gradient in 2 directions, (d) all the components are equally closed [Ref. Illustrative:3.32]
vertical actuators
open
Fig. 3.32
closed
horizontal actuators
open (a)
(b)
Fig. 3.33
(c) Fig. 3.34
Fig. 3.34 In a larger scale, different patterns generated by the local control of the components [Ref. Illustrative:3.34] Fig. 3.35 Sections of the surface when activated in 3 different ways. Curvature change [Ref. Illustrative:3.34]
Fig. 3.35
KINETIC: surface control Local control
Local control - digital exploration
Through digital and physical model explorations, we prove that pattern 06 (see fig. 3.19 page 41) becomes the most successful for independent control. Diagrams on the left hand side show how this pattern can be expanded on certain areas which become independent from their neighbouring areas within the surface. Diagrams on the right hand side show how the surface behaves three-dimensionally.
In order to gain local control, we begin by testing a foldable surface in terms of its components (see fig. 3.33). At first, these components are studied as a two-dimensional surface which begins to change shape, not only from its components but also from its own boundaries (see. fig. 3.32 and 3.34). This shape change is possible by controlling the aperture percentage from one component to the next. In return, being able to expand or contract the surface in some areas more than others. However, it is important to make note that there is always a sequence or a pattern that follows depending on which component becomes actuated before the others, and also depending on the location of this component within the surface area. In other words, there is a relationship between expanding or contracting depending on the aperture sequence from one component to the next.