2014-15 LOG BOOK Constructing Environment Ho Tsz Ying

7th March, 2013 Constructing tutorial- week 1

Compression ďź? Small module: create shape and pattern Idea of mass construction: ďźź Large module: hard to form curve but still create pattern Basic structural forces: Tension forces:

compression forces:

*they produce opposite effect of forces

Introduction to construction materials: - Strength e.g. steel- a strong material - Stiffness - Shape - Material behaviors - Economy - Sustainability Weekly learning material: MDF(Medium-density fibreboard) Image source from: http://www.kronospan.co.uk/kronobuild/products/view/mdf/standard

Weekly task:

Students are required to use small wooden blocks to build a tower with an opening and a roof. Step one: The group started the foundation with a circular shape( fig 2). Every two wooden blocks are leaving a small space to form a curve shape (fig 1).

Fig.1

Fig.2

Step two: Since the group found out one layer wall was too easy to collapse, thus, they double the wall (fig 3), in order to make it firmer. Moreover, the circular base was formed with the same length of diameter for a stronger foundation of a tall tower (fig4).

Fig.3

Fig.4

Step three: As the building process progressed, the tower started to narrow. An opening was constructed step by step. After the door was built, the group started to form a roof and built it taller.

Fig. 5

Step four: The group was required to remove the blocked and create the windows. Even the outside layer was removed, the tower was still stable and sturdy.

Task analysis: Using small wooden blocks to construct a tower can explore students to consider how the forces associated with the blocks, for example, how to form a sturdy base for a further construction. Moreover, every detail elements, such as materials, structure and the shape will be considered through the building processes.

Fig.6

14th March, 2013 Constructing tutorial- week 2

Weekly Learning idea: Structural systems: Frame system: spend in a shorter direction Structural joints: 1. Roller joints - Vertical direction

2. Pin joints - Vertical and horizontal direction

3. Fixed joints - Vertical, horizontal and rotation

*if a horizontal force is applied onto roller joints, the block will move

Weekly learning material: concrete mixtures: water, cement, aggregate( sand, rocks, stone and marble etc.)

image source from : http://peterteabonsai.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/concrete-pot-7.jpg

Weekly task: Students are required to Use balsa wood to make a model which is tall enough to reach the ceiling. Step 1: Balsa wood was cut into thin and long battens.

step 3: Vertical battens were built. Triangular prism shape was formed as a foundation for making sure that the tower was strong enough to support the further constructing.

step2: The group started the tower foundation with a triangle shape. A small triangle was sticked to the triangle base in order to increase the stability and sturdity of the tower.

Step4: The upper part of the tower was built in a pyramid shape since the materials were limited. Moreover, it reduced the weight of the top and focused the force onto center.

Final product:

Task analysis: Students can experience how to from a sculpture or building with limited materials, such as the amount of balsa wood, tape and glue. Furthermore, they can learn how to share the material’s weight evenly through the task.