Module 2: Generating Ideas Through Processes
Introduction
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This module required exploring digital fabrication and parametric software through two tasks. Task A requires the use of grasshopper modelling and laser cutting, task B requires modelling and 3D printing.
Modelling on Rhino
Left click & drag to rotate the models.
Grasshopper script on task A
For the surface generation, first used deconstruct brep to select points in a 150x150x150 box, then used line to generate lines, surface can be created by using the command ‘loft’ or ‘ruled surface’. ‘Panelling tools’ and ‘lunchbox’ have been used to generate two panels. List item was used to select each strip and customed pattern design was achieved by using Morph3D. For the waffle structure, contour was used to generate lines on the surfaces, then used offset > loft to generate the waffles, in order to insert the waffles into eachother, rectangle was used to create brep to trim off the intersections. Fianlly, rectangular and orient were used to layout the waffles for lasercut.
Grasshopper script on task B
First used deconstruct brep and surface domain number to generate grids, then manipulated the grids by using point or curve attractors, volumes were then generated within the grids by using the command cellulate 3D. In order to create different geometries, weaverbird, watermain and lunchbox were experimented. Attractor points and curves were used again to adjust the geometries.
Matrix
task A
task B
Isometrix
task A
@A4
Surfaces
The two surfaces all have 2D openings at the top part to allow ample sunlight, the middle parts are either closed or have very small openings to create a sense of privacy, then the bottom parts have 3D openings, acting as windows to framing views, allow natural vantilation and even provide sitting areas for visitors.
Waffle structure
The waffle creates an interesting interior structure, the structure creats a larger base and a smaller top, it is open on one side to take control of the circulation of the space
task B
@A4
@A4
I started with creating sphere voids in the 150x150x150 volume, I made the spheres intersect with each other and also with the box to create openings. I also experimented with crystal shape and I followed the same rules. In the end, I chose this iteration as the void is a mix of the crystal shape and spheres, in this way, the space will have both curves and dynamic straight lines.
Same as task A, this iteration developed the view framing idea by having different shape of openings pointing at different angles.
​Photographs
task A
In Konish Gaffney’s Edinburgh pavilion, the only entrance direct the circulation in the space, and there were two windows, one at human scale that allow communication between inside and outside, the other window overlook and frame the city skyline. In my own design, I wanted to bring the idea of one entrance as well as view framing, the windows at human scale all facing different angle and framing different views. I also proposed other possibility where the design is at a smaller scale, with only one entrance, the other opening became a window to frame views, the surface panels can also provide a private space underneath.
task B
All three 50x50x50 mm 3D printed parts have similar qualities. They all have both straight cut voids and smooth cut voids. The all have one single entrance for visitors to enter, Inside the printed parts, there are different shapes of openings framing views from different angles, some are at human level, but some are above and overlooking the sky. Outside spaces also suggest different occupancy for visitors, some create a private space, some penetrate outside threshold into inside.
Close up photos
Journal
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