Task B
Two iterations from task A has selected for further development in task B. I think these two selected iterations are interesting in terms of the structures, and I would like to see how these structural features appearing rational and constructable in reality by using digital fabrication.
In addition to the knowledge from 2 workshops for task A, one more workshop has been done, covering the basic skill to rationalize the build form. Again, grasshopper is the main tool for this task. Click here for the main scripts.
The matrix shows exprimentations for task B. The technique that has used to rationalize the build form is waffle. Various of possibilities for structural development has illustrated through the matrix. The concept of light and space has further explored in the waffle structure. New concept such as direction of views has appeared through the iteration process as well.
Different parameter, orientation and expression has done shown in the matrix to test the density, pattern of the waffle structure, as well as how they influence the light and space positively or negatively.
XY, XZ, and radial waffle structure were the focuses in this matrix
Possibilities of radial waffle:
Because there are literally no focal point for both my selected iterations, most of the details (60%) has lost when trying to rationalize it with radial waffle. But one of the outcome of radial waffle seems interesting and open up another possibilities in term of space arrangement, even though not all details are generated in the new structure.
As shown on the left, this waffle structure has allow linear view and circulation through the model like a gallery or corridor, which created quite interesting journey.
However when looking closely to the details, several problems occur which will influence its constructablity. Firstly, there are places not intersecting with the ring. Also, as shown on the right, the top ring looks fine in terms of rationalization and construction, but the bottom ring will not be able to build in reality.
Problems also occurs in XY waffle structure, but could be easily fixed with grasshopper.
Overall, through experimentation, the XY waffle shows better ability to rationalize more structural details for the model, which more likely remains similar spatial quality, but add some possibilities of light and view in different orientation. It is easy to be rationalzed, constructed and fixed.
The radial waffle on the other hand, if the model doesn't have focal point, the model are easily to broke (not connected), which will have low constructability. Also, in this case, essential details will lost. Sometimes new, interesting space could created but problems still occur. It is hard to fix because it is the problem with the structure, but not the technique.
Towards physical model: prepare for laser cut
In this project, we use 1mm box board.
PS. this material thickness will influence the notching of the waffle model, see script for detail.
Things to notice when layout the template:
- Arrangement of the linework is really critical on saving material, time and money for laser cutting.
- Organize the cut lines and etching lines is important as well. Make sure at least one edge of each piece set to etching (shown in red lines) to save time, as well as avoid piece lost during transformation, tape is also saved in this case.
- Label each piece with etched text carefully, especially when the number of laser cutiing is large, this will be helpful in further physical build up process.