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DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2015 M4 Journal - Reflection

Sam Coleman586363

Michelle James

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Second SkinPanel and FoldThe second skin we created embodied the fluctuations in volume of an individ-uals personal space, responding to the emotions of the wearer themselves. Basing our work off of the architectural concept of ‘panel and fold’, our group was able to fabricate a moving body of shards which varied between solid defensive structures to lighter more deli-cate ones. Together the form generated was akin to a bird with draped white feathers

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M1 - IDEATION

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Measured Drawings

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Difficulties arose with measuring the pineapple for the appropriate scale, the very organic and rounded nature which makes it such an interesting piece also made it difficult to measure. I decided that the best method of creating measured drawings would be to measure by eye the various lengths, and then to take pictures from the various angles needed.

From this I was able to hand draw all of the orthographic views and cross section, however I had some difficulties with properly illustrating the more subtle lines on the inside of the pineapples flesh. I then imported these images into rhino and traced the lines creating a 3d mesh. Unfortunately this created a very different, but also interesting pattern to analyse.

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The hexagonal segments covering the outside of the pineapple wrap around it in a smooth wave around the pineapple, demonstrating the outward growth of the pineapple from the interior. Taking this pattern now onto a flat surface the tessellating nature of a hexagon becomes even clearer.

Despite the hexagonal shape of the individual segments the shape of the combined pattern, as illustrated by the gaps on the pineapple, is a crisscrossing series of lines.

When the flowing upward spiral of the pineapple is emphasised even more in this abstraction, the more subtle form of the pineapples overall movement is demonstrated.

System Analysis

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Taking the example from class of the ability to create three dimensional surfaces from two dimensional ones, I was able to create an uneven plane by placing a pentagon into the middle of a tessellating page of hexagons.The hexagonal shapes came from the pattern I had already noted from the outer surface of the pineapple, and with this reconfigured object I hoped to explore methods of re imagining the three dimensional pattern I was initially given.

Reconfigured Object

Perspective View

Front View

Top View

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Initial Rhino Model

Perspective View Front View

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Measured Drawings Placed on Axis

Wire Frame

I initially struggled with creating a model on Rhino, having had no experience 3d modelling in the past. I created my model by importing the measured drawings onto the program and then building off of that. I used sweep two trails to create the object, but this had the negative affect of creating linear patterns around the pineapple, rather than the natural curved ones.

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Sketch Design Proposal 1

Main Ideas:

ProtectiveHexagonalRaisedLinkingTessellate

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Sketch Design Proposal 2

Main Ideas:

SmoothFlowGrowSharp

Source:

http://i.ytimg.com/vi/aJT9yK6yD9Q/maxresdefault.jpg

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Sketch Design Proposal 3

Proposed design on body

Blocks would have differing heights

Main Ideas:

BlocksLevelsStrongTough

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Coming from a scientific background this module helped me to understand how we would work in this subject, the tools we would use and thought process necessary to fully develop an idea. Starting from the objects given, it was important to identify not just the clear outer characteristics, but also the underlying pattern inherent in the pineapple. The tessellating hexagons was the most obvious first form, but following that a smooth spiral could be seen to follow the surface of the pineapple in such a way that it was not obvious without careful analysis.

The measured drawings were difficult to construct due to the round nature of the pineapple, but as explained I was able to create methods in order to do so. The first reading also helped to illustrate how such measurements should be shown on the measured drawing. This would later become extremely useful when creating the 3d model of the pineapple.

The computer model that I created was the first work on a modelling program I’ve ever made, but I learnt quickly about the tools available. The pineapple model I created was not much like the original object, but it did show a different way of examining it.

The three designs I created were rather simplistic, but revolved around the analytical sketches I had constructed on the pineapple. I focused on which areas of the human body I felt were most vulnerable and a second skin should try to protect, chiefly the shoulders and neck.”

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M2 - DESIGNPartner: Naomi Ng

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We decided to develop a design mainly based off of Naomi’s first design for a 2nd skin, with elements of my reconfigured system. A second skin would cover the top half of both arms and then wrap around the back from shoulder to shoulder. This would involve larger and more airy structures lower down for a lighter affect, with more solid parts protecting the vulnerable neck region.

Initial Design Proposal

Credit: Naomi Ng

Credit: Naomi Ng

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It was also decided that we would experiment with the idea of motion to give the 2nd skin a clear open and closed stages. The two designs we would experiment with were a ‘lifting shard’ that would be raised by being pulled sideways, and a ‘raising shard’ which would extrude straight out by having something like a pulley system inside. Both of these designs would raise from a string or other thread being pulled.

Credit: Naomi Ng

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Second Skin Proposed Design V1 Computer ModelCredit to Naomi Ng for Model

Naomi designed a 3d model on Rhino in order for us to better understand the layout of the 2nd skin. We were both satisfied with the initial designs aesthetic character, but without further experimentation on physical prototypes it would not benefit to further work on this model.

Side View Front View Top View

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Around the shoulders and back a different pattern would be used to give a solid skin rather than shards, based upon my reconfigured system using different shapes to develop 3d surfaces.

Higher up the shards become smaller and solid, the pattern becoming denser and more compact to protect vulnerable regions.

Around the shoulders and back a different pattern would be used to give a solid skin rather than shards, based upon my reconfigured system using different shapes to develop 3d surfaces.

Perspective View

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Precedent researchHuyghe & Le Corbusier puppet Theatre by MOSImages from LMS

The Le Corbusier Puppet Theatre utilises careful design to develop what appears as a soft material like surface from cut plastic pieces. This is added to by the use of organic matter on the outside while the inside façade is covered by an artificial plastic. This juxtaposition of hard and soft is a key element that we considered including into our second skin to create a more organic feel to the design, much like the initial pineapple. The other strong contrast comes from the panels being raised and indented to create depth, an idea we would explore and later use around the back of our second skin.

Unfolded Panels

Back Outside View

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Front Outside View

Computer Model

Interior View

UNIFORM

MODULAR

INDENTATION

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Personal Space

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In order to better understand personal space and the affect it has on us we measured boundaries of comfort on a group member. We found that the areas of largest personal space were in front of the face, around eye level, with the chest and shoulders also being more vulnerable

Looking at a personal response to feeling threatened, an instinctive response is to physically increase personal space by raising arms. If our second skin can work with this motion to emphasise the gesture, it will examine a basic and instinctive response in human nature.

Personal Space as measured around Naomi’s Body

Credit: Naomi Ng

The choices made in design were brought together to create a second skin that focuses on the idea of ‘acting out’ when threatened. This action involves the base emotion of fear causing an explosive reaction in which a creature makes themselves physically larger and more imposing. By creating a second skin that initially is relaxed and calm, but raises when threatened to vastly increase the volume and threat of the wearer, this reaction will be thoroughly explored.

The raised shards will physically increase volume by spreading out, while the lifting shards will emotionally create a defence by adding an element of danger around the most vulnerable areas of the wearer.Examples in nature include the family of fish known as Tetraodontidae and frill-necked lizards, both of which have been depicted here.

Frill Necked Lizard Tetraodontidae

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Design DevelopmentPrototype 1.1 - Lifting Shards

First physical prototype, using 80gsm paper and thick off cuts of wood. This was an excellent proof of concept piece but many of the materials and dimensions would have to be improved.

Side View of moving parts

Top View

Front ViewTop View

Pros• Strength of the wooden frame• Lightweight paper shards• Mechanism to allow movement• Proof of concept

Cons• Wooden frame is bulky and doesn’t fit arm• Strings are distracting• Paper is too weak, falls apart

Credit: Naomi Ng

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Prototype DevelopmentPrototype 1.2 - Blooming Shards

Pros• Mechanically pulling down raises shard• Lightweight paper shards• Proof of concept

Cons• Core needs to fit housing better• Strings are distracting• Paper is too weak, falls apart• Frame needs to be more lightweight and dynamic

Raised and Lowered Front

Raised and Lowered Top

Perspective View

Using the same Materials as prototype 1.2, this proof of concept for the raising shards. At this point the motion was observable, but because it was structurally weak and ill-fitting we were still unsure if it would be viable to put on our final project.

Credit: Naomi Ng

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Design DevelopmentPrototype 2.1 - Arm Frame

From the first prototypes it was obvious that the frame would need to be developed in order to fit my arms, as well as experimentation needing to be done with the material used for the frame itself.Naomi was able to use rhino to create a model that could be used by the fablab to laser cut it out. By using the fablab it was also possible to cut out the frame in a number of materials to observe which would be the most suitable.

Computer Models of arm frame to be constructed

Credit: Naomi Ng

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Steel Plywood4.0mm

Boxboard3.0mm

MDF3.0mm

Perspex3.0mm

PROS*pliable to arm’s form *rigid &sturdyCONS*ready-made*dimension limitation*heavySUITABILITY: 3.5/5

PROS*lightweightCONS*frajgile*brittle*requires adhesivesSUITABILITY: 2/5

PROS*strong and rigid*no adhesives requiredCONS*low resistance to shear force*layers wear out through timeSUITABILITY: 4/5

PROS*strong*rigid locking joints*no adhesives required*cost effectiveCONS*a little weightSUITABILITY: 4.5/5

PROS*transparency*multiple colours availableCONS*loose joints*pieces easily slide off*expensiveSUITABILITY: 1/5

Prototypes 2.1 cut by laser cutter Credit: Naomi Ng

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Design DevelopmentPrototype 2.2 - Materials for shards

Printed Shard Design

Computer Model of Shard

Prototype 2.1This prototype worked on the material from which we could create both the lifting and blooming shards, as well as the method of which to connect the sides.The following methods were trialed to connect the sides:

•Tabs and glue•Tabs and double-sided tape•Tape on inside•Tabs that mechanically click in

After the various trials it was found that tabs with either double sided tape or glue worked well with paper, where as stronger mechanical clips like those pictured to the right worked well with plastics.

Credit: Naomi Ng

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PROS*lightweight*rigid*easy to cut

CONS*a little soft for hollow surface

PROS*rigid

CONS*heavy *difficult to stick*layers wear out*thickness affects form

PROS*rigid for thickness*easy to cut

CONS*difficult to stick

PROS*lightweight*rigid*easy to cut

CONS*little soft

PROS*transparent, can play w/ light*rigid*various finishes availble

CONS*difficult to cut*difficult to stick*heavy

Card Paper300gsm

Boxboard1.0mm Card

0.5mm Card Paper300gsm Plastic

Sheet

Suitability 3/5Suitability 1/5

Suitability 4.5/5Suitability 4/5

Suitability 4/5

Credit: Naomi Ng

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Top View

Front View

Front View (Close Up)Plastic SheetPROS•transparent•can play w/ light•smooth surface assists mechanism•various finishes availble (e.g. matte, gloss, translucent, transparent)CONS•difficult to cut•difficult to stick•full view of mechanismSUITABILITY: 4/5

CardboardPROS•Opaque•Easy to work with•Connects easily with glue/tapeCan create angular shape

CONS•Unappealing finish•Mechanism may damage over time•No view of mechanismSUITABILITY: 3/5

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Lighting EffectsPrototype 2.2

More Solid BoxboardCasts larger shadows, blocks most light in patterns.

More Translucent PlasticCasts less shadow, interacts well with light

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Reflection on M3Module 2 was most importantly concerned with bringing both Naomi and my ideas together. This proved to be relatively simple initially with both of us happy with our initial design. The idea of a second skin which would change depending on the situation it was in would be the one we centred on. Taking examples from nature and an analysis of ourselves we established the goals of this project and attempted to identify the best method of completing it.

We then moved on to testing of the mechanisms that we would be using. This took the majority of the effort from this module, looking into both materials to use and techniques of construction. We quickly established that computer modelling and then using the laser cutter was the most efficient way of constructing the pieces, although some of the first tests were conducted with hand cut pieces. Our experimentation with different materials was vital, to find a balance of cost efficiency and strength of material.

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The reading on developable surfaces served to conceptually clarify for me how I should work on the computer models I created. This was particularly important with the shards we would later make and unroll for use with the laser cutter. The second reading ‘Lost in parameter space’ on abstraction and reduction was important when looking at the elements of both Naomi and my designs, and identifying their key features. Using this it was easier to mesh our ideas together to create a better overall second skin

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M3 - FABRICATIONPartner: Naomi Ng

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After M2 our design was broken into five major elements.

The first was the most structurally important, the entire frame that would connect all of the other parts together. Although it would not be seen clearly, it was essential it be strong enough.

The second and third sections were the lifting and raising shards respectively, with the lifting shards being on the arm and the raising shards on the shoulders.

The next element was the back piece, which had to fit in with the other pieces on the second skin while still remaining a solid piece.

The final part was the wiring to make the shards lift, which would have to be carefully made so as to simultaneously lift all shards.

Final Design

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The Materials we were now working with was MDF for the frame with the largest and most hollow shards being made of plastic, and all others being 300gsm paper.

Due to the success of both of the moving pieces (the raising and blooming shards) we would use both of them in our final design.

MDF Frame

Raising and Blooming Shards

Lifting Shards

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Final Rhino Model of FrameTo be cut with Laser Cutter

Right arm and shoulder pieces

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Top View

Back View

Bare Frame

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Final DesignFrame

The torso frame was made from 4 pieces of MDF, but only three could be permanently attached to allow the wearer to place the second skin on.

The arm pieces were made from a number of MDF pieces cut by the laser cutter, but had to be filed in order to fit as the laser cutter at the fablab has only two degrees of freedom.

To the right is the torso frame worn by myself, while pictured below are the two arms pieces displayed on Naomi.

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Final DesignLifting Shards

Final Lifting Shards attached

to Frame

Pieces as submitted to Fablab

Lifting Shards Made from Paper

Lifting Shards Made from Plastic

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Final DesignBlooming Shards

The blooming shards were made from a plastic outer casing, with 300gsm paper used for the top flaps and shard itself. The effect was noticeable but unfortunately not as dominant as we had hoped for. The shards were

dispersed among a shoulder shaped pattern much like the back piece. This not only provided structure but was the connecting piece between the torso and arms.

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Final DesignBack Piece

1 - Firstly inner hexagons were drawn on with a side length of 20mm

2 - Secondly sides were drawn on of varying lengths

3 - These shapes were then cut out with tabs

4 - These were then folded into shape

5 - The shapes were put together and then stuck together in a complete piece

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Assembly Drawing

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Parts as Numbered:1 - Raising Shards2 - Arm Frame3 - Shoulder Piece with Blooming Shards4 - Torso Frame5 - Back Piece

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Completed Second Skin Project

Views of Completed Project, arms extended vs relaxed

Shoulder piece with blooming shards above, with arm piece below. In both pictures the shards are extended.

Second Skin without wearer

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M4 - Reflection

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By module 3 we had completed nearly all of the prototype work that we needed to identify how we wanted our second skin to be made. The many elements of the design were complicated to put together but also created a project which thoroughly explored the idea of varying sizes of personal space depending on the situation the wearer is in.

Reflection on the second skin project

The combination of different materials to create our project (MDF, plastic and 300gsm paper) forced me to consider many different attributes of each. I was introduced through this subject to various techniques of designing, manipulating and putting together a project the likes of which I had never attempted.

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Problems such as not having access to the card cutter, the laser cutter not being able to cut down, limitations of cost and strength, as well as time were all large hurdles that I overcame both individually and with huge help from my partner Naomi. In all reasonableness I can say that much of the design genius put into this project came from her own analysis, and she was a highly valuable partner. I feel that we worked as a good team, and were hence able to overcome many of these challenges that we faced, all the while being on top of most aspects of the project.

The final project itself was physically much like we had imagined it, imposing when raised but quite elegant when re;axed, draped almost like a feather coat. Unfortunately we struggled to have the wiring coordinate precisely to lift the shards, but overall the movement of each lended to an impressive enlarging.

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Throughout the entire course I have changed dramatically in my ability and indeed, view of much of what we covered. The difference in my ability to use all of the programs that we were offered such as rhinoceros and InDesign, as well as the various uses of the fabrication laboratory have increased enormously. I hope that I am able to take much of what I have learnt into many other areas of my study. Most importantly however I believe I have grown in my ability to analyse architecture and other design techniques, at least at a very rudimental level, an ability of which I had little used or tested at all in the past.

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The readings of M3 examined the ever increasing role of digital modelling in architecture and design, a technique that we took huge advantage of. From the testing we conducted it became obvious that it would be necessary for computer modelling to create the shards in correct sizes and with appropriate proportions, as well as correctly form the frame. This was coupled with the fact that we needed to make so many pieces that if appropriate use of the laser cutter was not used it would be unlikely that we would be able to make enough pieces quickly enough.

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Credit

Credit and sources are noted throughout the book. Where credit is stated on one image near a number of images, it can be taken to stated for every nearby image. Unmarked images were created by myself.Also credit is given to the photographer, and not neccesarily the maker of the image, prototype, etc.