MArch II - Brief's A & B

Paul Thorpe

DS17

A & B

Contents

7 Brief A: Natural Systems

8 Invertebrates

12 Reptiles

14 The Graptolite

20 L-Systems

24 Tailoring

27 Structural Testing

29 Tree Fabrication

31 Brief A Summary

33 Brief B: Structure is the Tool

36 Carlo Mollino

37 Furniture Design

40 Fabrication Process

44 Monument To The ThirdInternational

47 Shell Lace

48 Computational Approach

51 Torsion Variations

54 5 Point Star

58 Triangle 1 Torsion

62 Triangle 2 Torsion

66 Furniture Design

69 Brief B Summary

Page

Brief A

Natural Systems

Natural Systems | Page 7

Brief A: Natural Systems

The result of millions of years of evolution, nature could hold the key to unlocking potential solutions within the construction industry. As such,

this brief centralises on investigations into the wonders of nature an their inherent structural and design principles.

To refine and enhance our remit of exploration we worked in pairs. Each drawing 4 cards, one for the typology (Invertebrates & Reptiles),

structural system (Lattice & Branching), purpose (Material Weight, minimum & Environment, heat) and materiality (Wood & Concrete).

The forthcoming body of work documents our explorations and analysis before completing in a final piece which adheres to these

principles.

Page 8

Poly

PSke

leto

n

“A single-celled marine algae, distinguished from

other phytoplankton by an external covering of calcite

scales, or coccoliths.”

Co

CColith

oPh

orid

S

A polyp skeleton is constructed of a corrallite

wall and vertical plates radiating from the centre

(septo-costae).

1. Septo-costae (which become thickened within the

wall)

2. Coenosteum (which forms a sponge-like structure)

3. Synapticulae (which are horizontal rods forming a

lattice between the septo-costae)

4. Sterome (which form a non-porous layer within the

wall)

5. Epitheca (which forms a thin non-porous layer on the

outside of the wall)

Sa

lP

Salps are tunicates (organisms enclosed in a

tunic, with openings at each end). They pump water

through their bodies, feeding and moving at the same

time.

Communicating through electrical signals, they

can either live alone or in communities.

invertebrateS


SeaUrChin

bio

lUm

ineSCen

tCreatU

reS

A large portion (thought to be between 80-90%) of the deep-dwelling animals are

bioluminous.

They create light by mixing the pigment luciferin with

luciferase, the enzyme that makes it glow.

Atlantic CorollaGridshell structure

within the mesoglea

These images depict the construction of a sea urchin

spine.

Made from single-crystal calcite, the intricate morphology of

the structure provides not only strength and stiffness but its

permeations allow it to form an overall lightweight structure.

FUngiaCyathidS

Fungiacyathids are solitary, free and exclusively azooxanthellate.

Whilst formed on a flat but slightly concave base, they are always

unattached, resting on soft substrates.

Cora

l

Dendronephthya hemprichi is part of the Azooxanthellate genus and are heterotrophic

organisms, requiring external organic compounds to survive.

Page 10

Key

Square Lattice

DiagonaL Lattice

riDge SyStem

riDge trianguLation paneLS

The Euplectella Aspergillum, or more commonly known, Venus Flower Basket, is a Genus of glass sponges.

Their multilayered skeletal frame provides a fascinating

insight into the evolution of over time, adapting to

altering conditions and needs.

The frame itself can be broken into three layers:

The Square LatticeA network of non-planar

spicules who form the innermost skeletal frame of

the

The Diagonal LatticeSet at approximately 45 degrees from the square lattice, this system adds

angled supports to prevent bending, shear and torsional

loads.

The Ridge SystemAttached to the diagonal

lattice structure, the ridges enable the sponge to resist

both torsion and ovalisation failures.

Whilst growing, the sponge was occupied largely by

shrimps, however once it reached its full growing

potential the voronoi cover started to form to close the

sponge.

eUPleCtellaaSPergillUm


rattleSnake

The form of the internal elements of the rattlesnake tail was studied. The first experiment was done with plasticto study the

formation of the layers of the tail.

The elegant over-locking of the layers of keratin forms the tail, which creates a hollow internal structure. The structure allows

the rattlesnake to warn of any form of danger when threatened to create awareness of its presence. The several layers create a ‘rattling’ sound if the rattlesnake wiggles it’s tail. The different

layers also allows upwards and downwards motion of the rattle.

Page 12

The Crocodiles and Lizards from the Reptile type

share a similar number of characteristics, mainly being

their skeletal structure, with the long spine which

connects their body from tail to skull.

Cro

Cod

ilel

iza

rdS

The Crotalus Atrox more commonly known as the

Rattlesnake, carries a very distance feature: its rattle.

The rattle is formed in many layers of Keratin, which is shed every time the snake

sheds its skin.

rePtileS


Another typology is the shark skin which is formed of interlocking and over-locking

teeth. Each ‘teeth’ folds and forms an over-locking

pattern.

The forms were studied in a series of models using

paper, and put together to experiment on the formation

of the pattern and how the structure can be understood

to create a structural typology.

rePtileSanalySiS

Page 14

Nema

Protheca

Prosicula

metasicula

Virgella

theca

A graptolite was a colony of interdependent nearly

identical individuals (Zooids) connected by common

tissue.

Sharing a common skeleton, the Zooids would individually

tailor their pods in order to generate the largest gain

in mineral absorption. This makes for a highly individual and ever evolving structure.

Although individual, commonalities and general forms can be derived from

the existing fossils with tessellating pods (as seen

opposite).

Upper Ordovician Silurian

Didymograptus

Leptograptus

Dicellograptus

Clim

aco

grap

tus

Mo

ngr

aptu

s

Lower Ordovicianscale10mm

Stipe

Theca

Tetragraptus

graPtoliteS


The extreme rate of evolution within the graptolites life span gave way to a wide variety of forms, each tailored to maximising the

mineral intake of the Zooid.

The most structurally effective evolution was that of the Spirograptus. Its minimalist net-like framework helped to not

only reduce weight and prevent sinking but it also helped with the harvesting efficiency.

Like most graptolites, the colonial skeleton was made from a scleroprotein.

ComPonentProdUCtion

Potentia

l need fo

r diagonal b

race

s

Anchor to ground?...

Connections to other graptolites

To understand the structure of the graptolite and how it was

formed I designed a 3d system in grasshopper, allowing me to adjust and control the form and potentially performance of the

extinct species.

Page 16

graPtoliteComPUtation

Helix point range Full HelixCulled Helix points to generate

graptolite form

Cropped HelixPlanes at normal to curve

(location for zooid housing)Graptolite form - linear


graPtoliteComPUtation

Page 18

3dPrintS

Makerbot Graptolite model with support structure left on

An Inherent spring in both models suggests a lack in compression strength but was probably formed to encourage its movement through the water


zooidSmaCroimagery

Page 20

l-SyStemSThrough a closer inspection into the construction of the

Graptolites, it was noted that the Zooids reproduce through A-Sexual reproduction. Each

constructing its own Fusilli ring before dividing in two and

allowing the other Zooid to branch off and do the same. This continual evolution defined the

skeleton forms discussed earlier.

In order to try and replicate this system through the computer and generate new forms based

on the similar principles, I set about grasping the plug-in ‘Rabbit’ for Grasshopper

which allows you to recreate natural fractal and branching methods through a series of

programmatic routes.

Letters of an L-Systems string can be interpreted as turtle

graphic commands, that is to say the movement and transition

of the lines corresponds to the commands and letters of a string resulting in a visualisation of the

‘turtles’ path.

Turtle Directions

F move forward at distance L(Step Length) and draw a linef move forward at distance L(Step Length) without drawing a line+ turn left A(Default Angle) degrees- turn right A(Default Angle) degrees\ roll left A(Default Angle) degrees/ roll right A(Default Angle) degrees^ pitch up A(Default Angle) degrees& pitch down A(Default Angle) degrees| turn around 180 degreesJ insert point at this position“ multiply current length by dL(Length Scale)! multiply current thickness by dT(Thickness Scale)[ start a branch(push turtle state)] end a branch(pop turtle state)A/B/C/D.. placeholders, used to nest other symbols

F

J

[

]

/

+

Lsystem

n

PR

AA=++F-F++F-F--

B=A-A++A-A

D

5

S

A

dLL

dAO

LSSLS

LW

W

60

1.25

18.49

XY Plane

C=B-B++B-B

D=C-C++C-C

Lsystem

n

PR

AX

7

S

A

dLL

dAO

LSSLS

LW

W

53.92

1.16

30.12

XY Plane

PRX=F-[[X]+X]+F[+FX]-X

F=FF


Lsystem

n

PR

AA=!”””[B]////[B]////B

B=&FFFAJ

A

6

S

A

dLL

dAO

LSSLS

LW

W

19.71

1.32

1.94

YZ Plane

Lsystem

n

PR

AA=!”””[B]////[B]////B

B=&FFFAJ

A

6

S

A

dLL

dAO

LSSLS

LW

W

26.91

1.14

3.34

YZ Plane

Rotated 180

tSPlin

eS

Functions within the program do not restrain you to two

dimensional movements but they also allow the branching over a full three dimensional rotation.

Which when converted from their linear state, can produce varied

and precise geometries.

Using T-Splines for grasshopper I am able to convert the lines

generated in l-system to a solid 3D object

Page 22

-?

gra

Pto

lite

ha

lF-r

ing

StrU

CtU

re

The Graptolites form of creation, made by the zooids with two half-rings to create

a ‘criss-cross pattern. The pattern was first investigated by recreating the structure as full solids with the pattern on

the left.

Furthermore, sections of the pattern were removed to

create the same structure but with less material.

graPtoliteFramework


ForeStdeSign

We took to plasticine to arrange and develop models to manipulate a basic form

and arrangement for a forest of the branches. The

attachment of one branch to the next produces a number

of structurally efficient combinations.

Page 24

In order to develop a clean join between branches

(zooid housing) we looked at a tailoring as it allows for a

fluid passage to branch from one to the other.

Middle Right: Traditional Sleeve pattern detail

Although this experiment for the joinery was not successful, as it did not

achieve the desired connection, being attached

only to one component.

A quick test model done by removing two components of the tubes showed that a

much more simple approach of omission may be a

successful way of creating the desired joint.

tailoringJoinery


SingleSUrFaCewall

To try and develop a structurally integral double curved surface from a single sheet we looked to kerfing. However, rather than using

thin cuts to facilitate a curvature, we used larger

perforations to test for the lowest required volume of

material.

Two different curves cut into top and bottom sheets to mould the sheet into its form.

Page 26

branChPerForationS

Additionally to the wall models, we applied the same rigour to a number of cylindrical tests, experimenting in materiality, density

and orientation.

We extrapolated the outline of the structural membrane of the graptolite to generate the perforations and find the optimum

lightweight, rigid and structurally integral form.

Polypropylene - easily bendable, however, buckled easily


load

load

buckling

buckling

buckling lo

ad

buckling

no d

istr

ibut

ion

of lo

ad

large gaps!

vertical

compression strength

diag

onal

load

dis

trib

utio

n

StrUCtUralteSting

Extrapolating the outline of the structural membrane of the graptolite we perforated

a number of plywood sheets to find the optimum lightweight, bendable and structurally integral form.

ho

rizo

nta

lCo

mPo

Siti

on

ver

tiCa

lCo

mPo

Siti

on

Page 28

SyStemreFinement

Further testing using plywood was carried out as we looked t find the optimum combination

of material thickness and perforations.


treeFabriCation

Page 30


Kerf Bending

brieFSUmmary

Tailoring

Self-supporting Helix

Branching and L-Systems

Brief B

Structure is the Tool

Structure is the Tool | Page 35

Brief B: Structure is the Tool

Having analysed existing structures and designs in nature, this next brief was targeted at identifying structural systems within existing built

architectural forms.

Assigned Carlo Mollino ‘s furniture I further explored the capabilities and opportunities of forming plywood, before proposing a self

supporting single surface helical structure. While reminiscent of the Graptolite form it was developed through an aspiration to refine

Vladimir Tatlin’s Monument to the Third International, my second architectural precedent.

Page 36

Carlomollino

Carlo Mollino’s interests saw him take a mathematical approach

to design. Studying skiing techniques and the subsequent

marks left in the snow, he turned the sport into physical discussion

of barycentres, distribution of weight, balanced movement

and angles to the snow. He saw it as examples of fluid arabesque

in nature and practiced aerial acrobatics for the same reason.

The forthcoming pages identify specific items of furniture

designed by Mollino, noting his processes and methods.

Attributing models accompany the drawings as I look to learn from and adopt his principles.

Below: Progressional development into the structure of his furniture. Minimising the

material to create a refined, elegant and efficient piece.

Low table in sculpted and polished natural wood.

Commissioned by J Singer.


Above: Low table with rotated top and shelf in thick veined

marble, with three metal supports held in the centre by

knotted ties.

Opposite: Sketch illustrating aeroplane acrobatics

Below: Low table made from a continuous piece of plywood

FormProCCeSS

The truss-like form resulting

from the looped plywood increases the compression strength. This is

further enhanced by connecting the glass

to the edge of the plywood, rather than

the face where it is more likely to deform.

Page 38

Desk in continuous curved plywood with a trestle structure,

central drawer and a shaped tempered glass top.

Originally designed for the Casa Editrice Lattes publishing

house in 1951, a single piece was produced for the Istituto di Cooperazione Sanitaria c.1952.

deSk

1 2 3 4

1

2

3

4

Least deformation

Most deformation

Single sheet form testing


Mollino sketch showing potential flat sheet

Table with curved and polished natural maple plywood

structure, brushed brass joints and a top in tempered glass.

c1950

Mechanism for holding the glass table top influenced and

inspired by the human vertebrae and bone structure.

Skeletaltable

Table with a structure composed of a single continuous piece

of polished natural maple plywood. Produced for the Casa Editrice Lattes publishing house

in 1951.

The compression of the glass is equalised by the inherent nature

of the plywood to ‘unroll’, producing a balanced solution.

Page 40

Singer & Sons commissioned. Low table made from a single sheet

of plywood and formed using the mould and counter mould in the

Apelli & Varesio workshop. c1950.While the previous method of

kerfing facilitated a bend without changing the materials state,

this method required soaking or steaming to make the plywood

workable.

FabriCationProCCeSS


Prototype low table composed of a single continuous piece of

curved and polished natural maple plywood with a top and shelf in shaped tempered glass

attached to the base. c.1950

Bottom image: Variations of Mollino’s tables

lightweightStrUCtUre

Again, the truss system is employed as a minimal surface and is tested in the formwork.

Page 42


Single Sheet Manipulation

brieFSUmmary

Formwork

Movement as a generator for the

aesthetic

Page 44

vladimirtatlin

The Monument to the Third International

Inspired by Paris’s Eiffel Tower and Athanasius Kircher’s seventeenth-century representation of the Tower of Babel, Tatlin designed this monument to mark the end of the Russian Revolution. Unfortunately never built, the design served as a symbol for utopian thought and, through its proposed use of iron, steel and glass, stood as an inspiration for modern architecture.

This study explores Tatlin’s design and its envisioned purpose and structural mechanisms.

A: In the form of a cube, moves on its axis at the speed of one

revolution a year and is intended for legislative purposes. Here may be held conferences of the International, meetings of international congresses

and other broadly legislative meetings....

B: In the form of a pyramid, rotates on its axis at the speed of one full revolution a month and is intended for executive functions

(the Executive Committee of the International, the secretariat

and other administrative and executive bodies).

C: Rotating at a speed of one revolution a day, is intended to be a resource centre for the following facilities: an

information office; a newspaper; the publication of proclamations,

brochures and manifestos.

A

B

C

400m

An arch is used to evenly distribute the load of the supporting structure for the spirals.

Plan view of the perimeter circles

Direction of outer spiral rings

Simple truss system used for the spiral support structure


thicker, heavier structure to the bottom

thinner, lightweight structure to the top

load transferred through the vertical members of the strut and then along the diagonal members to the base

Centralised axes for A, B & C halls

Horizontal bracing from the main spiral to support structure helps to prevent compression of the springs

monUmenttothethirdinternational

Each of the geometric elements (halls) remain within the

perimeter of the base (as can be seen opposite) and are

supported by a large sloping strut. Additionally, the strut

provided rigidity for the spirals, counteracting their spring

like tendency to compress. It connects with each of the spirals twice and with each of the halls.

Online image of model

Page 46

SingleSUrFaCe

To test whether it would be possible to remove the strut employed by

Tatlin in the Monument to the Third International, I

made a number of models, extrapolating the prominent spirals and then applying a single sheet to bridge the

two.


ShelllaCe

The design studio leaders, Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu have spent a number of years testing and exploring the possibilities of a

structural technique they have coined ‘Shell Lace’. Deconstructing the underlying principles of shells and their gained strength from

an optimisation of curvilinear geometry, Shell Lace Structure proposes five main processes for construction; curvature,

corrugation, distortion, stiffening and perforations. The results of these techniques sees flat sheet geometry turned into three

dimensional, lightweight yet structural forms.

Nodules

Stiffening

Distortion

Corrugation

Curvature

Page 48

SingleSUrFaCeStrUCtUre

Sin

gle

Shee

tdo

Ubl

eCU

rve

SkiP

1va

riat

ion

SkiP

2va

riat

ion

The script below has been designed to take a single surface and increase its structural integrity through corrugation and diagonal bracing. It is the anticipation that it will provide a similar purpose to the truss system identified in Tatlin’s Tower, but through its inter-connectivity, will negate the need for the strut.


SingleSUrFaCe

I applied the script previously made for the curved wall to

the surface constructed from the spirals of Tatlin’s Tower.

Each of the tests showed strength and solidarity in one direction, however, they did

not support themselves.

The verticality of the connections make it unrollable

and as such acted like and unsupported single surface.

Horizontal lines kept the circular form, however it lay flat

as there were no supporting vertical members

Although more of a twist and a steeper angle on the

connections, it still tended to react like a flat surface

Page 50

interSeCtingteStSWith each of the tests identifying structural strength in a specific direction, I believe that by combining them to create the faceted and cross-corregated surface as shown in the included diagrams, it would work as a self supported system. However, the multitude of material needed for this would not help to devise an efficient solution so my forthcoming tests will focus of a torsion member and monocoque structure.

Right: Combined plan

Below: Combined elevation


torSionvariationSTo test for a variety of forms and shapes to create a self supporting torsion spiral I developed a couple of grasshopper3d scripts. The first (below) shows a simple flow of one shape along the mid-point curve extrapolated from the surface previously associated to Tatlin’s spirals. The purpose of this test was to experiment with varying shapes and thickness’s to determine a buildable form.

va

ried

CirC

le

Page 52

torSionvariationS

va

ried

arC

reCt

an

gU

larS

wee

P


mixedShaPeS

Page 54

5PointStarmultiple corrugations derived from the previous single

surface explorations of Tatlin’s Monument

1

1 2 3

23

Thickness determinant Solid form generation Offset for perforation locations


4 5

45

Perforation locations

Distance point to determine perforation size

Completed StructureOffset for perforation locations

4

Page 56

5PtStartorSion


Page 58

triangUlar1torSionAn attempt to refine the construction to just three surfaces

whilst still performing as a self supporting structure

1

1 2 3

2

3



4 5

4 5

Perforation locations Completed Structure

4

Page 60

triangUlar1torSion


Page 62

triangUlar2torSionRefinement so as to have the structure ’grow’ from the ground, negating the need for the initial vertical direction

as shown in 5point and Triangular1

1

1 2 3

23



4 5

4

5

Perforation locations Completed Structure

4

Page 64

triangUlar2torSion


Page 66

These analytical drawings demonstrate the structural

properties of a simple torsion structure and then also the helix structure previously

made. Two loads are applied, gravity and wind in order to show the structural forces at

play and how, through tension and compression members in weaving this can be resolved.

win

dd

eFo

rmat

ion

win

dSt

atiC

gra

vit

ydeF

orm

atio

ng

rav

ityS

tati

C

StrUCtUralanalySiStorSion


StrUCtUralanalySiStorSionw

ind

deF

orm

atio

nw

ind

Stat

iCg

rav

ityd

eFo

rmat

ion

gra

vit

ySta

tiC

Page 68

CUrvatUreanalySiS

The point at which the panels meet forms an awkward junction. By refining the spline where they meet a far more

subtle could be achieved and make manufacturing easier

In trying to achieve a smooth connection with the ground, one that

morphs from the landscape, I have rather forced the connection. This

shows in the curvature analysis as the material is under much more stress.

This will of course impact largely on the distribution of forces and connection to

foundations.

As the monocoque structure peaks, the triangle shrinks to account for the

weight distribution. As a result the curvature tightens, providing a more stable and rigid form. While harder to

construct it is more likely to reduce form deformation over time.


brieFSUmmary

Monocoque

Torsion

Self-supporting Helix

+

=

Single Surface

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MArch II - Brief's A & B

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