Samuel Mason Student no: 539568 Semester 1/2012 Group 7

Module 3

Modifications - Form

Continuing with my basic form from module two, I decided to ‘smooth’

out the curve as I thought it was a bit rough, and then used the ‘revolve’ command to create a surface. This

gave me a much smoother and more aesthetically pleasing surface

to work with

Above: through the manipulation of points and utilising the revolve command, I was able to produce a nice smooth curve.

Modifications/Experimentations – 3D Panelling

I continued experimenting with panelling, in search for one I liked and closely portrayed my

chosen process of the snake shedding its skin. I thought the pyramid (FIG.1) was a good shape to use as it portrays a very rough surface (FIG.

2), and when incorporated with a flat panel with offset borders (FIG. 3), it demonstrates the ‘new and smooth emerging from the rough and old with lots of light able to be shone through. With unrolling in mind, I then separated the shape in multi-coloured layers which could possibly

FIG.1

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

Modifications/Experimentations – 2D Panelling

FIG.1

FIG.2

FIG.3

FIG.4

Moving away from complex 3D panels, I started to focus on 2D panelling as I thought this put more focus on the form itself, which is what I am really

trying to emphasise – the gathering of a snakes skin as it sheds. Using point attractors (FIG. 1) at the bottom it created longer panels on the

top, which again helps represent the shedding process. I decided to split the model into two sections, in order to have different offset widths of the triangle borders, obviously letting more light through

the larger holes, in the ‘new’ section (FIG.3). I made a custom 2D diamond shaped panel which is similar to the scale of a skin (FIG.2).

However, there were many problems when it came to panelling (shown in FIG.2) and unrolling such faces, and so I settled with the triangle panel

(FIG. 4)

Layering

By selecting layers and changing the colours I was able to isolate layers which can then be

unrolled to be printed and constructed

By isolating layers I could ‘turn off’ the rest of the layers to be

able to easily unroll.

Through the use of Grasshopper I was able to create tabs and ‘score’ lines, which will aid in the cutting and construction of the model. By laying the model out like this with its corresponding unrolled part it reminds me exactly which pieces correspond and when matched with the colours on the full digital model, I should be able to construct the model with reference to the digital

model with minimal problems

Unrolling

Unrolling – Getting ready for FABLAB

By setting out the layers like this the laser/card cutter will be able to score the red fold lines and cut right through the tab lines, making it very easy for me to

then fold it and glue together.

Prototyping - Construction

Cutting and folding my model posed many constraints, the one being time, as I did not have enough of this to create a full model, however this part is of 1:1 scale. Constraints also entailed accuracy of cutting, which often resulted in panels not exactly meeting where they should. I am

very happy with how this panel has turned out, and being cut by the laser cutter it should fit together with ease.

Prototyping - Lighting

I was very happy with the outcome of this lighting, as I believe it displays the layers I am trying to show, and making the inside,

under the old and dead skin, look very bright and fresh.

Module Three - reflection

The most important lesson I learnt in module one was the importance of

originality and abstraction. The struggles I had abstracting my process and not

making it a replica of what we already know, but an interpretation which is

unique to one person is a very important factor which every designer must

consider.

The ability to physically turn a 2D design into a 3D form takes a lot of

consideration. Construction constraint in design plays a big part in the final product which will be produced,

particularly if we are talking in terms of designing and constructing a high-rise

building or something else of a very larger scale.

Throughout module three digital fabrications was again my weak point, however I am gaining a very sound understanding of the importance of digital fabrication in the modern design world.

Being critical of my design as it elaborated as well as reminding myself of time constraints led to a design which I am satisfied with and which closely relates to my natural process as researched in module one. My decisions were primarily based on time constraints and a desire to keep my original form without being overpowered by large 3D panels.

Digital fabrication has aided me in this design process and physical construction process with minimal waste and to a fine degree of accuracy. However, as discussed in module two reflection I still believe the designer is the driver with digital fabrication as an aid and should definitely be kept this way in order to create original and imaginative designs.