Henry Ting638 903

Semester 1, 2013Virtual Environments

Group 9

Module 4: Reflection

Ideation

Ideation Analytical Drawing

Readings- Three stages of an analytical drawing,

Kandinsky

As Kandinsky mentioned, an analytical drawing is constructed by three stages. In

stage one, we simplify a complicated object into a simple drawing, by removing the less important aspect. In result, only maintaining the essential element of the oject, or rather,

structure of the object. Second stage of analytical approach

advanced by Kandinsky require careful inspection to the object. We have to identify minor details and tenions within and between the object, hence, understand and develop

on the structure of the object. Third stage of analytical approach advanced by Kandinsky require further abstraction to the drawing, causing the drawing to be as simply as possible. To

approach the final stage of analytical drawing.

Movement1. Observe the pattern.2. Draw a semi circle that is moving toward a direction, by imagining where the object will growth toward.3. Repeat drawing semi circles around the area.

Balance1. Draw dots on the intersection.2. Connect the dots together with thick and straight lines.3. Try and create differences in thickness by retracing the lines.

Symmetry1. Observe the movement analytical drawing.2. Fill in the gap in bettween the semi circles with colour.

Pattern from nature, Corn.

The shape of a corn was an interesting pattern existing in the nature. While the formation of corn look very simply, basically placing one next to another, one could also argue the irregular movment and displacement due to the differences in size and shape of each of them causes it to be a very complicated pattern to study. Also due to this fact, i believe this pattern could be very interest to work on, due to its flexibility in terms of field of imaginary, in another word, there isn’t much of a limitation or restriction of what this pattern could result into.

Ideation Paper Model

3D extrusion of patternApplying the knowledge acquired from balance and moving analytical drawing, as well as emphasising the size differences and the rotation effect, i managed to create my first 3D model.

Emerging formI attempt to construct my emerging form by maintaining several concepts i applied to my first model, that is, scaling differences basic shape of the pieces used in the model. Further more, i tried to magnify the effect of rotation, turning them 180 degree around and see how it become. In result, i created a irregular shape that i’m pretty happy with, thus becoming my second model.

I like the idea of packing semi circles in my movement analytical drawing, furthermore, by careufully observing, i realise there seems to be a line going through the middle, bettween the semi circles. As i prefer box looking object, i replaced the semi circles with rectangles with an open end.

Realising having a gap in between my patterns is quite a successful strategy, i amplify the gap in bettween my patterns, as well as apply the technique of scaling in terms of the sizes of the boxes. Thus, generating my final analytical drawing.

By following the recipe of packing and tilling, i managed to create my analytical drawing, alone with the help of scaling and rotating. However, the pattern i developed did not catch

my attention, nor would i want them to become the founation, in terms of the designing pattern for my lantern. Therefore, i reconsider my analytical drawing with the three stages mentioned by Kandinsky, which, after several attempts, i finally came up with patterns i like.

Ideation Clay Model

Clay model makingThe pieces i used to construct my 3D paper model has inspired me as i believe it will not only be a suitable shape for my lantern, but also for analytical drawings i designed. The idea of using a cone instead of a cylinder, which is the structure of a corn, would provide a more suitable environment for scaling differences, as the circumference of the lower end would be much smaller then the circumference of the higher end. Meaning, if we apply identical amount of pieces of pattern on each levels of the cone, pieces up the higher end would automatic become bigger then the ones in located in the lower end.

Clay model dissectionBeing fascinated by the idea of scaling, i also came up with the idea of scaling the length of each level. Similar to the width of my clay model, the length of it (or the height rather in this case) would also become bigger and bigger as it approach to the higher end. This would result my pieces (panels) having different scale depending on the location. Generally speaking, i pretty much loving the idea i am currently having.

Ideation Precedent Studies

Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center

Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates by Chalabi architects and partners completed in 2011. While being an amazing architecture design, this building also shares a number of similarities to the concept I had for my lantern, these examples include the holes being used on the outer layer of the building as well as the variation of colors being used to construct the outer layer.

Other than holes, I also wanted to create different density of light being penetrated over my paper lantern. This means, using different level of thickness on every side of my lantern, varies from 0~10 or maybe more, as well as using different colour, such as black and white.

Design

Design Shape Development + Precedent Studies

InspirationsAfter discovering my concept is pretty similar to a torch, first thing that came into my mind was the past olympic torches. By studying them, espically the most recent ones, i realise modern torches design concentrate and emphasis the curve of the overall shape.

Lantern StructureAs mentioned eariler, i would like the challenge the idea of having differences in scale depending on the location of the panels, as well as the differences in colour.

My very first model (lantern on the left) included the idea of having mix and match between the colour of black and white. However, i believe further development would be needed as the shape and appearence of the lantern did not matc what i am looking for.

My second model (lantern in the middle) has added the idea of being spiral, and extra scaling work being done as i believe having too many black panels would no fit the purpose of a lantern, that is, to provide lighting. I also learnt from my precedent studies that my lantern would look better if the edges goes inward, instead of outward like my first lantern.

Lastly, my final lantern (lantern on the right) has a rework on it ’s spiral effect, as i reckon the spiral in my second lantern did not look very nice after all. I also took in the suggestion of making my model wider by my tutor.

Design Digitization

2D Models constructed

By tracing the outline of my final lantern conept using perfect circles, i manage to transform the bottom part of my lantern from reality into rhino. However, the top part became a little bit tricky, i can no longer use circles that sits on the horizontal, i have to make it rotate. This is because using horizontal circles would never achieve the effect i wanted, that is, a tilted opening at the higher end of the lantern. While using the loft commend, i not only change the direction of the movement into the same direction, i also allocate the direction arrow into different area, generating the spiral effect.

3D ModelingWhile creating my offset points for my 3D model, the idea of scaling came to my mind once again. What if, the offset for every layer is different? To explore the idea, i started my offset distance with 4.2 distance away from the original point, slowly decrease the offset distance by 0.3 for each of the layer. Meaning, my third layer would have a offset distance of 3.6, while my seventh layer would obtain a offset distance of 2.4.

Although this is great effect to demonstrate the 3D effect and scaling of my model, it isn’t obivous due to the fact it decade slowly. Therefore, to enlarge the effect generated by this strategy, i allocated the part of my model using identical offset distance of 1.5, creating a strong contrast, hence, an obvious comparison in size.

From concept into Virtual.

Design Panelling + Light Effect

PanelsPanel i used all share a similarity, that is, having the shape of a square as it ’s base. However, due to the spiral effect i added to my rhino model, the final product is expected to turn out to be a parallelogram. The spot filled in black would be open for light to penetrate, meaning, it is an open space without paper blocking the light from escaping the lantern.

As mentioned previously, my lantern panels would be separated under two different types of offset, varible offsets and constant offsets. I decided to allocate the three panels on the left for varible offsets, as different sizes of panels would result in different sizes of hole. Meanwhile, the panel on the right would be used for constant offset, providing a comparison as well as magnifying the scaling effect.

LightingWhile explaination might not be clear, i included a diagram to demonstrate the

effect im trying to express.As light travel under a wave form, lights

would start to diffract once it leave the bulb and continue to travel once it ecounter a blockage. In our case, the paper being covered by a piece of

paper would work as a blockage, allowing light to once again diffract after exiting the open end. Of course, light would still be able penetrate the piece of paper,

however, it wouldn’t be as strong.

Design Final Design + Readings

Readings- Lost in parameter space

Reading “lost in parameter space” discuss four cartegories in designing, that is,

abstraction, reduction, algorigthms and quality.While abstraction and reduction sound

very similar, in terms of meaning, they aren’t. Abstraction is eliminate the not so important elements, or accessories toward a certain

object that isn’t necessary. Hence, to identify the importance of the pattern or object

within, usually the structure of it. On the other hand, reduction is to transport, or to deliver

information from one to another, with the most efficient and simplified format as possible. We

could imagine, abstraction as the amount of information, and reduction as the system of delivering the information. In module 1,

analytical drawing base on the information provided by our natural pattern could be a

form of abstraction, and the chopped up clay model and it’s photo could be a reduction to

transform the information to rhino.

Fabrication

Fabrication Unrolling

Unrolling techniqueThe colour i alocated to my panels became very handy when i got to unrolling my pieces. That is, because the colour clearly clarify which is which panel, so i can look back and say “oh, so this piece i constructed belong to here”, which help me to escape from a lot of trouble, or maybe, i’m just a messy person to start off with.Likewise, i used number to identify which side is which after breaking down pieces into shapes that would unroll properly without stacking on top of one and other. Note, i moved the pieces slightly away from it’s original position as well as having a copy of the orignal piece right next to it to help me figure where they would belong when i try to construct an actual object. This is also where the numbers comes into play, as pieces are often flipped the other way around, having numbers would clarify the position and where to stick them.In short, i reckon the following methods i applied are very helpful:1. Colour on pieces2. An original copy next to an extracted one3. Number on sides

Fabrication Tabs + Nesting

GrasshopperGrasshopper is a very useful and convenient program that construct tabs for our unrolled pieces. It provide uers to decide the width of the tabs, obviously, the thicker, the stronger. However, that would also mean the folding tabs would become very obvious as well as creating unwanted light effect within lantern itself, after all, the tabs are made out of paper and it would eventually create a minor impact toward the outcome of the lighting effect. Therefore, it is adviced to carefully consider the size of the tabs. Furthermore, grasshopper also provide the ability to select the angle of the slider, this prevent the tabs from stacking on top of another, especially when your unrolled pieces contain a small amount of gap between one and other. Overall, i reckon grasshopper offer more enough flexibility, as well as being way more convenient then creating tabs manually.

Fabrication FabLab

First columnThe first column are prototypes created with white ivory card.

Second columnThe second column are prototypes created with 300gsm black card. I selected 300gsm over 200gsm as i believe i need a stronger material to hold my lantern in shape, or else everything would only fall apart.

FabLab card cutter tipsListening to a friend’s adivce, i replaced parts of the black cut lines that is surrounding my prototypes, usually the located on the very end of my pieces, with red lines, or fold lines. In result, the paper pieces stay in place as well as not being dragged and jam the paper cutter, this is very annoying as many people are waiting to use the paper cutter and i just happen to have people jamming their paper again and again before i get my turn.Another tip would be increasing the power of the cut and fold lines when the cutting blade seems to be blunt. Afterall, hundreds of student cut thousands of paper using the same machine.

Fabrication Equipment

MaterialCutting BoardClip HolderSuper GlueCutting KnifeSiccorsUHU GlueDouble sided tapeRulerPaper Clip

Word of adviceNEVER EVER EVER touch the double sided tape. Trust me, i made a very bad mistake thinking it was a reliable material. It was very con-venient, quick and clear, however, IT DOES NOT LAST. my prototype pieces basically broke down due to its lack of ability to stick after hours or so, i also broke the tape accidently due to how frustrated i was. Not to mention, the equipment could no longer be used after the tape broke down, being extremely unreliable.Likewise, NEVER EVER EVER touch the super glue if you are someone who aren’t good with their hands, onces it got onto your hand, it isnt coming off no matter how hard you try for the next 8 hours or so.

Fabrication Model Making

From virtual back to reality.

Always be patience

Fabrication Model Formation

Where everything become one.

Fabrication Constructing Light CircuitEquipment and MaterialCutting KnifeLight blubBatteryBattery HolderSwitchWire

Steps1. Cut down the plaste bit around te wire, then roll it. Therefore it would be easier to attach2.Wrap the wire around the ligth blub, switch and battery holder. Make sure it is tight so current could go pass.

Note! Remember to always connect the positive side to the negative side of another equipment.Do have have the switch on or battery attached to the batery hold when setting up the circuit.I also find it helpful to identify the positive side with tapes. Futhermore, shorter the wire means less resistance!

Reflection

Reflection Final Product

Reflection Readings

The third industrial revolutionThe third industrial revolution by Jeremy Rifkin explain the revolution created among human beings throughout history, as well as how it would eventually reshape our future. Other than demonstrating a timeline of the history of our technology, the reading also explain the reason behind the changes, to match the always raising human standards and needs. This reading is fairly interesting, as it did not focus on designing itself, but rather, concentrate on our society which is majority of the reason behind improvments to develop in our economy, and so on. Our world is changing to fulfill our own demand in a more convenient format, similar to the designing process of reduction. With that being said, new technologies such as internet banking or internet itself in general, 3d printing and much more technologies that are being develop, serve the purpose of fulfulling human demand. However, even with such great technologies, such as 3D printing and digital technology, hand drawing would never vanish nor be replaced. Afterall, there is a limit to what computers can do, they cannot construct a clay model or any other concept we are currently having in our mind, at least, not the capable by the current technology, that is. Although, i have to admit digital technology has changed my view on designing, i never expect constructing a lantern on rhino could be so easy, the detail and information it provides could never been done if we were to construct a identical assignment by hand. This lead to a lot of ideas that were once unrealistic and impossible to perform, possible., likewise, removing limitations as technology develop. Afterall, who could imagine skyscraper would be phyically possible 200 years ago?

Building the future: Recasting labor in architectureBuilding the future: recasting labor in architecture by Philip Bernstein and Peggy Deamer discuss the connection between the process of design and production, how two separated systems combined together thanks to the advanced digital technology. Similar to the last reading, it explain how concepts and idea are no longer impossible, how designer ’s creativities are no longer restricted, under the currently definition of being “realistic”, that is. Similarly, when producing my lantern, it would be impossible to have the exact angle and measurement i desired if rhino, or other digital program and the paper cutter were not invented. However, even when such technologies, i still try to avoid taking risk when creating my lantern, not because i did not trust the technology or anything, but simply because im not a person who like taking risk and uncertainties.

Reflection Personal Reflection

Time flies, looking back to the start of the year, i would never expect myself to turn out this way. To start off with, im a pretty lazy person with a lot of bad habits, im usually not committed to one thing, and so much more that i couldn’t possibly finish listing all of them. However, this subject, among other subjects im enrolled to, have certainly change me a lot. This does not mean i have already erased all my previous bad habits, in fact, some of they are probably as bad as it was. Matter of fact, what surprised me is not how I changed, but the hardwork I contribute in attempt to change. Afterall, if bad habits were to be so easily removed, everyone would be prefect. While I admit parts of them are contributed by the bad habits Ipossess, such as bad time management for example I could not believe i’m actually dedicated to construct one single lantern with basically half a year. I could not believe I actually stay overnight in FabLab simply because I was so concentrated i lost track in time, and eventually miss the last bus. I could not believe how my wil could power myself to stay up for days without sleeping. This subject teaches me a lot about digital technology and designing and its process, but i have to say, it also teaches me a lesson in life, something that i will always remember.

The End.