Tag: random

Week 10

Proportion

Previous shape (left), new shape (right)

For this week, we decided to re-design and re-proportion the shape of the installation. To inject more dynamism into the shape, we have changed the direction and distance of the curve by increasing the inclination and having an upward progression for the spaces between two surfaces. We can observe that the space between the ground and the first curve in the first direction is smaller than the space between the surface of the first curve and the second curve in the opposing direction.

Blue shade represent space between first curve and ground, indigo shade represent space between second curve and first curve

By increasing the space between the second and first curve, the upper part appears elevated and floats above the lower part, reducing the sense of unbalance. By tilting the previous shape backwards and resting the shape at an angle to the ground, the curve appears more relaxed and less static.

Material and sustainability

GFRC Concrete for curvature and Metal rods as supports
Clear Glass for curvature and wooden grids as supports
Frosted Glass for curvature and wooden grids as supports

 

 

We have incorporated grid supporting structures beneath the curvature for a couple of reasons.

Firstly, the grid serves as a pedestal to elevate the curvature.

Secondly, the grid serves as a elevation above the ground by approximately 350 mm so that users can sit comfortably on the curvature at that height.

Thirdly, the grid serves as a contrasting element. Juxtaposed with a rigid and uniform grid, the curvature appears to be fluid and dynamic.

 

In order to understand what translucent material would be best suited for construction that is safe and strong, we did a research into the different types of glass and properties of thermoplastic that projects an appearance like glass.

Properties of thermoplastic

Polycarbonate: This plastic is 300 times stronger than glass, is resistant to most chemicals, is twice as lighter than glass, has high abrasion and impact resistance. It can transmit as much light as glass without many distortions. Applications include window, green house glazing etc.

Adapted from Glass as a Building Material. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2018, from http://www.understandconstruction.com/glass.html

House for Tousuienn by Suppose Design Office. Example of polycarbonate.

We would like to propose using semi-transparent polycarbonate for the construction material of the installation as its transparent property is closest to fluid.

Polycarbonate has been said to have a lifespan of at least 10 years and can be recycled.

Other than the choice of polycarbonate, we also propose using GFRC concrete or wood for the construction of the installation. GFRC is a sustainable material and has a longer lifespan than polycarbonate. Wood would be a more affordable choice of material. It is also a material that is versatile and exude a warm shade (as compared to metal) which makes it a more inviting material.

Aesthetic and function

The new shapes does not require any rails and ladder since it no longer have a second level. Although we have altered the presentation of the shape, we still retain the concept of a personal and public space within a single sculpture.

Rendering with GFRC Concrete

For the Concrete model, the metal rods are organised in random order like the random arrangement of square holes represented in last week’s model to complement the dynamic flow of the curve.

Rendering with semi-transparent polycarbonate

Whereas, for the polycarbonate model, the wooden rods appears more organised than the metal rods in the concrete model. This is to create a contrast between the dynamic curve and static grids.

 

Rendering to scale

 

Rendering to scale – grid supports connect to wooden panel for leaning
Mortise and tenon joinery technique for the construction of the wooden grid supports and wooden panels at the back of the curvature.

 

 

Dynamism

Renderings with subtle difference – exploring how extending straight and upwards is in comparison to a gradual curve upwards – which is more dynamic and fluid?

Other than a polycarbonate sheet, we continued to explore with grid patterns on the curved sheet. We rearranged the square holes in hierarchical progression to convey dynamism. In terms of construction, we would like to portray the square holes with wooden panels that are connected with metal bolts and supporting frame.

Rendering of model in wood with randomly arranged square holes in hierarchical order (Big squares at top and progressively smaller squares at bottom); supported and elevated by metal frames.

 

If the installation with patterned surface appeals more to people, we plan to research deeper into the arrangements of square holes in the curvature such as by following a certain mathematical progression or a pattern derived from an abstract representation of the location (eg. ariel view of grass patch at location/ arrangement of windows of buildings at location).