Modular Design

Modular design, or “modularity in design”, is a design approach that subdivides a system into smaller parts called modules or skids, that can be independently created and then used in different systems. A modular system can be characterized by functional partitioning into discrete scalable, reusable modules; rigorous use of well-defined modular interfaces; and making use of industry standards for interfaces. This allows designs to be customized, upgraded, repaired and for parts to be reused. A well know example of module design are LEGO plastic construction toys.

Information derived from:

https://simplicable.com/new/modular-design

Examples of Modular Design in Architecture

Habitat 67, Montreal Canada

CZECH PAVILION at Expo 2015 Milan

David H Koch Childcare Center at MIT, Cambridge MA

The Courtyard at the Domain, San Jose CA 

The Greene Town Center, Beavercreek, Ohio

Advantages of Modular Design

1. Faster time to Market
   • Project time can be dramatically shortened
   • Start-up time is also minimized since systems can be fully assembled and tested before they ship, reducing the amount of on-site start-up time.
   • Weather delays are eliminated during process system development since skids are assembled indoors.
2. Reduced costs
   • Lower labor and operational costs are achieved due to a shorter project timeline, efficient use of material, and a smaller field crew
   • For multi-unit projects, higher capitol efficiency is achieved by designing once and building duplicates
   • Off-site module construction does not interrupt or shut-down pre-existing operations
3. Safety benefits
   • Ideal construction conditions provided by an enclosed fabrication facility further reduce safety risk for fabricators
   • Full modular process system testing and checkout prior to shipment identifies and corrects any potential problems before the system is delivered on-site
4. Less resource requirements
   • Production style assembly and perfect construction conditions reduce material waste.
   • Smaller field crews are required on the construction site because modules are not assembled there.
   • Less on-site space requirements because systems are assembled in pre-existing shops and modular designs aim to best utilize space layout and existing plant conditions to plan for the implementation of a new system.
5. High quality assembly and fabrication
   • Welding, pipe-fitting and other fabrication processes are performed under ideal conditions
   • Highly trained and experienced assembly and fabrication technicians are all ready employed by the modular system provider, ensuring consistent work and worker availability.
6. Changes can be made quickly and easily
   •  As the system is broken into separate modules (also referred to as skids) new modules can be inserted or ‘plugged in’.
7. Greater flexibility due to the independent nature of the modules
   • A change can be made simply by removing a whole module. adding a module, or making changes to an existing module without influencing any others.

Information derived from:

https://www.epicmodularprocess.com/blog/advantages-of-modular-design

https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/modular-design-for-rapid-advances

Sound Analysis

Audio 1: Slow Paced Sound

• Dominating sound: Resonating tone bar
• Sub-dominant sound: Rhythm sticks
• Subordinate sound: finger cymbals

The slower rhythm reminded me of a temple like sound that was relaxing. The dominating sound was the resounding sound created by the resonating tone bar. Amidst this resounding tone, the consistent distinct sound  made by the sub-dominant rhythm sticks can be heard throughout. Lastly, one would be able to hear the subtle ringing sound into the background made by the finger cymbals.

Audio 2: Fast Paced Sound

• Dominating sound: egg shaker
• Sub-dominant sound: rhythm sticks
• Subordinate sound: Resonating tone bar

Individual Moodbox

For the second segment of this project, we were then divided into groups randomly and were told to select various musical instruments to come up with 2 tunes. My group members are Naomi and Yi Ting.

For the choice of musical instruments, we chose rhythm sticks, resonating tone bar, egg shaker and finger symbols. With these instruments, we came up with 2 rhythms, one fast and one slow.

We were then instructed to come up with an individual moodbox of our interpretation of each rhythm.

For the rhythm, I chose the faster paced rhythm which used the egg shaker, rhythm sticks and resonating tone bar to create the sound. The dominant sound is the egg shaker, whereas the sub-dominant sound is the rhythm sticks and subsequently, the sub-ordinate sound is the resonating tone bar.

The egg shaker sound reminded me the rough rustling sound, thus I used metal wire mesh in a circular motion to illustrate this sound. The metal wire mesh was moulded in a way such that it was of a circular repetitive pattern that indicates the consistent sound of the egg shaker that was resounding.

For the rhythmic sticks that were abrupt and rather distinct, I used satay sticks to illustrate the stark sound caused by it. Lastly, for the resonating tone bar that created a resounding sound that blended into the distance, I used a circular cotton ball to illustrate the sound with the use of empty space. However, I was advised by Cheryl to use a transparent plastic sheet with the indicated markings of a spiral to suggest this sound instead.

After heeding advice from Cheryl, I corrected my model accordingly and used transparency as a source of medium to represent one aspect of my moodbox.