Tianchen Xu
MODULE 2
Generating Ideas Through Processes
In this module, I explored digital fabrication and parametric
software through two tasks. Task A explores volumes and 3D printing
techniques with a focus on additive and subtractive processes. Task B
explores surfaces and laser cutting techniques. In both tasks, I used
a 50mm x 50mm x 50mm bounding box or frame; this is not a physical
boundary, but a framework from which I operated within.
The aim of the module is to understand the iterative nature of digital
design and work through a workflow from design to physical outcome. This
module also provides me with a set of parametric design strategies for M3.
1. Task A Solid (left) 2. Task B XY Waffle (right)
Subtractive & Additive Processes
Solid Generation
Surface Grid
Point Attractor
Rotate 3D
3D Box Generator
Scale Increment
Rotate Centroid
The script of two Task A sections starts with constructing a series of surface grids and using these points as the centroids to generate many central cubes. In order to make these still cubes more dynamic, I used PointAttractor command to make these cubes have different positions. In the meanwhile, I used ConstructDomain command to make these cubes mutate. The size of these hexahedrons will change with their distance from a certain point. Specifically, in this case, the size of the hexahedron is proportional to the distance from a certain point. The closer a hexahedron is to a certain point, the smaller the hexahedron. After, I used different rotation commands to change my geometries.
Iteration Matrix
Iteration Matrix of Section 1 & 2
For the iteration generation, I explored different commands. In the beginning, I tried different basic geometries to find out the most potential one to develop further. The cubes, in my vision, have more potential than others. The basic cubes, however, are still and a little bit boring. So during the generation of the surface grid and 3D boxes, I used Point Attractor as it was able to change the position and size of the geometry based on the distance between the certain point and the geometries.
The distribution of ConstructDomain command was influenced by the combination of Attraction command. The scale increments involved changing the scale of each individual geometry based on the remapped distance between a reference point and centroids.
In the meanwhile, I explored different Rotation commands as well. I found the Rotation3D command very interesting as it rotated the geometry based on vector or axis instead of the centroids. I selected 08b.02 design as it shows the sense of movement and rhyme in individual units due to the combination of various rotation commands and different scale magnitude.
Iteration Matrix of Section 3
The most interesting of this design iteration is the first step to create different geometry in Grasshopper by using Polygon command. The Polygon command is very interesting as it created the complexity of the polygon and allow you to control each variable. After generating the satisfied polygon, I used the Move command to change the height of the central point of the polygon and then extrude the surface of the polygon to the moved-up central point by using ExtrudePoint command. I also applied the unit transformation (changing the scale) into these geometries. In the meanwhile, I tried to combine the two different geometries together to create a new one. At last, I used different rotation commands for each group of geometries to create a sense of dynamic.
3D Printing
3D Printing Images
Additive fabrication is the technique of incrementally layering material to form a solid. There are various painting materials based on light, heat or chemicals.
3D Printing is one of the additive processes. A model or part is slowly printed in layers. The nozzle and the head move in X and Y (Z shape) to form the outline of a shape.
A bed is lowered and the object is constructed layer by layer.
Green represents Printing materials or the real structure/contour of the object, and brown indicates the support materials.
The information box shows how many materials need to print these three design solids and how long
Isometric Drawings
Solid 1
The wall structures and these openings create thresholds for this structure. They divide the whole space into two parts: public space and semi-public and semi-private space.
The opening of the rood will allow the sunshine to pass into the inner space of this structure. The inner space needs natural light to be more bright and attractive.
A series of openings on the walls of the corridor define the circulation within this structure. In the meanwhile, these are the connections between the inner space and outer space. People can feel outside anytime and passengers may look inside through these ‘windows’.
Solid 2
The curved area formed by two ends of sitting chairs will become a welcoming space for a small meeting.
These sitting areas around the structure provide the public space for the pedestrian to have space to sit and have some rest. These areas may make the whole structure more attractive.
The bottom structures not only act as the load-bearing columns but also defines the circulation within the structure. Two different directions structures break the normalness of the movement and make the movement more dynamic and interesting.
Solid 3
Roof structure not only provides people with shadows during hot sunny
days but also forms the shelter when it rains. The roof above the inner space
is also a part of inner space and make a contribution to the definition of inner
semi-private space.
The outside sitting area forms a welcoming space which attracts the pedestrian to stop
and have a seat.
The inner semi-private space is formed by two benches. This space provides
the public with a relatively private space within this structure. This area will be quiet but the people inside can still touch with the outside world.
3D Print Photography
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Solid 1 Human Study
These two images are different views of the same object. The object is on the scale of a building structure. In these two 3D photographies, you can find out how people communicate and movement within this structure. The inside space connects with the outside through the openings around the structure. The openings on the wall structure play the role of the windows that allow the people to connect with each other. The structure is symmetrical because of the different sized hexahedrons generated by the ConstructDomain command.
The bottom image shows the shadow and how the sun passes through the opening on the roof. The natural light will make the inner space more bright and attractive. What’s more, you can see people do various activities within the structure.
Solid 2 Human Study
These two images are different views of the same object. The object is on the scale of a building structure. And the top one is an architectural structure without human, which can show the structure more clearly. From the bottom image, you can see the functions of two sides of the structure. The sitting area is for the people to have some space to have rest. The supportive structure on the other side breaks the normal movement space and make it present Z shape which is more dynamic and interesting.
The opening on the wall connects both sides and they can feel each other. The opening on the wall connects both sides and they can feel each other. The sitting people can learn about the circulation of the movement path and the walking people can also learn about sitting people and the environments over there.
Solid 3 Human Study
The image is the perspective view of Solid 3. The object is on the scale of a building structure. This structure has mainly consisted of two sitting spaces. The left image shows the outside sitting space on one side of the structure. The image shows the inside sitting space. The outer sitting bench gives the people a space to sit down and have rest. The inner semi-private benches provide the people with a space that they can have some relatively private activities.
The inner space is not completely independent as there are some openings around the inner walls and they can connect and feel the outside anytime. What’s more, the roof structure can provide not only shadows but also the shelter.
Section & Waffle Structures
Sectioning Script
Scripts of Section & Waffle
There are scripts of XY waffle based on Solid 1. In the beginning, I just do the normal script of XY waffles and outcome is not satisfied. So I decided to explore the ways of getting contours. I found the Exponential command is very interesting as it created the complexity of the arrangement of the X contours and Y contours. The arrangement will be various on the same axis. Both X & Y contours change from dense to sparse, which create a sense of movement and rhyme in the arrangement of contours.
Laser Cutting
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting can be used to manufacture architectural models, site models, etc. The precision and speed of laser cutting can achieve clear results and shape generation, which can be assembled into a model that demonstrates quality.
Laser cutting is a process in which high-power lasers are controlled by computer software to cut, etch, or rasterize various types of materials.
Laser cutting has three operations: Cut, Etch, and Raster. Each operation has different outcomes.
Black - Cut Red - Etch
Isometric Drawing
XY Waffle 1
The entire XY waffle can be considered as a part of architecture structure.
These openings are the connections between the inner space and outer space.
The opening on the roof can let the sunshine directly pass and bring bright into the inner space.
The corridor of this structure is the semi-public space of this structure. The people will see the light at the end of the corridor and be attractive. So the corridor is the main space for circulation.
The entire XY waffle can be considered as the structure of the stool as well.
The top surface of this waffle is very flat and the edge is soft so it is a good condition to be viewed as a stool.
These can be the supportive structure of the stool that acts as the loadbearing structures.
XY Waffle 2
People can lean on this wall and then do something such as have a talk with friends outside.
The public bench outside can give the people some space to sit and have a chat.
The semi-private benches inside can give the people a sense of security. Some friends can have a small meeting in this area.
Radial Waffle
The nature-formed threshold provides a very interesting space for children to explore and play. Boys and girls run through that threshold.
This radial waffle will become the central pleasure pavilion that attracts parents and children to play and have a good time.
LaserCut Model Photography
XY Waffle BuiltForm Scale
XY Waffle Furniture Scale
This X-Y waffle is generated based on the Task A design solid 1. The waffle is on the scale of architecture as well. The most of functional areas within this structure are similar to the original one. People still connect through the openings. However, the structure becomes more transparent and light. Compared with the origin, the waffle structure is more like contemporary architecture.
These two images are the same waffle on the previous page. The waffle is on the scale of furniture. Since the top surface is quite flat and the edge is soft, this waffle is very suitable to be a stool. In the meantime, the structure of this waffle is very stable which can bear different weights (the two images show two men with different weights sitting on the stool). The contours on the X-axis and Y-axis are from dense to sparse as I used the Exponential to get these contours.
XY Waffle 2 BuiltForm Scale
This X-Y waffle is generated based on the Task A design solid 3. The waffle is on the scale of architecture as well. Although the solid in Task A is a very good example of the building structure, the X-Y waffle of this one is not as good as the original one. Compared with the solid, it seems the waffle structure is more solid and some areas are not very bright and transparent.
Radial Waffle BuiltForm Scale
This radial waffle is a testing waffle structure based on Task A Solid 1. Since all three solids from Task A are not suitable to do the radial waffle structure. This one is the best among my trials. I think the structure is very interesting.
This radial waffle is on the scale of building structure. You can find out easily there are some interesting thresholds and sitting areas. In my vision, it like a pleasure pavilion for children and family.
In both two images, there are lots of children play and do other playful activities. Boys prefer running through that ‘nature-formed’ threshold. The sitting areas around the structure are provided with the parents or the family some spaces to have rest after playing.