materiality lab portfolio
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
CHRISBAMBOROUGH
AUT 2012
THEORETICAL CONTEXT
DESIGN AMBITION
PROTOTYPE PAVILION
EYELET MODULE
PRECEDENT ANALYSIS
INITIAL PROTOTYPE EXPLORATION
PROTOTYPE ASSEMBLAGE A
PROTOTYPE DEVELOPMENT
SECTIONAL PROTOTYPE
FABRICATION STRATEGY
SECTIONAL PROTOTYPE MODEL
SECTIONAL PROTOTYPE RESPONSE
Portfolio for Christopher BamboroughStudent Number - 11091889Tel - 0422564330METABOLIC
WEAVEContents
The Materiality Lab studio sought to frame the cross scalar prototype project in a theoretical/ conceptual context in order to critique towards a design solution. In particular was an interest in 19th century / modernist theory with an ambition to readdress and reinterpret earlier generational intelligence.
METABOLIC WEAVETheoretical Context
Semper’s theory of metabolism identified that architecture could be rationally reducible to materials and the processes associated with their uses.
From it he identified 4 basic elements of architecture.
s_pt1_Weavings_pt1_Formings_pt1_Tectonics_pt1_Stereotomy
From these Semper identified 4 abstract categories of material production techniques, each having a particular associated aesthetic style.
“(Gotfried) Semper recognised and exploited architecture’s material limitation, the origin of its formal language in the arts and crafts, textiles,ceramics, metal works, carpentry and the oldest stone construction”Wilhelm Dilthey, 1924
s_e1_Pliables_e2_Clay (Mouldable)s_e3_Stick like elementss_e4_Dense
s_pt1
s_pt3
s_pt2
s_pt4
s_e1 s_e2
s_e3 s_e4
A project question was set in which to target investigation and use as a reference for analysisMETABOLIC
WEAVEDesign Ambition
Can the morphology of thin ply wood strips be manipulated with reference to Semper’s production techniques to achieve multiple material conditions and aesthetic effects?
Metabolic Weave is an investigation into the form finding capacity of woven doubly curving 3mm plywood strips, their assemblage capability, and the expressive po-tential of their interaction.
The project’s intention is to study the capacity for a considered assemblage to create multiple conditions of experience and effect the perception of material and light.
The project is based on a process of invention, understood as a continuous process without a single predetermined outcome, always suspended between discovery and obsolescence.
http://vimeo.com/metabolicweave
25mm 50mm 75mm 100mm
25o 45o 60o 75o
25mm 50mm 75mm 100mm
Prototype development led to the creation and deployment of the EyeLet unit within a pavilion. The parametric nature of the unit allowed a series of positions and connections to create an enclosure providing the inhabitant the contrasting experience of the tectonic (screen), textiles, and stereotomy (solid).
METABOLIC WEAVEPrototype Pavilion
Opening
Scissoring
Expansion
Transition
Stereotomy
Tectonic
Weaving
Tectonic Weave
Two units exist, distinguished by their weave combination, EL_A / EL_B, provide the opportunity for an accurate lap joint connection between them, as well as visually allowing the woven strip to transfer from one unit to the other. A unit can be simply constructed from two shaped and drilled strips, 4 bracing acrylic bars, 2 x 1/8” 25mm nut and bolts, and 4 x 1/8” 12mm nuts and bolts. The EyeLet system was born from a process of prototype exploration each concerned with a particular aspect of the system, be it weaving, connection, adjustment or transition.
METABOLIC WEAVEEyeLet Module
EL_A1
EL_A1
2 x 1/8” 25mm nut + bolt
2 x 1/8” 25mm nut + bolt
2 x 1/8” 25mm
2 x 1/8” 25mm
2 x 1/8” 12mm
2 x 1/8” 12mm nut + bolt
2 x 1/8” 12mm
2 x 1/8” 12mm
2 x 1/8” 12mm
EL_A2
EL_A2
EL_A
A_C1
A_C4
A_C2
A_C3
EL_A
EL_B
EL_B1
EL_B1
EL_B2
EL_B2
EL_B
B_C1
B_C4
B_C2
B_C3
Sequence of adjust-ment bar attachment
Solid Stereotomy
As a point of trajectory the project looked towards precedents of timber use within innovative construction projects. An initial focus was placed on each system’s logic regarding the utilisation of a repeatable detail and structure.METABOLIC
WEAVEPrecedent Analysis: 1:1 case models
HEIGHT-DEFLECTION
WIDTH-TORSION FORCE
170mm STRIP WIDTH
LENGTH - 1200mm
Timber FabricYves Weinand (IBOIS | EPFL | Lausanne) Joseph Kellner, David Newton
Meta-Patch
The building 1:1 detail models of the precedent study was used as a means to understand the interaction of the parts to the whole within each system, analyse their material effects, to critique their success, and to start to develop efficiency in manipulating materials.
METABOLIC WEAVEPrecedent Analysis: 1:1 case models
Alvaro Siza and Souto Moura
Serpentine 2005
Multiple prototypes were developed from the three case studies with a focus on variation within their existing material systems. The prototypes offered opportunity to optimise, adapt or radically deviate from the 1:1 case study models. METABOLIC
WEAVEInitial Prototype Exploration
Development was achieved through smaller scale detail models to access the small scale relationships, and through digital modelling to review effects of assemblage.METABOLIC
WEAVEInitial Prototype Exploration
A move towards a prototype assemblage was made early in order to assess the chosen prototypes success in creating multiple material and lighting effects when assembled. The ambition for this first large scale intervention was to transfer from a smooth screen element through to a jagged stacked configuration. Whilst the assemblage offered some successful elements it did highlight the need for focus regarding the connection, its ability to scissor (adjustment), the twist transition and the stacking ability of the unit.
METABOLIC WEAVEPrototype Assemblage A
Jagged Appearance Connection Testing
Stereotomy
Shear Capabilities
Turning Moment
Prototyping Double Pivot Link Joint.
Serpentine Precedent
Connection
Double Weave exploration Timber Weave Precedent
Tectonic
To move towards a successful unit prototypes were developed to explore the separate areas of 01_Connection, 02_Stereotomy, 03_Transition and 04_Adjustment. Ideas were tested using laser cut ply wood and acrylic, with hand cut 3mm plywood strips to assess their success in the four areas of interest.
01_6
01_1
01_2
01_3
01_4
01_5
01
50mm diameter laser cutAcrylic disk
5/32” 38mm Copper Nut / Bolt
02_1
02_2
02_3
02_4
02
EL_A
EL_A
02_1 = Cardboard Explorations02_2 = Plywood Interlocking Wedges02_3 = Acrylic Clips 02_4 = Acrylic Interlocking Wedges
02 = Interlocking Acrylic Strips
EL_B
EL_A
METABOLIC WEAVEPrototype Development
Prototype 01_Connection Prototype 02_Stereotomy
The successful prototypes were those used to develop the final pavilion, their success was based on their ability to create functional structural aims, as well as provide means for the intended material effects of the tectonic / stereotomy contrast.
03_2
03_1
03_3
03
5/32” 38mm
Hardware
1/8” 25mm
Connection Rules:A1-A2 : 1/8” 25mm
A1-A2-A1-A2 : 5/32” 38mm
EL_A EL_A
A1A1
A1A1
A1A1
A2A2
A2A2
04_104_3
04_6
04_2
04_5
04_4
04_7
04_1 = Cardboard Explorations04_2 = Plywood strips04_3 = Laser Cut strips 04_4 = Acrylic Strips 04_5 = Thinned out acrylic Strips04_6 = Perforated laser cut strips04_7 = Heat moulded acrylic strips
04 = Hidden acrylic strips
04
Prototype 03_Transition Prototype 04_Adjustment
METABOLIC WEAVEPrototype Development
As proof of concept a sectional prototype was devised in order to deploy and showcase the EyeLet unit. As the pavilion deign employed a doubly curved tectonic aspect requiring the whole to support itself it was decided to create a simple enclosure that allowed transfer from floor, transition, tectonic to stereotomy and back to floor
Prototype_03
Prototype_01
Prototype_04
Prototype_02 Stereotomy
Woven Floor
Transition
Connection
Adjustment
METABOLIC WEAVESectional Prototype Design
Production for the sectional model was carried out over a number of days and sought to use efficient hand making methods to avoid the expensive nature of laser cutting. Strips were mass produced using industrial cutting and drilling, while customisation of each eyelet was achieved through the production of laser cut adjustment bars which were then heat set into a curved form.
x 84
x 6
x 32
x 54
x 84
1:2 @ A3
25 x 3mm Premium Plywood Sheet @ $7.50One side stained: Cabots Interior - Walnut400 Strips Cut on Circular Saw
(16 x) 50mm x 1000mm Strips - cut against wood grain
Approximate wastage = 18% ($1.35 per sheet)
810 mm
1220 mm
25mm
50mm
450mm
450mm
25mm
x 376 x 192 x 40
1/8” x 12mm 1/8” x 25mm 5/32” x 38mm
Timber Strip Components Laser Cut Acrylic + heat forming
METABOLIC WEAVEFabrication Strategy
The section prototype successfully showcased the contrasting nature of the tectonic and stereotomy and with it accentuated the woven nature of the plywood structure. In creating the model however a number of structural issues were identified which provided a trajectory for further prototype exploration.
METABOLIC WEAVESectional Prototype Model
In stacking the eyelet unit it became apparent that after approximately 7 layers the strength of the plywood could not hold the structure. As a solution the configuration was moved onto its side in order to utilise its cross sectional compressive strength. As a result the tectonic aspect could no longer connect into the stereotomy. A proposed response would be to utilise the double curving capacity of the EyeLet for both structural and connection needs, this would use the woven strips of the unit in compression and tension creating a balance in structural forces. A transition at floor level could be achieved through the twisting of bracing strips that plug the stacked arrangement down into the lateral woven floor configuration.
METABOLIC WEAVESectional Prototype: Response
Fixed position
Triangulation of structure to secure tectonic into position.
Floor Connection
Wal
l Con
nect
ion
TENSION
COMPRESSION
CHRISBAMBOROUGH
AUT 2012