T_CODE 2013 Computer Based Fabrication

Elroi Nissim 1

This exercise is an introduction and initial experience with the production process using computing methods. Until a few years the production process in architecture was based on the industrial revolution solutions, in the past few years, computer aided design became more and more common in this field, revealing a whole wide range of new methods which were not feasible before.

The design process was divided into two main section, the creation of 2D Topological Interlocking form, and then composing of a structure using the form with paneling tools.

There are many forms that make such a connection so the first challenge was to figure out the minimum required to make such a connection. In addition, many forms using the concept of male and female, and here became the second challenge to produce a form which the male and female parts are practically identical. The reason for setting both of these challenges stemmed from a desire to produce the most minimalistic form for two reasons: the first was to integrate the form and the connection (to other units) as one nature. The second reason has contradictory ration which says as simpler the form will be so it will be capable to except more modifications and variations.

2D structure made by the forms & Texture close-up

Form_01

The first attempt consist on a simplest form, square, that attaches to adjacent squares by subtracting material from its initial square which created ‘teeth’ that grasping each other.

The material chosen for the production is cardboard. While many materials could serve the purpose in this manner, this thick material selection has enabled rich texture and stability.

At this preliminary point the system which was manufactured based on one single repetitive unit when there is no change between the units.

In the second stage, a little change in the minimalistic geometry was made, straight lines were replaced by curves. Thereby obtaining a rich and interesting texture using very simple change. This step was the guiding principle which led to the next form evolution.

Exercise 1: 2D Topological Interlocking Fabrication

Form_01 & Form_01 (curvy)

T_CODE 2013 Computer Based Fabrication

Elroi Nissim 2

Form_01 vs Form_02, same basics Paneling tools on curved surface

Form_01 & Form_02 panels The Ring mode & differnt connections created complex texture of light and shadow

Form_02

In the next phase a geometric transformation was performed that will allow connecting the unit in different of options. Subtractions were added in a way which instead of the one connection there were three connections. The chosen material for the production was thin Bristol paper. Finally paneling tools used

to achieve continuous variation on a curved surface. The first failure in the production process was due to a malfunction of the laser cutting machine that failed to make the cut in full (twice, 40 mins each) so many pieces left uncut. Given the results a ring model was built which could carry the deviation caused by the missing parts but it was still unstable.

T_CODE 2013 Computer Based Fabrication

Elroi Nissim 3

Form_03 model preparation

Klein Bottle & Moebius Strip ( http://picturephoto1.blogspot.co.il/2013/05/dark-roasted-blend-topological-marvel.html)

Form_03 & Paneling tools on curved surface

Form_03 unstable model

Form_03

After the first two attempts, it was decided to make a radical change in geometry which derived from an understanding of the principle of connection. All non-essential material was subtracted from Original Square which created the star-like structure, which in his ‘arms’ were added dashed lines in order to achieve flexibility in folding. Another subtraction was done in the center of shape which led to the possibility of system to penetrate itself, idea which based on the structure of the style of Klein bottle or Mobius ring.

The result was an unstable model, also many parts were destroyed during the construction process. The great failure of the model derived from the use of a flexible material along aside with extra material subtraction and unnecessary dashed lines.

T_CODE 2013 Computer Based Fabrication

Elroi Nissim 4

Further Experiences

The next two models based in the star design in order to obtain different structural systems.

The first structure is a based on Icosidodecahedron design (polyhedron with twenty triangular faces and twelve pentagonal faces). As a lesson from the previous model, the chosen material for the production was cardboard with dashed lines to obtain flexibility. But this time the problem was that the connections between the arms were too small and still lack sufficient flexibility.

The next unit was also based on the star structure, but this time the goal was to create a 3D volume, which can be used as a wall which contain spaces in the middle that can be insulating or storage space. The base unit was based on the structure of the star with eight arms. The idea was to connect four arms to four adjacent units and the other four to a same wall structure which every unit also have additional four arms.

The result was possible but the structure was very complicated to assemble because of the use of cardboard and therefore may be better to use thin bristol

paper. The units and the connections between them also were too small another difficulty for the assembly. The interesting lesson from this structure was that if there were added four more arms, 12 in total, it had been possible to build a three-dimensional cube and even other forms from complex surfaces.

Conclusions Material selection is an important part of the process and understanding the limitations and advantages of each material during the design model is necessary.

It’s not possible to answer all the questions - although necessary to realize the potential of the functional form, such form research process in order to get a result, one has to perform a large number of experiments and failures even when the function isn’t clear in first place.

The biggest advantage is the accuracy can be reached, but it's also the downside, there is no room for the mistakes. So it might be necessary to leave space for error.

Icosidodecahedron model experience 3D volume wall model experience