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DIGITAL DESIGN + FABRICATION SM1, 2016 M2 JOURNAL - Skin and Bone

Finn Forsyth and Jessica Broad 762228 + 763042

Michelle + Group 5

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Sketch Design Development

After discussing each others previous de-signs we began an exploration of what we wanted our sleep pod to achieve.

We started by explor-ing a screen that attached to chairs around campus, thus meaning that the ‘sleep pod’ could be used anywhere there was a chair.

Together we looked at a leaf shape (which was something almost reminiscent of skin and bone with its viens running throughout a leafs structure).

In these designs the ‘leaf would unfold almost like a fan.

Here we explored tesselation as way of creating the dettachable screen. Each triangle is made up of three thin structural members whose purpose is to create a frame for a tensile amterial to span. The idea for this design was for the sections to be manipulable and fold-able so that the screen could be almost hidden when not in use.

We also explored different shapes and sizes of shape with in the tesselating pattern. Thus created a more interesting surface that hade more possiblities for creating effects. However after discussing this design, we came to the conclusion that it was moving away from the sort of skin and bone design we were invisioning.

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Sketch Design Development

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Sketch Design Development

The grid of trials opposite is a group of quick sketches exploring a place to sleep instead of just a screen to help induce sleep. The designs explore using a mesh or net to support the body with a frame to provide support for the mesh/net.

The trials explore hanging and grounded ‘sleep pods’ as well as different permiations of these traits. the hanging sleep pod could be an interesting design to explore as it would be something different to what most people are used to sitting/relaxing or sleeping in.

Another design we decided to explore was a large blob like frame with sections of mesh or fabric spanning gaps in the frame. Each span of fabric is a semi enclosed pod with a hood like cover enclosing a section of the ‘pod’ (hood explored futher on next page)

The two drawings opposite show a section of the overall structure and a close up detail of one individual pod

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One of our main goals for this project is plausibilty and us-ability. Throughout the development process we have be constantly asking ‘Is someone likely to use the design?’. This has steered us away from wearable fold out hoods like we explored during module one, and on to thinking on a larger scale, with larger structures (previous page) to create a more communal sleeping environment, i.e. if a lot of people are seen using the structure for sleeping its more likely to en-courage others to do the same. In addition we also explored small scale individual ‘pods’ these explore designs that par-tially screen the occupant to create a more sleep condusive environment.

Sketch Design Development

The sketches opposite explore a collapsable and foldaway screen that could be used as part of our sleep pod. This idea has been drawn from the

wearable sleep pod designed in module when, and has been adapted on a larger scale to cover ones head when resting on/in our sleep pod.

These sketches look at more of a collabsable screen that hides an occupant from view only on one side. The sketches look at different patterns and

ways that skin and bone could be used to create a screen. There is also an option to create these as a rigid structure however the adaptability of

them being foldable is appealing and worth exploring.

We also explored a more rigid frame with wide flatter bones which we found created a design that seemed to have a bit more depth. However this

may be a result of previous designs not being developt quite as far or lower quality renderings.

Panels of strecthed canvas can by repeated and over-lapped to create various lighting effects, with highlights and low lights. The mesh is permeabl, establishing a boundary of personal space without snclosing it; allow-ing the occupant to view the surroundings comfortably.

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Refined Sketch Model

This is the first of our two refined sketch models and explores the idea of tesselation. In some of our drawings the idea of a tesselating bone structure with a fabric membrane in between was looked at. Thus this sketch model was made to explore some of the possiblities of this typology.

The trial was a success in the sense that it helped us to decide to move away from this sort of rigid form, however we may still incorporate tessela-tion within our final design.

As we continue our design exploration we intend to look at ways to create a more free and flowing design, as can be seen in refined sketch model 2 (opposite).

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Refined Sketch Model

This sketch model was done to explore the parametric ‘bone’ material. The chicken wire creates a surfaces that undulates and is highly manipulable, however while it reads as a surface it also reads as the bones of the model. The stockings that span sections of the model are representative of a strong membrane that could be used in the final model. The stockings allow the permeation of light, which casts unique shadows and effects, which, on a large scale, could create illusions of space and scale

The scale of the model with multiple sections of the stockings spanning the entire surface of the chicken wire was done in order to explore a larger structure with multiple single occupant ‘sleep pods’. While it will be difficult to fabricate a structure such as this, drawing up and fabricating a section of a larger whole could be an in-teresting idea to explore. This idea would be good to explore for because for prac-ticality reasons it might be more appropriate as a ‘sleep pod’ for the melbourne university campus.

Stockings were cut and cable tied to the frame, and layering and distoring the shapes allowed further exploration.

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Sleep Pod proposed design V.1Sleep Pod proposed design V.1

Works by the likes of Lucy McRae and Joris Laarman have inspired the parametric design, and context ecploration of design 1. McRae explores the parameters of the human body and the forms that give rise to re-defining aspects of humanity. Joris Laarman deals with a set of algorithms to create parametric sculptures and furniture, using 3D printing as the method of creation. The proposed first design suggests some-thing like a Laarman piece, whereby many people could occuy the sleeping pod at once, yet define their own personal space from another based on their position in in the pod. The structure would be suspended from the ceiling by cables to cope with the structural load - restricting it’s use to indoors.

Stretched canvas would create ‘panels’ where the hard, steel bone structure is missing, giving sup-port to the occupants.

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Sleep Pod proposed design V.2

Plan

Elevation

Isometric

The enclosed shape is semi-permeable, allowing the occupant to observe their surroundings whilst avoiding contact and defining their personal space. The design and material consideration gives rise to a flexible context: can be used outdoors and indoors.

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Using some of the ideas from sketch design development we de-sided to pursue a hanging sleep ‘pod’. Using rhino we experimented with different forms and ways of accomplishing a hanging ‘pod’.

The design above is one that we found both intruiging as well as a plausible solution for a sleep pod around campus, as this mantra of ‘will it actually be used’ has been an overriding theme of our design process.

The design essentially combines a wire mesh with structural bamboo members. Internally the occupant sits in a hanging canvas seat, almost hammock like, except in a more semi reclined position as opposed to fully reclined. The canvas is also supported differently to a hammock allowing the occupant to rest without having their feet sticking up on the air.

The two images above are examples of designs that helped influence this design. The Ernesto Neto crochet hanging furniture (left) uses a mesh/net aesthetic that we really liked and helped inform the material we are wanting to use in our pod. Furthermore it showed us how the hanging sleep pod could be accomplished and steered us away from a boxier design that we had been discussing earlier in our design development.

The Pulse Pavillion in Macau (right) designed and built by architecture students at the University of Saint Joseph helped inform the choice of bamboo as a structural material.

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What is the concept of the precedent? [Maximum 5 key words]

The Brunham Pavillion utilizes a lightweight steel structure wrapped in a fabric material, which allows for some light permiability. In adition to the frame andf skin the structure utilizes lights and openings in the roof to create different almost otherworldly effects. The term ‘recycling’ is used above as a way of describing the pavillions portability and its abbility to be used else-where.

Name of precedent and designer

Description of precedent

Precedent Research

Brunham Pavillion - Zaha Hadid illumination/fluidity/curvilinear/recycling

the Brunham pavillion when viewed from the side looks simply like a number of con-

centric circles/elipses that grow to make the shape of the pavillion.

Each Circle is actually a ‘rib’ of the structure between which spans a weatherproof

taught material.

Close up of a ‘rib’

Each ‘rib’ is custom made and designed allu-

minium curved beam/truss

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Precedent applied to design

The Brunham Pavilion utilizes light and the efffects of light to great effect, which will be very interesting to explore with our prototype. furthermore the tight skin wrapped around the frame is something that we have been dis-cussing and thus this pavillion has shown us how it can be accomplished. we hope to employ light and tight mem-branes within our final design.

How can you use this precedent to influence your design ?

Illumination/Fluidity/curvilinear/recycling

Brunham pavillion uses a double layered skin which could

be used in our design to keep a clean looking design. Using

bamboo or thin plastic rods as the bones of the design with

a white or even coloured material could produce a soft and

cushioning feel within the sleep pod. In addition perforation

and lights could be employed within the void space between

the two ‘skins to create soothing or inviting effects.

The lights will be something to explore further, esspecially

when it comes time to make the final model.

This sketch is a perspective section of the double layer skin and bone

that the Brunham pavillion has helped influence. The apparent thick-

ness of the walls contrasted with the soft material and cavity will create

interesting effects within the ‘pod’

This sketch is a diagram of how lights could be used with

our design. The light could eminate from within which could

help draw an occupant in. The way light can be used will

be explored more in the effects testing.

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Design development - Version #1

After looking at the Brunham pavillion we looked at replacing some of the mesh areas that make up the pod with tensile fabric sections when modelling this on rhino we created some fabric sections larger than oth-ers to break up the regularity of the shapes of the fabric sections.

In the design opposite we played around with the transparency of the fabric sections.

The design still incorporates the wire frame element which reads as both a skin material as well as a bone, however it also has larger structural bones which provide rigidity throughout the structure.

After trialling bamboo as a structural material, a descision will need to be made whether to keep it as the main structure or employ a material that is both easier to work with and stronger. Refer to prototype development

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Design development - Version #2Design development - Version #2

Using Rhino, a complex, parametric organic shape was developed. Various heights and volumes were considered, where people could occupy the space as they desired.

To create the design, it was thought that a number of parametric panels could be created nd simply linked together as a modular system, and then occupied individually and moved around campus. However, few panels would join precisely, and much of the space would be wasted.

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Stemming from previous design development, the same scale is applied, whereby many people can occupy the pod, while defining their personal space. Consideration was given to to the specific context of the university campus - where there is heav-ily traffic flow between 9am and 5pm, and many people would be using a such a device. It was estalished that one large scale sleeping pod would be more efficient and more likely to be ad-opted by the University as a realistic option.

The refined design is more of an organic shape, constructed by the imput of a number of algorithims that give it the parametric shape.

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Prototype

To the left is a close up of our prototype. While experimenting with the materials we had decided on, it became apparent that in order to create our design we would need join the bamboo at right angles which posed a problem. we were able to solve this by creating timber nodes. The bamboo fits into holes drilled into the nodes and therefore can be positioned in any way, with a lot of flexibility.

The image opposite shows our prototype from a further away. The fabric panel sections which span between the bamboo split apart to form an inside layer and an outside layer, thus when fully completed, the internal and external will be crisper and cleaner.

The cotton fabric material that the prototype was created with was a bit thinner than we wish to create our final model.

Bellow the fabric pannels is the chicken wire section that we will be using at the base of the final design

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Prototype

Due to the nature of our design it was a bit difficult to create a section of the actual design. This is because many of the mem-bers in the design are in tension and thus if we were to cut them there shape would be lost.

Thus we created a prototype that showed the major elements that would be included in the final design. - The double walled skin and bone section made with bamboo and cotton canvas - The chicken wire base - the nodes that connect the bamboo members.

While creating our 1:1 partial section we decided to experiment with trying to bend the bamboo. The pictures opposite show the four 1200mm sticks of bamboo bent in a circle. The bamboo was soaked for 2 days and then bent and fixed together with wire (right image).

The bamboo was still a bit difficult to bend even after being soaked and thus it was hard to make a tighter circle which is what we want (the ring is over a meter and a half in diameter which is too large). Due to these facts we may need to look for a different material for the main ring of the pod.

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Testing Effects

The main effects that we wanted to experiment with was different lighting within the double wall of our design

Left is a trial using a span of fabric with a red tinted light behind it. this creates a nice warm light that could be used around the lower part of the double wall

Here we experimented with a blue light. this might be good in the sum-mer as it looks cool however in winter, it might be offputting to people, as it may make the sleep pod seem cold.

This trial looks at using light in com-bination with pattern. the yellow light is nice and warming and the chicken wire behind adds interest to the surface.

this could be used on just afew of the panels

we also looked at perforations inthe material. Here we have cut slits in the material. this would allow for more light to enter as well as the occupant being able to see out a bit more

Here we added chicken wire incombination with the perforations.

The final image is using the red tinted light with perforations. Af-ter experimenting wiht this style of perforation, we have decided that it is a bit horror movie-esque which may not be conducive to sleep.

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Appendix

http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2012/04/ernesto-neto-crochet-nets-reminiscent-of-horiuchis-crocheted-playground/

http://bustler.net/news/2898/pulse-pavilion-in-macau