Studio Air
Parametric Office Pod
‘Floating Pavilion’
Collaboration: Ann / Kelly. 2017
Tutor _Finnian Warnock
The core of this undergraduate design studio is the development of both design thinking and dexterity with tools, rom digital modelling to physical modelling. the theme of air, should be explored conceptually, metaphorically, structurally, or technologically The project aims to exercise in demanding greater synthesis of diverse requirements by organize 3D spatial order.
Design Logic
The design is to proposed to create a meeting space in an existing office. Our process of practice to realize the concept of ‘interlocking structure’ in computational exploration.
Taking the advantages of the parametric method by grasshopper, there were more potential in form generation and logic workflow. In the process, the parametric design need the support of physical model to test implementation of materials, construction and details.
The nature of the material also significantly defines the both distinction and connection of the places. Our understanding of meeting space is beyond noise control, taking visual privacy and atmosphere into consideration as well. The pavilion is hidden to a certain extent yet not isolated.
Site plan & Diagram
The brief is to design a meeting area with acoustic considerations, taking visual privacy in the room of a shared office. The design installation should functioned as not only a meeting pods, but also a partition.
Structure Matrix
Lofting surface
The primary attempts tested simple lofting system. With the assistance of grasshopper, the shape is built based on the algorithm starting from a few points, then moving series of 2D-mateball curves. Through scaling, rotating and shattering, the surface gets distorted, weaved and coiled to form expected flow.
Kangaroo Grid Shell
There are the second digital explorations according to grid shell algorithmic definitions. The basic grid is constructed from series strictly ordered points in flat plane. Experimenting different sets of anchor points, the flat grid would be lifted up by bending force. Through this logic, the Kangaroo plug-in can examine the desired forms with force bearing analysis. Therefore, the grid forms are bending and curving in more reasonable and aesthetic standard.
The final form we selected in black contains the criteria, covering the space all around to achieve our ‘hiding’ purpose, and providing two-side access as well. The shape for the grid shell filter the gaze and sound, yet maintains the background noise as an exclusive island .
Fabrication & installation
Reciprocal Interlocking System
In general, we explored and tested the simple idea of interlocking system which we think has the greatest developable potential. Within this system, joints are unnecessary for the whole form that the panels are functioned both as patterns and connections for structure. The friction promises that the patterns can curve itself upward, and lock the cane cores in grid structure.
Render & Model
Utilized the clear Perspex as the material of main supporting structure. Through precise laser cut, Perspex rod can mold the form without unexpected deformation. Furthermore, the light structure creates a delightful sense of floating, weightlessness.
Appendix - Prototypes & Exploring
In order to test the performance of large size patterns with actual size canes, we made a full size prototype. The arc sided patterns are prone to crack at the arc side due to non-uniform pressure during the assembly process. It is difficult to support the entire form by 5mm canes with uncontrolled deformation which further different from our digital proposal. Therefore, we need to adjust the form to meet the restrictions of canes.
