Photos back from Biodynamic Structures

So here are a few animations and photos of our work from the Biodynamic Structures Workshop back in July.

This animation shows the whole system being pulled in relation to the sun, so as to provide shading where and when it is needed the most.  Note the sun vector to the right showing where the pull is coming from.

The unit with armature mechanism from above and Arduino microprocessor board

The units in the open position from below

The team putting final touches on the model (with help from consultant Rip)

our presentation board

Fun with Mix-tape covers

I have been playing with a definition that a teacher gave to me, and altered it to pull together some fun CD covers.  I used Grasshopper to build the printed geometry and then cut the perforations out by hand based on a random programmed algorithm.  I like that you are always aware of the layers beneath, and that the form is constantly changing as you open and close it and play with it in your hands.

 

Experiments with grasshopper

Over the last few weeks I have been really trying to develop my grasshopper skills. The main experimentaions have been in form finding alone. I have just been trying set out a few rule sets and then create complex geometries out of that. In this example, I have taken a simple twisting tower and triangulated it, altered the direction of twist half way up, and used a variable perforation command to increase the incidence of difference throughout the object.

I should highlight that at the time of creation, this was simply conceived as an object with interesting geometric rules. I have just played with these programmatic drawings to highlight the flexibility of the form.

As a skyscraper from in Kowloon Bay

As an art object

As a tower lamp (i)

As a tower lamp (ii)

First Iterations for a Garden Pavillion

These first ideas are based on a method of support first devised by DaVinci. I have taken them further by removing horizontal 'stoppers', and replacing them with tension cable that runs through the length of the structure, down through the line of butted joints.

I was very interested in achieving a degree of porosity in the structure so as to maintain 'contact' with the garden beyond.

This idea presents a remarkable opportunity to layer planes and play with light and shadow.

Maintaining the tectonic of alternated 2x4's can work even when the angle of incidence fluctuates.

By simply extending certain planes and altering the vector of the butted joint, one can easily achieve compartmentalisation within the structure.