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