project H:Component

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Contents

INTRODUCTION

There are two branches in physics that were explored separately in this stage.

Kinematic is a branch that studies different movement of body parts in relationship to its joints without considering the external forces that are needed to activate the movement.

Kinetic is a wider branch in a sense that this branch is concerned with not only the motion of bodies but also the forces needed to cause motion. In the case of architecture, kinetic can become very complicated. Computerized software and hardware will then need to be synchronized to achieve this goal.

METHODS AND TECHNIQUES

There are different methods and techniques to develop responsive architecture. We have tried to experiment with some of these systems.

FOLDING

As a generative process, folding architecture is an experimental system. The relationship between each crease, fold, score, and cut give an infinite possibilities for form and function. Origami is the traditional Japanese form of paper art. This basic system is only using mountain folds (fold up) and valley folds (fold down). When origami changes to a larger scale, folding is no longer applicable. We then use rigid sheets and hinges. In this case, it is not required for the structure to start as a flat surface. This branch of origami is called “rigid origami” also named “Deployability”.

HYBRID SYSTEM

A Hybrid system is the integration of two or more different systems which otherwise have not been previously used within a single system. In the rest state, the material has no structural capacity, however, when in a pretension form through geometric formation the material works as a structural membrane supporting its own weight. Pre-tensioning the material changes its property and helps to store some energy which can later be used in correlation with various mechanical actuators. As a result, the exchange communication between the material, sensors and actuators creates a dynamic hybrid system with emergence behaviour.

EVALUATION AND PROPOSED METHOD

Process2.jpg

The System Branching

This diagram explains the methods and techniques that will be applied though out in order to achieve a “Responsive Kinetic System”. As previously noted, there are two different categories that will be examined. First, a Structural Responsive System capable of shape change in response to various functional needs. Second, an Environmental Responsive System that transforms based on several environmental conditions. These two categories are studied simultaneously on separate explorations. Eventually, these two systems will merge as collective behavior; performing and complimenting each other as one compound system.




MODULAR PATTERNS

Knowing the strategy within simple patterns, we move onto more complex patterns. Modular patterns are usually asymmetrical; however, the patterns consist of smaller modular components that can be repeated on the surface. Modular patterns can be deployed to form different volumes while remaining as a surface when retracted. Due to its triangularity,

twisting and deformation is not visible at this scale. Modular patterns have a smaller ratio of expansion in the X and Y axis, however, they make up for it due to their greater volumetric expansion. From experimenting with the paper model, it seems that these patterns have the potential to control expansion independently from each other’s axis.

Form.jpg

COMPLEX PATTERNS

The second type of patterns are the complex patterns which can be considered as difficult patterns when folding due to the variety of repetition from ridges and valleys from one point its immediate neighbour through faces. Once folded, the transformation of the surface is more difficult to control and to predict.

After exploring different patterns in this category, it becomes the most interesting due to the intricacy of the surface and the volume that it creates. Starting by holding the two sides, we can expand the surface by pulling it apart and at the same time create surface curvature on the other two sides. Its very flexible and deployable in nature. The only difficulty which we came across is the connection to the adjacent components.

Form2.jpg

TUBULAR STRUCTURES

Here we tried to use a tubular structure with movable joints, which could be regulated further by actuators to carry out different degree of enclosures. The two component models that we experimented with were:

1) First attempt was to combine one module of the hexagonal analogue to interlock one another to form a self supporting structure. However, the structure seem to lack rigidity. Though the component seemed to make the entire structure collapsible in nature. Two configurations were obtained by folding hexagons into vertical and horizontal orientations. The investigation didn't went that deep due to demerits of the particular system.

Form3.jpg

Form4.jpg


2) An umbrella system, that is formed over triangulated structural framework performing a one way retractable mechanism was the second typology being evaluated.

Form5.jpg

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EVALUATION AND SELECTION

From all of these pattern explorations, we selected a pattern. Using the concept of rigid origami, paper folding is replaced by rigid surface panels and joints for greater force resistance and structural integrity. To test this, larger scale models are required.

This MODULAR pattern component was chosen due to its expendability, control points, modularity, and the ability to create volume. From our previous hypothesis, it is important to check the expansion depending on X axis and Y axis. Because this surface transforms from a surface to a volume, we can conclude that it exhibits high potential to generate architectural spaces.

Positive aspects:

1)Independent control on each direction resulting in more form possibilities.

2)To control local displacement, 2 actuators per component are needed.

3)Non-triangulated elements increase the possibility of non-planar elements.

Negative aspects:

1)Complex system connections irrespective of simple local actuation principles

2)Integration


GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Nine different component geometries obtained by the combination of 3 stages in the actuators: open, semi-open and closed. Component geo.jpg


SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Sections of the surface when activated in 2 different ways by local components reflecting curvature change in the global geometry.

Component curvature.jpg


Rend1.jpg Rend2.jpg Rend3.jpg



KINETIC ACTUATOR AND CONTROL

In a kinetic system, there are two main ways of controlling motion; one being local control and another one being global control.

In global control, movement or displacement is defined by a single processor. As a result, several configurations and movements may be achieved. For instance, if an element is designed to move along the X, Y, and Z axis, it is more likely to do so within same formation every time it is activated. Therefore, the sequence of motion would not be adaptable to other sequences under different conditions.

On the contrary, systems with local control are most likely to have multiple processors and actuators. This means that each processor acts as a parameter that is uniquely designed and engineered to respond to one particular condition. When assembled together, different parameters will behave as one collective behaviour. This characteristic makes a system versatile and able to adapt to several different conditions.


KINETIC: SURFACE CONTROL

Through digital and physical model explorations, we are trying to prove that component becomes the most successful for independent control.

Local control - digital exploration

In order to gain local control, we begin by testing a foldable surface in terms of its components. At first, these components are studied as a two-dimensional surface which begins to change shape not only from its components but also from its own boundaries . This shape change is possible by controlling the aperture percentage from one component to the next. In return, being able to expand or contract the surface in some areas more than others. However, it is important to make note that there is always a sequence or a pattern that follows depending on which component becomes actuated before the others, and also depending on the location of this component within the surface area. In other words, there is a relationship between expanding or contracting depending on the aperture sequence from one component to the next.




Grasshopper prtsc.jpg

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