Digital Making | Week 3
Having set a common goal among the groups of ‘relaxation’ has been vital to our collaboration. With that in mind, the digital making group has now separated back into its individual group (previously in conjunction with the fabrication group) to focus on our contributions to the project.
Joints
From the previous weeks, it is clear that any odd joints won’t suffice. Taking upon the recommendations, we looked into the project ‘Parametric Wood’ by CITA.
The aim centred itself on being able to construct complex shaped geometries with self registering joints on modern wood crafting machines.
The main style of joint used was the dovetail joint. Many snap fit together, members intersected and fasteners were used (although they aimed to keep them to a minimum).
Until we’re able to able to settle on a material for the structure of the pavilion, we feel as if we’re unable to decide on a ‘joint’. If we are to use timber, than we can adapt and draw inspiration from the project however if we start looking at making a physical joint that is separate from the structure itself than more consideration has to be taken. At this point, the joints are at a standstill.
Skin Proposal
Keeping in mind the ideas and concepts of the other groups, we have proposed a ‘double skinned’ pavilion.
Essentially it will consist of an inner skin that is transparent yet able to be water repellent. The purpose of this is to create a view of water running down the skin much like how one would look out a window on a rainy day. This aimed at the claiming environment goal, to create a peaceful mood and possible provide some white noise.
The outer skin will be either solid or semi-opaque, being able to partially block sunlight for any AR during the day but also to allow water to pass through it for the inner skin display.
Material Options
We’ve taken this a step further and looked at possible material choices for both skins as well as a concept for kinetic movement being incorporated into the outer skin.
For the inner skin we found the following:
PTFE Fibreglass
PTFE is a teflon-coated woven fibreglass membrane that is extremely durable and weather resistant. It is capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, immune to UV radiation and most importantly, is waterproof. The membrane itself allows natural light to penetrate through it and can double up as a ‘stage’ for lighting effects (possibly used by the IoT group with their ‘LED Rain’).
ETFE Film
ETFE film is a durable, transparent and lightweight material which is often used to substitute structural glass. Like PTFE, it also is able to disperse light to put on a wonderful display. Most importantly it has light and UV-permeability and is water resistant.
Multipanel
Multipanel is a lightweight and waterproof building panel, often used in facades and walls. It is a durable material with excellent insulation and acoustic properties with its biggest advantage being it is extremely easy to cut, bend and shape.
Acrylic/Perspex
Acrylic as we know is a widely used, highly versatile plastic. It fits all the criteria needed as well as being available in a large range of colours, including transparent colours. It can be shaped with heat or used as panels.
As far as the outer skin is concerned, there are a few options that follow:
Reflective Glass
Essentially it is glass that has been treated with a metallic coating, allowing it to reflect heat rather than absorbing the UV radiation. The downfall to this would be the weight and fragility of the glass itself.
SEFAR Architecture — VISION
SEFAR Architecture has created a composite labelled as VISION. It is an open weave fabric, finely woven from black PET (polyester) fibres that has then been laminated between glass. One side is then coated with a thin layer of metal (140 micrometres) that being either aluminium, titanium or gold.
As you can see above, the mesh is able to take on organic forms. Another key feature is that the coating reduces the views in from the outside while the inside is easy to see out of.
PVC Membrane
PVC or polyviynl chloride, is available as a woven or non-woven material. It is a cost effective solution and can be produced in a multitude of colours to suit the desired needs. Another key note to consider is that PVC is a thermoplastic, this means that the membrane can be softened into a semi-solid state and then infused with UV light inhibitors and/or anti-soiling fungicides, considering this will be exposed to the elements.
Kinetic Skin Concepts
Concept One: Movement of a Mimosa Pudica
The Mimosa Pudica, also know as ‘sensitive plant, sleepy plant, shy plant’ is a perennial herb, mostly grown for its curiosity value. As the image above shows, once touched or shaken the compound leaves fold inward and droop in an act to defend itself from harm before reopening.
With that in mind, the outer skin could incorporate this movement to create a kinetic panel system, used to control sunlight.
Concept Two: “Feathers”
This second concept is inspired by the Q1 Headquarters located in Essen, Germany. On this building are 3,150 kinetic ‘feathers’ that open and close based on user input and sensor data to shade the structure. A similar form can be incorporated into the skin to allow users to control the shading or strictly make it dependent on sensory data.
