COCOON
COCOON
An exercise on traditional manufacturing processes
MAGNIGYING GLASS
An exercise on traditional manufacturing processes
MAGNIGYING GLASS
Tinkerer, Engineer, Designer
Cocoon
A Contemplation Space
CEE 32H: Responsive Structures
(Winter 2016)
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Instructors
The course was taught by Architect Beverly Choe from Stanford Architecture, and Structural Engineer Jun Sato, visiting lecturer from University of Tokyo.
Teaching Assistant: Lissette Valenzuela.
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​Student participants
Eleni Alexandraki, Mayra Arroyo, Peter Deng, Moom Janyaprasert, Hieu Minh Pham, Alejandro Poler, Dana Ritchie, Courtney Urbancsik, and Royce Wang.
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
A Contemplation Space
We explored the structural and spatial possibilities of welded wire mesh for the design of a contemplation space. The Cocoon invites introspection and pause for the students, passers-by, and visitors of the Anderson Collection at Stanford University.
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
The Ribbon
The ribbon strategically follows the contour of the warped mesh to highlight the intricate curves of the structure. The colors fade from muted to bright yellow, mirroring a subtle transition from the natural to the manmade as one approaches the contemplation space. In different lights, the zones of ribbon either project forward as fields of color or blend in the surroundings, acting as a kind of camouflage.
Student Prototype
Student Prototype
Prof. Sato explaining the structural behavior of arches
In class brainstorming session
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
The Build
A series of arches provides layers of spatial transition, creating a semi-enclosed cocoon-like space that shelters visitors from the busy streets of the university campus. To build the arches, we studied the material properties of two types of steel mesh, exploring how surface deformation (warping, bending, folding) affected the strength of this every-day material. Layering and bending the material allowed for longer spans and a more intricate visual experience. To bend the mesh in a repeatable fashion, we built a series of two-part molds, as shown on the images below.
