COCOON
COCOON
An exercise on traditional manufacturing processes
MAGNIGYING GLASS
An exercise on traditional manufacturing processes
MAGNIGYING GLASS
Tinkerer, Engineer, Designer
Swell
A Contemplation Space
CEE 32H: Responsive Structures
(Winter 2017)
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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 Assistants: Moom Janyaprasert and Courtney Urbancsik
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​Student participants
Eleni Alexandraki, Nikhil Chaudhuri, Junha Hwang, Nathaniel Kau, Nora Kelly, Alex Lopez, Charu Srivastava, Julia Wagenfehr
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
A Contemplation Space
We studied the structural capacity of plywood panels, which were shaped to optimize structural performance and create a rich spatial wave one can occupy. We explored how surface deformation (through parabolic curvature) increased the strength of the panel and how varying the panel configurations produced different forms and spatial textures. Nick Cave's sound suites were a great source of inspiration for the pallete of the colored modules.
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Design Details
The wave-like form of Swell was inspired by a pattern of leaves and flowers blowing in the wind. The structural system of the installation creates a very light, yet dynamic, visual and spatial experience. Depending on the viewer's positioning, different triangular configurations are revealed, inviting visitors to traverse through the pathway and interact with the playful patterns of light that emerge.
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
Picture Credit: Mariko Reed
The Manufacturing Process
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We cut 600 identical panels on the CNC router and fabricated a two-part mold. Once baked, the heated panels became malleable and were individually molded to achieve the desired curvature.
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Through multiple prototyping iterations informed by structural engineering principles, we discovered that surface deformation (through parabolic curvature) doubled the strength of the panel. We used that to our advantage and tested different configurations for the panels to optimize structural performance, eventually developing a spatially rich panel configuration that met our structural performance criteria.
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These units were configured into rigid 4-panel modules that served as the fundamental building of the entire structure.
This sketch is courtesy of Alex Lopez
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Using a mold to achieve desired curvature
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Painting the flower modules
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Applying sealant to panels
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Reinforcing connections
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Heating panels prior to bending
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