Our intention with this experiment was to create a hexagonal grid within the tile boundaries which could be universally distorted to create topography or other dynamic surfaces for de-centralized irrigation to the edges. The channels for water flow are derived from this grid using a simple script and are embedded within an undulating surface so as to appear and disappear with the changing elevation.  Through triangulation, we were able to manipulate the vertices of the grid independently in order to provide pathways for the flow of water, and allocate the zones for collecting and dispersing the water to neighboring tiles.

Using the Delaunay triangulation as a springboard for scripting, we positioned outside vertices of the geometry at the prescribed exits points for the water flow. The interior of the triangulation was populated randomly, but with an emphasis on creating a decentralized pattern. We then deconstructed the mesh in order to prescribe the simple rule that additional curves should be introduced for each side of every triangle, and that their geometries should be defined using the end points of each side and the centroid of the triangle. Hiding the original triangulation, we further disguised the underlying hexagonal grid and established the basis for our water flow.

Our approach was to create 5  large circles and to connect them to the base using a simple peg-like joint which could be moved around  in our experiments and fixed for presentation. With a focus on the transition between 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional space, the intention was to create a sphere-like object out of circles that could be manipulated by a central ring through which they were threaded, and distorted by changing of their diameters. 

we made a conscious decision to eliminate the need to deal with the ends of the rods, as the capacity for the plastic rods to rebound out a secure position was too great. Thus, we instead designed joints which we could feed the ends of the rods through, creating a relatively strong connection through friction which was still loose enough to allow for the pulling of the ends and the tightening of the loops. In testing our joints we bore holes into the base in a pentagonal radial grid so that we could have the regularity of a pentagonal alignment, and we achieved a number of formations which reflected our initial intent, but the circular ring joint was not as easy to move. Without the ring we created two movements (pictured), but the other joints and our base treatment afforded us more flexibility to experiment further with different formation that could be more dynamic and fun.

The product is the result of our experiments with different configurations on the base and different levels of interation between the circles. Linking and twisting them together  counteracted the rebounding forces of the rod and reduced the number of counteracting angles threading through the central circle. As a result we achived assisted movement from 2d to 3d using the ring as a control point. As this movement involves only four rods, the 5th is introduced as a control device activated by tightening of the circle.

(Click to see animated gif. of the movement)

(Click to see animated gif. of the movement)

(double click to animate!)

The concept for this tower arose from the vertical aggregation of identical pyramidal components at decreasing scales. The component itself was developed through the distortion of simple geometries to find opportunities for self-replication without the use of additional components. The slight distortion of the resulting pyramidal form creates multi-planar vertices that can be utilized for vertical expansion. A simple stacking method generated a tall tower and presented an intriguing combination of height and density.

In an attempt to uncover further potential within the component, we re-examined the geometry and derived an alternative ‘sister’ method for stacking the pyramids which increased the suspension between the components to achieve greater height while using precise notching on the triangles to create connections of greater strength against laterally applied forces. The resulting product is a combination of digital processing and precision hand modeling, and has a playful twisting profile due to the duality of systematically generated connections and empirically derived custom connections.

Joshua Ranjit Pio John   //   Miguel Angel Juarez Diazbarriga   //   Robert Douglas McKaye

Structures arrived around 09:30 Wednesday morning Otober 16, 2013. MAA 2013-2014 students used the past week to explore materials, design, and digitally fabricate prototypical structures, joints, and connections. Groups, comprised of 3-4 students, were prompted to create the tallest structure scaled 1:5 made out of 1mm thick cardboard without the use of nails, glue, or any other supplementary material.

Size, shape, and geometry varied between groups and the ideas of advanced architecture as they are applied to lightweight structures were explored through a process of trial and error. Groups experimented with optimization of material, joints and construction process while considering weight and height constraints.

Tutors: Alexandre Dubor, Anastasia Pistofidou, & Edouard Cabay discussed each prototype and gave feedback encouraging students to crush, force, and push the structures to failure. Moving forward the goal is to create stronger structures by understanding the materials and how they will deform. This will be achieved through the analysis of failed members, connections, or supports of each structure.

Further constraints will be given in the following classes. Final installations, of plywood, will be presented on October 30, 2013.