Large Prototype

Following our basic analysis of polycarbonate/methacrylate when subjected to heat we manufactured a wide range of a single type of component. Fitting them together to create our large prototype. Intended as a 1:1 scaleless study model it will inform our decision on the relationships possible with the growth system (continued further down, ‘A’).

Component under heat simulation

Having tested singular pieces with smaller dimensions and linear patterns, it was important for us now to be able to study varying geometries and sizes. Live testing is one thing, through simulation it is possible to study events and behaviours with greater detail, revealing more potentials.

Sectional Analysis of component

Further study into material and component behaviour included careful analysis of maximum and minimum angles and the relationship the variables of time and heat may have on bending moment and breaking point.

The aim was to combine our form finding system with a specific growth system and plant. Aeroponics is one of the most efficient methods for controlled cultivation, and since our aim is to have a controlled environment, capable of maximum yield for a specific plant, it was only natural to select one of the most efficient and controlled growth methods to go with it.

The environmental aspect we have decided to focus on is heat. Namely the energy conveyed through heat onto a surface. The above analysis focuses on our site as well as adjacent lots of land, seeing as certain elements may have affects on their neighbours. Heat is being understood as energy in the form of MegaJoules. The values are represented in colour and apply to the averages of all days in the respective month. A yearly average is in the bottom left corner.

Following the the analysis, and the obtaining of raw heat/energy information, it was our task to transfer this information into grayscale. Using rings the amount of MJs transmitted to the respective point (centre of circle) can be represented. The diameter relates to the degree of energy being conveyed (key on drawing).

There are also several vertical lines, representing the amount of direct sunlight that specific point receives. The height corresponds to the number of hours of exposure to the sun (key on drawing).

By understanding the drawing through ‘anti-spaces’ or ‘overlaps’ one can begin to extract the ideal points on the plot for the most efficient proposal possible. One could also interpret the circles as a plan in itself. Seeing as we are imagining the roof scape as a dome-like flow, the centres of said circles could represent the peaks of said domes. Either way a plan for our proposal will be informed greatly by this drawing.

‘A’, continued: Using the same panel repeated over an area we were able to create a blanket. Suspended in mid air this blanket, made up of the panels, deforms creating a transparent shelter. We hope to use the results of deformation, blanketing and interconnected panels to inform our proposal, more specifically its roof geometry. Each panel is heated for variety of times, creating diversity among the individual panels, which in turn affects the amount of light passing through.

Taking the prototype model and projecting light onto it, we were able to observe the behaviour of the light as if passed through our concave transparent surface.

Through the deformation the amount of light in certain areas was lessened/increased. Using roof geometry our proposal is projected to control the environment (heat) on the inside of the greenhouse to provide optimum conditions for vegetables to grow.