PHASE 1
SOFTWARE EXPLORATION
The design of the pavilion was created using Rhino and Grasshopper. These two programs allowed us to push the design of the pavilion to its limit given the time, budget and technological resources at our disposal. The software allowed for the pavilion to be completely created through a digital algorithm that could be modified based on the results of the prototype models. Software plugins such as Kangaroo and others were also utilized in the making of the pavilion. The vornoi pattern of the pavilion could be created and modified easily using these programs. The number of panels and their size was modified to create the fewest number of cells, to effectively use the acquired material, while still maintaining the integrity and intent of the design.
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CASE STUDIES
The Kaleidome is an art installation designed by the Laboratory of Art and Architecture in Hong Kong, China to promote interaction and play with artwork. The structure has been carefully installed in a local plaza and encourages users to explore and climb on it. They creators were very careful to polish down each piece individually so that any users were free to play without concern. The unique colouration is intended to draw the user and create a brilliant display of reflection colours similar to a kaleidoscope. The design was based on polyhedral cells and each piece was carefully fitted together by hand after being laser cut.
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The pavilion above is a result of the research done by a team of graduate students in MIT’s Department of Architecture into digital fabrication techniques. An old woodworking technique, kerfing, was combined with digital fabrication strategies. Kerfing is the process of cutting wood to add flexibility. A CNC router was used to kerf the material and allow for the parametric modeling. The pavilion integrated digital aspects into the modeling and fabrication process - initial control over the form and generating the cut patterns for each unit. The patterns allow for the plywood to be bent the desired shape without needing additional steps.
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This project was the result of a 7 day work shop on parametric design in Bucharest, Romania. It was inspired by the structure of a honey- comb combined with the form of an igloo. The hexagonal grid was applied to a pre-modeled surface of 196 elements. Then the hexagons were extruded on the z-axis, and rigidity was added to the structure. The interior space is characterized by cones that bring light and texture into the pavilion. This unexpected texture contrasts with the smoothness of the exterior. The structure was made of 6mm card - board that was laser- cut, then folded into individual units which were then assembled.
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LITERATURE REVIEW
FABRICATION METHODS
Our team researched a large variety of fabrication methods while initially preparing for this project. Some examples include: tessellations, folding, contouring, forming, and sectioning. The two examples shown here are case studies taken from this exploration. The example on the left is of a tessellated structure in King’s Cross Station, London. This is an elegant example of how a simple shape can be transformed into a unique structure. The example on the right is of a folded parametric surface created by students. These two examples were chosen as they best relate to the final design path the project took. |
MATERIALS
Our team also researched an assortment of materials choices commonly used for pavilions such as wood, metal, and concrete as well as recycled materials and various others such as string and foam. The two examples shown here are case studies taken from our research. The example on the left is of a plywood beach pavilion designed by Nader Tehrani and constructed by students at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. The example on the right is an art installation composed of string created by Ball Nogues for the Museum of Contemporary Art in LA. |