Week 5 - Project 2 - Design Decision Support for Wicked Problems

This week we were introduced to our selected theme group topic, Volatile Bodies. The concept revolved around the idea of transformative bodies through abstraction. I found the introduction to be very unusual and intriguing and much unlike any design approaches I have experienced in the past. For the past thousands of years, the human body has formed the basis of both art and architecture as is demonstrated through Leonardo Da Vinci's most famous illustration; The Vitruvian Man. The drawing demonstrates the ideas and philosophies of Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, who believed that architecture should conform to the proportions and measurements of the human body.

Vitruvian Man, Leonardo Da Vinci.

Since then, all architecture, interior design, industrial design and alike has been created to suit the "needs" of the human form. But then we ask ourselves, how can we design for something that is constantly changing? No two bodies are exactly the same, and nothing continues to live without slightly altering throughout its journey - this is where the idea of the transformative body (architecture) becomes alive. 

This weeks tasks involved completing an operational speculative plan and sectional drawings which document the volatile body. To complete the plans, we were required to either bind or attach in order to alter the human body, consequently restricting movement. It was vital to depict the new form as an abstraction, and not as literal body interpretation that it no longer was. Our group of 3 decided that we would individually brainstorm which mediums could be used to complete the tasks.  

Concepts arose such as binding particular body parts to each other to affect movement; neck to chin. This adjustment would alter everything, from how the body walks, sits, picks up something or even moves around. Other ideas involved looping loose strings around motion areas of the body, such as limbs and arms which could create interesting shapes and most importantly limit or influence the body performing everyday tasks. Another idea was to attach stilts or cones to only one half of the body, such as elbows, knees, calves, thinghs (asymmetry) and make the body move on its back, with half of itself "tainted." This could bring about unnatural movement of the human body.

Difference between motion: relax vs taught

Asymmetrical Attachment

Concepts about skin growth were also explored. Simple tasks such as sleeping were looked at, where the body extends its skin from hands to ankles, forming a limbless like product. Or walking through door frames with exaggerated shoulders which would force the body to turn in order to successfully pass through the exit. Ultimately, we decided that a task should be selected in order to decide how the body will be manipulated in order to perform it.

The task of sleeping was further established. We took inspiration from creatures that use shells as a means of protection or concealment. A large, red fabric sheet was placed over the back of a group member, and was tied to their wrists and ankles. As the member extended their arms forward, they were restrained from the material not allowing extensive movement, additionally making walking very difficult. Our 'body' was photographed from 3 different angles; side elevation, front elevation and plan. The new addition was used as a skin or shell that eventually covered the crouching position of the body, forming new contours and silhouettes which the body alone cannot create. 

SIDE ELEVATION

Side Elevation 1

Side Elevation 2

Side Elevation 3

Side Elevation 4

Side Elevation 5

FRONT ELEVATION

Front Elevation 1

Front Elevation 2

Front Elevation 3

Front Elevation 4

Front Elevation 5  

PLAN

Plan 1

Plan 2

Plan 3

Plan 4

Plan 5

 After the motion shots were taken, the group discussed possible mediums that could be used to portray the operational speculative plan and sectional drawings. The simple technique of pencil drawing was decided, adopting varying line weights to depict motion between the layers. The final drawings which were scaled at 1:20, are located below.

 Task 01 - 'Bodily States'

Operational Sectional Drawing 1

Operational Sectional Drawing 2

Operational Speculative Plan

Task 02 - 'The Cross Sections'

The Cross Sections of the Site

Diagram showing where the section cuts have been made

6 cross sections were cut through the site to extend from the site analysis which was previously conducted for the folie project. The section cuts the group selected extended from one shed to the next, identifying the slight changing nature of the site.

In terms of continuation from folie to the next project, we were starting to decide which of our 3 folie designs would best suit the transformation. I personally believed that 'The Key' folie would be an appropriate selection, as its concept revolved around alteration and movement depending on task and human requirements.